A Personal Welcome

My name is Mike, and I’m the guide behind Misty Mountains.

I live in the north of Madeira, surrounded by mountains, forest, sea air and constantly shifting weather. Mist, clouds, sunlight and rain roll through my windows almost daily — and it’s this ever-changing atmosphere that inspired the name and the way I guide.

Before moving to Madeira, I spent years working as a head sommelier, creating memorable experiences for some of the most powerful people in the world at a prestigious private members club in St James, London. Transitioning from wine to guiding might seem unusual, but both rely on the same foundation: atmosphere, hospitality, storytelling, and helping people feel something special.

I’m originally from Poland, and I’m proud to offer tours in both English and Polish — perfect for Polish travellers who want deeper insight and a more comfortable, personalised experience on the island.

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🌫️ What Makes My Tours Different

Fanal is my backyard

Many people come to Madeira to “see the main sights”. What I offer is something slightly different: a chance to feel the island.

Because I live here and explore daily, I don’t operate from fixed, rigid routes. I pay attention to:

• the weather patterns
• the movement of clouds and mist
• how the landscape changes throughout the day
• which areas are busy or peaceful
• where the light is best at that exact moment

This allows me to adjust the tour naturally, so that every experience is shaped by the island’s real conditions — not a strict itinerary.

Madeira is unpredictable.
That’s what makes it special.
And that’s how I like to guide it.

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A Sommelier’s Approach to Guiding

Years in hospitality taught me how to create calm, enjoyable, personalised experiences.
On every tour I focus on:

• comfort
• attention to detail
• good energy
• professional service
• understanding your preferences

These qualities elevate private tours into something more meaningful.

And if you enjoy wine, I offer an optional Madeira wine tasting add-on, combining my sommelier background with the island’s winemaking heritage.

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My Special Connection to Madeira’s North

The north of Madeira is where I feel most connected.

It’s wilder.
Greener.
Quieter.
More dramatic.
More mysterious.

This is where you’ll find:

• ancient laurel forest
• fog rolling in from the ocean
• deep valleys and rugged coastlines
• incredible viewpoints
• small villages and hidden roads
• constantly changing light

These are the places I return to again and again — not because they are famous, but because they feel alive.

When conditions are right, we may visit iconic natural areas (including Fanal or similar forests), but always with respect, awareness and sensitivity to the environment and current conditions. My priority is not checking off landmarks — it is guiding with care, timing and intention.

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🌱 My Guiding Values

• Slow and meaningful travel
• Respect for nature and wildlife
• Flexible, adaptive routes
• Authentic, local knowledge
• Small, private and personal experiences
• No rush, no scripts, no crowds when possible

I want your day to feel natural — not like you are on a production line of tourism.

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🌄 What You Can Expect on My Tours

• Completely private experience
• Calm, grounded energy
• Time for photos and reflection
• Local stories, nature insight and hidden areas
• A pace that matches you
• Real, non-touristic Madeira when possible
• A guide who genuinely loves the island

Every tour is shaped by three things: the weather, the landscape, and you.

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🍷 Optional: Madeira Wine Tasting

As a former sommelier, I offer an optional wine-tasting experience featuring Madeira’s iconic styles.
It’s a perfect way to finish or enhance your adventure.

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🇵🇱 Tours Available in Polish

Jestem Polakiem i z przyjemnością prowadzę wycieczki również po polsku.
Dzięki temu polscy podróżnicy mogą czuć się swobodniej, zadawać więcej pytań i poznać Maderę w komfortowy, ciekawy i bardziej osobisty sposób.

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🤝 A Final Word From Me

I didn’t start this business to create “just another tour”.
I started it because I wanted to share the side of Madeira that made me stay.

If you are looking for a guide who knows the rhythm of the island, respects nature, adapts to conditions and creates a calm, meaningful experience — I would love to take you with me into the mountains, forests and hidden corners of Madeira.

Let’s explore the mist, the wild landscapes, and the quiet beauty of this island together.
— Mike

👉 Book your private tour now