Madeira: Wine Tasting Experience Honey Museum and Cabo Girão

Madeira: Wine Tasting Experience Honey Museum and Cabo Girao

This full-day tour in Madeira, Portugal, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, local traditions, and exceptional wines. Priced at $101 per person and lasting approximately 7.5 hours, it provides a comprehensive look at the island’s scenic spots and cultural highlights. The tour departs from Funchal, with free pickup and drop-off options in the central area, making it convenient for visitors staying in the city.

The experience focuses on Cabo Girao, one of the world’s highest sea cliffs with a suspended glass platform offering spectacular views. Alongside, travelers visit a Honey Museum to learn about sustainable honey production, and explore the island’s largest vineyard region for guided wine tastings. The itinerary balances off-road adventure, scenic viewpoints, and wine tasting, making it ideal for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.

While the tour includes many highlights, it’s worth noting that the visit to the Henriques & Henriques Wine Lodge is not available during some Portuguese holidays, replaced by a brief visit to Câmara de Lobos, the traditional fishing village. This flexibility helps ensure the experience remains engaging even on holiday dates.

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting 7.5 hours with a focus on Madeira’s landscapes, wines, and local traditions
• Includes guided visits to a Honey Museum, vineyard, and Madeira wine lodge
• Highlights Cabo Girao, Europe’s highest sea cliff, with a suspended glass platform
• Wine tastings feature Madeira table wines and aged wines of 3, 10, and 15 years, plus local Portuguese cheese and chorizo
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants for a personalized touch
• Price of $101 per person provides good value considering the variety of stops and tastings

You can check availability for your dates here:

Scenic Drive to Serra d’Água and São Vicente Off-Road Adventure

The tour begins with a scenic drive from Funchal to Serra d’Água, where panoramic views set the tone. The drive includes a photo stop and a safety briefing before heading towards São Vicente. Here, the off-road segment takes you through Madeira’s lush terrain, offering views over Porto Moniz, Ribeira da Janela, and Paúl da Serra.

This part of the journey showcases Madeira’s rugged landscape and provides plenty of opportunities for photos. The off-road experience is accessible and not overly strenuous, making it suitable for most participants. The drive itself is a highlight, with guides offering insights into the island’s geography.

The off-road segment also introduces visitors to Madeira’s diverse terrain, emphasizing the island’s volcanic origins and lush greenery. It’s a chance to see parts of Madeira not accessible by regular vehicle, adding an adventurous element to the tour.

Discovering Madeira’s Honey with Mel da Laurissilva

A visit to the Honey Museum (Museu do Mel) is a key feature of the tour. This museum, operated by an organic honey producer, offers an educational look at how honey is made today and in the past. Visitors learn about traditional tools and modern methods, gaining insight into sustainable honey production.

The museum visit includes a tasting of local honey treats, paired with breathtaking valley views. This stop emphasizes Madeira’s commitment to local, eco-friendly practices and gives a taste of the island’s natural sweetness. It’s a peaceful moment amid the scenic drive, with the opportunity to appreciate Madeira’s biodiversity and craftsmanship.

The Honey Museum also highlights the importance of bees in Madeira’s ecosystem. Visitors can see how honey is produced and learn about its benefits, adding a cultural dimension to the experience.

Exploring the Largest Vineyard Region in Madeira

Next, the tour takes visitors into the heart of Madeira’s wine country, where the largest extension of vineyards on the island is found. Guides explain Madeira’s wine-making traditions, including production techniques and the cultural importance of wine.

Participants join a guided wine tasting at the vineyard, sampling one rosé, three whites, and two reds. The tasting includes Portuguese cheese and chorizo, enhancing the wine experience. This relaxed tasting session provides insights into Madeira’s famous fortified wines, as well as local flavor profiles.

This stop is especially appreciated for its informative guide, who shares stories about Madeira’s wine culture, making it more than just a tasting. The vineyard visit offers a chance to learn and appreciate the craftsmanship behind Madeira wines, which are celebrated worldwide.

Lunch Break and Free Time in São Vicente

After the vineyard visit, a lunch break is scheduled, although meals are not included. Travelers can explore local eateries or enjoy a picnic amid the scenic surroundings. The break allows for rest and recharging before the next breathtaking stop.

Following lunch, there is free time in São Vicente, a charming coastal town known for its volcanic caves and relaxed atmosphere. This offers an opportunity to stroll, shop, or simply soak in the local ambiance before heading to Cabo Girao.

The timing between stops is well-paced, giving enough time to appreciate each location without feeling rushed. The free time in São Vicente also helps travelers tailor the experience to their interests, whether that means relaxing by the coast or exploring the quaint streets.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Cabo Girao: Europe’s Highest Sea Cliff

The tour’s highlight is the Cabo Girao viewpoint, famous for its 580-meter-high sea cliff and a suspended glass platform. Guides lead visitors to this spectacular viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Câmara de Lobos, and Funchal.

This stop includes a photo opportunity at the glass platform, which appears to hover over the cliff, creating a thrilling experience. The views are truly impressive and provide a perfect backdrop for photos. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Madeira’s dramatic landscapes.

Although admission to Cabo Girao costs €3, the tour includes the visit, and the platform itself enhances the experience. The vista from this height is one of the most memorable sights on the island, especially for photography enthusiasts.

Madeira Wine Tasting at Henriques & Henriques

The final wine tasting occurs at the Henriques & Henriques Madeira Wine Lodge, where visitors sample various aged Madeira wines: Sweet and Dry (3 years old), Sweet (10 years old), and Dry (15 years old). Each wine offers a different taste profile, highlighting Madeira’s versatile wine styles.

This tasting is complemented by the opportunity to taste Madeira wines paired with cheese and meat, enriching the flavor experience. Guides share stories about each wine’s aging process and characteristics, making this a deep dive into Madeira’s wine craftsmanship.

It’s worth noting that this visit may be replaced by a 20-minute visit to Câmara de Lobos during some Portuguese holidays. However, the wine tasting remains a core part of the experience, allowing enthusiasts to savor some of Madeira’s finest wines.

Practical Details and Group Experience

This tour is designed for small groups, limited to 8 participants, which promotes a more personal experience. The professional guide provides insights in English, making the day both informative and friendly.

Transportation includes vehicle sanitation with ozone and Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and safety. Pickup is available free of charge in the Funchal central area and near the port, with additional fees for other locations. The tour is suitable for most travelers but excludes children under 3 years, pregnant women, and wheelchair users.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for some outdoor walking and scenic viewpoints. The tour is flexible, with cancelation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind when booking.

Madeira: A Blend of Nature, Culture, and Wine

This tour combines Madeira’s stunning natural vistas, such as the Serra d’Água and Cabo Girao, with immersive cultural experiences like honey and wine tastings. The guide’s expertise shines through, particularly during vineyard visits and wine explanations, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

The off-road adventure and panoramic viewpoints make it suitable for travelers seeking both scenic beauty and a touch of adventure. The wine tastings showcase Madeira’s world-famous wines, with aged options that appeal to connoisseurs.

While the tour covers many highlights efficiently, the admission fee for Cabo Girao is modest but worth considering. The small group size contributes to a personalized atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos.

This 7.5-hour experience offers excellent value for a varied day exploring Madeira’s landscapes, flavors, and cultural treasures. It’s especially suitable for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and curious travelers keen on discovering the true spirit of the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this Madeira tour?
The tour costs $101 per person, including all wine tastings, honey museum visit, and transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, with starting times available upon checking availability.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from Funchal, with free pickup and drop-off in the central area and near the port. Additional charges apply for pickups outside these locations.

What are the highlights of this tour?
Highlights include Cabo Girao, the Honey Museum, guided vineyard visits with wine tastings, and Madeira’s highest sea cliff with a glass platform.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 3 years, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

What is included in the tour?
The package includes professional guide, all insurances, safety instructions, vehicle sanitation, Wi-Fi, and multiple wine tastings—including Madeira table wines and aged wines.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included, but there is a lunch break with the option to explore local eateries.

What about the cost for visiting Cabo Girao?
The €3 admission fee to Cabo Girao is included in the tour price, enabling access to the glass platform and viewpoints.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancelation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended; other essentials are not specified. Large luggage or pets are not allowed.

Is this tour available during holidays?
Certain holiday dates may affect the visit to Henriques & Henriques, with an alternative short visit to Câmara de Lobos replacing the wine lodge.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby