Funchal: Toboggan and Old Town Experience with Tukway

Exploring Madeira can be an adventure, and this private tuk tuk tour blends excitement with authenticity. From the thrill of the traditional toboggan ride in Monte to wandering the colorful streets of Funchal’s Old Town, it offers a well-rounded taste of the island’s highlights. Whether you’re a history buff, a scenery lover, or just someone looking for a fun way to see the city, this tour offers plenty of value.

What we particularly love about this experience is the personal touch—it’s designed as a private group, so you get personalized attention and flexible timing. Plus, the expert guides keep the journey lively with fun facts and local stories, making the sightseeing both educational and entertaining. One potential drawback is that the toboggan ride costs an extra €35 for two people, which might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget, but for many travelers, it’s part of the authentic Madeira experience.

This tour suits those who want a mix of adventure and culture, especially travelers who enjoy unique transportation methods and want a deeper look beyond the typical bus tour. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with a small group or family and want a memorable, offbeat way to explore Funchal and Monte.

Key Points

• Private group ensures a personalized experience with flexible scheduling.
• Expert guides provide engaging stories and local insights.
• The toboggan ride is an authentic, exhilarating experience worth the extra fee.
• Stunning views and beautiful streets make sightseeing memorable.
• The tour includes a walk through Funchal’s Old Town with picturesque details.
• It offers good value considering the combination of transport, commentary, and added activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

This tour lasts roughly two hours, making it ideal for a relaxed yet comprehensive glimpse of Funchal’s highlights. Starting with a pickup at your hotel or cruise ship, the guide takes you on a scenic drive through the city’s streets, giving you a taste of Madeira’s vibrant atmosphere.

Exploring Funchal’s Old Town

The first stop is the Old Town, a lively neighborhood filled with painted doors—a charming art project that brightens the streets of Santa Maria. These doors, painted by different artists, give the area a distinctive ‘art walk’ vibe. We loved the way the cobblestone floors and historic facades create a sense of stepping back in time. The guide helps you spot some hidden gems and shares insights into local life, which adds depth to just wandering around.

Several reviewers highlight how engaging the guides are, with Sandy praising Laura for her great knowledge and friendly manner. She even lent cash when needed, showing the personal touch that makes this tour special. Julie enjoyed the ride up to Monte, noting that the guide pointed out “points of interest on the way,” making the scenic drive informative.

Visiting Monte and the Church of Our Lady of the Mount

Next, you’ll head uphill to Monte, a mountain village known for its spectacular views and lush surroundings. Here, the Church of Our Lady of the Mount, completed in 1818, is a standout. It’s one of the most visited sites in the area, and for good reason—it’s a perfect spot to appreciate Madeira’s religious architecture and scenic setting.

The church’s history and architecture are easily appreciated from the outside, but the real highlight is the view of Funchal from the church grounds—an ideal photo opportunity. Many reviews mention how the guide enriches the visit with stories and fun facts, making history come alive.

The Toboggan Ride: A Must-Experience

The toboggan ride (or Carreiros do Monte) is the highlight for many. Historically, locals used these wooden sledges to quickly descend from Monte to Livramento, and today they’re a popular tourist attraction. The ride costs €35 for two people, a fee that many reviewers agree is worth it given the unique experience and fun of zipping down the hillside.

It’s worth noting that you can buy tickets on-site, and the guides usually help you with the process. Sandy and Joe both emphasize how much fun they had, with Joe calling it “a blast” and appreciating that the guide waited for them at the bottom before continuing the tour. It’s an old-fashioned thrill that adds an authentic touch to your Madeira visit.

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Returning to Funchal and Exploring

After the ride, the group returns to Funchal, where your guide provides a quick tour around the city’s key sights. You might pass scenic viewpoints, learn about local landmarks, and get tips on where to eat or visit later.

One review mentioned a stop at a traditional bar to see Poncha, a local drink—an example of the kind of small, authentic experiences the guide might include. The tour wraps up back at your hotel or cruise terminal, making it convenient and hassle-free.

Transportation and Group Size

One of the benefits of this tour is the use of private tuk tuk vehicles. They’re small, nimble, and can go places larger buses cannot, allowing for a more intimate and flexible exploration. The driver is also the guide, so you get a personable experience, often with humorous stories and tailored commentary.

The group size is private, which means you won’t be stuck with strangers. This allows for a relaxed atmosphere where questions are welcome, and the itinerary can subtly adapt to your interests.

Duration and Timing

The two-hour schedule is ideal for fitting into a day without feeling rushed. You’ll want to check the available start times when booking, as they vary. Remember, the toboggan ride is an extra cost, and crowds can affect wait times, especially during peak hours. Many reviewers recommend booking early in the day to avoid queues since demand can be high.

Practical Tips

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing, especially if you plan to stand outside or go up to Monte.
• The tour does not include food or drinks, but there are plenty of cafes and snack spots around.
• Baby strollers, large luggage, or mobility aids are not suitable—the tuk tuk seats are small and not designed for heavy luggage.
• You can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What Travelers Appreciate Most

Looking at reviews, several themes emerge:

• The knowledgeable guides like André and Luis make the experience informative and fun. They often point out hidden viewpoints and local stories many travelers miss.
• The toboggan ride is frequently highlighted as the highlight—“a blast,” “really fun,” and “authentic Madeira.” Many say it’s worth the extra fee.
• The scenic drives and the views top many lists of favorite moments, including the picturesque streets of Santa Maria and the panoramic vistas from Monte.
• Tourists appreciate the personalized service—pickup at hotels or cruise ships, flexible scheduling, and friendly guides like Laura and André.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for travelers who want more than just a standard city tour. It’s perfect if you’re adventurous, love unique transportation, and are keen to see Madeira from a local perspective. Families with children over 3, or those with mobility issues, might find it less suitable. But if you’re looking for an authentic, fun, and informative way to explore Funchal and Monte in a compact time, this tour checks all those boxes.

Final Thoughts

The Funchal Toboggan and Old Town Experience with Tukway combines history, culture, and adventure into a compact two-hour package. You get the chance to ride a piece of Madeira’s history with the toboggan, see the stunning views and streets of Monte, and stroll through one of Portugal’s most vibrant old towns.

The personalized service and knowledgeable guides turn a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable local experience. While the toboggan ride is an added cost, many reviewers agree that it’s an essential part of the Madeira adventure.

All in all, this tour offers excellent value, especially for those wanting a small-group experience with plenty of authentic moments. If you’re curious about Madeira’s traditions and want a bit of adrenaline with your sightseeing, this is a top choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately two hours, making it easy to fit into a day’s schedule.

What’s included in the tour price?
The price covers pickup and drop-off at your hotel or cruise ship, a local driver/guide, and a blanket if needed. The toboggan ride is paid separately.

Can I join the tour if I’m traveling alone?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups, so it’s perfect whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family.

Is the toboggan ride worth the extra fee?
Most reviews say yes, as it’s a unique, authentic Madeira experience. It costs €35 for two people, and reviewers highlight how fun and memorable it is.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3 or for those with mobility issues, due to the small tuk tuk seats and walking involved.

What should I wear?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing—layers are best, especially if visiting Monte or standing outside for views.

How do I book or reschedule?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. It’s a flexible option for last-minute planners.

This tour offers a genuine taste of Madeira’s lively culture and scenic beauty, seasoned with a dash of adventure. Whether you’re after fantastic views, local history, or just a fun day out, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Madeira itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: