January 2024
Madeira is known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’. An island of unique colours, from the green of the forests to the yellow and grey of the volcanoes and cliffs. A true paradise for landscape and reportage photographers.
Madeira is a Portuguese island part of the Macaronesian archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Its very tropical climate makes it an earthy paradise rich in colourful nuances. Two-thirds of the Madeira archipelago is a protected area. Beyond the ancient volcanoes we find the largest laurisilva forest in the world.
This photographic journey will take you to the most beautiful spots on the island, at sunrise, sunset and at night to photograph the landscape at its best hours. Short treks will take us to the top of Picco Ruivo and Aireiro, the highest mountains on the island. We will walk along the famous levadas to discover the history of the island and we will be thrilled by the sunsets and sunrises on the coast made of basalt peaks.
We will be accommodated in hotels close to the destinations on the programme.
Programme (from 2 to 7 January 2024)
A briefing (video call) will be organised to know the needs of the group and to inform all about the daily activities.
Day 1:
Arrival at Santa Cruz airport. Meeting of participants and transfer by minivan to Machico.
Briefing and accommodation in the hotel.
Dinner in a local restaurant in the town centre.
Time for night photo session in São Lourenço.
Overnight stay in a hotel or B&B
Day 2:
Sunrise exit to photograph the cliffs at Ponta de São Lourenço.
Return for breakfast at the hotel/B&B
Tour to the interior of the island for a short excursion to the Levada do Balcoes
Packed lunch or lunch at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Pico Arieiro excursion departure point
Ascent to Pico Arieiro 1805m (one-hour hike excluding photo stops)
Return after sunset.
Dinner in a restaurant in Funchal
Return and overnight stay in hotel / B&B in Machico
Day 3:
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit to the typical houses of Santana
Lunch in a nearby restaurant.
Afternoon excursion to Pico Ruivo until sunset.
Return after sunset
Dinner in a restaurant.
Overnight stay in a hotel/B&B in Machico
Day 4:
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to the North East of Madeira Island
Visit to the Fanal Forest and the Levada dos Cedros
Short excursion (1 hour excluding photo stops)
Transfer to Porto Moniz for lunch.
Accommodation in a hotel or B&B in Porto Moniz.
Sunset and night session on the coast at Ribeira da Janela
Dinner in Porto Moniz.
Day 5:
Sunrise in Porto Moniz
Breakfast at the hotel
Tour of the island’s Miradores.
Visit to Funchal “capital” of the island and free time for shopping.
Return towards Porto Moniz. Sunset photo session at the Levada dos Cedros
Dinner in Porto Moniz, time in the evening to visit the town.
Return to the hotel/B&B in Porto Moniz.
Day 6:
Breakfast and return to Santa Cruz airport (group transfer depending on departure time).
Return flight (for those leaving late in the evening time for further visits).
Journey themes
Landscape photography, night photography, reportage photography.
Required equipment
SLR/mirrorless camera and/or other photo/video devices.
Recommended lenses: Wide angle, telephoto,
Recommended filters: Digradant, big stopper (8-10 stop ND), polariser.
Tripod.
Comfortable hiking clothing, hiking boots. Windbreaker, cap, gloves (Madeira Island is very windy at altitude).
Photographic or trekking backpack.
General information
| Duration | Destination | Departure |
| 6 day / 5 nights | Portugal: Madeira Island | January 2, 2024 |
Group tour (min. 4, max. 8 persons): 6 days, 5 nights
COST PER PERSON: 1290 €
Single room supplement, subject to availability : 250 €
PAYMENTS, RESERVATIONS AND PENALTIES POLICY:
Payments: 30% deposit on booking, balance 30 days before departure date.
Cancellation fee: 30 % of the participation fee (100 % for cancellations less than 20 days before departure date)
Excursion as scheduled, organisation and assistance in preparing the programme by SUMMIT-8
Accompaniment and teaching by Mirko Sotgiu, professional photographer and mid-mountain guide
Common safety and first aid equipment
Accompanying person’s transfer costs
Assistance throughout the programme
Minivan and guide for the exclusive use of the group
Overnight stay and breakfast at the hotel.
Transfers to and from the meeting place – Santa Cruz Airport – Madeira.
Return flights from Italy (you can request the agency to take care of your flight).
Photographic equipment, clothing and trekking gear.
Lunches, dinners and drinks. Due to the variability of photo schedules, decisions will be made daily for dinners and lunches.
Trip cancellation insurance.
Extras and everything not mentioned in “the price includes”.
