Trip Overview
If you’re looking for a burst of sunshine and pure, unadulterated energy to blow away the winter blues, you absolutely have to join us for Carnival in Madeira! It’s not just a parade; it’s an explosion of colour, music, and non-stop festive spirit that takes over the whole island. And the best part? Our perfectly located hotel puts you right in the heart of the Funchal action, meaning zero stress about taxis or public transport—you can literally step out and join the party!
Picture yourself soaking up the beautiful island vibes, watching those incredible, huge floats and dancers stream by – maybe even getting decked out in your own sparkling costume – and join the spontaneous street parties. Plus, we’ve dedicated time for a tour to the east of the island and included a visit to the stunning, secluded Nun’s Valley (Curral das Freiras).
No trip to Madeira would be complete without a chance to ride down the streets on the famous toboggans so we’ve included that too!! It’s the perfect blend of high-octane celebration and daytime exploration. You do not want to miss this fiesta!
Highlights
- Grandstand carnival tickets for the parade on the 14th.
- Full day East Island Tour.
- Nuns Valley tour and toboggan ride.
- Blandy's Lodge wine tour and tasting.
Itinerary
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.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 5 nights sharing a twin room at Zarco B&B.
- Breakfast each morning.
- Return Airport transfers.
- Grandstand carnival tickets for the parade on the 14th.
- Full day East Island Tour.
- Nuns Valley tour and toboggan ride.
- Blandys Lodge wine tour and tasting.
- Travel Buddies Host.
Cost Excludes
- Any additional entrance fees and public transport that you may use that is not listed above.
- Meals that are not included in the itinerary.
- Local city tax payable at the hotel at a cost of 2 Euros per person per night.
- Tips for the guides and drivers.
- International Flights.
FAQs
You need to book your own flights and they are with British Airways. Below is the flight that Moira will be going on.
Flights are currently £218 and include a 10kg luggage allowance
If you would prefer to travel from an alternative UK airport or book a different flight, that is absolutely fine. Please let us know when you book. You will need to arrange your own hotel transfers.
Outbound
12/02/2026. Depart London Gatwick 12.15 Arrive Funchal 16.10
Flight Number BA2718
Inbound
17/02/2026. Depart Funchal 15.05 Arrive London Gatwick 19.05
Flight Number BA2717
By paying the deposit for this trip you are confirming that you are physically able to participate in all aspects of this trip unassisted.
This tour is suitable for Travel Buddies with medium fitness & normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs, and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
To learn more on how we protect your money, please visit:https://www.protectedtrustservices.com/consumer-protection/
Travel Insurance is a mandatory requirement for travelling with Travel Buddies. Please ensure you are fully insured for all aspects of your trip. We would advise you to take out your travel insurance as soon as you have paid your deposit.
We really looking forward to having you join us for this wonderful experience!
