Portugal
Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira
Program No. 23492RJ
Explore the landscapes of Madeira, the “island of eternal springtime,” during the quieter winter months. Seafaring tradition, exotic plants and sweet treats await on this lush island.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 39 Reviews
SHOWING
I highly recommend Road Scholars. Their programs are the best. I’ve been to Cuba, Mexico City, and the Danube (which included Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest). I went on a 4 month world tour that was absolutely phenomenal. Madeira was fantastic. I’ve met so many great friends and have planned travels with them in the coming months.
— Review left April 7, 2025
This was my third Road Scholar trip and I was disappointed with our group leader, Ana Cristina Silva. I think she is a very good tour guide but does not measure up as a group leader as she was unaware of what was transpiring in the group and took a rigid approach to matters. 1. It seems that because there had been a storm we should not drink the water. Although Cristina informed those who arrived by transfer upon arrival, those who came on their own were not informed until the meeting on Friday evening. I believe a message should have been left for each participant as they registered. 2. Five (5) participants (including myself) were sick Monday night with runs and or vomitting, missing touring on Tuesday. Although I can not confirm this, I believe that it was from our lunch on Monday. I raised this with Cristina but she brushed it off saying it was from the water I drank on Friday afternoon. Quite a lapse in time and what about the others? 3. On Saturday, it was obvious that one of the participants had a cold. By Sunday, she looked very sick with a very red nose, cough and weepy eyes and she came with us on the bus. Cristina was unaware of the condition of this participant. I brought it to Cristina's attention and
— Review left April 3, 2025
I loved learning about and exploring the beautiful island of Madeira. You will not believe the gardens, even in March. There will be rain, but it passes quickly and didn't dampen our spirits.
— Review left March 17, 2025
Madeira offers picturesque mountains scapes, verdant secret gardens, warm days and cool nights overlooking the Atlantic Portuguese archipelago...each day of this program, is filled with new adventures, a detailed history of the islands past and present vocational occupations. Mary-Anne's knowledge, skill, wit, and attention to details will make this trip worth the endeavor to leave the mainland and explore further.
— Review left March 12, 2025
I can’t say enough good things about this program and our tour guide, Mary-Anne! A perfect combination of learning about the history, current events, and life in Madeira and physical activity. What a beautiful and friendly island!
— Review left March 2, 2025
Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira, was such a great learning vacation. Our guide couldn't have been better at telling us about the history and culture of the island and the food was amazing. The locations were breathtaking, clear your photo storage because you'll be taking photos left and right, up and down! The hotel and spa provided a delicious huge buffet each morning before we headed out for the day. Rain or shine, it made no difference, each day spent in Maderia is a day to enjoy and remember.
— Review left February 15, 2025
Madeira is a beautiful island filled with lush gardens, high mountains and surrounded by stunning blue ocean. I used my walking sticks regularly, which were helpful to bring for steep walks and cobblestones. I recommend this trip!
— Review left February 7, 2025
This is an Island worth visiting, so beautiful! Wonderful experience, delicious food and friendly people.
— Review left November 30, 2024
Our trip to Madeira was fabulous! Our guide Mary-Anne was very friendly and knowledgeable. We learned about the traditional foods, wines, plants and life on the island. Our driver, Roy always greeted us every morning with “Bomdia, alegria”! He was a master at maneuvering the bus around the narrow roads of the city.
This was our first program with Road Scholar and I look forward to the next one.
— Review left April 13, 2024
Everything about this trip was wonderful. Mary Anne was a fantastic tour guide. I can't wait to take my next Road Scholar trip!
— Review left April 3, 2024
This was a wonderful, amazing trip. I believe Madeira is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Ana Cristina was a fabulous, and delightful group leader. She made each of us feel welcomed and respected.
— Review left April 1, 2024
Madeira Island is one of the top programs out of 50 I have taken--it has it all including breathtaking scenery, lovely gardens and plants (native to many parts of the world), great lessons in history that influenced what we have in USA, and many very unique cultural experiences.
— Review left March 31, 2024
Amazing adventure. Would recommend this 7 day adventure.
— Review left March 23, 2024
After the trip to Maderia, I felt I had a good overview of the island and thoroughly enjoyed the information presented. I enjoyed my interactions with my fellow travelers and feel that I have many new friends.
— Review left March 18, 2024
This trip is well worth doing. Madeira is a little piece of heaven on earth!
— Review left March 16, 2024
what an amazing journey! Our guide MaryAnne and driver Roy were fabulous and this island is unmatched in its beauty, complex geography and history.
— Review left March 16, 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Madeira. Cristina is an excellent leader and host who clearly knows and loves her island. Madeira is a beautiful place with a lot of history and culture.
— Review left March 9, 2024
This trip was amazing! I have never been disappointed in a Road Scholar trip and this one was was nearly perfect from the moment I left home to the minute I returned. Highly recommend!!!
— Review left March 4, 2024
The visit to Madeira was fabulous! It's a wonderful place to visit, I can't say enough good things about this program. It's a beautiful island and it's very welcoming to tourists.
— Review left March 2, 2024
Madeira is a charming destination. It was much more interesting and attractive than I expected. I was looking for a simple getaway and got a holiday.
— Review left March 2, 2024
The only change I would make would be to add the Valley of the Nuns to the itinerary. Our leader arranged a separate trip during our free time for this excursion, and many thought it was the best excursion we did.
— Review left February 21, 2024
This is a must-do, must-see experience. Madeira is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. This tour is well organized and allow you to see the entire island. I highly recommend a "winter" (albeit mild temps) in Madeira!
— Review left February 20, 2024
"Hawaii of the Atlantic" says it all. Perfect temperature, beautiful ocean views from all points, lush vegetation, flowers galore. Our local expert, Cristina, went above and beyond to make the trip memorable and fun. The knowledge she has acquired as a lifelong resident is priceless. Do It!
— Review left December 11, 2023
Wonderful program, wonderful leader, wonderful week.
— Review left November 27, 2023
Madeira Island offers extraordinary views of nature while walking its trails and has fabulous meals. "Keep the Pace" accurately describes the commitment you need to make. Our tour guide, Ms DeFreitas, was exceptional. So enjoyed her personality, expertise, and concern in planning for us.
— Review left November 26, 2023
I highly recommend this trip to Madeira. The Melia Mare Hotel is located on the waterfront which affords a view of the ocean and easy access to the waterfront promenade. It is also an easy walk or ride into Funchal. Groceries, ATMs, taxis and buses are readily available minutes from the hotel. Our guide, Ana Christina Silva, was exceptional, as was our wonderful driver Artur. This is an active trip with a lot to see and do, yet there is ample free time for independent activity. Christina arranged access to some very special gardens located in luxury hotels on the island. At one of them we met a pet Galapagos turtle named Colombo and we had high tea on the beautiful terrace. When the line for the toboggan ride was very long on the day we were scheduled for it, Christina arranged for us to go another time when we had a minimal wait. This ride is a very unique experience not to be missed. One final word about the meals - all were exceptional. We were able to taste many local fish such as scabbard, soal and sea bass. Excellent wines accompanied all the meals. The passion fruit pudding was a big hit with our group. It was delicious.
— Review left April 1, 2023
The program was wonderful. However, the Road Scholar choice of airlines was terribel. Sata/Azores Airlines was one of the worst lines that I have ever
experienced.
— Review left March 18, 2023
Madeira Island is a hidden gem. A sub-tropical paradise that is well worth exploring.
— Review left March 17, 2023
I highly recommend this tour! Madeira is a beautiful island with exceptional scenery, local foods and wine. We enjoyed our accommodations, small group size, diversity of tours, and excellent as well as knowledgeable local tour guide. Loved the local fishermen playing cards in the fishing village!
— Review left March 12, 2023
Wonderful trip. The leader Maryann was terrific and the bus driver was amazing on those hilly winding roads Beautiful scenery, great food, wine and liquor, many varied activities. Really enjoyed all my fellow Road Scholars. And the hotel was also great.Maryann has us all convinced to return to beautiful Madeira any time of year because every month has a special festival. Maybe Carnaval?
— Review left February 5, 2023
If you'd like to visit paradise in winter, this is the trip for you! Madeira is an amazing island with gorgeous views, flowers in bloom everywhere, seaside landscapes, and well worth a visit. Mary Anne was a wonderful group leader with lots of knowledge and fun sense of humor. We all learned a lot, visited nearly every corner of the island, ate some delicious food, and the hotel was in a great location. Very happy I chose this trip, and I recommend it!
— Review left January 29, 2023
This was a short but impactful tour of the beautiful island of Madeira and so worth doing. A really well organized and presented tour. The island has diverse topography and incredible views. Magnificent gardens and fun walking. Hilly though with lots of steps so be aware of that. The food and wine and rum were Fantastic. The tea was lovely. Our group leader was one of the very best I have ever had and the group was a friendly mix of extensive travelers. I could not have chosen a better introduction to Road Scholar.
— Review left January 29, 2023
I had heard of Madeira Wine but did not know it came with an island. What a wonderful winter getaway!. The views of Funchal, the mountain valleys and quaint villages are amazing. Experiencing the wonderful food and culture completes the experience. The Melia Madeira Mare Hotel is conveniently located with wonderful walking paths and streets into the city or along the ocean. It is hilly, so bring food footwear. Be sure and take the toboggan ride down the mountain road!. Try the Black Scabbard fish before you see it. Consider spending more time in the area to extend your trip.
— Review left January 28, 2023
The Island of Madeira is beautiful & unique, the food & drink was great and our leader, Cristina, absolutely awesome.
— Review left November 21, 2022
This is a great trip to a beautiful, lush, historic island! Christina is a wonderful guide and the pacing and sights are just right. Plenty of time to explore on your own, with excellent trips by bus to see so many incredible sights. We loved staying in the same ocean-front 5-star hotel located within walking distance to anything you might want to do for the entire trip. Weather in November was sunny and 73 degrees! There is so much to see and do in an unbelievably beautiful place.
— Review left November 21, 2022
Madeira Island was the perfect February get-away. Temps were in 60's, flowers were abundant, mountains were green!!
— Review left February 22, 2022
Escape winter and go to a place that is sunny and warm. See flowers blooming everywhere in a dramatic and stunning landscape. Good food, interesting history and culture to learn about, lots to see and do in Madeira.
— Review left April 29, 2020
Madeira is a beautiful island and our group leader outstanding, but the pre trip information and flight arrangements were less than satisfactory. We have taken many group trips with other organizations and never been disappointed with the trip preparation and staff willingness to correct or make changes as they occurred.
This was our first and LAST Roads Scholar trip. Go to Madeira but NOT WITH ROADS SCHOLAR.
— Review left February 26, 2020
A superb winter break which includes fabulous scenery, ocean waves, local beverages to die for, and of course terrific food.
— Review left February 14, 2020
