Madeira Island: 3-Hour Old Road Tour by Sidecar

Madeira Island: 3-Hour Old Road Tour by Sidecar

This 3-hour sidecar tour of Madeira costs $169 per group, accommodating up to 2 people. Departing from Funchal, the journey explores the island’s historic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. It is a private experience led by certified guides, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic and personalized way to see Madeira’s interior and coastlines.

The tour promises a dynamic ride beneath azure skies with the wind in your hair, providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island’s lush scenery. A highlight is the visit to the renowned Madeira wine production area, offering a taste of local tradition. The experience is suitable for travelers aged 7 and above, with helmets, communication systems, and insurance included for safety and comfort.

While the 3-hour duration ensures a leisurely exploration, it’s worth noting that the tour not include food or drinks. This adventure is perfect for adventure seekers, photo enthusiasts, and culture lovers wanting a unique perspective of Madeira beyond typical sightseeing tours.

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Key Points

• Price: $169 for a private group of up to 2 people
• Duration: 3 hours, departing from Funchal
• Includes: Helmets, communication system, gas, insurance, and transfers
• Highlights: Historic Madeira roads, spectacular ocean views, and wine production area
• Suitable for: Travelers 7+ years old, with a maximum weight of 128 kg (280 lbs)
• Booking flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; pay later option available

The Charm of Madeira’s Old Roads on a Sidecar

This 3-hour tour invites guests to cruise along Madeira’s historic and winding roads. The experience focuses on less-traveled lanes and hidden viewpoints that reveal the island’s true essence. The private nature of the trip means the guides tailor the stops and route based on your preferences, with opportunities to request specific locations or make photo stops.

The journey begins in Funchal with a pickup that is well-organized, with guides waiting 10 minutes early at the meeting point. The sidecar offers an open-air ride, giving passengers a sense of freedom and allowing unobstructed views of the landscape. The smooth ride and careful driving make it accessible even for those new to motorbike sidecars.

Exploring Madeira’s Historic Roads

The tour is designed around Madeira’s old roads, which are often without tourist traffic. These lanes are perfect for scenic drives that highlight the island’s mountainous terrain and coastal cliffs. As the sidecar glides along, guides share fascinating insights into Madeira’s history and local culture.

Stops along the route allow for photo opportunities of the Atlantic Ocean, banana plantations, and vineyards. Guests can ask guides to pause at particular spots for pictures or to enjoy the scenery. The slow pace combined with expert commentary makes this a relaxed yet exciting way to learn about Madeira.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Personable

The guides, including names like Filipe, Nuno, and Nunez, receive high praise for their friendly, professional, and informative approach. They communicate via helmet headsets, making the experience interactive and engaging. Guides are certified, ensuring safety and expertise throughout the ride.

Guests consistently mention guides’ passion for the island, their willingness to customize the experience, and their ability to make guests feel comfortable. Whether sharing local stories, explaining the island’s history, or pointing out hidden gems, guides add a personal touch that elevates the tour.

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Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

The tour includes various stopping points where guests can snap photos of stunning ocean vistas, vineyards, and banana plantations. Several reviews highlight plenty of pauses for capturing memories and taking in the scenery.

Some stops lead to less crowded viewpoints, offering serene and authentic Madeira landscapes away from typical tourist routes. Guests are encouraged to request specific stops or customize their experience for extra sightseeing or local interactions.

Visiting the Madeira Wine Production Area

A key feature of this tour is the visit to Madeira’s wine production areas. Guests have the chance to learn about local wine-making traditions and sample famous Madeira wine, adding a cultural flavor to the trip. This visit is one of the highlights praised in reviews, emphasizing the blend of scenery and local craftsmanship.

The Ride: Wind in Your Hair and Safety

The sidecar provides a thrilling yet comfortable ride, with careful drivers ensuring safety at all times. The average speed remains around 25 mph, making it accessible to those uneasy with faster rides. The open-air nature offers an immersive experience, letting travelers feel the breeze and see the landscape clearly.

Passengers are advised to bring a jacket as the mountain and tunnel passages can be chilly. The helmets are mandatory and provided, with a communication system allowing dialogue with the guide throughout.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

This tour is wheelchair accessible, making it an option for a broader range of guests. The maximum weight per passenger is 128 kg (280 lbs), and all guides are certified for safety. Travelers aged 7 and above can join, making it suitable for families with children.

Guests should be prepared for potentially cool weather and be ready for a fun, lively ride. No food or drinks are included, so consider bringing snacks or water if desired.

Booking, Cancellation, and Flexibility

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility in case plans change. The pay later option allows for booking in advance without immediate payment, helpful for flexible travel planning.

The tour includes transfers and insurance, removing worries about logistics or safety. The small, private group format ensures a personalized experience and the chance to interact directly with guides.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers who enjoy adventure, scenic drives, and cultural insights will find this sidecar tour highly appealing. It is especially suitable for those wanting a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience of Madeira. The expert guides and stunning viewpoints make it a memorable way to explore the island’s interior and coastal scenery.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira Sidecar Tour

This 3-hour journey offers a unique perspective on Madeira’s beauty, combining adventure, history, and scenery. The private format, knowledgeable guides, and spectacular stops deliver a personalized and engaging experience.

While it’s not suited for guests over 280 lbs or those seeking a food-focused tour, it excels for photo enthusiasts, culture lovers, and adventure seekers. The high praise from over 50 reviews confirms its reputation as a top-rated Madeira experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers motorcycle and driver, helmets, communication systems, gas, insurance, and transfers.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 3 hours, starting and ending in Funchal.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the tour is available for guests aged 7 and above.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Bring a jacket as it can get chilly during mountain and tunnel passages.

Can I request specific stops or routes?
Yes, guests are welcome to request routes or stops to suit their preferences.

How do I cancel the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a weight limit?
Yes, maximum weight per passenger is 128 kg (280 lbs).

Can I make a payment now and pay later?
Yes, the reserve now & pay later option is available, offering flexibility.

Will I learn about Madeira during the tour?
Absolutely, guides share fascinating insights into the island’s history, culture, and local traditions.

Is the experience safe?
Yes, all guides are certified, and safety equipment is provided; the average speed remains around 25 mph.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby