Funchal: Toboggan and Old Town Experience with Tukway

Monte toboggans plus Funchal Old Town is a great combo because it mixes adventure with street-level charm. You travel by private tuk tuk up to Monte, then you decide if you want to try the Carreiros do Monte downhill ride to Livramento.

I also love that the tour slows down in the places you usually rush through. You get a guided walk around the painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria in Santa Maria, and you visit the Church of Our Lady of the Mount in Monte, a landmark finished in 1818, often with guides like André or Luis adding clear local context as you go.

One drawback to plan for: the toboggan ride is extra, and the tour is not set up for everyone. No strollers, no large bags, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Private tuk tuk, real small-group feel: Pickup and drop-off are included, and the drive gets you into the right areas fast.
• Painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria: Multiple artists painted doorways, so the street looks like an open-air gallery.
• Church of Our Lady of the Mount in Monte: A major stop, with the structure visible today completed in 1818.
• Optional Carreiros do Monte toboggans: Traditional downhill transport from Monte toward Funchal, still done today.
• Guides who talk like locals: Names you may see include André, Luis, Ricardo, Fabio, and Andrea, and many focus on viewpoints plus small, practical tips.

Monte Toboggans and Painted Doors: Why This Combo Works

This tour works because you get two sides of Madeira in one flow. First, the old-town streets of Funchal, where details matter, like cobblestones underfoot and doorways turned into art. Then you rise into Monte, where the view improves with every turn, and the Church of Our Lady of the Mount anchors the visit.

The toboggan option is what turns the day from sightseeing into a story. The Carreiros do Monte were traditionally a quick way for locals to get from Monte down to Funchal. Today they are still running, so you are not just looking at history, you are doing a piece of it.

For most people, the best part is timing and pacing. You are not trapped on a large coach schedule. A private tuk tuk means you can keep moving without feeling rushed, especially on the parts of the route that are short but scenic.

Private Pickup From Funchal, Then Scenic Drives With Less Fuss

The day starts with pickup in Funchal (or at the cruise ship terminal if you are arriving by ship). It is designed for a private group, and the tour runs about 2 hours total, so it fits well even if you have limited time on Madeira.

You will also get a blanket. That matters more than you might think. Monte sits higher and the air can feel cooler, even when the coast looks warm.

This is not a luggage-heavy experience. Large bags are not allowed, and strollers are not allowed. I recommend packing light and wearing shoes you can walk in comfortably. That way you enjoy the Old Town walking portion instead of thinking about what you can carry.

Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal: Painted Doors and Photo Stops

Your Old Town segment is built around Rua de Santa Maria, a street where you can literally spend time looking down and around. The key feature is the painted doors. They were done by different artists, so the look changes as you move along the street. It gives Funchal character in a way that a quick drive-by never does.

You also get time for photos and a guided walk through the details:

• cobblestone floors you can feel underfoot
• the façade textures on old houses
• small architectural quirks you only notice when you are at walking distance

A practical note: this part is short but it is a real walk, not a drive-by. If your trip includes a lot of stairs elsewhere on the island, keep this in mind and bring comfortable footwear.

Monte Village and the Church of Our Lady of the Mount (1818)

Then you head up toward Monte Village. This is where Madeira shifts from street level to viewpoint level. The drive itself gives you those familiar mountain-to-town angles, and the tuk tuk helps you keep the day moving without changing plans every few minutes.

Inside Monte, your main spiritual and cultural stop is the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. The structure visible today was completed in 1818, and it is one of the most visited church sites in the area. Even if you are not a church person, it is a smart stop because the building and its setting make it a natural photo point and a good reset after the Old Town walking.

What I like about this stop is that it gives context. You get a strong sense of how Monte functions as both a viewpoint destination and a place locals care about, then you are ready for the toboggan choice that follows.

Carreiros do Monte Toboggans: The Optional Downhill Adventure

After Monte, you can choose to ride the toboggans. They go by a name you will hear often in Funchal, Carreiros do Monte, and the idea is simple: it is downhill travel from Monte toward Livramento, with today’s runs still happening in much the same spirit.

Important money note: toboggan tickets are not included. They cost €35 for 2 people, paid separately. So if you are pricing the tour, treat that as an add-on you either include or skip.

How to think about the toboggan ride value

• If you want one active, memorable Madeira moment, the ride is the centerpiece.
• If you are more into relaxed walking and views, you can treat it like an optional extra and put your time into Monte and Old Town instead.

A real-world heads-up from the experience itself: the ride requires buying tickets on site, and demand can create a line. I recommend doing the toboggan portion earlier in your day if your schedule allows, especially if you are on a cruise and you know big groups show up at set times.

The Return to Funchal Center: Viewpoints, Harbor Areas, and Local Tips

Once the mountain part is done, you return to central Funchal for more guided sightseeing. This is where your guide earns their keep. A private driver-guide can point out small things big buses often miss, like where to stand for a better view and what to notice as you pass.

You also get guided stops around areas of interest, plus additional time built in for scenic looks and photos. In particular, your guide can warn you about practical issues like speed bumps and give you a smoother walk-and-drive rhythm.

Some guides also add optional cultural touches when they fit the flow. For example, a few people mention a quick poncha-related stop, where you can see it being made. It is not something you should count on, but it is a nice example of the kind of local flavor that a good guide may weave into your time.

Price and Value: What You Really Get for About $91

At $91 per group up to 2, this tour can be good value because it bundles several things that cost extra when booked separately.

Here is what is included:

• private pickup and drop-off in Funchal (or the cruise terminal)
• a local driver/guide in English
• scenic drives between Funchal and Monte
• guided time in the Old Town area, including the Rua de Santa Maria stop
• a blanket

The parts not included are straightforward:

• toboggan tickets (€35 for 2 people)
• food and drinks
• any tickets for other attractions

So the math depends on you. If you ride the toboggans, you are paying for the add-on experience that makes this tour special. If you do not, you are still getting a private, guided Old Town plus Monte church visit, with transport included.

For cruise passengers, the value can be even better. Pickup at the ship and a tight 2-hour window helps you avoid wasting time getting into town. The private size also makes it easier to stick to your preferred pace.

Who This Tuk Tuk and Toboggan Tour Fits Best

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• a private, smaller-group way to see Funchal and Monte
• the mix of Old Town walking plus Monte viewpoints
• the option to add an adrenaline-style moment with the Carreiros do Monte ride

You may want to skip it if you need mobility support. It is not suitable for wheelchair users and not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Also, there are restrictions on strollers and luggage or large bags.

Age note: it is not suitable for children under 3. If you have little ones, plan accordingly and check what kind of walking your family can handle comfortably.

Smart Tips to Make Your Morning Easier

A few practical choices can make a big difference on a Monte day:

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing, layers help because Monte can feel cooler.
• Bring comfortable shoes for cobblestones and the walking portion near Rua de Santa Maria.
• If you plan to ride the toboggan, aim for a time with less crowding. The ride depends on ticket lines, and arriving earlier can help.
• Keep your packing light, since large bags are not allowed.

Also, because you are in a private vehicle, it helps to ask your guide what the best photo angles are before you get out. Many guides focus on viewpoints and they often know exactly where to stand for the clearest city shots.

Should You Book Tukway’s Monte Toboggan and Old Town Tour?

I would book this if you want Madeira that feels hands-on, not just photographed. The combo of Monte, the Church of Our Lady of the Mount (completed in 1818), and a guided look at the painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria gives you variety in a short time.

If you care most about classic views and relaxed walking, you will still enjoy it, even without the toboggan ride. But if you want one active moment that is uniquely Funchal, the optional Carreiros do Monte toboggans are the reason this tour stands out.

Just plan your expectations around the extra toboggan ticket cost and the limited ability to accommodate mobility needs. If that fits your group, this is a fun, efficient way to see Madeira’s contrast in one go.

FAQ

How long is the Tukway Funchal to Monte experience?

It runs about 2 hours total. Starting times vary, so you will need to check availability for the time options.

Where does the tour pick you up and drop you off?

Pickup and drop-off are included in Funchal, either from your hotel or the cruise ship terminal.

Is the toboggan ride included in the price?

No. The toboggan ride requires separate tickets, which cost €35 for 2 people.

How much is the tour for a private group?

The price is listed at $91 per group up to 2 people.

Do I get an English-speaking guide?

Yes. The tour includes a live tour guide in English.

What is included in the tour besides the guide and transport?

You get pickup and drop-off, a local driver/guide, and a blanket.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea since you will spend time walking in the Old Town.

Are there any restrictions on kids or mobility?

It is not suitable for children under 3 years. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Are strollers and large luggage allowed?

No. Baby strollers are not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not allowed.