Private – Gastro Hike With Levada Walk and Local Food

The "Private Gastro Hike With Levada Walk and Local Food" offers an immersive experience in Madeira’s striking landscapes. This unique adventure combines a scenic 2-hour hike along the picturesque Levada trails with delightful culinary tastings. Participants will savor the traditional Poncha cocktail and indulge in iconic Espetada kebabs while learning about the island’s rich history and gastronomy from a certified local guide. With its focus on sustainable tourism, this activity showcases Madeira’s diverse ecology and cultural heritage in a truly captivating way. What visitors might not expect, however, is the profound impact this experience can have on their understanding of the island’s traditions and way of life.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Madeira.

Key Points

• Immersive gastro-hiking experience showcasing Madeira’s lush landscapes, traditional cuisine, and local culture through a private guided tour.
• Explore Levada trails, learn about Madeira’s irrigation system, and savor authentic Poncha cocktails and Espetada kebabs.
• Gain insights into Madeira’s ecology and conservation efforts from a local guide during the tour.
• Suitable for adults and children, with options for cocktail tasting and food tastings tailored to participants’ preferences.
• Convenient pickup and transportation provided, ensuring a seamless and authentic exploration of Madeira’s natural and culinary treasures.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

According to the provided information, this private Gastro Hike with Levada Walk and Local Food is a 5.5-hour experience.

The activity is priced from €85.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup is included in a white Kia Stonic 2021, and the tour is available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.

The itinerary covers Madeira, a 25-minute car journey to a hidden gem, a 2-hour Levada trail hike, a 15-minute car ride to Canico, an optional 30-minute cocktail tasting, a 20-minute drive to Funchal, and a 1-hour regional food tasting before returning to Madeira.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a pickup from Madeira, followed by a 25-minute car journey to a hidden gem. Guests then embark on a 2-hour guided hike along a Levada trail, showcasing Madeira’s natural beauty. After the hike, the group travels 15 minutes to Caniço, where an optional 30-minute cocktail tasting takes place. The tour then continues with a 20-minute drive to Funchal, where guests enjoy a 1-hour food tasting experience, featuring the regional specialty, Espetada. Finally, the group is returned to their starting point in Madeira.

Itinerary	Duration	Location
Car Travel	25 minutes	Madeira to Hidden Gem
Hiking	2 hours	Levada Trail
Car Travel	15 minutes	Caniço
Cocktail Tasting	30 minutes	Optional
Car Travel	20 minutes	Caniço to Funchal
Food Tasting	1 hour	Funchal

Highlights and Experiences

This guided hike showcases the natural beauty of Madeira, allowing guests to enjoy the island’s stunning landscapes.

Highlights include:

1. Exploring the lush Levada trails, which offer a unique window into Madeira’s vibrant biodiversity and intricate irrigation system.

2. Savoring a traditional Poncha drink, a local specialty, while gaining insights into the island’s rich history and culture.

3. Indulging in a regional kebab (Espetada) tasting at a local restaurant, providing a flavorful introduction to Madeira’s culinary heritage.

4. Learning about the island’s diverse ecology and conservation efforts from a knowledgeable local guide, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable tourism.

Inclusions

A certified local guide accompanies participants throughout the tour, providing valuable insights and enhancing the overall experience.

Included in the tour package is the opportunity to savor a traditional Espetada, a regional kebab dish. Participants will also have the chance to indulge in a tasting of Poncha, a beloved local drink with historical significance.

On top of that, the Levada walk experience allows guests to enjoy Madeira’s stunning natural landscapes.

These carefully curated inclusions ensure a well-rounded and authentic exploration of the island’s culinary and cultural treasures, allowing participants to fully appreciate the richness of the Madeiran way of life.

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Participant Information and Recommendations

Suitable for adults (ages 13-99) and children (ages 12 and younger), this Gastro Hike with Levada Walk and Local Food offers an engaging experience that caters to a wide range of participants.

Participants should come prepared with:

1. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes to navigate the Levada trail’s uneven terrain.
2. A camera to capture the stunning natural beauty of Madeira.
3. A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during the hike.
4. Weather-appropriate clothing, as the island’s microclimate can be unpredictable.

The activity isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

With an overall rating of 5/5 from previous travelers, this Gastro Hike promises an unforgettable adventure.

Pickup Location and Duration

The Gastro Hike with Levada Walk and Local Food experience begins with a pickup in Madeira, conveniently transporting participants to the hidden gems of the island.

The journey takes just 25 minutes to reach the starting point, where the 2-hour guided hike along the Levada trail commences.

After the invigorating trek, the group travels 15 minutes to Caniço, where an optional 30-minute cocktail tasting provides historical insights.

The final leg of the tour takes 20 minutes to reach Funchal, where a 1-hour food tasting of the regional specialty, Espetada (regional kebab), completes the 5.5-hour immersive experience.

Throughout the journey, the certified local guide shares insights into Madeira’s history and biodiversity.

Hiking Experience and Duration

The guided hike along the Levada trail lasts for 2 hours, showcasing the natural beauty of Madeira’s lush landscapes. Participants will:

1. Traverse the narrow irrigation channels, also known as "Levadas", admiring the verdant vegetation and cascading waterfalls.

2. Explore the diverse flora and fauna, learning about the island’s rich biodiversity from the knowledgeable local guide.

3. Ascend gentle slopes and navigate through shaded forest paths, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

4. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and tranquility of the outdoor setting, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Food and Drink Tastings

After the invigorating hike, participants indulge in the culinary highlights of Madeira.

First, they’ll savor a traditional Poncha, a local cocktail made with rum, citrus, and honey. Guests learn about the history and cultural significance of this beloved drink.

Next, they’ll sample the iconic Espetada – regional kebabs grilled over an open fire. These juicy, flavorful skewers showcase Madeira’s rich gastronomy.

Throughout the tasting, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the island’s cuisine and its connection to the local community.

This immersive food experience allows participants to truly appreciate the unique tastes and traditions that define Madeira’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Fit Do I Need to Be for the Hike?

The hike requires a moderate level of fitness, as it lasts 2 hours along a Levada trail. It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues, but most active adults and children should be able to comfortably complete the hike.

Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

The tour is suitable for vegetarians but may not accommodate strict vegans. The local food tasting includes a regional kebab dish, which can be replaced with a vegetarian option upon request. Advance notice is recommended to ensure dietary needs are met.

Are There Any Special Equipment Required for the Hike?

The hike requires comfortable hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. While no special equipment is needed, it’s recommended to bring water, snacks, and a camera to capture the scenic views along the Levada trail.

Can I Request a Private Tour for My Group?

Yes, you can request a private tour for your group. The activity overview states that this is a "Private Gastro Hike" and the price is listed "From €85.00 per person", indicating that private tours are available.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour is suitable for both adults aged 13-99 and children aged 12 and under. There are no age restrictions, though the hike may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Recap

This private gastro hike is an immersive experience that showcases Madeira’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse culinary heritage. Hikers will embark on a picturesque 2-hour Levada walk, savor traditional Poncha cocktails and Espetada kebabs, and gain insights into the island’s ecology and culture from a certified local guide. This unique adventure promotes sustainable tourism and offers an unforgettable taste of Madeira’s natural and cultural treasures.

You can check if your dates are available here: