SANTANA Combo Expedition (Jeep & Levada Walk) – Shared Tour

This combo day is interesting because it mixes two very Madeira things: off-road access by 4WD and a guided levada walk through the island’s lush interior. You also get a handful of short, scenic stops that break up the drive, so the day feels full without dragging.

What I like most is the overall pacing and the variety. You’ll start with high-altitude views at Pico do Arieiro, then step into Santana for a step-back-in-time village break, and later finish with the dramatic coastal feel of Ponta de São Lourenço.

One possible drawback is that lunch is optional and costs extra, and the tour does not include snacks or drinks. If you need steady fuel, plan to budget for lunch or bring small extras.

Key highlights you should care about

• Hotel pickup and drop-off keeps you from spending your morning figuring out transport
• 4WD driving to reach outdoor viewpoints that are harder to access
• Two paid sights included (at Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço)
• A short levada walk that is described as easy, with guide support in the Laurisilva forest
• Group size cap of 99 people, so you still get a real day-trip rhythm
• Off-road time that feels safe, plus a guide who can switch languages to keep everyone included

How the day is set up in Funchal

This tour runs about 7.5 hours, starting at 9:00 am. The big practical win is that you get round-trip hotel transfers in Funchal’s central area (typically 8:45 to 9:00 am) and from the port area (8:40 to 8:50 am). That means you can roll out of bed, not hunt for a meeting point, and spend your energy on the scenery instead of logistics.

You’ll also travel with a driver/guide and insurance required by Portuguese law. The guide may be multi-lingual, which matters on a day like this when the bus gets chatty but you still want clear explanations while walking.

The pacing is built on short stops with enough time to see, take photos, and reset. It’s not a slow, lingering countryside day. It’s a smart “see a lot, stay moving” plan.

4WD to Pico do Arieiro: big views early

Stop 1 is Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 meters. You get about 20 minutes there, plus an admission ticket included. This is the type of start that sets the tone: you go from city or harbor morning to high-altitude outlook fast.

Why this matters: Pico do Arieiro is famous for panoramic views, and those views can be the difference between a good day and an unforgettable one. When weather cooperates, the height delivers a clear sense of scale across Madeira.

A practical consideration: at elevation, conditions can change quickly. Even when the schedule says the tour operates in all weather conditions, you’ll want to dress for wind and cooler air around viewpoints. Layers help. So do shoes with grip.

Santana village break: thatched homes and a reset

Next comes Santana for about 1 hour 30 minutes. Here’s where the day slows slightly and shifts from nature to culture. Santana is known for Madeira’s oldest thatched-roof houses, many of which have been standing for over 250 years.

This stop is also a built-in break. The schedule includes a lunch break, but food and drinks are not included. That means you can choose your own pace: sit down for the optional meal, grab something simpler, or snack if you packed supplies.

What makes Santana work well in a combo tour is timing. You get enough time to actually wander and take in the village character, rather than just stop, snap a couple photos, and rush away.

If you’re picky about food, consider this a moment to plan. One note from the experience: the optional lunch choice can be a bit of a mixed bag, with friendly staff but food that may not impress. I’d treat the lunch as convenient, not as a highlight.

Porto da Cruz rum stop: quick, flavorful pause

Then you’ll head to Porto da Cruz, where you visit a rum distillery. This stop is short at 20 minutes, and admission is listed as free. Snacks and drinks are also not included.

This is the kind of stop that works best when you treat it as a quick cultural flavor moment. You’ll learn about traditional sugar cane rum production, but you will not have time to settle in for a long tasting session unless the operation on the day allows it. So come with a flexible mindset: you’re there to see the process and take away the basics.

Practical tip: if you want rum or sweet things, don’t assume it’s part of the tour. Since drinks are not included, you may want to buy water separately. It’s a long day, and hydration helps your walking later.

Referta levada walk: easy time in Laurisilva

Stop 4 is the Referta levada walk, described as easy and beautiful, with about 30 minutes on the route. Admission is listed as free here, which is a nice value bonus.

Levada walks are Madeira’s signature water-channel paths. They can feel surprisingly easy compared with what people expect from island hiking, but they are still outdoors. You’ll benefit from having a guide, especially for staying oriented and getting the story behind the forest.

This is one of the best parts of the day for “quiet attention.” You’re not racing to a viewpoint, and you’re not sitting in a village. You’re moving through the interior with the guide, which is exactly when the Laurisilva forest experience becomes more than just scenery.

A consideration: since the tour operates in all weather conditions, the path could be slick after rain. Wear footwear that can handle uneven ground. Also, bring a light rain layer just in case.

Ponta de São Lourenço: the dramatic finale

For the last stop, you’ll go to Ponta de São Lourenço. The time is 15 minutes, and admission is included.

This is a great way to close the day. The schedule positions Ponta de São Lourenço as a scenery payoff stop, where nature’s look changes fast and you get that exposed, coastal feeling. Because your time is short, you’ll want to arrive ready to walk a bit and grab photos quickly.

Wind can be a factor out here. If you are the type who gets cold easily, pack a light jacket. The tour’s “all weather” note means you should assume you might be outside even if clouds show up.

Price and value: what $78.10 buys you

At $78.10 per person, this is not just a basic sightseeing bus day. You’re paying for a full combo: hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide plus driver, insurance, 4WD access, and admissions at two stops (Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço).

Here’s how I think about value on a day like this:

• You save time and stress with round-trip transfers. That’s often where self-planned days get expensive or messy.
• 4WD changes what you can reach. Even if you only enjoy a portion of that driving, it’s still part of the experience.
• The schedule includes both paid and free stops, so you are not paying extra at every turn.
• The day is long enough to feel substantial (7.5 hours), but the stops are short enough to keep energy up.

Where the value can feel thinner is lunch, since it’s optional and costs 15 euros per person with fish, meat, or vegetarian choices. And alcoholic beverages are not included. If you’re someone who drinks during tours, budget for it separately.

Overall, for the structure and the included access, this price is a solid fit for most people doing Madeira for the first time or wanting a “best-of” north-and-coast mix without planning.

The off-road factor: fun, fast, and safe

One of the best parts of this tour plan is the 4WD segment. The reviews you’d want to listen to here are the ones that describe off-roading as fun and exhilarating but still feeling safe. That matches what this kind of route is designed to do, especially when you’re heading toward viewpoints and forest paths.

Why that matters to your comfort: off-road driving can make some people nervous, and in a mixed group, that anxiety spreads. The fact that the experience is run with safety in mind helps you enjoy the ride instead of bracing through it.

Also, the driving and stops are paced so you are not stuck in one long stretch. You get your payoff points in between, which helps you stay comfortable even on a longer day.

Language support and your comfort on the move

The tour is offered in English, and you may be guided by someone multi-lingual. In practice, that matters because explanations on viewpoints and during walking time are what turn a photo stop into a meaningful stop.

When a guide can switch between languages, everyone understands what to do. That reduces confusion at meeting points and improves the walking experience on the levada path.

So if you’ve ever been on a tour where one group gets all the explanation, this plan is built to keep the whole bus in the loop.

Who this tour fits best

This is a great match if you want:

• A well-paced day that mixes nature + village + a bit of culture
• Off-road scenery without renting a car
• Short guided walking time without committing to a full hike

It may be less ideal if you want long free time in one place. This itinerary is designed for variety, not deep immersion in a single stop.

Family note: children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour states that most people can participate. If your group includes kids, the good news is that the walking portion is relatively short for a levada walk.

Tips to make your day smoother

A little prep helps a lot on this kind of packed schedule:

• Bring a light layer for Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço. Elevation and wind can cool you fast.
• Wear shoes with grip for the levada walk. Even “easy” paths can be slick.
• Plan food. Since lunch is optional and drinks are not included, decide ahead of time if you want the 15 euro meal.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions for a 4WD and winding roads day.
• Keep your camera or phone ready early. The best views start at the first stop and you only get about 20 minutes there.

And a small mindset tip: this tour works best when you treat it like a checklist of must-see Madeira moments, then let the guide’s pace keep you from feeling rushed.

Should you book this Santana Combo Expedition?

I’d book it if you want a high-value combo day in Madeira with hotel pickup, 4WD access, and a guided levada walk that fits into a single morning-to-afternoon schedule. The included admissions at two big scenery stops add real value, and the timing makes it feel efficient without feeling frantic.

I’d think twice if you strongly care about the quality of lunch or you want lots of free time to wander at leisure. Lunch is extra, drinks are extra, and the food stop can be more functional than special.

If you’re doing Madeira for the first time and you want to see north-side highlights plus a coastal finale, this one is a practical, genuinely fun way to spend a day.

FAQ

How long is the Santana Combo Expedition?

It runs for about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start in Funchal?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Free pickup is offered in Funchal’s central area (around 8:45 to 9:00 am) and from the port area (around 8:40 to 8:50 am), with drop-off back after the tour.

What is included in the price?

Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off, a driver/guide, insurance required by Portuguese law, and tickets for stops where listed as included.

What is not included?

Alcoholic beverages are not included. Lunch is optional and costs 15 euros per person. Snacks and drinks are also not included at the rum distillery stop.

Where are the admission tickets included?

Admission tickets are included at Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço.

How long is the levada walk?

The Referta levada walk is about 30 minutes.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

It operates in all weather conditions, but you should dress appropriately.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour states most people can participate.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If canceled less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.