• Good mood and fun with photography
• SLR, system or bridge camera
• Wide-angle lens and/or travel zoom.
• Optical filters: a soft 0.9 GND and an ND 64 are recommended – polarizing filter and other filters if required
• Stable tripod with ball head (no Gorilla Pod)
• A comfortable photo backpack that is also suitable for hiking.
• Memory cards, batteries, charger, remote shutter release if necessary
• Clothing appropriate for the season, including a light rain jacket for taking photos at the waterfalls

Travel program

Day 1

Welcome to Madeira

Welcome to an unforgettable adventure on the beautiful island of Madeira! Your adventure begins with your arrival at the impressive Funchal airport. Even as you approach the landing, you'll admire the breathtaking coastline, which offers a perfect photo opportunity.

Upon arrival at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, you'll enjoy a comfortable transfer with TUI to our charming Fourviews Oasis Hotel in Caniço. A cozy room with spectacular sea views awaits you, instantly evoking a wanderlust.

The evening is all about getting to know each other and anticipating the days ahead. Over dinner in the relaxed atmosphere of the hotel restaurant, you'll have the opportunity to get to know the other participants and our tour guide. There will be a brief introduction to landscape photography to get us in the mood for the exciting days ahead.

During a cozy dinner, we'll share our first stories, discuss our photographic goals, and end the day in a relaxed atmosphere. The perfect start to a trip full of adventure and breathtaking photo opportunities!

Our photographic journey of discovery begins in the early morning hours, when we experience the sunrise on the impressive Ponta de São Lourenço headland. This spectacular location provides the perfect backdrop for our introduction to "photography with filters." The first rays of sunlight breaking over the rugged terrain offer unique photo opportunities and inspire creative shots.

After this unforgettable morning atmosphere, we embark on a moderate hike of approximately 3 km along the headland. The path leads us through fascinating landscapes all the way down to idyllic Sardine Beach. Here, our specially chartered boat awaits us, taking us on an unforgettable whale and dolphin tour out into the ocean.

During the boat tour, you'll have the opportunity to observe and photograph bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, spotted dolphins, rosy-breasted dolphins, and many other fascinating marine creatures. If you have a GoPro or other waterproof action camera, be sure to bring it along—it'll allow you to capture stunning underwater shots to capture these unique moments.

We'll round off the evening with dinner together. Here, we'll discuss the day's experiences, show each other our best photos, and eagerly prepare for the adventures ahead. A perfect end to a day full of highlights and new experiences!

Day 3

Northwest coast, fairy forest and a magical sunset

In the early morning hours, we set off for the picturesque northwest coast of Madeira to photograph a spectacular sunrise near Porto Moniz. The rugged coastline and soft morning light offer fantastic photo opportunities that will awaken your creative side.

After sunrise, we continue to Porto Moniz itself, where we admire the crashing surf at the famous natural pools. The powerful waves crashing against the rocks are an impressive spectacle and offer numerous opportunities for dramatic shots.

Depending on the cloud cover, we'll continue our adventure in the mystical Fairy Forest. This enchanting forest, with its ancient laurel trees, creates a breathtaking backdrop reminiscent of fairy tales. The dense, moss-covered trees and mysterious atmosphere make this place a paradise for photographers seeking to capture the unusual and magical.

At sunset, we'll drive to the Miradouro do Farol da Ponta do Pargo, a lookout point with a magnificent view of the sea. Here, at the westernmost point of the island, we'll witness the sun sink into the ocean and bathe the sky in a spectacular display of colors. A perfect end to a day full of exploration and unforgettable photo opportunities.

After this eventful day, we enjoy dinner together, exchange our impressions and look forward to the adventures to come.

Option 5: Relax by the pool

If you'd rather start the day more relaxed, you can relax by the hotel pool and soak up the sun. With a refreshing poncha, a traditional Madeiran cocktail, in hand, you can unwind and enjoy the ocean views. It's a perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries and simply enjoy the peace and quiet.

No matter which activity you choose, the day will be full of exciting experiences. In the evening, we'll meet again for dinner to share our adventures of the day and look forward to the days ahead.

Day 5

Starry sky, sunrise and jungle adventure

With fully charged batteries, we set off in the early morning hours for one of the most exciting destinations of our trip – Pico do Areeiro. Here, far from the light pollution of cities, we have the unique opportunity to photograph the Milky Way in all its glory. The clear, dark night sky provides perfect conditions for breathtaking shots of stars and galaxies.

We'll stay at Pico do Areeiro to experience the magnificent sunrise above the clouds of Madeira. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the peaks and bathe the clouds below us in golden light, magical photo opportunities arise that will remain unforgettable.

After this impressive morning, we enjoy breakfast together and fortify ourselves for the rest of the day. Refreshed, we set off into the verdant jungle of Madeira. On the way, we stop at a legendary arched bridge, which is not only an architectural highlight but also offers fantastic photo opportunities.

We continue to a hidden waterfall deep in the jungle. The path there takes us through lush vegetation, past exotic plants, and picturesque landscapes. Once we reach the waterfall, we'll have the opportunity to photograph this natural wonder from different perspectives and capture the beauty of this hidden paradise.

The day ends with a cozy dinner, where we share our experiences and the impressive pictures of the day. Another highlight of our trip, one that brings us even closer to the diversity and beauty of Madeira.

Day 6

Discovery tour in Funchal

Today we'll head to Madeira's vibrant capital, Funchal. We'll be taken there by an exclusive shuttle bus, which will also comfortably return us to the hotel at the end of the day.

The morning begins with a visit to the famous farmers' market, the Mercado dos Lavradores. Here, colorful stalls with local specialties, exotic fruits, and artisanal goods await us. A special photo spot is the adjacent fish market, where freshly caught fish is sold and offers great, vibrant shots.

After visiting the market, we explore Funchal's charming old town with its impressive architecture. The narrow, cobbled streets and historic buildings offer countless photo opportunities and allow us to immerse ourselves in the authentic life of the island's capital.

You can choose how to spend the rest of the day in Funchal:

Option 1: Tuk Tuk Tour

Experience Funchal in a truly unique way – with a tuk-tuk ride. Zoom through the streets, discover hidden corners, and feel the wind in your hair as you pass the most beautiful sights. This lively tour allows you to see the city from a new perspective and discover unique photo opportunities.

Option 2: Relax in the café

If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, you can sit in one of the many charming cafés and watch the hustle and bustle of the streets. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a refreshing drink while soaking up the atmosphere and perhaps even eyeing up your next photo opportunity.

In the evening, we'll meet again for a shared meal to share the day's impressions and reflect on our many experiences. A varied day full of new discoveries and photo opportunities in Madeira's vibrant capital!

It remains exciting! Today we're embarking on the spectacular 25 Springs Hike, one of the most beautiful hikes in Madeira. Our destination is two of the island's most impressive waterfalls.

The trail leads us through dense laurel forests along the levadas, Madeira's traditional irrigation canals. The breathtaking scenery offers countless photo opportunities, from moss-covered trees to bubbling streams to fascinating rock formations.

During the hike, you'll experience the island's rich flora and fauna up close and feel the magical atmosphere of this special place. The hike to the 25 Springs is not only a photographic highlight, but also a nature experience that immerses you in Madeira's pristine beauty.

At the end of the day, we return, full of the impressions of this extraordinary hike, and enjoy a shared dinner where we reflect on the day's experiences and share the best photos. A perfect conclusion to another unforgettable day on our photography tour.

Day 8

Farewell to Madeira

Unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye. With many new impressions and unforgettable photos in your luggage, you'll be heading home today. The transfer from the hotel to the airport will be arranged by TUI, so you can relax and prepare for your return flight.

During the drive to the airport, you'll have the opportunity to reflect on Madeira's beautiful landscapes and savor the many special moments of this trip. I hope this photo tour has not only enriched your photographic skills, but also created unforgettable experiences and new friendships.

Goodbye, Madeira – see you on the next adventure!