Private: Maderia Island Tour & Famous Monte Toboggan Ride

Discover Madeira’s Highlights on a Private Half-Day Tour

The Private Madeira Island Tour & Monte Toboggan Ride offers a personalized way to experience some of the island’s most striking sights in just over four hours. Priced at $190.95 per person, this tour includes hotel or port pickup, a professional guide, and a flexible itinerary designed for comfort and convenience. While the Monte Toboggan Ride costs an additional $35 per couple, the overall experience balances cultural exploration and fun-filled adventure.

What truly sets this tour apart is its private nature, ensuring a tailored experience without the crowds. It’s especially suitable for those who want to see Madeira’s key sights at a relaxed pace, with the bonus of a historic downhill ride on wicker toboggans. The tour begins at 9:30 am, making it an ideal morning excursion to see the island’s most stunning viewpoints before midday.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with all logistics handled
• Visits to Pico dos Barcelos, Camara de Lobos, and Cabo Girao
• Enjoys spectacular views from 355 meters above sea level
• Historic Monte Toboggan Ride with a fun, exhilarating descent
• Tour duration of about 4 hours 30 minutes
• Pickup and drop-off included at your hotel or cruise port

Starting at Pico dos Barcelos for Stunning Views

The tour kicks off at Pico dos Barcelos, a top-tier observation point on the outskirts of Funchal. From here, visitors enjoy panoramic vistas from 355 meters above sea level, making it ideal for photo opportunities. The viewpoint offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscape, providing an excellent introduction to Madeira’s scenery.

Following this, the guide takes guests to Eira Do Serrado, a dramatic rock ledge overlooking Curral das Freiras, a horse-shoe-shaped valley with towering peaks. This vantage point reveals the rugged beauty of Madeira’s interior, with sheer mountain sides and serrated peaks, perfect for capturing memorable images.

Exploring the Charming Fishing Village of Camara de Lobos

Next, the tour visits Camara de Lobos, a small fishing village west of Funchal. Known for its characterful whitewashed houses, the village exudes traditional charm. Visitors can stroll around the harbor, where monk seals once frequented, and sample the local drink poncha at a cozy bar. This stop offers a taste of authentic Madeira life, away from the tourist crowds, and provides a peaceful contrast to the island’s mountain vistas.

Gaze Upon Cabo Girao’s Spectacular Sea Cliffs

The journey continues to Cabo Girao, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world. At this well-guarded miradouro, visitors enjoy breathtaking views across the Atlantic and the rugged coastline. The site is historically significant, as Zarco reached this point during his exploration of Madeira’s coast in 1418. The air here is filled with the scent of pine and eucalyptus, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Fields of vine and vegetables thrive at the cliff’s base, highlighting Madeira’s agricultural heritage.

The Iconic Monte Toboggan Ride: A Historic and Thrilling Descent

The tour’s highlight is the Monte Toboggan Ride, a tradition dating back to the 1850s. This fun-filled downhill adventure involves riding wicker sledge-like baskets steered by two Carreiros, dressed in white and straw hats, who use rubber shoes to control the speed and direction.

The ride lasts about 10 minutes, covering a winding, curving road that can reach speeds of up to 30 mph. The experience offers a unique glimpse into Madeira’s history as the primary means of public transportation downhill from Monte. It’s an exhilarating finale that combines culture and adrenaline, making it a memorable highlight of the tour.

Practical Details of the Tour Logistics

This private tour departs from Funchal hotels or cruise ships at 9:30 am. The pickup and drop-off are included, simplifying arrangements, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, with a minimum age of 3 years.

The tour includes all taxes, fees, and a professional guide, ensuring a smooth experience. The Monte Toboggan Ride costs an extra $35 per couple and is paid separately, so travelers should plan accordingly. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, making it a great option for a half-day exploration filled with highlights.

Experiencing the Personal Touch of a Private Tour

With only your group participating, this tour ensures a bespoke experience. Guests have the opportunity to ask questions, take extra time at each stop, and enjoy a more relaxed pace. The guide’s insights are appreciated, especially by visitors who value local stories and contextual background.

While some reviews note that the guide’s English can be a little hard to understand, the overall friendliness and knowledge of the guide enhance the experience. The tour’s flexibility allows for a customized visit, making it suitable for those who prefer a more intimate and tailored outing.

Who Will Enjoy This Madeira Tour Most

This private Madeira tour is ideal for travelers seeking a blend of scenic viewpoints, cultural charm, and historic adventure. It suits those who appreciate personalized service and want to avoid large group tours. The inclusion of the Monte Toboggan Ride adds a fun and historic element, perfect for families, couples, or friends looking for a memorable experience.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour’s cost does not include the toboggan ride, which is an additional expense. Guests who prefer a more budget-friendly or less activity-intensive experience might consider other options.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day of Sightseeing and Fun in Madeira

This private tour offers an appealing mix of spectacular views, cultural insights, and historic fun all in under five hours. The visits to Pico dos Barcelos, Camara de Lobos, and Cabo Girao showcase Madeira’s diverse landscape, while the Monte Toboggan Ride adds an iconic thrill.

The personalized approach and hotel or port pickup make it a convenient choice for travelers wanting a hassle-free day. Although the additional cost for the toboggan ride might be a consideration, the overall experience provides excellent value for those eager to explore Madeira’s highlights at a relaxed pace.

This tour best suits visitors who value intimate, guided experiences and want to combine sightseeing with a touch of Madeira’s unique history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes all taxes, fees, handling charges, and a professional guide. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or cruise port are also included.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 am.

Is the Monte Toboggan Ride included in the price?
No, the Monte Toboggan Ride costs an additional $35 per couple and is paid separately.

What are the main stops on this tour?
The tour visits Pico dos Barcelos, Eira Do Serrado, Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, and concludes with the Monte Toboggan Ride.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 3 years, making it suitable for most families.

How personalized is the experience?
Being a private tour, it allows for customized pacing and personal attention from the guide.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walks at viewpoints and exploring the villages. Be prepared for outdoor sightseeing and potentially changing weather.

Can this tour accommodate special requests?
Since it is a private experience, there is some flexibility, but all requests should be coordinated in advance.

What if I want to cancel the tour?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, ensuring a full refund.

Is the guide’s English easy to understand?
Some reviews mention that the guide’s English can be a little hard to understand, but overall, the guides are friendly and knowledgeable.

Where can I book this tour?
Details and bookings are available via Viator, with the experience provided by Wow A Tour.