Old Town Charms & Fado Heritage

Funchal, Madeira

Refreshments included

by coach & on foot

Your experience begins with a short and comfortable 15-minute coach transfer from Funchal Cruise Terminal to the heart of the city. Along the way, your local guide will offer an introduction to Funchal’s heritage and what to expect on this immersive excursion.

Arriving in the Zona Velha, Funchal’s oldest and most picturesque quarter, you’ll embark on a guided walk through the narrow-cobbled streets rich in history and character. You will discover highlights such as Rua de Santa Maria, famous for its vibrant painted doors created by local artists and the Fort of Sao Tiago, a 17th century fortress that once protected the city from pirate attacks.

Your walk concludes at a welcoming traditional venue in the heart of the Old Town. Here, you’ll enjoy a live performance of Fado, the deeply emotional Portuguese music genre which originated on mainland Portugal, but has found a unique voice in Madeira, where it continues to be performed with passion and authenticity. As you listen, you can relax with a glass of Madeira wine and a codfish cake – a delicious complement to the heartfelt music.

After the performance, your guide will escort you to the nearby coach for your return journey to the ship.

Why book with us?

Plan ahead, pay later
Pre-register for your experiences online before you sail and they’ll be added to your shipboard account, with nothing to pay until the end of your cruise (or at regular intervals on longer voyages).
Competitive prices
Enjoy great-value experiences without the worry of arranging everything independently.
Protected if plans change
If we’re unable to visit a port, you’ll receive a full refund for any affected experience. And if itinerary timings change, we’ll work with our local partners to minimise disruption.
Local expertise you can trust
Our experiences are operated by experienced, responsible local partners with the appropriate insurance and expertise.
Complete peace of mind
If your experience is delayed returning to the ship, our onboard team will be kept informed and will make the necessary arrangements.
We’re with you every step of the way
Our dedicated Destination Experiences team is on hand to help you choose the right experience and ensure everything runs smoothly from ship to shore and back again.

Save up to 10% on Destination Experiences

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