Madeira Carnival 2026!

Meet the group at the airport and board our flight to Madeira

Upon our arrival in Funchal we will transfer to the hotel the Zarco B&B .We know that when it comes to the exhilarating chaos of Carnival in Funchal, location is everything, which is why we’ve purposefully selected this hotel. While it may not boast the highest specifications, it offers the one true luxury that is priceless during the celebrations: unbeatable central proximity to the action. Our hotel places you directly in the vibrant heart of the city’s entertainment, meaning you can step out of the door and instantly join the parades, street parties, and lively events without delay. Best of all, this prime location completely eliminates the need for stressful taxis or complex public transport.

Throughout the tour we will be staying in twin rooms but there is an option to have a room to yourself for the trip. If you wish to have a room to yourself for the 5 nights, the supplement will be £200. The supplement will be payable at the same time as the balance.     

The Travel Buddies trips work on the basis that as long as you are having a good time, that’s what matters, if you don’t feel like coming on one of the excursions or joining the rest of the group for dinner one evening that is absolutely fine. This is an adventure for everyone and there is nothing worse than having to go somewhere/do something that you don’t really fancy!

Feel free to do as much or as little research as you like, some members will know what they would like to visit as soon as they book the trip, others will just turn up at the airport and  not have researched at all. Either is absolutely fine. We all have different ideas as to what constitutes a great time away!

After settling in we will head out together to enjoy a wander down Rua De Santa Maria, the oldest street in Funchal which houses a hat factory and a boot factory. Look out for the interesting doors which are a part of “The Painted Door Project” which transforms this area into a permanent art gallery.

Dinner locally, why not try a Maredan speciality… Traditional dishes in Madeira include Espetada (beef skewers), Bolo do Caco (a sweet potato flatbread), Lapas (grilled limpets), and Peixe-espada preto (black scabbardfish), often served with banana. Other popular foods are Milho frito (fried polenta cubes), hearty soups like Sopa de trigo, and the sweet Bolo de mel (honey cake).

Making the very most of our time in Madeira we are off on a full day tour today to explore the east of the island to Pico Arieiro, Santana & Laurissilva

Hotel pick up and drop off are included

Dinner will be booked at a local restaurant.

Perhaps today we will spend  a leisurely time exploring Funchal which offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, history and culture.  Old Town (Zona Velha) with its cobbled narrow streets. Or maybe discover the Madeira Story Centre where you can learn all about the history and culture of Madeira at this interactive museum.  Not forgetting the Botanical Gardens which offer beautiful views over Funchal and the bay too.

We think an early dinner locally will fit perfectly so we are ready to enjoy what we are sure will be a spectacular evening.

Tonight’s the night when we get to experience the exuberant Allegorical Parade and we have Grandstand tickets!.  This is the highlight of Carnival festivities. Over fifteen hundred revellers participate dressed in eye-catching costumes in addition to a dozen exquisitely decorated floats.

The carnival allegoric parade exudes brightness, colour, rhythm and a lot of samba, attracting thousands of locals and tourists alike to the centre of Funchal, in a true ode to revelry.

Free Day – you choose how you want to spend your time but here’s some more ideas because there is so much to do on this beautiful Island.  

Maybe you’re ready to head off on one of the many hiking and walking trails, or you’ll choose to take a bike tour, or perhaps a boat trip or a visit to the Whale museum. There really is something to suit everyone’s taste….

Be sure to make time to enjoy some great Portuguese coffee and a Pastel De Nata ( A yummy traditional custard tart with crunchy flaky pastry).

This morning after breakfast we are off to start exploring the island on a morning tour through the stunning scenery of the Nuns Valley.

Get breathtaking views from one of Madeira’s most stunning lookout points, try some of the traditional foods of Madeira, including chestnut cake, see where the remains of the last Austro-Hungarian emperor lie in Monte and take a thrilling toboggan ride and experience one of Madeira’s oldest modes of transport! (not to be missed)! Entrance to the 200 year old Nuns house is not included and costs around £1.

Afternoon at our leisure and dinner locally.

We could not possibly leave Madeira without a Wine tour and tasting and there’s none better than Blandys Wine Lodge. We will learn the history of the company, barrel making at the cooperage, wine storage in Brazilian satinwood vats, grape varieties and their transformation into wine. The tour also includes access to the Blandy family museum with unique items from the history of Madeira island, and of course, a tasting of 2 samples of Madeira wine.