Open Roof Jeep Tour with Madeira Wine Tasting

If you’re considering a way to see Madeira beyond the usual tourist spots, this Open Roof Jeep Tour combined with Madeira wine tasting might just be your ideal match. Offering a blend of scenic vistas, off-road adventures, and local flavors, it promises an immersive experience that’s both fun and educational.

What we really love about this tour is how it balances adventure with cultural insights — riding in a vintage Jeep makes everything feel a bit more special, and the wine tastings are a genuine highlight. Plus, the tour’s focus on local guides who share personal stories and insider knowledge adds authenticity you won’t get from a cookie-cutter excursion.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is rain or shine, so if you prefer a cozy, dry day, you might want to check the weather beforehand. Also, since it’s a small group experience limited to seven people, it feels intimate but can fill up quickly, so booking early is advisable.

This tour is perfect for travelers who love stunning viewpoints, offbeat routes, and a taste of Madeira’s unique charm. It’s especially suited for those who want a relaxed yet adventurous way to explore the island with knowledgeable guides by their side.

Key Points

• Scenic diversity: Discover breathtaking views from valleys, mountains, and cliffs while riding in a classic Jeep.
• Authentic insights: Local guides share engaging stories about Madeira’s flora, history, and culture.
• Wine experience: Enjoy tasting Henriques & Henriques wines, including sweet, dry, and medium dry options.
• Off-road fun: Embrace the thrill of bumpy, unpaved roads that add adventure to your trip.
• Convenience: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you hassle and ensuring comfort.
• Limited group size: Provides a more personal experience with personalized attention from guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

When you sign up for this 6-hour tour, you’re signing up for more than just sightseeing — it’s an adventure that combines natural beauty, local flavors, and a touch of thrill. The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in Funchal, where your friendly guide introduces the plan for the day, making sure you feel comfortable and excited about what’s ahead.

Exploring Camara de Lobos

The first stop is the charming fisherman’s village of Camara de Lobos. This colorful spot is known for its traditional boats and laid-back vibe. We loved the way the guide shared stories about the village’s history, giving us context beyond just the scenic photos. It’s a peaceful place where you can stroll and soak in the authentic island atmosphere.

Driving Through Camara da Serra and Nun’s Valley

Next, the journey takes us through narrow, old-fashioned side roads to Jardim da Serra, and then to Nun’s Valley, which gets its name from a local legend. Here, the views are incredible — towering mountains, lush greenery, and deep valleys that seem to stretch forever. Our guide explained the origin of the name, adding a personal touch to the experience. Many reviews highlight how spectacular these vistas are, especially when viewed from the cliffside vantage points.

Cabo Girao: The Cliff’s Edge

One of the tour’s show-stoppers is Cabo Girao, one of the highest glass platforms in the world at 683 meters above sea level. Standing on the transparent floor and looking down at the ocean below is a moment of pure awe. It’s a popular photo stop, and you’ll want to have your camera ready.

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Wine Tasting at Henriques & Henriques

After a scenic drive and some off-road fun, it’s time to relax with Madeira wine tasting at Henriques & Henriques. This family-run winery offers a chance to sample sweet, dry, and medium dry wines. The reviews praise the authenticity of the experience and the quality of the wines. One reviewer even described it as “getting to see more of Madeira than just the tourist spots” — thanks to the guide’s personal recommendations and knowledge.

The Poncha and Local Delights

En route back, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional Poncha — a local cocktail made with sugar cane spirit and citrus. It’s a fun, bumpy ride to a local bar where you can sip this famous drink and get a real taste of Madeira’s social vibe.

Wrap-Up and Return

The tour wraps up with a scenic drive back to Funchal, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights. Guides are attentive, making sure everyone is comfortable and happy, and most reviews comment positively on the personal touch and local knowledge shared throughout.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

While many Madeira tours focus on just the sights, this one emphasizes personalized storytelling and off-road exploration. The vintage Jeep adds a nostalgic feel, making the journey more memorable than a standard bus tour. It’s clear from reviews that the guides are passionate and eager to share their love for Madeira, which really elevates the experience.

The wine tasting component is particularly noteworthy. Many reviews mention how the wines are not only delicious but also a meaningful part of understanding Madeira’s culture. The fact that it’s included in the price makes it an excellent value, especially considering the quality of the wines and the personal service.

The small group size (limited to 7 participants) ensures a more intimate experience. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group of friends, this setup allows for more interaction and flexibility.

The Practicalities

Price: At $83 per person, this tour offers good value considering the full day of adventure, scenic stops, wine tastings, and hotel pickup/drop-off. It’s not the cheapest option but balances cost with a genuinely richer experience.

Duration: Six hours including pickup and drop-off, which is a reasonable length for exploring key sights without feeling rushed.

Group Size: Limited to 7 participants, making it a cozy, personalized outing.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothes are recommended; the tour takes place rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 2 or pregnant women, primarily because of the off-road and bumpy nature of the trip.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Many travelers rave about the guides’ local knowledge and friendly demeanor. One reviewer from Belgium expressed how their guide, Ricardo, made the trip memorable with his passion and personalized recommendations. Another from the UK appreciated the private tour experience, especially since their initial pickup was missed, but the company quickly rectified the situation by providing a private guide.

Other travelers highlight the breathtaking views, especially from Cabo Girao and Nun’s Valley, as well as the quality of the wine tasting. Several reviews describe the tour as “the best day of their holiday,” emphasizing how much they appreciated seeing Madeira’s natural beauty with a knowledgeable local.

Some mention the off-road sections — bumpy but enjoyable, adding a sense of adventure that many other tours don’t offer. The Poncha stop was also a hit, giving a genuine taste of Madeira’s social and drinking culture.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a personalized, scenic adventure that combines off-road fun, cultural insights, and wine tasting, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small-group experiences and want to see Madeira from a local’s perspective.

Those who love stunning viewpoints and don’t mind a bit of bumpy terrain will find this tour exciting and fulfilling. It’s also a strong choice for wine lovers eager to taste authentic Madeira wines in a relaxed setting. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less adventurous experience or are traveling with very young children or pregnant women, you might want to consider alternative options.

This Jeep tour offers a well-rounded, memorable way to experience Madeira’s natural beauty and local culture — all while having a bit of fun in a vintage vehicle.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 2 years or pregnant women due to the off-road nature and bumpy ride.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience lasts about 6 hours, including pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.

What’s included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, guiding service, and Madeira wine tasting are included. Entry tickets and personal expenses are not.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it takes place rain or shine. It’s best to check the forecast and dress accordingly.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 7 participants, making it quite intimate and flexible.

Can I customize the experience?
The guide will go through the plan at the start and can tailor some parts to your interests, making it a personalized day.

What’s the main highlight?
Many guests mention the stunning viewpoints like Cabo Girao and Nun’s Valley, along with the wine tasting at Henriques & Henriques.

Is the Jeep comfortable?
Yes, it’s a classic Jeep but well-maintained, designed for a fun, bumpy ride through scenic off-road routes.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at $83 per person, which offers good value considering the full experience.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring comfortable clothes and perhaps a hat or sunscreen for sun protection. Rain gear might be wise if rain is forecasted.

In the end, if you’re eager to combine spectacular sights, local wines, and a unique ride in a vintage Jeep, this is a tour worth considering. It offers a genuine taste of Madeira’s landscape and culture, all wrapped up in a fun and personal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: