Funchal: Toboggan and Old Town Experience with Tukway

Funchal can be one of those places where a single sight can’t explain the whole charm. This tour gives you a Monte adrenaline hit first, then slides you back into Funchal Old Town for artful streets and smart local guidance.

I love the walk through Santa Maria’s painted doors, where different artists turn ordinary entrances into mini landmarks. I also love the Monte stop for the Church of Our Lady of the Mount and the old-school toboggan idea called Carreiros do Monte, with guides like Luis, Ricardo, André, and Andrea keeping the day fun and clear.

One consideration: the toboggans cost extra. Plan on paying €35 for 2 people for the ride, and you may want to go early to reduce waiting.

Key things to look forward to

• Santa Maria’s painted doors: many artists, lots of photo angles, and an easy way to spot local creativity fast
• Monte’s Church of Our Lady of the Mount: the visible structure was completed in 1818, and it draws visitors for a reason
• Carreiros do Monte toboggans: traditional transport from Monte to Funchal, used since the mid-1800s
• Private tuk tuk pace: a smaller, more flexible feel than big coaches, with stops tuned to your group
• Scenic views on the way up and down: the drive itself is part of the sightseeing
• Blanket included: useful when the breeze hits on the hill

A Tuk Tuk Morning That Connects Monte to Funchal Old Town

This is a smart way to do Madeira without spending the day bouncing between stops on your own. You start in Funchal, ride up toward Monte, and then work your way back into the older streets where the city feels most “lived in.”

The tour is built around variety. You get mountain views, a major church, an action-packed toboggan option, and then a walking stretch through older lanes. And because it’s private, you are not stuck waiting for someone else’s pace or forced into a rush.

Guides show up as the real difference. People talk about Luis being ready for cruise arrivals and Ricardo pointing out practical things like speed bumps on the route. André and Andrea often get praised for keeping the mood upbeat while still explaining what you’re seeing.

Price and What You Really Get (Plus the Toboggan Add-On)

The listed price is $91 per group (up to 2 people) for a 2-hour private experience with pickup in Funchal. That base cost covers the vehicle, the local driver/guide, and pickup and drop-off.

Here’s the important money point: the toboggan ride is separate, and the cost is €35 for 2 people. You are also bringing your own food and drinks, so think of this as a ride-and-sightseeing tour, not an all-inclusive meal plan.

Is it good value? For many people, yes, because you are paying for three things that are hard to combine by yourself: (1) getting up to Monte efficiently, (2) having a guide at both ends of the day, and (3) adding context while you walk the Old Town streets. If you already want the toboggan experience, the math gets better fast since you only pay the add-on once, as part of your plan.

Pickup in Funchal, Then Straight Up to the Monte Side

The schedule works like this. You’re picked up in Funchal. If you’re on a cruise, pickup can also happen from the cruise ship terminal.

Then you’re on the road. There are short scenic drive segments built into the plan. Expect a quick rhythm: get lifted toward Monte, stop for viewpoint time and short photo moments, and then move on.

A nice practical angle here is timing. Several guides get praised for taking the group to the toboggan area early. That can matter, because the toboggan line can get busy. If you want the smoothest ride experience, aim for the earliest start time you can manage when you check availability.

Monte Village Stop: The Church of Our Lady of the Mount in 1818

Monte is the emotional anchor of the day. The big site is the Church of Our Lady of the Mount, one of the most sought-out spots for both churchgoers and tourists.

What makes this stop worthwhile isn’t only the church itself. It’s the setting and the feel. Monte is higher, cooler, and visually dramatic. You get a pause to reset your eyes after the drive, and then you move into the historical part of the Madeira story.

One key fact to file away as you look around: the structure you see today was completed in 1818. That gives context to the crowds, because this is not a new attraction. It’s a long-established meeting point for pilgrims and visitors.

If you like quick but meaningful sightseeing, this church stop hits the sweet spot. It’s not a long museum marathon. It’s a clear focal point in a short time frame.

Carreiros do Monte Toboggans: What the Ride Feels Like

This is the main event option. After visiting Monte, you can choose to ride the toboggans at an extra cost. The traditional name is Carreiros do Monte.

Why people love it is simple. It’s old-school transportation turned into a memorable ride. The toboggans appeared as a faster way for locals to travel from Monte down toward Funchal, and they’ve continued in use to this day.

A few details matter for your expectations. The ride itself is described as short enough that it does not feel like an all-day commitment, while still delivering the fun factor. Guides also tend to help with the flow of getting on and off, which is especially helpful if you are doing this with limited time.

Safety vibe check: this is not a “sit and watch” activity. You are using a sled-style ride that moves with speed and turns down the hill. The tour also notes it is not suitable for children under 3 years and not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. If you have any doubt about comfort on uneven or steep surfaces, treat that as a deciding factor.

One more timing tip: since the toboggans are paid separately, do not assume the ride is fully included in the base price. Build in time for tickets and potential queue time, especially around popular hours.

Santa Maria Walking Stretch: Painted Doors and Old-Funchal Charm

Once the Monte part is done, you head back into the older heart of the city. One of the most distinctive stops is Rua de Santa Maria, with a guided walk and photo breaks.

This is where the tour earns its “not just another city drive” reputation. The standout detail is the street’s painted doors. Different artists painted numerous doors, and the result is a line-up of entrances that feel like mini gallery pieces. It’s the kind of thing you can miss if you only skim the main roads.

You’ll also notice the street textures. Cobblestone floors and old house façades give the walking portion real character. Even if you’re not a big architecture person, this is easy to enjoy because it’s visual, close up, and low-effort.

A small but practical benefit: the guide’s commentary helps you see patterns fast. You’ll be able to frame what you’re looking at, instead of just snapping photos and hoping something sticks in your head later.

Back Into Funchal Center: Views, Viewpoints, and Local Stories

After the Santa Maria break, the tour continues in the Funchal area before you’re returned to your pickup point.

You’ll get more driving time with scenic views on the way. The route is designed to show you a spread of parts of the city in a short window: central areas, older streets, and viewpoints that help you understand where everything sits relative to the harbor and the hill.

This is also where the guide’s personality really affects your experience. Many people praise their guides for being friendly, fast with directions, and ready with local explanations. Ricardo, for example, is singled out for warning about little speed bumps and for recommending where to eat and drink afterward. That kind of practical add-on is worth something when you only have a limited time in Madeira.

Even if you plan to return to Old Town later on your own, this guided reorientation saves you time. You’ll walk differently after you’ve already seen how the city hangs together.

What to Bring, Wear, and Skip for a Smooth Ride

This one is easy to prepare for, but a few items can make the difference.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing. Monte can feel cooler, and the ride up and down the hill can bring wind. The tour includes a blanket, which is a nice touch, but you should still dress for layers.

On what not to bring: the tour is clear about restrictions. Baby strollers are not allowed, and you should avoid luggage or large bags. Plan to travel light so boarding and moving around is painless.

Mobility note matters. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and not suitable for wheelchair users. The walking and steep terrain associated with old streets and the toboggan area are the reasons, so do not assume you can “power through” with extra time.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This is a great fit if you want an efficient hit of Madeira in a short time. The private group setup works well for couples and small groups who like having a guide’s attention, especially if you’re on a cruise and timing can be tight.

You’ll probably enjoy it if you like:

• combining viewpoints with street-level sightseeing
• seeing Monte in a way that’s more active than just parking near the church
• getting context while you walk streets like Rua de Santa Maria
• doing the toboggan ride if you’re comfortable with a fast, old-school downhill experience

If you have concerns about mobility or you need wheelchair access, this one is not the right match based on the activity rules. If you’re traveling with a young toddler, the tour is not suitable for children under 3 years.

And if you hate add-on surprises, read the cost structure carefully. The toboggans are separate, so your final spend depends on whether you ride.

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

I’d book it if you want a day that mixes action with walkable Old Town beauty, and you’re willing to pay the toboggan add-on to make the story complete. It’s especially appealing when you want a guided take on details like Monte’s church and Santa Maria’s painted doors, not just a fast drive-by.

Skip it if you cannot do steep, bouncy terrain or if the extra €35 toboggan fee would be a dealbreaker. Also consider that this tour is only 2 hours, so if you’re hoping for long, unhurried browsing in museums or multiple major attractions, you’ll likely want a different format.

For most people who come to Madeira wanting one memorable “wow” moment plus great street scenes, this tour is a strong choice.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

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

How long is the experience?

The duration is 2 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability.

Is it private?

Yes, it is a private group tour.

Where do you get picked up?

Pickup is available in Funchal, and pickup can also happen at the cruise ship terminal.

What is included in the price?

Included are pickup and drop-off, a local driver/guide, and a blanket.

Are toboggan tickets included?

No. Toboggan tickets are paid separately at €35 for 2 people.

What language is the guide?

The tour guide provides English.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

Is it suitable for small children or strollers?

It is not suitable for children under 3 years. Baby strollers are not allowed.

Is it accessible for wheelchairs or limited mobility?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.