Monte sends you downhill on a toboggan. This private Tukway outing strings together two of Madeira’s most fun contrasts: hilltop Monte with its famous church, then a guided look around Funchal’s Old Town streets.

I especially love the easy, door-to-door access to Monte without the hassle of buses or timing. I also really like the focus on Funchal’s Rua de Santa Maria and its painted-door details, plus the chance to stop for photos on the way back down.

One thing to think about: the toboggan ride is an extra ticket you pay separately, and it can involve waiting depending on when you go. If you hate lines or you’re traveling with mobility limits, plan accordingly.

Key things you’ll notice on this Tukway tour

• Private tuk tuk pickup and drop-off in Funchal (or the cruise ship terminal)
• Monte + Church of Our Lady of the Mount (visible structure completed in 1818)
• Rua de Santa Maria with painted doors by different artists and old-street character
• Carreiros do Monte toboggan fun as the main add-on thrill (paid tickets)
• Scenic drives with view stops plus a guided stroll through central/Old Town areas

How the Monte-to-Old-Town Loop Works in Real Time

This is a 2-hour private experience built around one simple idea: get you up the hill fast, make one major adventure happen in Monte, then bring you back down so you can enjoy Funchal’s streets on foot. You’re not stuck on a long coach route or spending half the day figuring out where to go next.

The rhythm is also practical. You’ll start with pickup in Funchal, spend time in Monte with guided stops, then return to the center for Old Town sightseeing. Along the way, the driver/guide keeps things moving with short sight-focused breaks, photo moments, and local context so you’re not just looking at places—you’re understanding why they matter.

Getting Lifted From Funchal: Why This Feels Like More Than Transport

The tuk tuk is the point, not just the vehicle. In a city like Funchal, where hills and short turns can throw off big groups, a small private ride helps you avoid the stress of squeezing into tight schedules. You get pickup included and a driver/guide who can adjust pacing to the group you’re with.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, the pickup at the cruise terminal is a big deal. You’ll be able to head straight up toward Monte instead of wandering around until you can find a taxi or a bus connection. Many people also like that this kind of private plan helps you hit the toboggan area earlier rather than later.

Small note that affects comfort: the tour includes a blanket. That’s useful on Madeira days when the hill air feels cooler, especially when you’re going downhill afterward.

Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal: Painted Doors and Walking at Human Speed

Before you head up to Monte, you’ll get some Old Town time in Funchal, with a special focus on Santa Maria’s painted doors. These aren’t random decorations. The idea is that many doors were painted by different artists, giving the street a patchwork look that feels artistic and local.

You’ll also spend time around the older street fabric—think cobblestone flooring and classic façades that show how the neighborhood was built. It’s the kind of detail you’d miss if you were only snapping wide photos. Having a guide with you means you can slow down without losing time.

You’ll get a break and a dedicated photo stop here. That matters, because the “perfect” picture on Old Town streets often happens when you pause long enough for the light to match the colors on those doors.

Monte and the Church of Our Lady of the Mount (Completed in 1818)

Monte is where the views and the tradition click together. The guided stop at the Church of Our Lady of the Mount is a highlight for good reason: the structure visible today was completed in 1818, and it’s a major stop for both worshippers and tourists.

What I like about including the church in this tour is that it anchors Monte beyond the thrill factor. You’re not just going up for speed and scenery. You’re also seeing a place that has had serious staying power, sitting there above Funchal while the city life below keeps changing.

In practical terms, the time here is enough for you to take in the building, understand its significance, and still move on without feeling rushed. If you like religious architecture or you enjoy places with a strong sense of continuity, this stop will feel worthwhile even if you don’t plan to spend a long time inside.

Carreiros do Monte Toboggans: The Fun Part, Plus the Extra Cost

This tour’s signature adventure is the toboggan run down from Monte to Livramento. Locals know it as Carreiros do Monte—and it’s more than a novelty ride. Toboggan riding started as a quick way for locals to travel between Monte and Funchal, showing up around the 1850s. It’s still in use today.

Now for the part you need to budget: toboggan tickets are paid separately. The tour notes it as €35 for 2 people. That means your overall cost is the base price for the tuk tuk experience plus this add-on.

From a value standpoint, I’d treat it like this:

• You’re paying once for a guided, private ride and Old Town context.
• You pay a separate fee for the actual toboggan activity you’ll remember.

Also, many guides will warn you that toboggan demand can mean queueing. If you’re trying to reduce waiting time, going earlier in the day is smart. It’s not a guarantee, but it usually helps.

One more practical detail: the tour includes a blanket, but the toboggan run itself may still feel cooler or more windy depending on conditions. Bring weather-appropriate clothing so you stay comfortable through both hill air and downhill excitement.

The Return to Funchal: Scenic Views Plus Guided Old Town Context

After Monte, you’ll head back toward the Funchal center for more sightseeing. The tour includes guided time with driving and passing scenic views, plus time to explore the Old Town area at a slower pace.

What makes this part work is that you’re not repeating the same streets you saw earlier. You’re seeing the city from different angles—through the window as the route curves along viewpoints, then back on foot as you connect the neighborhoods and streets you just heard about.

The guide also adds helpful local color: geography, how Monte relates to Funchal, and what you’re looking at from certain viewpoints. In past tours with different guides—like Luis, André, Ricardo, Fabio, Andrea, and Lydia—people consistently highlight that the driver isn’t just driving. They’re explaining where you are and why it looks the way it does.

If you like city tours that give you a framework—so you can later wander on your own with better instincts—this setup is a good match.

Price and Value for a Private Group Up to 2

The listed price is $91 per group up to 2, for the guided tuk tuk experience with pickup/drop-off and a local driver/guide. You also get a blanket.

Then you add toboggan tickets separately (€35 for 2 people). Once you total it in your head, you’re basically paying for:

• A private, small-vehicle ride that gets you up to Monte efficiently
• Guided Old Town time focused on Rua de Santa Maria and its painted-door character
• A structured plan so you’re not guessing transit or timing
• The option to add the toboggan ride as the main adventure

Is it “cheap”? No. But it’s also not a huge group experience where you lose time. For many couples, this is a sweet spot: you get the intimacy of private guiding, plus a bucket-list activity, without needing to coordinate multiple tickets and transfers by yourself.

If you’re traveling as a solo person, check whether your chosen departure time still makes sense for the group pricing. Private tours tend to be best when the pairing fits you.

Timing That Actually Helps: Avoiding the Cruise Crowd Effect

This kind of tour works best when you’re thoughtful about when you go. The toboggan area can have queues. Guides often recommend going earlier to reduce the odds of getting stuck waiting behind bigger cruise groups.

If you’re on a cruise, the pickup timing can matter a lot. You’ll generally have a better chance at smoother flow if you’re one of the earlier groups heading uphill rather than the later ones trying to cram in Monte and the toboggans.

Even with that, keep expectations realistic: the toboggans are popular, and demand can’t be fully erased by good planning. Your best tool is your start time.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

For comfort, bring weather-appropriate clothing. Madeira weather can shift, and Monte is usually a bit cooler than the coast.

For rules:

• No baby strollers
• No luggage or large bags

If you’re traveling light, you’ll feel more comfortable in the tuk tuk. If you’re traveling with extra gear, plan to store it with your hotel before doing this excursion.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private guided outing with pickup and return included
• To spend time in both Monte and Funchal Old Town without rushing
• A toboggan adventure as a main highlight (and you’re okay paying tickets separately)

It’s also a strong choice for cruise visitors who want an efficient plan that doesn’t depend on complicated connections.

I’d be cautious if:

• You need wheelchair access or mobility support (the tour notes it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users)
• You’re traveling with very young kids (it’s not suitable for children under 3 years)

Should you book this Tukway Funchal experience?

Yes, if you want an easy, guided way to connect Monte’s church stop and toboggan tradition with a real Old Town walk focused on Rua de Santa Maria’s painted doors. The private tuk tuk format is the secret sauce here: it saves time, keeps the day fun, and gives you context that you’d miss wandering alone.

Book it when you can: pick a start time that avoids the biggest crowd risk, and budget for the €35 toboggan tickets for two on top of the base price. If you’re excited about the Carreiros do Monte run and you like learning while you walk, this tour is a solid value use of a few hours in Madeira.

FAQ

How long is the Funchal toboggan and Old Town tour?

It’s 2 hours total. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the departure that fits your day.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s listed as a private group experience.

What’s included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off in Funchal (or the cruise ship terminal), a local driver/guide, and a blanket are included.

How much are the toboggan tickets and are they included?

Toboggan tickets are not included. They’re paid separately, listed as €35 for 2 people.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is included at Funchal locations or at the cruise ship terminal.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

Are strollers and large bags allowed?

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

Is the tour suitable for kids or mobility limitations?

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

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.