Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4×4 Adventure

Introduction

If you’re thinking about adding a Madeira tour that combines scenic sights, wine, and a bit of adventure, this Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4×4 Adventure might just catch your eye. It’s designed to give travelers a rich taste of the island’s natural beauty, local flavors, and unique off-road thrills, all in about three and a half hours.

What we love about this experience is how it manages to blend stunning viewpoints like Cabo Girao with authentic wine tasting at Quinta Barbusano, plus a personalized 4×4 ride that avoids the usual crowds. It feels intimate and tailored, which is a nice change from some busier tours.

One thing to keep in mind is that the wine tasting at the vineyard isn’t included in the base price, which might be a surprise for some. Also, some reviews mention the age of the vehicles or the wine quality, so it’s worth weighing these points before booking. Still, it’s a good fit for those who love nature, local culture, and a bit of adventure—especially if you prefer smaller groups and personalized experiences.

Key Points

• Balanced mix: Combines scenic views, wine tasting, and off-road adventure.
• Small group size: Max 8 people per jeep for a more personal experience.
• Flexibility: Pickup offered from Funchal and Caniço, with mobile tickets for convenience.
• Cost considerations: Extra fees apply for wine tastings and some entrance fees.
• Viewpoints: Stunning stops at Cabo Girao, Serra de Água, and charming villages.
• Guided insights: Friendly guides share interesting facts about the region’s history and landscape.

What to Expect From This Madeira Tour

This tour is a well-rounded way to see some of Madeira’s most iconic spots, all while enjoying a relaxed, small-group atmosphere. It’s especially appealing if your goal is to combine sightseeing with local flavors and a bit of adventure. Here’s a closer look at what makes this tour worth considering—and what you might want to keep in mind.

The Itinerary: A Deep Dive

Stop 1: Quinta do Barbusano
Your journey begins at the renowned Quinta Barbusano, where you’ll settle in for a wine tasting experience. The guide will walk you through six carefully selected local wines, paired with toast cheese—a simple yet delicious way to truly taste what Madeira has to offer. The tasting is set at a specially prepared table, creating a cozy atmosphere to enjoy the flavors. The tasting itself costs extra, about €18 per person, and includes the wines and snacks.

Traveling in the open-top 4×4 jeeps, you’ll get a chance to see the rugged terrain of the island while listening to fascinating insights from your guide. We loved the way the off-road ride highlights Madeira’s lush vineyards, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs—especially with a small group, making the ride intimate and less crowded.

Reviews highlight the friendly guides and the enjoyable walk around the vines, with Joanna_S praising Miguel’s expertise and the lovely wine pairing. Some also appreciated the off-road aspect, which was described as “really fun” and a chance to see the island from a different perspective.

Stop 2: São Vicente and Surroundings
Next, the tour takes you through Cabo Girao, where you’ll stand on the glass skywalk and gaze down at the jaw-dropping cliffs and ocean below. This is a highlight for many—truly an image that sticks with you. The stop here lasts around 30 minutes, giving ample time for photos and soaking in the views.
After Cabo Girao, the journey continues through Serra de Água, a lush valley with waterfalls and scenic winding roads. This area offers some of the most picturesque vistas, and the experience is elevated by the small group size, avoiding the bus crowds.

Other stops include charming villages like Câmara de Lobos, famous for its colorful houses and fishing village vibe, and quaint rural spots like Quinta Grande and Campanário. These places give you a taste of Madeira’s quiet, traditional life—perfect for a relaxing stroll or photo ops.

Ribeira Brava is the final stop, a peaceful seaside town with a lovely promenade and pebble beach, giving a laid-back end to your busy day.

The Off-Road 4×4 Experience

The off-road element makes this tour stand out. You’ll be riding in small open-top jeeps, with a maximum of 8 people per vehicle, allowing for an engaging, less rushed experience. Reviewers mention that the guides are knowledgeable and add personality to the trip, sharing stories and insights along the way.

While some reviews express that the vehicles are quite old, most found the ride enjoyable, especially the thrill of traversing tiny country roads and vineyard paths. Just a heads-up: if you’re sensitive to bumpy rides or older vehicles, this might not be your favorite part.

Wine Tasting and Additional Costs

The wine tasting itself costs about €18 per person and takes place at Quinta Barbusano. It includes six local wines and some savory snacks, providing a genuine taste of Madeira’s wine culture. The guided tour of the vineyard is included in the trip but note that entrance to Cabo Girao, at €3 per person, is extra.

Some reviews note that the wines served are simple table wines, and the guide at the vineyard only speaks English, which might limit the depth of explanation if you’re fluent in another language. That said, most found the tasting enjoyable and worth the experience.

Group Size, Duration, and Logistics

This tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 8 people per jeep and a total of up to 24 travelers. The total duration is about 3 hours and 30 minutes, which makes it manageable even if you’re on a tight schedule.

The pickup service is available from Funchal and Caniço, making it convenient to join without fuss. Since it’s booked an average of 22 days in advance, it’s a popular choice—so planning ahead is wise.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

What travelers love:

• The guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge. Joanna_S called Miguel an excellent guide, and others appreciated Eddy’s fun attitude.
• The views are genuinely breathtaking, especially at Cabo Girao and Serra de Água. Many reviews mention how memorable those stops are.
• The off-road ride is a great way to see parts of Madeira you wouldn’t reach on a normal tour, making the experience feel exclusive and adventurous.

What could be better:

• The wine quality is sometimes described as mediocre or simple, which might disappoint wine enthusiasts. Ralph_G mentioned wines were “very mediocre table wines.”
• The vehicles are considered quite old by some guests, which could impact comfort or safety perceptions.
• Additional costs, like entrance fees or the wine tasting, add to the base price, so budget accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a well-rounded look at Madeira’s natural beauty, combined with wine tasting in a relaxed setting. It suits travelers who enjoy small groups and personalized guides more than large tours.

If you’re after a fun off-road adventure mixed with iconic viewpoints, the tour checks those boxes. It’s not the best choice for someone seeking a gourmet wine experience or ultra-luxurious transport, but for a more authentic, friendly, and scenic day, it works well.

The Sum Up

This Madeira tour offers a unique combination of scenic views, local wine, and off-road fun, all packed into a manageable half-day trip. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and varied stops make it a worthwhile experience for those looking to see the island’s highlights without feeling rushed or crowded.

While some may find the wines average and the vehicles a bit aged, many travelers find the personal touch and stunning vistas outweigh these minor drawbacks. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and adventure in a comfortable, intimate setting.

In short, if you’re after a memorable way to explore Madeira’s landscape with good company and a few surprises along the way, this tour is a solid choice. Just be prepared for some extra costs if you want to fully indulge in the wine tasting experience.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from Funchal center and Caniço is offered, making it easy to join without extra hassle.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops and activities.

Are the jeep rides comfortable?
The jeeps are open-top and can be quite old, but most guests enjoy the ride, especially with the small group size that keeps things personal.

What’s included in the wine tasting?
The tasting of six local wines with toast cheese is extra, costing around €18 per person. The tasting takes place at Quinta Barbusano.

Do I need to pay entrance fees?
Some stops, like Cabo Girao, have entrance fees (€3 per person), which are not included in the tour price.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically designed for children, the off-road ride could be fun for older kids. It’s best to check the vehicle comfort if traveling with young children.

What if I want to skip the wine tasting?
The tour is primarily focused on the sights and the off-road experience; the wine tasting is an optional add-on at extra cost.

Can I cancel?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour good value for money?
Considering the scenic stops, small group experience, and personalized guides, many find it to be a good deal, especially if you enjoy wine and adventure.

This tour strikes a good balance for travelers wanting a bit of everything—beautiful scenery, local flavors, and some thrills. It’s not perfect, but it’s a memorable way to get a meaningful taste of Madeira in just a few hours.