From Trauma to Freedom & Inner Sovereignty - Time in Nature | Madeira

Wir werden in Zelten auf einem Privatgrundstück schlafen.

Meals are not included in the price. So make sure you take care of yourself and bring your own food for breakfast and lunch. And you might want to bring something with you for the first day so you don’t run out. Especially around lunchtime, we’ll be out in nature, where it most likely won’t be possible to buy food. We’ll stop regularly at supermarkets to buy food, so we’ll all be in the same boat. For dinner, we usually go to a restaurant, though everyone can decide for themselves.

What could be more healing than a safe space of trust, connection, and belonging—a place where we can reveal our true selves and feel seen, heard, acknowledged, supported, and guided, without anyone trying to change us, so that everything can transform and the best within us can come to light?

Are you ready for an adventure from the limits of the mind to the wisdom of the heart, in beautiful natural settings filled with genuine, truthful, and authentic encounters?

What We’ll Do and What Will Happen

What is the one thing that can give you true security in a world that’s becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable? Is it money? Power? Fame? Success? Possessions? Control? What good are all these things to you if the next war might be just around the corner? Or if you have to fear for your life just by stepping outside? And you no longer know what’s true amid this sea of information? And with so much misinformation, you can no longer figure out who or what you can still trust? And it’s unclear how and where it will even be safe anymore?

What we’ll do and what will happen to us

In a world that’s becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable, what is the one thing that can give you true security? Is it money? Power? Fame? Success? Possessions? Control? What good is all that to you if the next war might be just around the corner? Or if you have to fear for your life when you step outside? And you no longer know what’s true amid this sea of information? And with so much disinformation, you can no longer figure out who or what you can still trust? And it’s unclear how and where it will even be safe anymore?

The true and only security and stability lie in being aware of your inner impulses at every moment and following them. And to stop focusing on the outside world and letting it guide your decisions. Because we live in times when the mind is reaching its limits. And we must connect with deeper dimensions within ourselves to let them guide us. And that is exactly what this time we’ll spend together is all about.

At the same time, we’ll be out and about in many beautiful natural settings, clearing our minds as we walk. Because only a free spirit is trustworthy and reliable.

Are you ready for the
adventure
and
to encounter
yourself?

What you’ll take away from this event
● The experience of a space filled with connection and trust
● Greater clarity about who or what you truly are
● Greater clarity about your beliefs, coping mechanisms, and survival strategies—and why you are the way you are
● Greater compassion for your own challenging aspects, states, and emotions—and those of others
● A greater ability to hold space, provide emotional support to others, and meet them with humility, curiosity, and compassion
● Equal opportunities for more introverted participants to speak up, express themselves, and feel seen and heard without having to compete with more extroverted participants

Accommodations

We’ll be staying in tents on private property in a wonderful location surrounded by nature. Showers, restrooms, and an outdoor kitchen with hot water are available.

Meals

Meals are not included in the price. So make sure to take care of yourself and bring your own food for breakfast and lunch. You might also want to bring something for the first day so you don’t run out. Especially around lunchtime, we’ll be outside in nature, where it most likely won’t be possible to buy food. We’ll stop regularly at supermarkets to buy food, so we’re all in the same boat. For dinner, we usually go to a restaurant, though everyone is free to decide for themselves.

Rental Cars or a Bus to Get Around the Island

We’ll find the most suitable and affordable way to get around the island. Either we’ll rent several cars and split up the participants if there are willing drivers, or we’ll rent one or more buses that can accommodate all participants. Rental cars are very affordable in Madeira. The total cost of gas and car rentals will be divided among the participants. For this reason, there is an advance payment/deposit of 250 euros; the difference will be refunded or an additional payment may be required.

Preparation

We will meet online via Zoom to clarify all details.

Changes to the Itinerary

Due to the weather forecast, destinations and plans may change at short notice, meaning they may no longer correspond to the itinerary listed below.

Hiking Trail Fees

Due to high demand, many hiking trails have required advance registration and time slots—and incur fees—since 2026. These fees are included in the price.

Tent Rental

Tents can be rented at various locations on Madeira if you don’t want to bring your own. Feel free to contact me if you need help.

Details
Duration: 10 days
Arrival: Friday, October 15, 2027, Funchal Airport
Departure: Sunday, October 24, 2027, Funchal Airport
Meeting Point: Funchal Airport
Target Group: Adults
Participants: Max. 12
Participation Fee: 719 euros + 250 euros deposit for a rental car or bus. Please contact me for a discount if you need to watch your budget
Accommodation: In tents on a beautiful private property
Tour Leader: Oliver
Places we’ll visit: Lots

Included

● Tour leadership and guided tours
● Accommodation in tents on a wonderful private property
● Trail fees
● Admission to the Cabo Girão viewpoint
● Admission to the Porto Moniz lava pools

Not Included

● Meals
● Flight
● Rental car and gas

Itinerary

Day 1

We’ll meet at the airport in Funchal and then drive together to the campground. If arrival times vary, we’ll find an alternative arrangement. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll gather to discuss the relevant information.

Day 2

Introduction to “The Language of Connection” – activities designed to create a safe environment, build trust, and foster connection within the group

1. 10:00 a.m. Gathering in a circle and start of activities
2. 2:00 p.m. Lunch
3. 3:30 p.m. Activities
4. Dinner
5. Additional activities, if necessary

Day 3

Levada do 25 Fontes, Levada do Alecrim, Risco Waterfall, Lagoa do Vento
1. Morning circle
2. Time in nature (Levada do 25 Fontes ...)
3. Dinner
4. Evening circle

Difficulty Level

Distance: 11.4 km
Ascent: 480 m
Descent: 480 m
Minimum elevation: 1,000 m
Maximum elevation: 1,320 m

Day Four

Sunrise at Pico do Arriero and Hike to Pico Ruivo

1. Hike to Pico do Arriero for sunrise
2. Nature time (Pico do Arriero to Pico Ruivo)
3. Dinner
4. Evening circle

Difficulty Level

Distance: 11.2 km
Ascent: 1,020 m
Descent: 1,030 m
Minimum elevation: 1,540 m
Maximum elevation: 1,830 m

Day Five

Visit many attractions such as the Fanal Laurel Forest, Porto Moniz, and much more....

1. Morning circle
2. Fanal Laurel Forest
3. Porto Moniz (natural lava swimming pools)
4. Praia da Ribeira da Janela (beach with rock formations)
5. Seixal village (the best beach with rocks)
6. Véu da Noiva viewpoint (waterfall plunging into the water) 
7. Miradouro Água d’Alto (viewpoint)
8. São Vicente (a wonderful village with a church or chapel on the mountain)
9. Miradouro Lombo do Mouro (viewpoint)
10. Miradouro Bica da Cana (viewpoint)
11. Dinner
12. Evening circle

We won’t be walking as much to recover from the strenuous hike the day before

Day Six

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

1. Morning circle
3. Nature time (Levada do Caldeirão Verde)
4. Dinner
5. Evening circle

Difficulty level:

Distance: 13.6 km
Ascent: 100 m
Descent: 100 m
Minimum elevation: 809 m
Maximum elevation: 930 m

Day 7

Pico Grande

1. Morning Circle
3. Nature Time (Pico Grande)
5. Dinner
6. Evening Circle

Difficulty Level:

Distance: 10 km
Ascent: 696 m
Descent: 707 m
Minimum elevation: 1230 m
Maximum elevation: 1656 m

Day 8

Ponta do Sol – Funchal

1. Morning circle
2. Ponta do Sol (nomad village)
3. Anjos Waterfall
4. Cabo Girão Skywalk
5. Cristo Rei
6. Funchal
4. Dinner
5. Evening Circle

We’ll visit various sights and won’t walk as much so we can recover from the previous day.

Day 9

Ponta de São Lourenço

1. Morning circle
2. Ponta de São Lourenço
3. Nonnental / Eira do Serrado viewpoint
4. Dinner
5. Evening circle

Difficulty:

Distance: 8 km
Ascent: 300 m
Descent: 300 m
Minimum elevation: 20 m
Maximum elevation: 90 m

Day Ten

Return to the Airport

The “From Trauma to Freedom & Inner Sovereignty – Nature Retreat” is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnosis, counseling, or treatment!

The arrival airport is Funchal. We will find the most convenient and affordable way to get around the island. Either we will rent several cars and divide the participants among them, if there are willing drivers, or we will rent one or more buses that can accommodate all participants. Rental cars are very affordable in Madeira. The total cost of gas and the rental cars will be divided among the participants. For this reason, there is an advance payment/deposit of 250 euros; the difference will be refunded or an additional amount may need to be paid.