Itinerary
Madeira, the island where it is always spring, always blooming and always welcoming. This pocket of paradise off the coast of Africa waits to be discovered, which is exactly what we’ll do for the next 8 days!
Stunning views, lush nature and inviting beaches, it won’t be long before we fall in love with this island. We'll hike to the highest point on the island, Pico Ruivo and swim in the natural pools of Porto Moniz. We’ll also try our hand at canyoning, spend a day on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo and have a unique experience at the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte (Church of Our Lady of the Mount). Then, there are simply no words to describe the The Floating Garden in the Atlantic, you’ll just have to see it for yourself!


Welcome to Madeira!
Check-in
Flights to and from the UK are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs.
Check-in at the hotel in Funchal. We are in the island’s capital, whose name derives from the abundance of fennel that grows here (Funcho in Portuguese). Fear not, our first dinner won’t solely consist of this… Our first taste of Madeira will most likely be fresh fish from the Atlantic!

Canyoning and Machico
Ready for canyoning?
Machico

Trekking on Pico Ruivo
The eternal spring
On the roof of Madeira!

The natural pools of Porto Moniz
Achadas da Cruz
We set off early in the morning to explore a unique highlight at the north-western tip of the island: the steepest cable car in the European Union, located at Achadas da Cruz. The ride itself is quite an adventure, plunging almost vertically for 450 metres down the dramatic cliff face to sea level. Once there, we are rewarded with breathtaking views and a noticeably different microclimate, where unspoilt farmland is dotted with small houses and traditional wine presses. The seaside promenade is regarded as one of the island’s finest photo spots. With a little luck, we might also meet locals who occasionally open their homes to serve drinks and snacks in exchange for a small donation.
Porto Moniz
Via Porto Moniz, where we may take a dip in the natural lava pools if time allows, we make a detour to the island’s famous fairy-tale forest – the Parque Florestal do Fanal. This ancient laurel forest is often cloaked in thick mist, creating a truly unique and mystical atmosphere.Afterwards, we continue to the black-sand beach of Seixal – one of the island’s few black beaches and certainly the most renowned. Here, we can relax by the shore and plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, which remains at a pleasant 20°C. From the beach, there is also a distant view of the Véu da Noiva waterfall, cascading directly into the sea. A short stop at the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva then gives us an even more spectacular vantage point of the falls, before we return towards Funchal via São Vicente, where we can round off the evening with some laid-back drinks and dinner.

Ponta de São Lourenço and Sunset boat trip
Trekking with a view
This morning we can enjoy another wonderful hike. We can reach Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island by taking a path overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and red cliffs covered with vibrant vegetation. Alternatively we can explore the middle of the island by trekking to Leveda do Caldeirao Verde.
Boat trip at sunset
In the afternoon we'll enjoy a scenic 3 hour boat trip at sunset. We'll set sail towards Cabo Girão, where we will anchor up for some snorkelling. For those that are keen to dive into the ocean, snorkelling equipment is provided on board. Those that prefer to simply kick back and enjoy the views can do so with a drink in hand, watching the sky turn from blue to orange as the sun sets over the ocean. What better way to soak up the epic views halfway through this Portuguese adventure?

Cabo Girão and Ponta do Pargo
The island from above

Nossa Senhora do Monte, gardens and tropical fruit
Sledding in Madeira?
A tour of the local market

Check-out and goodbye
Check out
What's included
7 nights accommodation in a shared room for the duration of the trip
Sunset boat trip with drinks
An adrenaline-pumping canyoning experience
Car rental from day 1 to day 8
- Travel Coordinator services
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Money pot
The Money Pot is approximately £200/€200 and is collected on-site by the Coordinator. The amount of the Money Pot may change due to the number of extra activities the group decides to do. The spare money (if any) will be returned at the end of the trip.
- Petrol and any parking and tolls
- Coordinator's money pot share
- Any extra activities that the group agrees on doing including the coordinator's fee.
Additional info
- Accommodation
Hotels, typical guest houses.
The first hotel will be shared with you at least 2 days before your departure by your Travel Coordinator!
- Transport
Rental car
- Self-driven tour
This is a self-driven tour - it isn’t compulsory to drive, however if you are willing to, then please tick the box when booking your trip.
- Staff
Our trips are led by a Travel Coordinator who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Travel Coordinator.
- Visas and Vaccinations
Before booking, please ensure to check what documents, visas, and vaccinations are required to enter the country you are visiting. If you have any questions, please contact us.
- Arrival and Departure Times
We always advise trying to get to the meet-up point for the first day of your tour by 5pm. On the last day of the tour you are free to leave whenever you want!
- Luggage
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with €/£/$0. Pay the €/£/$100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
About this trip
This journey begins at Madeira. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.
Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This journey ends at Madeira. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.
The canyoning activity is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.
For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Group Leader will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!
About Madeira
Find out the entry requirements for Portugal, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Portugal – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Portugal is in the Western European Time Zone (WET), which is the same as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During daylight saving time, it switches to Western European Summer Time (WEST), which is GMT+1.
Here's how it compares:
- If it is 12pm in the UK, it will also be 12pm in Portugal during standard time, and 1pm during daylight saving time.
- If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 5pm in Portugal during standard time, and 6pm during daylight saving time.
Portugal observes daylight saving time from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
Portugal uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. The exchange rates can vary, but as a general guideline:
- 1 GBP is approximately 1.15 EUR
- 1 USD is around 0.92 EUR
- 1 EUR is equivalent to 1 EUR
You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels.
In Portugal, you can pay using credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash for smaller businesses and markets that might not accept cards. ATMs are readily available across the country for withdrawing euros.
If you plan on using a card, make sure to check if your bank charges foreign transaction fees. Contactless payments with smartphones and wearables are also becoming more common in Portugal.
Tipping in Portugal is appreciated but not mandatory. If you receive excellent service, leaving a tip of around 5 to 10 percent is a nice gesture. In restaurants, it's common to round up the bill or leave some change if the service was good. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is usually sufficient. Hotel staff like porters and housekeeping appreciate small tips, but it's not expected. Always check your bill first, as some places might include a service charge.
In Portugal, the internet is generally reliable with good coverage. If you're from Europe or the Schengen area, you can use your phone plan's roaming service without extra charges. For travelers outside these areas, consider buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for more convenience. Popular providers include MEO, NOS, and Vodafone, which you can find in airports and major cities. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces, so staying connected shouldn't be a problem.
In Portugal, the official language is Portuguese. It's a beautiful and expressive language, and you might find it helpful to know a few colloquial expressions for your travels. Here are some you might hear or use:
- Hello: Olá
- Thank you: Obrigado (if you're male), Obrigada (if you're female)
- Please: Por favor
- Excuse me/Sorry: Desculpe
- Yes: Sim
- No: Não
Knowing these phrases can help you navigate through your trip and connect with locals.
In Portugal, you'll find Type C and Type F plugs, which are the standard European plugs with two round pins. The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're coming from the UK, USA, or other countries with different plug types, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure you can charge your devices without any hassle.
The main religion in Portugal is Roman Catholicism, with a significant majority of the population identifying as Catholic. Religious holidays are widely celebrated, with Easter and Christmas being notably important. While the country is predominantly Catholic, Portugal is generally quite tolerant and diverse in terms of religious practice. It's always a good idea to be respectful of religious customs and traditions when visiting.
Packing for Portugal can be exciting, as you get to enjoy a mix of culture, beach, and nature. Here’s a handy list to help you organize your backpack:
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Clothing:
- Light t-shirts and tops
- Shorts and skirts
- A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
- Swimwear for the beaches
- A dress or a nice shirt for evenings out
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Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals for the beach
- Dress shoes or nice sandals for dining out
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Accessories and Technology:
- Sunglasses and hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Phone charger and power bank
- Camera or smartphone for photos
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Toiletries and Medication:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant
- Personal hygiene items
- Common travel medication like pain relievers and motion sickness tablets
This should cover your essentials, ensuring you’re prepared for both the sunny beaches and the bustling cities.
Portugal's weather varies by region, so here's a quick breakdown:
- Lisbon and Central Portugal: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Best time to visit is late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October).
- Porto and Northern Portugal: More rainfall and cooler temperatures compared to the south, especially in winter. Summers are warm but not too hot. Best time to visit is late spring or early fall.
- Algarve (Southern Portugal): Known for its sunny and dry weather almost year-round. Summers can be quite hot, while winters are mild. Best time to visit is spring or early autumn.
Each region offers unique beauty, so choose based on your weather preference.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
It depends on when you cancel, the status of your departure, and how much you have already paid. Here are all the cases.
If you cancel more than 31 days before departure - Departure not confirmed
You can cancel via email at hello@weroad.com
If it was your first unconfirmed booking (if you have more than one), nothing has been charged: no refund is needed.
If you paid the €/£/$100 deposit, it will be fully refunded.
Departure confirmed – you paid only the €/£/$100 deposit
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the deposit paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Account and use the amount for another departure.
Departure confirmed – you paid the full amount
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the amount paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Area and use the amount for another departure.
If you cancel less than 31 days of departure
You can cancel your booking at any time. However, in case of cancellation of less than 31 days before departure, no refund of the amount paid is provided, nor is it possible to change your trip, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
The private room fee, included in the price of your trip, is not refunded under any circumstances within this time frame, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
If you have Flexible Cancellation
With Flexible Cancellation, you can cancel up to 8 days before departure and receive a 100% refund of the price, including the deposit and the private room fee. The only amount not refunded is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
For any doubts about your specific situation, write to our team at hello@weroad.com - we’ll help you!
Yes, you can change your trip directly from your MyWeRoad personal area, up to 31 days before departure. If you purchased Flexible Cancellation, you have up to 8 days before departure.
How to change your trip from MyWeRoad
- Enter your booking
- Scroll to the “Change your trip” section at the bottom right
- Select a different date for the same trip or a completely different trip
Things to know
You can change your trip up to 3 times from your MyWeRoad personal area. Further changes must be requested by contacting our team at hello@weroad.com.
The new trip must depart within 12 months from the original departure date.
If your original booking included a private room, Flexible Cancellation, discount codes, gift cards, or vouchers, we will notify you before confirmation if they cannot be applied to the new trip.
You cannot switch to sold-out trips. For “On request” departures, we will check availability. For “Last spots” departures, availability in rooms of your same gender may not be guaranteed.
If there is a price adjustment: if the new trip costs less, we will refund the difference; if it costs more, you will need to pay the difference.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
In some cases – for example when a departure is not yet confirmed and it is your first unconfirmed booking – you can book without paying the €/£/$100 deposit upfront.
This means that you can secure your spot at zero cost: nothing will be charged until the departure is confirmed. Once the departure is confirmed, the €/£/$100 deposit will be automatically charged within 48 hours according to the terms agreed at the time of booking.
If a departure is “Available”, it means that the trip is not yet confirmed and we are waiting for a few more bookings… maybe yours!
The good news? If it’s your first booking on an unconfirmed departure, you can book without paying anything! Just. leave your credit card details as a guarantee: no immediate charge, €/£/$0 deposit.
In the meantime, wait for the departure to be confirmed before purchasing your round-trip flights!
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
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The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator;
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It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group;
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It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure;
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
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The amount varies depending on the destination chosen;
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It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip;
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It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip;
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If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip;
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The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator;
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If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled;
- Activities paid through the Money Pot: they are carried out by third-party local suppliers and their conditions apply; WeRoad does not intervene in their management nor assumes any responsibility. For details on the money pot, see the General Terms and Conditions
Yes, but the available options depend on the status of your trip and when you make the request.
If your trip is not yet confirmed
You can cancel your booking by emailing hello@weroad.com
free of charge, up to 31 days before departure.
Please note: if it’s your first unconfirmed booking, you will only be asked to provide a credit card, PayPal, or Revolut as a guarantee, but nothing will be charged. From the second unconfirmed booking onwards, a mandatory £/$0100 deposit will be required.
If your trip is confirmed
Fees are not refundable in cash. You are entitled to cancel up to 31 days before departure, but after this deadline, cancellation is no longer possible.
Flexible Cancellation
If you purchased the Flexible Cancellation option (available in the first step of the booking process), you can cancel your trip up to 8 days before departure and receive a 100% refund of the price, including the deposit and private room fee. The only non-refundable amount is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.
How to cancel your trip
- Write to hello@weroad.com
- indicating your booking code.
- We will reply as soon as possible applying the cancellation conditions for your booking.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Group Leader has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website.
Generally, our groups have an average of 11 people. Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to travelers between 25 and 49 years old. The indicated age is meant to give you an idea of the type of group, but it's not a strict limit: it's possible to participate even with a few years more or less, as long as you can keep up with the pace and energy of the group you're traveling with.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Group Leader is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Group Leader will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Group Leader assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email hello@weroad.com if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.

































