Madeira Virtual Experience, Banana Museum and Rum Factory

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Hassle-free

Cancellation

4 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Easy

Sightseeing/City Tour Culinary/Food Wildlife/Nature Skip The Line Family Friendly

Overview

Step into Madeira Immersive Experiences, the physical and technological epicenter of the island, where cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) bring Madeira’s natural and cultural heritage to life.

As regional leaders in immersive tourism, we invite you to explore Madeira like never before. Our virtual experiences transport you through lush landscapes, iconic viewpoints, and historic landmarks, while showcasing the island’s flora, fauna, traditions, gastronomy, and UNESCO-recognized heritage.

Honored by the World Travel Awards, the interactive digital space offers a unique window into Madeira’s past and present, fusing technology with storytelling to create unforgettable memories. Get ready for a full sensory journey into the world of the Madeira Banana at BAM – Banana Museum. Far more than just a museum, BAM is an immersive cultural experience that blends history, art, and innovation.

Through holograms, interactive installations, photography, and art, BAM invites you to explore the history, production, and cultural impact of the iconic Madeira Banana. Let your imagination run wild as you engage all five senses in this unique and fun-filled environment. Be sure to check our calendar for special exhibitions and events!

Enjoy relaxed counter service or take-away options at the BAM Bar, offering delicious sandwiches, soups, snacks, sweets, and drinks—perfect for families. Don’t miss our exclusive banana beer for the grown-ups, all enjoyed with a stunning view over the banana plantations. Wrap up your visit with a stop at the BAM Shop, where you’ll find banana-inspired souvenirs, including T-shirts, backpacks, caps, magnets, pins, and more.

Traveling through Madeira’s sugar-producing past is like tracing the rich history and identity of its people. At the heart of this story stands the Engenho da Calheta—an iconic symbol of the island’s industrial and cultural heritage. Founded during a time of industrial expansion at the turn of the 20th century, the Sociedade dos Engenhos da Calheta reflects the second golden age of Madeiran sugar production, when sugar, once known as “white gold,” was central to the island’s economy and trade.

With over half a century of history, this mill is one of the oldest operating sugar cane mills on the island. It remains a proud producer of Madeira’s famous agricultural Rum, crafted through controlled fermentation and expert distillation, as well as the island’s distinctive sugar cane honey, made by steaming the fresh cane juice (garapa).

Our next stop is the Village of Calheta. Located in the heart of Calheta, the mill functions as a living museum, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Madeira’s industrial past. It comes alive once a year, typically after Easter, during the sugar cane harvest, a unique opportunity to witness the traditional machinery in action and step back in time. Open year-round, the site also features a small museum exhibit on the sugar-making process. Visitors can taste and purchase a variety of local products, including:

Madeira Agricultural Rum (Aguardente da Madeira)

Traditional Poncha and other rum-based liqueurs

Sugar cane honey cake (bolo de mel) and biscuits

Engenho da Calheta is more than a factory, it’s a celebration of Madeira’s sweet history, flavors, and enduring craftsmanship. A must-visit on the island’s west coast!

What's Included

Air Conditioned Transportation
English Speaking Guide
Banana Museum Entrance
Rum Distillery Entrance
Local Drink - Poncha

Gratuities/Tips
Food and Drink (except where noted)

Considerations

This tour is not available on Sundays.

Special Instructions

Please wear comfortable footwear for this excursion as there is some walking on uneven ground and steps.
Wear cool and comfortable clothes and shoes.
Bring your camera to capture wonderful memories of your time ashore!

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.

Hassle-free

Cancellation

4 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Easy

Madeira Virtual Experience, Banana Museum and Rum Factory

Overview

What's Included

Considerations

Special Instructions

Meeting and Pickup

Book Now

Price Info

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