PRESS PLAY · MORNING
Good morning tours sell their best slots weeks ahead. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Start before dawn with a shared transfer from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro. Your driver explains the route, sunrise viewpoints, and pickup plan, then you hike independently toward Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira. Route closures can mean a PR3 alternative.
“Easy transport, communication and directions! Nuno was great. Would recommend”
Start before dawn from Haiku, ride by van to Haleakala’s summit for sunrise, then bike downhill at your own pace from about 6,500 feet. Guides such as Eddie Buddy, Corey, and Russell add local stories before a scenic ride, Makawao stop, and optional breakfast.
“The views were beyond my expectations!! The ride was great, they provided everything we needed for the ride including wind suits which were so necessary.”
Start before dawn with pickup in Funchal or Caniço, reach Pico do Arieiro for sunrise, then hike at your own pace. Drivers such as Pedro, Filipe, Nuno, and Adriana explain the route and weather. Depending on trail access, you may follow PR1, PR1.1, or PR3.
“This experience is a hit and miss. Be very aware the photos are one in a 100 event. If you do get lucky then the views are good otherwise it is not as described.”
Spend five hours with Kiruna Husky, steering your own dogsled through the snowy tundra near Kalixforsbron. You will share a sled, take turns driving, help with the dogs, and finish with soup, sandwiches, coffee, and Swedish fika in a traditional Sami tent.
“We had an absolut great time. A once-in-a-lifetime experience 😍❤️”
Start before dawn at Pico do Arieiro, with an optional 1.2-kilometre PR1 hike, then visit Miradouro do Guindaste and walk the self-guided Larano trail. Pickup runs from Funchal and Caniço. Driver Rosbert is often praised for clear instructions and local insight, but hikes are generally unguided.
“Het weer zat helaas niet mee, we hebben regen gehad en het was erg mistig. Dit was ook de weersvoorspelling, helaas was een andere dag geen mogelijkheid meer voor ons. Toch mochten we de zonsopkomst zien. De wandeltocht was ondanks de mist alsnog een hele mooie beleving. Een echte aanrader! Waarbij Rosbert een fijne taxichauffeur was. De route wandel je zelfstandig, maar maakt het met de groep waarin je loopt enorm gezellig.”
Start with guide April or another local host, cycling from The Vines Village to three Marlborough wineries with tastings included. After lunch, use your map and bike to visit more cellar doors at your own pace. Pickup from Blenheim or Renwick is available.
“Great fun despite the constant rain. Wonderful host and guide, really friendly vineyard staff, delicious tasting sessions.”
Start with a morning pickup in Funchal or Caniço, then hike at your own pace from Pico do Arieiro along the Stairway to Heaven and Vereda do Burro. Luis, Felipe, or Diago may handle your transfer, explain the route, and collect you at Funchal Ecological Park.
“The trips was really good organized and we had plenty of time to do the hike. It was great and i woud recommend to do it”
This ground-based sunrise tour takes you from Göreme to the balloon launch area, Love Valley, and a high Göreme viewpoint. You will watch the balloons inflate and rise without flying, while a small van, snacks, water, pickup, and an English audio guide keep the early morning simple.
“This was a great way to see balloons setting off and sailing across the sky. We didn't want an actual flight so this was a great alternative. Very inexpensive! Glad I booked before I left home”
Tanya and the EzRideLV team pick you up before sunrise, fit you with an e-bike, and explain the route before you ride independently through Red Rock Canyon. Expect a gentle 4-mile approach, a 13-mile scenic road, red sandstone views, snacks, water, and a small group of no more than eight.
“Great time. Nice bike lanes- no worry of traffic. First time on electric bikes- they are great. Owners very friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend.”
Drive yourself to Aquila Private Game Reserve for a 2 to 3-hour shared open 4x4 safari with an English-speaking ranger. Arrive by 7:00 am for a welcome drink, possible continental breakfast, and chances to see lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and antelope.
“Told maximum 10 people- but actually 24 people in vehicle. Advertised welcome drink - did not get. Advertised pre packed breakfast- did not get; in fact told to arrive by 6.45 am for early morning safari- did nit leave until 8am. Not told to bring warm clothes. Implied 3 hour safari- actually less than 2 hours . Told driver would drive carefully as disabled daughter- actually went very fast. Very disorganised- supposed to have skip the line, and did not. No one knew where to go either. Told couldn’t go on truck fir 10 people even though was personally told would be no more than 10 as booked small group”
You’ll collect a Polaris RZR 1000 CC automatic twin-turbo buggy from your Abu Dhabi hotel and follow a guide through sandy trails and dunes for 60 minutes. Drivers must be at least 16 and carry a passport copy. Guides such as Praveen lead the ride, while Unni and Rasbeed have handled transfers.
“Very good organization and support, the focus was on driving the buggy, just as I wanted.”
Meet at Haiku Marketplace for an early climb to Haleakala’s 10,000-foot summit and sunrise over the crater. Then ride Kona mountain bikes from about 6,500 feet down the Fabulous 29 switchbacks twice, followed by an upcountry drive and breakfast in Makawao.
“The day was great!! Staff was kind and courteous. Got to see a clear sunrise. Unfortunate that the bike rides have gotten shorter in length, therefore the time in the bus was perhaps too long.”
Pick a walk, a drive, a ticket or a game.
