Madeira & The Azores: Nature & Hiking Tour

This 9-night Azores Getaways package includes round-trip flights, the flight between Madeira and São Miguel, hotel accommodations (5 nights in Madeira, 4 nights on São Miguel), all airport transfers, 4 guided hikes across the 2 islands and a 3-hour whale watching trip by catamaran from Funchal Marina. The two São Miguel hikes include a picnic lunch; the Madeira hikes and the whale watching trip do not include meals.

In Madeira, you'll hike two iconic levada trails through the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Rabaçal/25 Fontes hike leads to a stunning lake surrounded by giant ferns, while the Caldeirão Verde trail passes waterfalls and volcanic valleys. The day after you arrive, a 3-hour catamaran trip leaves from Funchal Marina to look for dolphins and whales; there is no hotel pick-up, and check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.

Yes, round-trip flights are included. The package price varies depending on your departure airport. Other departure cities are available on request. Contact the Azores Getaways team before booking to discuss departure options. Checked luggage is not always included and depends on the airline and fare type. Confirm what is included and add luggage during the booking process. Seat selection and cabin class upgrades can be arranged as paid add-ons, subject to availability.

On São Miguel Island, you'll hike the Serra Devassa in Sete Cidades and the Sanguinho trail to the spectacular Salto do Prego waterfall in the village of Faial da Terra. Free time allows for optional experiences like whale watching, hot spring pools inside a pineapple greenhouse, or a traditional Azorean dinner with a fado show.

Yes. Azores Getaways allows you to customize departure dates, hotels, room configurations, and optional experiences. You can add extra nights, upgrade accommodations, or book add-ons like the Pico do Areeiro hike in Madeira or a whale-watching catamaran in the Azores. 

The hikes are rated moderate. In Madeira, the Rabaçal and 25 Fontes and the Caldeirão Verde levada walks are each about 8 mi / 13 km, around 4 hours 30 minutes of walking, mostly flat along the levadas, with some steps and narrow stretches; Caldeirão Verde has short tunnels. On São Miguel, the Sete Cidades hike is about 3.1 mi / 5 km (around 2 hours) and the Sanguinho and Salto do Prego hike about 6.8 mi / 11 km (around 7 hours in total). You should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven paths. Guides adapt the pace to the group and the weather.

All four hikes run in groups of up to 15 people with hotel pick-up and drop-off: from hotels in Funchal city center in Madeira, and in Ponta Delgada city center on São Miguel (pick-up in other areas is arranged with the guide). The two São Miguel hikes include a picnic lunch. The Madeira hikes do not include lunch, so bring a snack and water. The whale watching trip has no pick-up: it leaves from Funchal Marina, in the city center, on a catamaran that can carry up to 70 people. Breakfast depends on the rate you select when you book.

Breakfast may be included depending on the rate selected at the time of booking. Hotels with complimentary breakfast can be prioritized on request. The two São Miguel hikes include a picnic lunch; other meals are not included.

Yes - seat selection, extra luggage, and cabin upgrades are available as paid add-ons, subject to availability. Extra nights in Madeira or São Miguel can be added on request. Additional hikes or island experiences can also be arranged through Azores Getaways. Contact our team with your preferences.

Both Madeira and São Miguel hotels are 3 to 4-star properties in or close to the city centre. In Madeira, hotels are situated in Funchal, within easy reach of the waterfront and historic old town. In São Miguel, properties are centrally located in Ponta Delgada. A short walk may be needed to some sights. Upgrades available on request (additional costs may apply).

The package price depends on the accommodation selected.

No - paid directly to the hotel. Rates range from €2 to €3 per person per night. Local governments set rates and may change.

Both islands are consistently ranked among the safest destinations in the world. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens with a valid passport. It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure all travel documentation is valid before departure.

During office hours, our team is available, and outside office hours, an emergency contact number is provided in your trip documents.

Starting November 3, 2026, all passengers flying to the United States, or connecting through U.S. territory, must hand in a signed declaration at check-in. This applies to U.S. citizens too. It confirms you have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 21 days before your flight. Download the form from the CDC website, fill it in, sign it and date it with your travel date. Passengers without a completed form may be denied boarding, so we recommend arriving at the airport with extra time. Requirements can change, so please check the CDC page before you travel.