Madeira: Private Nuns Valley Tour by Tukxi

Explore Madeira’s Scenic Heights with the Private Nuns Valley Tour by Tukxi

The Madeira: Private Nuns Valley Tour by Tukxi offers a captivating journey through the island’s lush mountains, dramatic viewpoints, and the charming village of Curral das Freiras. For $136 per group up to three people, this three-hour adventure provides an intimate experience with personalized service, guided by a professional tukxi driver and local guide.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on breathtaking viewpoints like Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado, where guests enjoy sweeping vistas of Funchal, the surrounding mountains, and the Nuns Valley itself. The tour is ideal for those seeking quick yet immersive sightseeing, with stops that highlight Madeira’s diverse landscapes and a flexible itinerary that can include a visit to the village or an additional viewpoint.

While the tour does not include meals or drinks, its scenic drives, expert guidance, and picturesque stops make it a memorable way to see Madeira’s most striking natural sights in a short time. The private group format enhances comfort and flexibility, making it well-suited for couples, small families, or friends traveling together.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: $136 for 3 hours of guided sightseeing in a private tukxi for up to 3 people.
• Highlights: Panoramic views from Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado, plus a visit to the Nuns Valley village Curral das Freiras.
• Starting Point: Pickups are available from Funchal hotels, cruise ship terminals, or other locations in the city.
• Customization: The itinerary can include a drive through the tunnel to the village or an extra viewpoint, depending on preferences.
• Accessibility: Suitable for most guests, but children under 3 are not accepted, and luggage restrictions apply.
• Expert Guides: Tours are led by guides fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and German, ensuring clear explanations throughout.

The Adventure Begins with Personalized Pickup in Funchal

This tour starts by collecting guests directly from their hotel or cruise ship terminal in Funchal, offering convenience and flexibility. The guide, well-versed in Madeira’s landscapes and history, meets you in a comfortable tukxi, ready to lead the way up the mountain roads.

Travelers appreciate the professionalism of the driver and the local guide’s knowledge, which enriches the experience from the very first minute. This private setup guarantees a calm, unrushed journey, perfect for those who prefer personalized attention over large group tours.

The pickup process is straightforward—just ensure to communicate your cruise ship’s name if you opt for the harbor pickup, and be aware of the weight limit of 210 kg for safety.

Climb to Pico dos Barcelos for a Funchal Overview

The first stop at Pico dos Barcelos, situated 355 meters above sea level, provides a stunning overview of Funchal. Here, travelers enjoy panoramic views of the city’s rooftops, port, and surrounding hills. It’s an ideal spot for photos and to get an initial sense of Madeira’s urban and natural contrast.

This viewpoint is a popular first stop because it offers a broad perspective of the island’s layout, helping to orient visitors before heading into more mountainous terrain. The drive from the city is quick, and the guide can share interesting facts about Funchal’s history and development.

From Urban Views to Mountain Majesty at Eira do Serrado

Next, the tour ascends to the Eira do Serrado viewpoint, located at 1,095 meters in the heart of the island. This stop is the highlight for many visitors due to its spectacular view of Nuns Valley and the small village of Curral das Freiras, which lies nearly 500 meters below.

Standing at this elevation, guests witness an almost cinematographic landscape of mountain peaks and lush vegetation. The central mountain chain of Madeira forms a natural border around the valley, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene. The guide often points out notable features and shares insights about the local history and the village’s origins.

Guests can choose to drive through a mountain tunnel that leads directly into the village or return to Funchal for an optional extra stop. Either way, the views here are a true highlight of the tour.

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Visiting the Village of Curral das Freiras

If the itinerary includes a visit to Curral das Freiras, travelers get a chance to explore this charming mountain village. Known for its serenity, local gastronomy, and stunning setting, the village offers a glimpse into Madeira’s rural life.

The drive through the tunnel is quick, and the guide can explain the village’s history, traditions, and its importance as a former hideout for locals escaping pirate raids. While food and drinks are not included, guests often appreciate the opportunity to stroll through the village or take photos of the scenic surroundings.

The village visit is optional; some groups prefer to enjoy the viewpoints and then head back to Funchal, making the most of the scenic drive and photo stops.

Scenic Routes and Changing Landscapes

Throughout the tour, guests experience the gradual change of landscapes as the vehicle ascends from the urban environment of Funchal to mountainous scenery. The temperature drops slightly at higher elevations, and the vegetation becomes greener and more lush.

The scenic drive itself is a highlight, with the guide providing commentary on Madeira’s geology, flora, and traditional villages. This variation in scenery keeps the experience engaging and visually stimulating, with many ideal spots for photographs along the way.

Flexibility with Extra Viewpoints and Stops

The tour offers flexibility to enhance the experience. Guests can opt for an additional viewpoint or a drive through the mountain tunnel, depending on preferences. The itinerary is designed for a personalized experience, allowing the guide to adjust the stops based on the group’s interests.

Each stop varies in duration, but overall, the 30-minute stop at Eira do Serrado and the 10-20 minute tukxi drives between locations make the three-hour tour feel well-paced without feeling rushed.

Practical Details: Booking, Pickup, and Restrictions

Booking is simple, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind. Travelers can reserve and pay later, providing flexibility in planning.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at hotels or cruise ships within Funchal, with an extra harbor pickup add-on available for cruise guests. The driver will meet at the scheduled time, with a vehicle matching the photos provided.

Guests should note that the tour does not include food or drinks, and pets, oversize luggage, smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted onboard. The weight limit for passengers is 210 kg, and children under 3 years are not suitable for this experience.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Madeira

This private tukxi tour distinguishes itself through its intimate setting, flexible itinerary, and focus on panoramic viewpoints. The guided commentary in multiple languages, including Portuguese, English, Spanish, and German, ensures that guests gain meaningful insights into Madeira’s landscapes and history.

The scenic drive and notable stops provide outstanding photo opportunities without long waits or crowded spots. The personalized service makes this tour ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace and customization over large group excursions.

Madeira: Private Nuns Valley Tour by Tukxi – Final Thoughts

This tour offers a compact but comprehensive exploration of Madeira’s mountains, valleys, and viewpoints. Its private group format, coupled with expert guides, guarantees an experience that is both personal and informative.

The scenic stops at Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado make it especially appealing for photographers and nature lovers. While the exclusion of meals might be a consideration for some, the impressive views and flexible itinerary compensate with memorable visuals and insights.

Perfect for travelers who want a short, scenic, and personalized Madeira adventure, this tour balances value, comfort, and stunning landscapes in just three hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $136 per group, accommodating up to three people.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

Where does the tour start?
It begins with pickup from Funchal hotels or cruise ship terminals; harbor pickups are available as an add-on.

Are meals included?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks.

Can I visit the village of Curral das Freiras?
Yes, the tour can include a visit to the village either by driving through the tunnel or by a return drive after the viewpoints.

What viewpoints are visited?
Guests stop at Pico dos Barcelos for city views and Eira do Serrado for mountain and valley vistas.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 3 years are not suitable due to safety restrictions.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What languages are available for the guided commentary?
Guides speak Portuguese, English, Spanish, and German.

What should I expect in terms of physical requirements?
The tour involves short drives and stops; no significant physical effort is required, but transport may involve some steep roads.

Is this tour private?
Yes, the experience is designed for private groups, ensuring a tailored, less crowded adventure.

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