Trade Winter for a Tropical Christmas in Madeira!

Escape the cold and discover a festive wonderland on the "Island of Eternal Spring", where the average daily temperature in December hovers mildly around 70 degrees. Army Outdoor Recreation invites you to Madeira, where you will be based out of a fantastic 4-star hotel in Santa Cruz for a trip that is the perfect blend of guided exploration and festive free time.

The highlight of your trip is the chance to experience Funchal's world-famous Tropical Christmas Market. Imagine strolling under palm trees wrapped in thousands of glittering lights, with the mild sea breeze in the air. This is Christmas without the cold. You’ll find traditional market stalls, tunnels of light, and elaborate decorations, all while enjoying unique local treats like vinho quente (Madeiran mulled wine) and the island's signature bolo de mel honey cake. It's a magical atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in Europe.

Your trip also includes two guided tours showcasing the island's incredible diversity, from the dizzying heights of Cabo Girão and the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, to the lush UNESCO forests and iconic thatched-roof houses of Santana.

Due to extremely early airline booking requirements, this trip has a non-negotiable reservation deadline. You must reserve your space before Monday, June 29. Adults who reserve one of the first 15 seats out of our allotment will also receive a $150 discount, but that discount doesn't apply to the 16th seat. Worse than that, any reservations made after June 29th may be subject to airfare price hikes! Lock in your discount by contacting Army Outdoor Recreation today!

Price, Seats 1-15:

• Double Occupancy: $1599 per person
• Single Occupancy: $1899

Price, Seats 16-30:

• Double Occupancy: $1749 p.p. 
• Single Occupancy: $2049

Reservations made on or after Monday, June 29 - or after the 30th seat is sold - may be subject to airline fare increases based on the current individual ticket rate.

• Up to two children aged 2-11 in family room with 2 paid adults: $1099 per child
• Infants under 2 as second child in family room or on existing bedding in double or single room: $299

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit card or Euro
• Military ID and Passport

Departure: 

• 6 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks
• 7:30 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905

Return: Monday Evening

Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the personal responsibility of each traveler. 

Estimated Itinerary

Thursday: Arrival in the "Floating Garden"

Wave goodbye to winter this morning as our comfortable shuttle whisks you away from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks to Frankfurt Airport for your flight. Upon landing on the Portuguese island of Madeira, a short local transfer brings you to your 4-star hotel in Santa Cruz. Pack away your parka, you won't need it again until Monday! Madeira's sub-tropical climate is why it's called "The Island of Eternal Spring". This afternoon you will settle in and get your first taste of the island's comfortable climate. You could take a stroll along the Santa Cruz promenade, find a local cafe for a coffee and a famous pastel de nata (a delicious, flaky Portuguese custard tart), or simply relax and get ready for the days of discovery ahead.

Friday: Free Day or the "West Tour" – Skywalks, Sea Cliffs & Volcanic Pools

Today you have a choice: enjoy a free day in Santa Cruz, or join the included "West Tour" to explore the dramatic western coast of Madeira.

If you join the tour, you will surely be awed by Cabo Girão, one of Europe's highest sea cliffs, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Are you brave enough to look straight down through the glass-floored skywalk into the waves crashing into the shoreline 1900 feet below? You will also visit the charming coastal town of Ribeira Brava before continuing to Porto Moniz, where you'll witness the incredible power of the Atlantic as it fills the natural swimming pools formed by volcanic lava. After returning to your hotel, your evening is free to enjoy the all amenities of the four-star resort or take a short taxi/bus ride into Funchal to get a taste of the Tropical Christmas Market after dark.

Saturday: Free Day or "The East" Tour – Mountain Peaks & Thatched Houses

Leaving the coast behind, today's included tour takes you into the lush, green heart of the island. Your journey brings you to Ribeiro Frio, a nature park deep within the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest, where you can take a short, serene levada walk along the island's unique irrigation channels. The day culminates in Santana, the home of the iconic, triangular thatched-roof houses. You'll have time to explore and photograph these colorful symbols of Madeiran heritage before returning to Santa Cruz for the evening.

Sunday: Your Day, Your Choice – Relaxation or Funchal's Christmas Magic

Today is entirely yours to enjoy. You could revel in a relaxing day in Santa Cruz, lounging by the hotel pool or on the beach. Or, for more tropical Christmas, explore the capital city of Funchal. It's just a short and easy bus or taxi ride away. Spend the day visiting the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market), exploring the historic Old Town, and as evening falls, immerse yourself in the Tropical Christmas Market. Stroll through glittering light tunnels on Avenida Arriaga, sip on festive local drinks, and soak in the magical atmosphere of Christmas without the cold.

Monday: Final Breakfast & Homeward Bound

Enjoy a final Portuguese breakfast at the hotel. Our transfer to the airport departs late enough for you to savor one last coffee or a quick final stroll along the beach. Your flight lands in the early evening, ensuring a comfortable and convenient end to your tropical Christmas escape.​​​​​​