Madeira: Monte Sightseeing Tour & Toboggan Sled Ride

Madeira’s iconic Monte Sightseeing Tour and Toboggan Sled Ride offers an exhilarating adventure that combines the island’s rich cultural heritage with thrilling natural scenery. Visitors can explore the historic church, home to the tomb of the last Austro-Hungarian emperor, before embarking on a unique and breathtaking toboggan sled ride down to Funchal. With friendly local guides, this 3-hour tour promises an immersive and memorable experience for those seeking to uncover the enchanting essence of Madeira. But what truly sets this adventure apart is the chance to witness the seamless blend of Madeira’s past and present.

Contents show

Key Points

The tour offers a 3-hour sightseeing experience in Madeira, including a visit to the church of Monte and a historic Toboggan sled ride.
The tour is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 12 reviews.
Booking is available with payment later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private vehicle, and the Toboggan sled ride, but excludes food, drinks, and pictures.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or unaccompanied children, and participants are required to follow the guide’s instructions for safety.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Madeira: Monte Sightseeing Tour & Toboggan Sled Ride is a 3-hour activity that allows visitors to explore the beautiful town of Monte and experience the thrilling Toboggan Sled ride down to Funchal.

Priced from $92.27 per person, the tour is offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

With a rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 12 reviews, the tour is a popular choice.

Customers can reserve the tour now and pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

Optional hotel pickup and drop-off are available, but not from the Funchal Port.

Looking for more options in Madeira? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Booking and Cancellation

Customers can reserve the Madeira: Monte Sightseeing Tour & Toboggan Sled Ride now and pay later, as no upfront payment is required.

The tour can be easily canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup for the tour is optional from accommodations in Funchal, Caniço, or Camara de Lobos, but it isn’t available at the Funchal Port.

The tour includes a driver/local guide, transportation by private vehicle, and free Wi-Fi onboard.

However, it excludes food, drinks, and pictures.

Customers should wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or unaccompanied children.

Tour Highlights

Visitors can explore the beautiful church of Monte, housing the tomb of the last Austro-Hungarian emperor.

They’ll experience the historic Toboggan Sled ride from Monte to Funchal, enjoying splendid views over the city during the ride. This unique transportation method dates back to the 19th century, when the sleds were used as a public conveyance.

Guests will learn about the fascinating history of this distinctive local tradition. The exhilarating sled ride down the steep streets is sure to be a highlight of the tour, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Madeira’s rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a driver/local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by private vehicle, free Wi-Fi onboard, and the Toboggan sled ride.

However, food, drinks, and pictures aren’t included. Participants must wear comfortable shoes and clothes. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Smoking, drinks, food, and vaping are prohibited in the vehicle. The largest sledge requires at least 3 passengers, and the sleds may not operate in rain.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Smoking, drinks, food, and vaping are prohibited in the vehicle.

The largest sledge requires at least 3 passengers. Sleds may not operate in rain, so the tour may be modified or canceled in inclement weather.

Participants should follow the guide’s instructions for safety. Checking the weather and packing appropriately will help make the most of this unique sightseeing and toboggan ride experience in Madeira.

There's plenty more to explore in Madeira

The Beauty of Monte

The charming church of Monte stands as a testament to Madeira’s rich history and cultural heritage. This picturesque landmark offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s past, with its ornate architecture and serene surroundings.

Some of the highlights include:

The tomb of the last Austro-Hungarian emperor, which is housed within the church.
The breathtaking views of Funchal and the surrounding landscape that can be enjoyed from the church’s grounds.
The opportunity to learn about the history of the Toboggan sled ride, which has been a unique mode of transportation in this area for over a century.

The Historic Toboggan Sled Ride

After visiting the beautiful church of Monte, travelers can experience the historic Toboggan sled ride, a unique mode of transportation that has delighted visitors to Madeira for over a century.

The sled ride takes passengers on a thrilling descent from Monte to Funchal, offering splendid views over the city. Dating back to the 19th century, this traditional form of public transportation was once a popular way for locals to get around.

Today, the Toboggan sled ride is a beloved attraction, allowing visitors to enjoy Madeira’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring Madeira’s Rich History

Though often overshadowed by the island’s natural beauty, Madeira’s rich history and cultural heritage offer captivating insights into the region’s past.

From the Levadas, an intricate system of irrigation channels dating back to the 15th century, to the picturesque village of Monte, home to the tomb of the last Austro-Hungarian Emperor, Madeira’s historic landmarks bear witness to its storied past.

Key elements of this legacy include:

The historic Toboggan Sled Ride, a 19th-century transportation method that has become an iconic Madeiran experience.
The Monte Church, a beautiful religious site housing the final resting place of Emperor Charles I.
The enduring traditions and customs that have shaped the island’s unique cultural identity over centuries.

Since You Asked

Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

There doesn’t appear to be a minimum group size for this tour. The information provided indicates that the largest sledge requires at least 3 passengers, but there is no mention of a minimum group size requirement for the overall tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Private tours are available and offer more flexibility to tailor the experience to the group’s preferences. Group size minimums may apply, so it’s best to inquire with the tour provider.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Toboggan Sled Ride?

The toboggan sled ride has no specific age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Riders should be in good physical condition and able to safely ride the sled.

What Is the Maximum Weight Limit for the Toboggan Sled?

The largest toboggan sled can accommodate at least 3 passengers, but there is no explicit maximum weight limit mentioned. The tour notes that the sled may not operate in rain, suggesting weather conditions could affect its capacity.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

There are no specific discounts mentioned for children or seniors on this tour. The tour is not suitable for young children, who must be accompanied by an adult.

The Sum Up

This thrilling Madeira tour offers a unique blend of cultural sightseeing and exhilarating toboggan sled ride. Visitors can explore the historic Monte, home to the Austro-Hungarian emperor’s tomb, before embarking on a breathtaking descent down to Funchal. Led by friendly local guides, this adventure immerses travelers in Madeira’s rich heritage, providing a comfortable and memorable experience.