Port
Funchal (Madeira), Portugal
Activity Level
Moderate
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$139.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 3¼ Hours
Meals Included
Meals included
Drive through Funchal's bustling seaside port and Madeira's magnificent rolling hills toward Quinta Pedagogica da Camacha, a small farm committed to sustainable agriculture and community-based tourism. Here, your National Geographic guide will offer insights into the region and introduce you to the farm's owner, Bruno Santos. Having left accounting for agriculture, Bruno now dedicates his life to helping his neighborhood through sustainable farming, a lowered environmental footprint and community outreach.
Follow Bruno through flowering groves and lush grass paths as you explore the grounds. You'll learn about the many uses for their freshly grown herbs and visit their strawberry plantation. Walk along the fields and poios -- what Madeirans call the terraced areas where they grow their crops -- as you learn about the farm's produce and animal husbandry. There's even a small market Bruno created to help other local vendors reach their greater community and visiting tourists.
You'll also experience a host of seasonal activities offered exclusively to National Geographic travelers. Harvest ripe fruits, discover the best practices for field maintenance and sow seeds in a planting workshop. Afterward, you'll relax and enjoy refreshing tea brewed from the farm's own herbs, as well as homemade cakes, toast and jams preserved from local fruits.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water.