Planning a trip to Madeira and wondering how to see the best of Funchal without the hassle? This Monte Toboggan & Old Town Guided Tuk Tour by MadTuk offers a lively, practical way to explore the city’s top spots while enjoying some unique local experiences. From scenic rides through vibrant streets to the thrill of traditional toboggan sliding, it’s a well-rounded outing that packs a lot into just 1.5 hours.

What really caught our eye are the knowledgeable guides and the stunning viewpoints you’ll visit along the way. These elements help turn what might seem like a simple city tour into a memorable snapshot of Madeira’s charm. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that tickets for the toboggan rides are separate and may not always be available due to weather or queues—so plan accordingly.

This experience suits travelers who want a fun, active way to see Funchal without spending hours on foot or in cars. It’s especially good for those who appreciate local guides and love a bit of adrenaline with their sightseeing. If you’re after pure relaxation or are traveling with very young children, this might not be the perfect fit, but otherwise, it offers a lot of value.

Key Points

Efficient sightseeing: Covers Monte, old town, and key highlights in just 1.5 hours.
Local guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides help bring Madeira’s stories to life.
Scenic views and photo opportunities: Stops at gardens, churches, and viewpoints.
Thrilling toboggan rides: An authentic and exciting slice of Madeira tradition.
Flexible drop-off options: Finish in the city center, close to many attractions.
Weather dependent: Toboggan rides are not guaranteed and depend on weather or queues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This tour promises a lively mix of scenic, cultural, and adventurous experiences, all within a short window. Starting with a comfortable tuk-tuk ride through Funchal, you’ll feel the wind as your local driver-guide takes you up to Monte—an iconic destination at 550 meters above sea level. The ride alone is a fun way to get a sense of the city’s layout and see some of its lively streets.

Appreciate having local insight? Here are other guided experiences in Funchal we've examined

The Monte Experience

Once at Monte, the real highlight is exploring its lush gardens filled with varied flora. We loved the way guides share interesting tidbits about Madeira’s plant life, making the visit educational as well as beautiful. The Nossa Senhora do Monte Church is an eye-catching spot with a commanding view of the island, so don’t forget your camera.

The Toboggan Ride

Next up is the chance to slide down traditional toboggans, a hallmark of Madeira’s culture. The sleds are operated by experienced guides and offer a quick, adrenaline-pumping ride downhill. Many reviews praise the excitement and the authenticity of this experience, with one traveler noting, “The traditional mode of transport offers a memorable and exhilarating way to explore the area.”

Just a heads-up: tickets for the toboggan ride aren’t included in the tour price and are operated by a separate company. The availability can be unpredictable—bad weather or long queues may mean you miss out or need to wait. Some reviews mention waiting times of up to two hours during peak season, so plan your schedule accordingly. We’d recommend trying to do this early in your day if it’s a priority.

Exploring Funchal’s Old Town

The tour doesn’t just stop at Monte. Your guide will cruise you through the historic old town, famous for its painted doors and charming streets. It’s a relaxed way to soak in local life and get some great photo opportunities. Many travelers appreciate that the tour ends with a flexible drop-off inside the city center, making it easy to continue exploring on your own.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup in Funchal: The tour starts with a convenient hotel pickup or arranged meeting point, making logistics easy.
Monte Visit (30 minutes): Includes sightseeing, photo stops, and visits to gardens and the church. The time is tight but enough to get a good feel.
Toboggan Ride: Depending on availability, this can be the most exciting part—fast, fun, and full of local charm.
Funchal Old Town: A scenic drive through the painted doors district, perfect for photos and wandering afterward.
Return to city: The tour concludes with a drop-off in Funchal, tailored to your preferred location within the city.

While you're exploring Funchal, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

The reviews speak volumes about the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, with many praising their storytelling and sense of humor. One reviewer mentioned, “Great guy, made our experience a great one,” highlighting how important good guides are to making the day memorable.

Many travelers note how stunning the viewpoints are—whether from Monte or the old town. The combination of comfort, local insights, and fun activities creates a balanced, enjoyable outing. The 1.5-hour duration means it’s a quick hit, ideal if you’re on a tight schedule but still want a taste of Madeira’s highlights.

However, a few reviews point out that waiting times for the toboggan rides can be lengthy during the high season, which might limit some people’s experience. The fact that tickets are sold separately means you’ll need to plan ahead if the sled is a highlight for you.

Price and Value

While the tour itself is a good value considering the guided experience and the variety of sights covered, the separate cost of the toboggan ride means it’s worth budgeting for. For travelers who love a little adrenaline and want to try this unique tradition, it could be well worth the extra expense. For those on a tighter budget or with less time, focusing on the tuk-tuk tour and gardens could still offer a satisfying glimpse of Madeira.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure, are interested in local culture, and want a compact, fun overview of Funchal and Monte. It’s perfect for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides who can bring the city’s stories to life. It works well for independent travelers, couples, or small groups who want an efficient yet lively way to see the highlights.

If you’re traveling with children over 3 years old (and comfortably fit within the weight limit), they’ll likely enjoy the ride, especially the toboggan part. However, it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those over 110 kg, so keep that in mind.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers free pickup and drop-off within a 2 km radius of the Funchal area. Outside this zone, contact the provider for arrangements.

Can I do the toboggan ride if I book this tour?
Tickets for the toboggan ride are separate and not included in the tour price. Availability depends on weather and queues, so it’s not guaranteed.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a quick but rundown of the key sights.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 3 years old can participate, but they must use baby slings or pouches. The tour isn’t suitable for very young children who need car seats or for those over 110 kg.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Do I need to pay separately for entry tickets?
No, tickets for public or private spaces like gardens or churches are not included. You pay for the toboggan ride separately if you choose to do it.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or experience.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, so you won’t be part of a large group.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, plus sunscreen and sunglasses for outdoor stops.

Can I extend or modify the tour?
Extensions or modifications can be arranged but may incur extra costs. The guide will clarify upon booking or during the tour.

Ready to Book?

Madeira: Monte Toboggan & Old Town Guided Tuk Tour by MadTuk

5.0

(13)

In Summary

The Madeira: Monte Toboggan & Old Town Guided Tuk Tour by MadTuk offers a lively, compact way to see some of Madeira’s most iconic sights, with the added thrill of the traditional toboggan ride. The guides’ local knowledge and the scenic stops make it a worthwhile experience for curious travelers who enjoy a blend of culture, nature, and fun. It’s especially appealing if you value personalized service and want a quick, authentic taste of Funchal.

While the toboggan ride’s separate tickets and potential for waiting might be a slight downside, the overall package provides a well-balanced introduction to Madeira that’s both engaging and informative. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, this tour helps you feel like you’ve truly experienced some of the island’s highlights in an enjoyable, relaxed way.