A north-side Madeira day with jeep time and a levada walk. What I like most is that you get 4WD access to viewpoints plus a guided walk through the Laurisilva forest, without having to plan transport. I also like that the pacing gives you short, scenic stops plus a real chunk of time in Santana. The main consideration: food is mostly on you, and lunch can add cost if you choose the optional meal.

The result is a solid, single-day mix of dramatic viewpoints and gentle walking. At about 7.5 hours, it’s a good fit when you want variety but don’t want to juggle buses or parking.

Key things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off included, so you can skip transport planning in Funchal
• 4WD jeep tour for hard-to-reach sights and fun off-road driving
• Guided levada walk in the Laurisilva forest with an easy, scenic route
• Admissions/tickets included at Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço
• Multilingual guiding is supported, with guide language switching mentioned as Portuguese, English, and German
• Lunch isn’t included, but an optional meal is available with a set price

Why this Santana combo is a smart way to see north Madeira

This shared “Jeep & Levada Walk” day is built for people who want north Madeira’s big sights without turning their vacation into a logistics project. You’re picked up in the morning, spend the day moving along the island, then get dropped back at your hotel area.

The big idea is pairing two different styles of sightseeing: a 4WD route that gets you to viewpoints and remote areas, and a levada walk that slows things down with a guided nature experience. If you like seeing multiple sides of an area in one day, this format usually works well—especially on Madeira, where getting around can feel like a puzzle if you don’t rent a car.

Two also-important value notes:

• You start with included hotel transfers (that cost and time savings add up fast).
• Some key entry tickets are covered, not everything is just “free” or “pay later.”

Price and value: what $78.10 gets you

At about $78.10 per person, this isn’t a bargain in the “super cheap” sense. But it reads as good value for what’s included. The price bundles driver/guide service, required insurance, transport from central Funchal areas, and admission tickets for two headline stops.

Here’s where your money shows up during the day:

• Pico do Arieiro: included ticket, plus the time to enjoy the view at altitude
• Ponta de São Lourenço: included ticket and short scenic time for the famous peninsula feel
• Levada walk: guided nature time as part of the tour flow
• Pick-up and drop-off: one of the biggest practical costs you’d face on your own

What can bump your total? Food. Alcohol isn’t included, and lunch is optional at €15 per person (fish, meat, or vegetarian). If you bring snacks for the day, you can keep spending low. If you want a sit-down lunch, budget that extra €15.

Morning start: pickup timing in Funchal

The day starts at 9:00 am. Pickup happens in the morning window:

• Central Funchal area: 8:45–9:00 am
• Funchal Port area: 8:40–8:50 am

This matters because it affects how early you need to wake up. If you’re staying outside the central pickup areas, you’ll want to confirm your specific pickup point during booking.

The tour runs for about 7 hours 30 minutes on average, which means it’s a full day. Plan to eat something light before pickup or be ready to buy snacks later.

Stop 1: Pico do Arieiro viewpoint time at 1,818 meters

Your first major stop is Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters. You get around 20 minutes to take in panoramic views, with the admission ticket included.

What you should expect at this height:

• Quick, high-impact viewpoints where weather can change fast
• A “move, look, photograph, and move” rhythm because 20 minutes passes quickly
• Cooler air than lower elevations (even when Funchal feels warm)

Practical tip: wear layers. Even if you start the morning in sunshine, altitude weather can surprise you. Also, think about footwear—short time at a viewpoint still means standing and walking on uneven ground around lookouts.

Stop 2: Santana’s thatched houses and a proper lunch window

Next is Santana, with 1 hour 30 minutes on the ground. Admission is free here, and the highlight is Madeira’s oldest thatched-roof houses, many over 250 years old.

This stop is a break from constant moving. You’ll have time to wander the village, get photos, and reset before the next driving segment. It’s also where lunch often makes sense.

Two practical notes:

• Food and drinks aren’t included.
• You’ll likely want to decide early whether you plan to buy lunch on the spot or pay for the optional tour meal later.

Why this stop is worth the time: Santana isn’t just a photo stop. The thatched homes give you a sense of Madeira’s rural architecture, and the village pace helps the day feel less rushed than a checklist tour.

Stop 3: Porto da Cruz rum distillery visit (short and sweet)

After Santana, you head to Porto da Cruz for a visit connected with rum production. You’ll have about 20 minutes, with snacks and drinks not included.

This stop is light on time, so keep your expectations in check. Think of it as a quick taste of local tradition—enough to see the setting and learn the basics, not enough for a full tasting experience unless the operator builds that in during the visit.

If you’re a rum fan, this is a nice culture-and-flavor stop. If you’re not, it still works as a sensory pause between bigger scenic viewpoints.

Stop 4: Referta levada walk for easy, guided nature time

Then comes the levada: Referta, described as an easy and beautiful walk with about 30 minutes on the route.

Even though the day includes driving thrills, this is the part where you slow down and breathe. Levada walks on Madeira follow man-made water channels, and they often thread through the Laurisilva forest—the kind of environment that makes the island feel alive and old at the same time.

What makes this stop work for many people:

• Easy category means most visitors can handle it
• Guided walking means you’re not trying to figure out trails while traveling
• 30 minutes gives you nature without making the day longer than it already is

Bring common-sense hiking gear: comfortable shoes. Weather can shift during the day, and even an easy walk can feel slippery if it’s wet.

Stop 5: Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula views and ticket included

The final scenic cap is Ponta de São Lourenço. You get about 15 minutes of time here, and the admission ticket is included.

This area is known for dramatic coastline and wide open views, and the short time is deliberate. In a day like this, they’re trying to get you to the signature sight without turning it into a half-day detour.

How to make the most of it:

• Keep your camera ready when you arrive
• Expect to stand and walk a bit around the viewpoints
• Dress for wind; peninsulas often catch it

This is the kind of ending that leaves people talking because you get that Madeira “from far away” feeling—big horizon, coastal shape, and sudden changes in scenery as you move.

The jeep factor: fun off-roading, and what to expect safely

The heart of the day is the 4WD jeep portion. It’s built to reach outdoor spots that are tough to get to with normal road travel. In the experience feedback, the off-roading is described as fun and exhilarating, but always with a sense of control and safety.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Expect a bumpy ride. Bring patience and settle in.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider it.
• If you love the feeling of getting off the main roads, this is the moment you’ll remember.

Also, the jeep itself matters. The feedback I saw points to vehicles being comfortable and clean, which is a big deal on a long day.

Group size and how the guide keeps everyone included

This is a shared tour capped at 99 travelers. That’s large enough that you’ll feel it as a group, but still small enough that you’re moving as a unit and getting guidance.

One standout from the experience notes: the guide may switch between Portuguese, English, and German to keep people included. That’s not just “nice.” It helps you follow what’s happening and understand what you’re looking at instead of guessing.

For you, that means:

• You’re less likely to miss key info because you couldn’t hear it
• You’ll understand what to look for during viewpoint stops
• The levada walk is less confusing when someone is guiding the group

What’s not included (and how to plan around it)

A day like this lives or dies based on meals and personal comfort. Here’s what you should assume you’ll cover yourself:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Lunch on your own (unless you pick the optional tour meal at €15 per person)
• Snacks and drinks during the Porto da Cruz stop

A simple planning move: pack a small snack for the day. It turns the short stops into less of a scramble.

Also, wear clothing suitable for changing weather. The tour says it operates in all weather conditions, but that doesn’t mean “dress for a sauna.” Bring layers, and if you have rain gear, it’s smart.

Who this tour fits best

This combo tour is a strong match if you:

• Want to see north Madeira in one day without car planning
• Like a mix of viewpoints plus a light guided walk
• Are okay with short stop times at each major sight
• Prefer group travel with pickup and drop-off

It may not be ideal if you:

• Want long, relaxed time at each location
• Hate bumpy rides (even with safe operation)
• Want lunch fully included with no extra choices
• Need wheelchair-friendly or stroller-friendly routing (the data here only says “most travelers can participate,” not specifics)

Children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Should you book the Santana Combo Expedition?

I’d book this if you want a structured day that covers the island’s north highlights with zero transport effort from Funchal. The jeep adds energy and reach, and the Referta levada walk is your stretch of slower, guided nature time—exactly the kind of balance that makes a day like this feel worthwhile.

Skip it (or adjust expectations) if you dislike extra meal costs or you’re the type who needs 45–60 minutes at every big viewpoint. This day is about “hit the key sights, enjoy the moment, move on,” not staying put forever in one place.

If you’re traveling soon and you want maximum variety with good value for included tickets and transfers, this is a very reasonable way to spend your Madeira time.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Santana Combo Expedition?

It runs for about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What time does the tour start, and when is pickup?

The start time is 9:00 am. Pickup is offered in the 8:45–9:00 am window for central Funchal, and 8:40–8:50 am for Funchal Port.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Round-trip pickup and drop-off are included.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes a driver/guide, required insurance, and hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off. Tickets are included for Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço, and other stops have free admission.

Is lunch included?

Lunch isn’t included. An optional lunch meal is available for €15 per person (fish, meat, or vegetarian).

Are snacks and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are not included for the Porto da Cruz stop.

Does the tour include alcoholic beverages?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

It operates in all weather conditions, and it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What group size is the tour limited to?

The maximum group size is 99 travelers.