Private – Balcões Walk & A-Framed Houses Tour

Set out on a private tour of Madeira’s stunning landscapes and charming architecture. This customizable experience takes you through the Laurisilva forests, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers panoramic views from Pico do Arieiro. Discover the unique A-frame houses while your knowledgeable guide shares insider stories. Explore at your own pace in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure into Madeira’s natural and cultural wonders.

Key Points

• Personalised tour experience in eastern Madeira, including visits to Pico do Arieiro, Laurisilva forests, and traditional A-frame houses.
• Private driver-guide provides insider stories and flexible exploration at one’s own pace.
• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off available for select locations in Funchal and Canico.
• Pricing starts from £63.72 per person, with fuel surcharge and other fees included.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Balcões Walk & A-Framed Houses Tour is a private, customizable experience that allows visitors to discover the natural, historical, and cultural highlights of eastern Madeira in a single day.

Recommended by 100% of travelers, this tour features a visit to Pico do Arieiro, the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forests, traditional A-frame houses, historical villages, and scenic viewpoints.

With a personal driver-guide, guests can explore at their own pace and learn insider stories about the region. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with an air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup and drop-off included for select locations.

Inclusions and Pricing

This tour includes a private driver/guide, all taxes and fees, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off for select locations in Funchal and Canico.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and the price varies based on group size, starting from £63.72 per person. There’s a fuel surcharge, landing, and facility fees included.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are provided.

Pickup details are confirmed upon booking, and drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled time.

Pickup Information

Where are the pickup locations for this tour?

This private tour offers pickup from hotels in Funchal, Camara de Lobos, and Canico. However, it isn’t available from Machico, Santa Cruz, or the Cruise Port.

Guests will receive confirmation of their pickup details via email or WhatsApp after booking. The drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so it’s important to be ready.

This ensures the tour stays on schedule and allows the guide to provide a personalized experience at your own pace.

• Pickup locations: Funchal, Camara de Lobos, Canico
• No pickups from Machico, Santa Cruz, or Cruise Port
• Pickup details confirmed via email/WhatsApp
• Drivers wait up to 5 minutes after scheduled time

Tour Experience

How does the tour experience unfold on this private Balcões Walk & A-Framed Houses Tour?

The tour offers a personalized experience, allowing guests to explore at their own pace. Knowledgeable guides share insider stories, enhancing the journey with their expertise.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with infant seats available. However, it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Guests appreciate the comfort of the air-conditioned vehicle, a contrast to the more rugged jeep tours. The flexible itinerary enables visitors to savor the unique experiences and stunning locations, making this an ideal option for those without a car or with limited time in Madeira.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The customer reviews and feedback for the Balcões Walk & A-Framed Houses Tour have been overwhelmingly positive.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who bring the tour’s history and cultural elements to life. Many appreciate the comfort and convenience of the air-conditioned vehicle compared to jeep tours.

Reviewers highlight the well-organized itinerary and the tour’s flexibility, allowing them to customize their experience.

Travelers recommend this tour for those without a car or limited time, as it provides a unique opportunity to discover Madeira’s natural, historical, and cultural attractions in a single day.

• Knowledgeable, friendly guides
• Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Well-organized, flexible itinerary
• Recommended for those without a car

Pico Do Arieiro

Towering at 1,817 meters (5,965 feet) above sea level, Pico do Arieiro is one of Madeira’s highest and most iconic peaks.

This dramatic mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the island’s rugged interior. Visitors can admire the serrated rocky spires and sweeping vistas of deep valleys and distant ridges.

The drive to the summit provides an exciting journey, winding through tunnels and hairpin turns. At the top, travelers can explore hiking trails and snap memorable photos.

Pico do Arieiro is a highlight of the "Private – Balcões Walk & A-Framed Houses Tour", immersing guests in Madeira’s stunning natural landscapes.

Laurisilva Forests

Madeira’s Laurisilva forests are a UNESCO World Heritage site, comprising some of the oldest and most well-preserved laurel forests in the world.

These lush, green expanses are home to a unique ecosystem teeming with rare flora and fauna, including the Madeiran Laurel Pigeon and the Madeiran Firecrest.

Visitors can expect to be captivated by the forest’s ethereal beauty, with its towering ancient trees, cascading streams, and mystical atmosphere.

Key highlights of the Laurisilva forests include:

• Exploring the dense, primeval landscape
• Spotting endemic bird and plant species
• Hiking along scenic trails and footpaths
• Taking in Madeira’s natural heritage

Traditional A-Frame Houses and Historical Villages

Traditional A-frame houses dot the landscape as the tour winds through eastern Madeira’s historical villages.

These charming structures, with their distinctive triangular roofs, were once common across the island. The tour explores the quaint alleyways and cobblestone streets of these villages, offering a glimpse into Madeira’s past.

Guests can admire the careful craftsmanship and unique architectural style of the A-frame houses, many of which have been meticulously preserved. The guides share insights into the local history and culture, allowing visitors to connect with Madeira’s traditions.

These stops provide a refreshing contrast to the natural wonders seen earlier in the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for people with mobility issues, as it is not wheelchair accessible. The itinerary includes walking trails and uneven terrain that could be challenging for those with limited mobility.

Can We Stop for a Local Lunch or Snack During the Tour?

The tour allows for stops at local eateries for lunch or snacks along the way. Guests can enjoy authentic Madeiran cuisine and have a chance to enjoy the island’s culture during the personalized experience.

Are There Any Opportunities for Hiking or Walking on the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes a private Balcões Walk, which allows guests to explore eastern Madeira’s natural landscapes and hike through the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forests. The itinerary is customizable, so additional walking opportunities may be incorporated upon request.

Can We Visit Any Additional Sites Beyond the Listed Attractions?

Yes, the tour is customizable, so travelers can visit additional sites beyond the listed attractions. The knowledgeable guides can tailor the itinerary to accommodate special interests or requests within the allotted tour time.

Is Photography Permitted at All the Locations on the Tour?

Photography is generally permitted at the tour locations, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting others. The tour guide can provide more specific guidance on photo opportunities during the experience.

The Sum Up

This private walking tour of Madeira’s stunning Balcões and charming A-framed houses offers a unique opportunity to learn about the island’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Discover the UNESCO-protected Laurisilva forests, take in panoramic views from Pico do Arieiro, and explore traditional villages, all at your own pace. With an expert guide and comfortable transportation, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the best of eastern Madeira.