Private Funchal Monte Toboggan & Old Town Tuk Tuk Tour

5.0 (29 reviews) Madeira, Portugal
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Duration1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesPortuguese, English, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Climb through Funchal’s hillside streets on a private 90-minute tuk-tuk tour, with views over the city, the bay and the hills beyond, before arriving at the famous basket sledge starting area in Monte.

I’ll walk you through the history of this unique tradition, show you exactly where the ride begins, and share a few tips before you set off. Afterwards, we’ll continue through Funchal’s Old Town, passing painted doors, historic corners and local streets.

The basket sledge ride itself is operated by a separate official service, and tickets are not included in this tuk-tuk tour.

The Monte toboggan runs to its own schedule, but the rest of the route, especially the Old Town, can be shaped around what interests you most.

The basket sledge is one of those Madeira traditions that sounds unusual until you’ve seen it for yourself, I still enjoy watching people’s reactions the first time, before we head into the Old Town for a change of pace.

What's included

  • Private 90-minute tuk-tuk tour
  • Pickup within Funchal
  • Flexible drop-off within Funchal
  • A short video when possible
  • Local tips and personal recommendations
  • A small symbolic keepsake
  • Local driver-guide
  • Monte toboggan ride ticket
  • Food and Drinks

What to expect

  1. 30m
    Largo da Fonte in Monte is the starting point of Madeira’s famous basket sledge ride, a 19th-century tradition, when these wicker sledges served as everyday transport down to Funchal. They’re guided by two ‘carreiros’ in white outfits and straw hats, who use their rubber-soled boots as brakes. There’s time to enjoy the area and take photos before the optional ride; basket sledge tickets are not included and must be paid directly to the official operators.
  2. Zona Velha
    Pass by
    Funchal’s Old Town is best known for streets like Rua de Santa Maria, with its collection of brightly painted doors, narrow cobbled lanes and traditional local restaurants. These historic corners are one of the most characterful and photogenic sides of the city.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Pick-up is included within Funchal at no extra cost. Your driver-guide can collect you from your hotel, apartment, cruise port area, restaurant, or another agreed meeting point within Funchal.

Please be ready 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. After booking, please send your exact pickup location, and your driver-guide will confirm the best meeting point.

If your accommodation is on a narrow or restricted street, a nearby pickup point may be arranged. Drop-off can also be arranged within Funchal, where safely accessible.

Additional information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (29)
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by TukTuk with Virgílio · Booked through Viator
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