Private: Maderia Island Tour & Famous Monte Toboggan Ride

Madeira Island, a stunning Portuguese archipelago, beckons travelers with its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural experiences. One must-do activity on the island is the private half-day tour that includes the famous Monte Toboggan Ride. Through this unforgettable adventure, visitors can discover Funchal’s hidden gems, gaze upon Europe’s highest sea cliffs, and descend the mountain in a traditional wicker sledge, creating memories that will last a lifetime. But the journey doesn’t end there – the tour’s highlights promise to leave you yearning for more of Madeira’s enchanting secrets.

Key Points

• This private tour covers the highlights of Funchal, Madeira, including the iconic Monte Toboggan Run, a thrilling wicker sledge ride down the steep streets.
• Enjoy stunning panoramic views from Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos and explore the charming fishing village of Camara de Lobos.
• Experience breathtaking vistas from Cabo Girao, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, during this personalized half-day exploration of Funchal’s hidden gems.
• The Monte Toboggan Run offers an unforgettable 10-minute ride at speeds up to 30 mph, with a professional driver steering the traditional wicker sled.
• The tour includes hotel or port pickup/drop-off, a dedicated driver/guide, and all taxes and fees, but the Monte Toboggan Run is an additional expense.

Tour Overview

The Madeira Island Tour offers a private half-day exploration of Funchal, Portugal’s picturesque capital.

With 28 reviews and a 4.2 rating, the tour highlights the island’s stunning natural beauty. Visitors can marvel at the panoramic views from Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos, discover the charming fishing village of Camara de Lobos, and stand atop the breathtaking Cabo Girao sea cliffs.

The highlight is the thrilling Monte Toboggan Run, a traditional wicker sledge ride down the steep streets.

The tour’s duration allows guests to see many of Funchal’s hidden gems in a short time.

Highlights of the Tour

One of the highlights of the Madeira Island Tour is the visit to the Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos. This scenic viewpoint offers stunning panoramic vistas of Funchal and the surrounding coastline.

The tour also includes a stop at the charming fishing village of Camara de Lobos, where visitors can stroll along the quaint harbor and learn about the local fishing industry.

The tour’s highlights also include:

1. Exploring Cabo Girao, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, with its breathtaking views.
2. Experiencing the thrilling Monte Toboggan Run, a traditional mode of transportation down the steep streets of Monte.
3. Discovering the historical and cultural aspects of Funchal through the guide’s insightful commentary.
4. Enjoying the convenience of private transportation and the flexibility to tailor the tour to the group’s interests.

Exploring Funchal’s Hidden Attractions

Madeira’s capital city of Funchal offers more than its iconic landmarks. This private tour takes you on a personalized exploration of the island’s hidden gems.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through scenic routes, revealing the charm of Funchal’s fishing villages and dramatic coastlines.

Visit Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos for breathtaking vistas over the city and harbor.

Wander the quaint lanes of Camara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing town.

Stand atop the towering Cabo Girao sea cliffs for panoramic ocean views.

This well-curated tour packs a punch, allowing you to experience Funchal’s off-the-beaten-path attractions in just half a day.

The Monte Toboggan Run Experience

Adrenaline-seekers revel in the thrill of the Monte Toboggan Run, a unique attraction that’s a must-do during the Madeira Island Tour.

This famous sled ride offers a thrilling descent down the steep streets of Monte, reaching speeds of up to 30 mph.

The experience includes:

1. A professional driver steering the traditional wicker toboggan.
2. Breathtaking views of Funchal as you swoosh down the hill.
3. An unforgettable ride lasting approximately 10 minutes.
4. Accessibility for most travelers, with a minimum age of 3 years.

While the toboggan ride isn’t included in the tour price, it’s an optional add-on that adds an extra dose of excitement to the Madeira Island adventure.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Madeira Island Tour includes all taxes and fees, a dedicated driver/guide, and hotel or port pickup and drop-off.

However, the cost of the famous Monte Toboggan Run, which is a thrilling downhill ride, isn’t included and must be paid separately at €35 per couple.

Food, drinks, and gratuities are also excluded from the tour package.

While the tour covers many scenic highlights in a short time, visitors should be aware of these additional expenses to budget accordingly.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it can accommodate strollers, and the minimum age is 3 years.

Pickup and Accessibility

Pickup for the Madeira Island Tour is available from selected points in Funchal, with the tour starting at 9:30 am.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but there’s a minimum age requirement of 3 years. Strollers are allowed, and most travelers can participate in the experience.

The key accessibility information includes:

1. Pickup from selected points in Funchal.
2. Tour starts at 9:30 am.
3. Not wheelchair accessible.
4. Minimum age of 3 years.

This private tour offers a personalized exploration of Funchal’s hidden gems, including the famous Monte Toboggan Run.

Feedback and Reviews

What do reviews say about the Madeira Island Tour?

Customers generally praise the knowledgeable guides and the tour’s flexibility. However, some note issues with communication and feel the tour doesn’t offer great value.

While most enjoy the scenic views and Toboggan ride, a few were disappointed when weather or sold-out tickets prevented them from experiencing the Toboggan.

The tour earns a solid 4.2-star rating based on 28 reviews. Guests highlight the personalized exploration of Funchal’s hidden gems and the efficient use of time to see many sights in a half-day.

The tour seems to cater well to most travelers, with a few exceptions.

Common Questions

Can I Request a Private Tour for My Family?

Yes, you can request a private tour for your family. The tour overview indicates that this is a private half-day tour, which allows for personalized exploration of Funchal’s attractions with a professional guide.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travelers can request a full-day tour to explore Funchal and the surrounding areas in more depth with their guide. Extended tours provide more flexibility and allow for a more comprehensive sightseeing experience.

Do I Need to Book the Toboggan Ride in Advance?

The tour does not include the toboggan ride, so it’s recommended to book the toboggan ride in advance to ensure availability, as some travelers have reported it being sold out on the day of the tour.

Can I Pay for the Tour in a Different Currency?

You can pay for the tour in the local currency, euros. The tour operator doesn’t accept other currencies, so you’ll need to exchange money or use a credit card to cover the toboggan ride cost of €35 per couple.

What Is the Tour Group Size for This Experience?

The tour is a private experience, so the group size is just the traveler and their party. There’s no fixed group size, allowing for a personalized exploration of Funchal’s highlights at your own pace with a professional guide.

The Sum Up

Discover the beauty of Madeira Island on this private half-day tour. Enjoy stunning views, explore charming villages, and experience the thrilling Monte Toboggan Run. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover the island’s hidden gems and create unforgettable memories. This tour offers a unique and personalized way to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Madeira.