Private: Maderia Island Tour & Famous Monte Toboggan Ride

Discover the enchanting island of Madeira through a private half-day tour that showcases its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Venture to the Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos, a stunning viewpoint offering panoramic vistas, before enjoying the charming village of Camara de Lobos. The highlight of the experience? Gliding down the steep streets of Monte in the iconic wicker sleds of the Monte Toboggan Run, guided by skilled drivers. This personalized journey promises an unforgettable adventure, inviting travelers to uncover Madeira’s hidden gems and bask in the island’s captivating essence.

Good To Know

• This private half-day tour in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, includes key attractions like Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos, Camara de Lobos, and the iconic Monte Toboggan Run.
• The tour is accessible for travelers aged 3 and older, with stroller-friendly options, but is not wheelchair friendly.
• The tour price starts from $181.95 and includes all taxes, fees, driver/guide services, and pickup/drop-off, but excludes the cost of the toboggan ride (€30 per couple).
• Travelers have provided mixed feedback on the overall value, with some considering the tour expensive, while the guide’s communication has been noted as occasionally difficult to understand.
• The tour offers a personalized experience to discover Funchal’s hidden gems and cultural heritage, though the execution of this aspect has varied among individual experiences.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The private half-day tour in Funchal, Portugal offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s highlights, including the Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos viewpoint, the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, and the breathtaking Cabo Girao – one of the highest sea cliffs in the world.

Travelers can also experience the famous Monte Toboggan Run, a thrilling sled ride down the streets of Funchal.

With an overall rating of 4.0 from 26 reviews, this personalized tour promises a unique and memorable journey, allowing visitors to discover the hidden gems of the island.

The tour is accessible for most travelers, with a minimum age of 3 and stroller-friendly options available.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour package includes all taxes and fees, as well as the services of a knowledgeable driver/guide.

Plus, it covers hotel and port pickup and drop-off, providing a seamless and convenient experience.

However, the cost of the Monte Toboggan Run, which is a popular attraction, isn’t included in the tour price and must be paid separately at €30 per couple.

Travelers will also need to cover the cost of any food, drinks, and gratuities during the tour.

While the tour price is reasonable, the additional costs for the toboggan ride and other incidentals may add up, so it’s important for travelers to factor that into their budget.

Tour Details

Travelers can expect a 09:30 AM start time for this private half-day tour in Funchal, Portugal, which explores the island’s hidden attractions. The tour is stroller accessible but not wheelchair friendly, so most travelers can participate. Children as young as 3 years old are welcome to join. While the tour doesn’t include the cost of the famous Monte Toboggan ride, it does provide hotel and port pickup/drop-off services.

Tour Details
Start Time	Minimum Age	Accessibility
09:30 AM	3 years	Not wheelchair accessible

The tour offers a personalized experience, allowing travelers to discover Funchal’s gems at their own pace.

Pricing and Booking

For this private half-day tour, prices start from $181.95, with a lowest price guarantee.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, allowing for greater flexibility in their booking.

The tour includes all taxes, fees, a driver/guide, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off.

However, the cost of the toboggan ride (€30 per couple) and gratuities are excluded.

With a minimum age of 3 and stroller accessibility, the tour is suitable for families.

Travelers should note there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Traveler Reviews

While the tour received mixed feedback from travelers, the guide was generally described as friendly, though some found it difficult to understand their English.

According to reviewers:

• The experience was deemed expensive for the overall value, with a few noting the toboggan ride sold out for their group.

• Travelers had a range of opinions on the quality of the hidden attractions explored, with some finding them interesting and others feeling the tour lacked a cohesive flow.

• The tour seems to offer a personalized take on Madeira’s highlights, though the execution and value proposition were inconsistent based on individual experiences.

Explore Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos

From the tour’s starting point, travelers are whisked off to the enchanting Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos, a renowned viewpoint that commands sweeping vistas over the vibrant city of Funchal and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Perched atop a rugged hillside, this picturesque lookout offers visitors a chance to bask in the natural beauty of Madeira.

With its lush greenery, towering peaks, and azure waters, the viewpoint provides the perfect backdrop for breathtaking photographs and a moment of peaceful contemplation.

As the guide shares insights into the history and significance of this stunning locale, travelers can truly enjoy the island’s captivating charm.

Experience the Monte Toboggan Run

Private: Maderia Island Tour & Famous Monte Toboggan Ride

Experience the Monte Toboggan Run

Travelers embark on the thrilling Monte Toboggan Run, a historic sled ride that glides down the steep, winding streets of Funchal, offering a unique and exhilarating way to experience the island’s rich heritage.

The iconic two-seater wicker toboggans, originally used as a mode of transportation, are now a beloved attraction, allowing visitors to:

• Soar down the narrow lanes at exhilarating speeds, guided by skilled ‘drivers’ in crisp white uniforms

• Take in the breathtaking views of Funchal’s charming cityscape and lush, verdant landscape

• Embrace the thrill of a traditional Madeiran experience, connecting with the island’s vibrant culture and history

Personalized Exploration of Hidden Attractions

The private tour offers travelers a personalized exploration of Funchal’s hidden attractions, allowing them to discover the city’s lesser-known gems and enjoy its rich cultural tapestry.

Your guide will take you off the beaten path, introducing you to charming neighborhoods, quaint alleyways, and local landmarks that capture the essence of Madeira’s heritage.

From historic churches to bustling local markets, you’ll gain an insider’s perspective and uncover the city’s vibrant spirit.

This curated experience ensures you’ll return home with unique memories and a deeper appreciation for Funchal’s captivating blend of natural beauty and captivating history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary Based on Our Interests?

Based on the tour overview, it seems the itinerary can be customized to focus on the traveler’s interests. The private nature of the tour allows for personalized exploration of hidden attractions in Funchal that align with the traveler’s preferences.

Are There Any Safety Precautions for the Monte Toboggan Run?

The Monte Toboggan Run has safety precautions in place, including experienced drivers, seat belts, and braking mechanisms. Riders are advised to follow all instructions and exercise caution during the thrilling sled ride down the steep streets of Funchal.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Attraction During the Tour?

The tour allocates approximately 30-45 minutes at each attraction, allowing visitors to explore the Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos viewpoint, Camara de Lobos fishing village, and Cabo Girao. The Monte Toboggan Run experience takes around 30 minutes.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Local Residents or Students?

The tour doesn’t appear to offer any discounted pricing for local residents or students. The price listed is a standard rate for all travelers. The tour company may not provide special rates, though it’s best to inquire directly about any potential discounts.

Can We Request a Different Language-Speaking Guide?

Yes, guests can request a different language-speaking guide for the tour. The tour operator aims to accommodate traveler preferences and provides guides fluent in multiple languages, subject to availability, to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Sum Up

Madeira’s private half-day tour offers travelers a chance to marvel at the island’s natural beauty, from the breathtaking Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos to the thrilling Monte Toboggan Ride.

With personalized guidance, visitors can enjoy the island’s rich culture and uncover hidden gems, making this a truly memorable adventure for all ages.