The Funchal and Monte Palace Garden Tour offers an immersive 5-hour experience showcasing Madeira’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Participants will explore Funchal’s historic streets, visit the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores, and admire the 15th-century Sé Cathedral. A scenic cable car ride then ascends to the breathtaking Monte Palace Tropical Garden, where exotic plants and beautiful sculptures await. Guided by professionals in multiple languages, this tour ensures a memorable journey, with free cancellation available for those interested in a unique experience.
Key Points

- This tour offers an immersive experience in Funchal and the stunning Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
- Pricing ranges from $70.05 to $87.57 per person, with up to 20% savings available.
- The 5-hour tour includes highlights like Funchal’s historic streets, Mercado dos Lavradores, and the Open Doors project.
- The cable car ride provides panoramic views, and visitors can explore the botanical gardens at Monte Palace.
- Professional guides lead the tour and provide commentary in multiple languages.
Tour Overview and Pricing

The Funchal and Monte Palace Garden Tour offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the historic city of Funchal and the renowned Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Priced from $70.05 to $87.57 per person, the 5-hour tour provides up to 20% savings. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later option, the tour ensures flexibility.
Highlights include walking through Funchal’s charming streets, visiting the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores, and discovering the city’s artistic Open Doors project.
The cable car ride to Monte and stroll through the lush tropical gardens complete this comprehensive Madeira experience.
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Itinerary Highlights
A walking tour of Funchal’s historic streets kicks off the experience, providing glimpses into the city’s past. Next, guests explore the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores, filled with exotic fruits, flowers, and fresh fish. The 15th-century Sé Cathedral, with its Gothic and Moorish architecture, offers an architectural highlight.
| Highlight | Description |
| — | — |
| São Tiago Fortress | Historic structure housing a contemporary art gallery |
| Art of Open Doors | Colorful artistic doors throughout the city |
| Cable Car to Monte | 600-meter ascent with views of Funchal Bay |
| Monte Palace Garden | One of Europe’s most beautiful botanical gardens |
Descent options include the cable car or traditional wicker sleds, ending with a waterfront stroll.
Cable Car and Monte Palace Garden

A cable car ride transports visitors 600 meters above sea level, offering a 15-minute journey with breathtaking views of Funchal Bay.
This ride leads to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, one of Europe’s most beautiful botanical gardens. Visitors can stroll among exotic plants, ponds, waterfalls, and sculptures, including African art and ceramic panels.
For the descent, guests can choose to return by cable car or experience the unique carros de cesto, traditional wicker sleds that glide down the steep streets of Monte.
The tour concludes with a stroll along Funchal’s waterfront, providing an opportunity to stop for coffee or drinks with ocean views.
Descent Options
Visitors have two options for descending from the Monte Palace Garden. They can return by cable car, enjoying the 15-minute ride back down with spectacular views of Funchal Bay.
Alternatively, they can experience the unique carros de cesto – traditional wicker sleds that glide down the steep streets of Monte. This traditional mode of transport offers a thrilling ride, harkening back to the island’s history.
Regardless of the descent method, the tour concludes with an optional stroll along Funchal’s picturesque waterfront, providing an opportunity to stop for coffee or drinks while taking in the ocean views.
More Great Tours NearbyProfessional Guide Services
The tour is led by professional guides available in several languages, including Italian, Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese.
These knowledgeable guides provide commentary and insights throughout the excursion. Participants meet the guide at the CR7 Museum entrance 15 minutes before the tour starts.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves a good amount of walking. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with altitude sickness, babies under 1 year, or people over 95 years old.
Guests can expect an informative and engaging experience exploring the highlights of Funchal and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
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Meeting Point and Preparation
Guests are required to meet the tour guide 15 minutes before the start time at the CR7 Museum entrance, which serves as the meeting point for the Funchal and Monte Palace Garden Tour.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, visitors are encouraged to bring the following:
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera to capture the stunning scenery, and any necessary medication or personal items.
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Comfortable walking shoes 
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A camera to capture the stunning scenery 
- 
Any necessary medication or personal items 
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with altitude sickness, babies under 1 year, or people over 95 years of age.
Following these preparations will help ensure a memorable and hassle-free tour.
Accessibility and Suitability
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with altitude sickness, as the cable car ride to Monte is at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level.
It’s also not recommended for babies under 1 year or people over 95 years old. A good level of mobility is required, as the tour involves walking through Funchal’s historic streets and exploring the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Comfortable shoes are recommended.
The guide is available in several languages, including Italian, Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese, ensuring a seamless experience for international visitors.
Unique Experience
While the Funchal and Monte Palace Garden Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Funchal’s historic landmarks and natural beauty, it also provides a truly unique experience that sets it apart.
Highlights include:
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Riding the iconic cable car to the lofty heights of Monte, offering breathtaking views of Funchal Bay. 
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Discovering the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a botanical wonderland with exotic plants, ponds, and African art. 
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Descending the steep streets of Monte in the traditional wicker sleds called "carros de cesto", an exhilarating and time-honored mode of transportation. 
This tour combines sightseeing, nature, and culture for an unforgettable adventure.
The Sum Up
The Funchal and Monte Palace Garden Tour offers an immersive and memorable experience, showcasing Madeira’s rich history and stunning landscapes. With a guided exploration of Funchal’s streets, the vibrant market, and the breathtaking Monte Palace Tropical Garden, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the island’s charm. Accessible and suitable for a wide range of visitors, it’s a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and culture of Madeira.
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