Funchal Enchanted Forest, Terrace, and Northwest Countryside 4X4 Off-Road Excursion

Description

• Round-trip transportation from your Funchal Cruise Pier!
  
• 4x4 Open-top vehicles!
  
• Professional, experienced safari guides/drivers!
  
• Visit Serra de Agua, Encumeada, Paul da Serra, Fanal, Porto Moniz, and Seixal!
  
• Take a relaxing walk along the man-made water channels in the forest!
  
• Taste the traditional cherry liquor, ginjas!
  
• Several scenic photo stops!
  

Enchanted Forest, terraces, and the Northwest countryside! You will be awestruck by the endless beauty of this adventure in nature while in Funchal, the capital of Madeira. From the brilliant blue cerulean waters to the lush vegetation, it is a paradise to behold from your 4x4 vehicle. Visit Serra de Agua, Encumeada, Paul da Serra, Fanal, Porto Moniz, and Seixal and more!

Your English-speaking guide will pick you up at your cruise pier, but unlike other nature experiences, you will enjoy the 360-degree view and comfort of a 4x4 vehicle! With both front- and side-facing seats, you will have incredible views in all directions. And since your vehicle has a roll-back roof, you can also see above you. Your guide will drive you northwest to a region of abundant vegetation, from the ground cover to the treetops. Blending with the beautiful hues of green, there are stunning waterfalls that meet the ocean and pools shaped by lava that is the most brilliant cerulean blue. The colors are so vibrant that you will ask yourself if they are real.

Beginning in Serra De Agua, you will explore the primitive backroads of the native forests in your 4x4: The agricultural parish of Serra de Agua is flanked by high mountains. The road provides access to Encumeada, the high point of the island.  At the top, you have panoramic views of the south and the north! Many days, you can see a captivating display of clouds that swirl and curl down the southern slopes.
In addition to Ginjas, you will visit Pal da Serra, the flattest spot in Madeira. Again, you will be taken aback by the incredible views of the lush green mountains and the valleys below. If you happen to be here on a clear day, you may even be able to view the sea to the north and the south! In the middle of the Laurissilva Forest, you will experience the rare beauty of Fanal. The serenity of Fanal is a popular place for people to relax and enjoy nature, whether hiking or walking. Some of the trees here are over 500 years old! It is so majestic that you may even feel as if you are in the midst of an enchanted forest.

Coming back down from the heights of Madeira, you will experience the surreal scenery of Porto Moniz. The exceptionally blue pools here are surrounded by pebbles nestled in the sea. You will also see the agricultural fields of Seixal, which got its name from the abundance of pebbles that are found on the beach.

If this breathtaking experience of nature is not enough, you will also walk along the levadas. These man-made channels have stunning landscapes. You will have the option to purchase a 3-course lunch including beverages and coffee for 12 euros.

At the end of your full-day adventure, you will be taken back to your Funchal cruise port having had more unforgettable moments than you can count. Remember to bring your camera along!

What is included?

• Round-trip transportation from your Funchal Cruise Pier
  
• 4x4 Open-top Vehicles
  
• Professional, Experienced safari guides/driver
  
• Visit Serra de Água, Encumeada, Paul da Serra, Fanal, Porto Moniz, and Seixal
• Take a relaxing walk along the man-made water channels in the forest
• Taste the traditional cherry liquor, Ginjas
• Several scenic photo stops
  

Excursion Notes

• Excursion prices shown are quoted in US dollars.
  
• As you may be visiting a religious or memorial site, shoulders and knees must be covered on men and women.
  
• The vehicles used in this tour are roofless, a hat or scarf and sunglasses are strongly recommended.
  
• We suggest you have cash (Euros) for refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
• Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are highly recommended along with sun protection.

Where we meet

For the Funchal Enchanted Forest, Terrace, and Northwest Countryside 4X4 Off-Road Excursion, you will meet your driver/guide right on the cruise pier. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• This Funchal Enchanted Forest, Terrace, and Northwest Countryside 4X4 Off-Road Excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests must be able to pull themselves in/out of the safari wagon.
• Guests must be able to walk on paved, gravel, and packed dirt surfaces, some on inclines.
• There are steps required to enter several of the sites as well as steep curbs in some areas.
• Although the off-road ride is not at high speeds, it can still be somewhat bumpy and guests with aggravated neck, back, or hip ailments, and pregnant women past the sixth month should not participate.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.