Soar down Madeira’s storied streets on a thrilling toboggan ride, then savor the island’s renowned fortified wine. This one-of-a-kind tour immerses adventurers in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of this enchanting Portuguese destination. From the bustling Funchal Market to the picturesque seaside village of Camara de Lobos, each moment promises an unforgettable experience. Yet the true highlight awaits – an adrenaline-fueled descent on a winding, gravity-powered track, followed by a tasting of the smooth, rich Madeira wines that have captivated palates for centuries. Prepare to embark on a journey that seamlessly blends heart-pounding excitement with the delectable flavors that define this island oasis.
Key Points
- A 5-hour tour that combines a thrilling toboggan ride and a tasting of Madeira’s renowned fortified wines, with scenic views and exploration of the historic Funchal Market and Camara de Lobos.
- The toboggan ride offers an exhilarating gravity-powered descent on a winding concrete track, weaving left and right at high speeds, providing an adrenaline-fueled experience.
- The Madeira Fortified Wine tasting allows visitors to sample a variety of smooth, velvety, and robust wines, including Bual, Verdelho, Malmsey, and Sercial.
- The tour includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, but does not cover the cost of food, drinks, and gratuities, and has a small entrance fee for Cabo Girao.
- The tour is suitable for adventurous travelers seeking a unique experience, but may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges or non-drinkers, as it requires a certain level of physical fitness.
Tour Details
The tour lasts 5 hours and limits participation to 8 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or the port are included, making it easy to enjoy the day’s activities.
You’ll start at the vibrant Funchal Market, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of fresh produce and local crafts create a lively atmosphere.
Next, you’ll visit the charming fishing village of Camara de Lobos and savor the region’s iconic Madeira Fortified Wine.
Afterward, you’ll be treated to stunning scenic views on the drive to Monte, where the highlight of the tour awaits – the thrilling Toboggan Ride, a 2 km descent back to Funchal.
This unforgettable experience promises to be the highlight of your Madeira adventure.
Funchal Market
Bustling with energy, Funchal Market immerses visitors in the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of fresh local produce and handcrafted goods. Rows of stalls brim with an array of colorful fruits, vegetables, and flowers, beckoning passersby to explore the market’s bounty. Amidst the lively atmosphere, friendly vendors enthusiastically showcase their wares, inviting guests to discover the authentic flavors and craftsmanship of Madeira.
Visitors can savor locally grown tropical fruits and vegetables at the market.
Visitors can marvel at the intricate embroidery and lace work of Madeira’s artisans.
Visitors can enjoy the bustling energy and camaraderie of the marketplace.
Visitors can indulge in the island’s famous Bolo de Mel, a traditional honey cake.
Camara De Lobos
After exploring the vibrant Funchal Market, the tour moves on to Camara de Lobos, a charming fishing village that offers a glimpse into Madeira’s maritime heritage.
Nestled along the island’s dramatic coastline, Camara de Lobos captivates visitors with its colorful boats bobbing in the harbor, quaint seaside cafes, and the opportunity to savor the region’s renowned Madeira Fortified Wine.
Disembarking the vehicle, the group strolls through the narrow streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this picturesque town.
The highlight is a tasting of the rich, complex Madeira wine, a local specialty that has been produced here for centuries.
With its captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Camara de Lobos leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Scenic Views to Monte
Departing the charming fishing village, the tour winds its way through scenic mountain roads, offering captivating vistas of Madeira’s lush, rolling landscapes.
Towering cliffs and verdant slopes punctuate the journey, providing a breathtaking backdrop as the group ascends towards the hilltop town of Monte.
The drive is nothing short of mesmerizing, with the following highlights:
- Panoramic views of the coastline and azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Lush, terraced vineyards cascading down the hillsides.
- Quaint villages nestled within verdant valleys.
- Dramatic rock formations and lush, laurel forests.
As the tour climbs higher, the anticipation builds for the thrilling Toboggan Ride that awaits in Monte.
Toboggan Ride Experience
The Toboggan Ride in Monte is a thrilling, gravity-powered descent that whisks visitors down a winding 2-kilometer track, offering an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
Sitting in a traditional toboggan sled, riders soar through the air, weaving left and right as the sled glides effortlessly along the smooth concrete path.
With the wind rushing through their hair, participants can’t help but let out exhilarated whoops and cheers as they navigate the serpentine course at breakneck speeds.
The ride culminates in a dramatic finish, as the toboggan drifts to a stop in the heart of Funchal, leaving travelers with an adrenaline-fueled grin and memories that will last a lifetime.
Madeira Fortified Wine Tasting
Invariably, the highlight of the Toboggan Ride & Madeira Wine Tasting Tour is the opportunity to savor the rich, complex flavors of the renowned Madeira fortified wine. Crafted using traditional methods, Madeira wine boasts a captivating array of tasting notes, from caramelized sugar and dried fruit to roasted nuts and subtle oak.
Participants can expect to indulge in:
- A smooth, velvety Bual, with its alluring notes of figs and honey.
- A robust Verdelho, bursting with flavors of candied citrus and toasted spices.
- A luscious Malmsey, showcasing sumptuous tones of dark chocolate and raisins.
- A crisp, refreshing Sercial, featuring a delicate balance of acidity and minerality.
This tantalizing tasting promises to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression on all who partake.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Apart from the exceptional Madeira wine tasting, the Toboggan Ride & Madeira Wine Tasting Tour also includes a host of other valuable inclusions. Visitors can look forward to the cost of the thrilling Toboggan Ride itself, as well as convenient hotel or port pickup and drop-off services provided by a professional guide.
However, the tour does come with a few exclusions travelers should keep in mind. The cost of food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t covered, and there’s a small entrance fee of 2 euros per person to visit Cabo Girao. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
With these details in mind, travelers can expect an unforgettable adventure filled with Madeira’s iconic sights and experiences.
Tour Suitability
Adventurers seeking an exhilarating and unique experience will find the Toboggan Ride & Madeira Wine Tasting Tour perfectly suited to their interests. The tour’s thrilling toboggan descent and immersive Madeira wine tasting make it an ideal choice for travelers eager to explore the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.
However, it’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for all guests:
- It’s not wheelchair accessible, so mobility-challenged individuals may struggle.
- The toboggan ride requires a certain level of physical fitness and nerve.
- The wine tasting may not appeal to non-drinkers or those with health restrictions.
- The group size is limited, so solo travelers may prefer a more intimate experience.
Recap
The Toboggan Ride & Madeira Wine Tasting Tour is an exhilarating journey that blends Madeira’s rich heritage, stunning natural beauty, and renowned wines.
From the bustling Funchal Market to the thrilling toboggan ride and the indulgent wine tasting, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of this captivating island.
Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled descent and a sensory delight that will leave you craving for more of Madeira’s irresistible charms.
