Discover the alluring charms of Madeira’s natural wonders and age-old traditions on this captivating 4-hour tour. Set out on a journey through the island’s breathtaking landscapes, from the stunning vantage point of Pico dos Barcelos to the historic Eira do Serrado and the picturesque Nuns Valley. The true highlight, however, awaits as you glide down Monte’s winding streets on a thrilling toboggan ride, enjoying the island’s unique culture and savoring the flavors of traditional Madeiran delicacies. With small groups and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning to uncover more of Madeira’s enchanting secrets.
Key Points
- This 4-hour tour from Funchal covers the highlights of Nuns Valley, Monte, and a thrilling toboggan ride, with pickup and drop-off options across the island.
- Participants can experience stunning 360-degree views from Pico dos Barcelos, explore the historical Eira do Serrado and Nuns Valley, and sample traditional Madeiran delicacies.
- The 2-kilometer toboggan ride through Monte’s winding streets reaches speeds up to 30 mph, providing an adrenaline-filled cultural experience dating back to the 19th century.
- The tour includes a visit to the church in Monte that houses the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria, offering a contemplative moment during the experience.
- The tour can accommodate various accommodation types, with multiple pickup and drop-off locations across the island, ensuring convenience for all participants.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour from Funchal promises an enticing exploration of Nuns Valley and Monte, with a thrilling toboggan ride as the cherry on top, all for a budget-friendly price of just $38.12 per person.
Over the course of four immersive hours, you’ll be whisked away to Pico dos Barcelos for stunning vistas, wander the history-steeped Eira do Serrado and Nuns Valley, and zip down a 2-kilometer toboggan track in Monte for an adrenaline rush.
The experience is sweetened further by the chance to indulge in local delicacies like chestnut cake and traditional liquors.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and convenient hotel pickup, this tour offers an unbeatable value for your Madeira adventure.
Itinerary and Highlights
The tour kicks off with a visit to Pico dos Barcelos, where visitors revel in the stunning vistas overlooking the lush landscapes of Madeira.
Guests then embark on a journey through the history-rich Eira do Serrado and the captivating Nuns Valley, seeing the region’s natural beauty.
The experience reaches its thrilling climax with a 2-kilometer toboggan ride in Monte, an adrenaline-pumping adventure through the charming town.
Along the way, travelers delight in sampling traditional Madeiran delicacies, including the iconic chestnut cake and local liquors, while also visiting the church that houses the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria, adding a touch of cultural richness to the excursion.
Pickup and Drop-off Information
From a wide range of pickup and drop-off locations across the island, the tour offers unparalleled convenience for guests, with 53 options including major hotels and landmarks in Santa Cruz, Caníço, Funchal, Câmara, and Lobos center.
For rental car users, a designated bus meeting point is available at the Madeira Panoramico Hotel’s main road, ensuring a seamless start to the excursion.
Whether you’re staying in a luxurious resort or exploring the island independently, this flexibility makes it easy for everyone to join the captivating journey through Nuns Valley, Monte, and the thrilling toboggan ride.
With pickup and drop-off tailored to your needs, you can sit back, relax, and learn about the wonders that await.
Tour Experience and Guide
A small group size of just 8 participants ensures an intimate and personalized experience throughout the captivating tour of Nuns Valley and Monte.
Knowledgeable live guides fluent in multiple languages – including Spanish, Dutch, English, French, German, and Portuguese – bring the rich history and natural wonders of these destinations to life, leaving guests with an unforgettable impression.
With an overall guide rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on over 1,000 reviews, travelers can expect an informative and engaging journey led by true professionals.
As you explore the charming Nuns Valley and thrill to the toboggan ride in Monte, your guide will captivate you with tales of the region’s fascinating past and the unique local culture, ensuring an immersive and memorable experience.
Important Information and Additional Costs
Children under 5 can ride on a parent’s lap, ensuring a delightful, family-friendly experience. For single bookings on the thrilling toboggan ride, an additional cost of €10 applies, a small price to pay for such an exhilarating adventure.
On top of that, guests traveling by rental car can opt for a convenient pickup at the Madeira Panoramico Hotel main road for a modest €4.50 per person charge, especially beneficial for larger groups.
The tour offers a few additional cost-effective options:
- Indulge in traditional Madeiran delicacies like chestnut cake and local liquors for a true taste of the island.
- Upgrade to a private pickup from the Cruiseliner Terminal for €4.50 per person, perfect for larger parties.
- Savor the stunning views of Madeira from the Pico dos Barcelos lookout point, a breathtaking highlight of the tour.
Stunning Views of Madeira
The tour’s stunning highlight is the breathtaking Pico dos Barcelos lookout point, where visitors can soak in Madeira’s incredible natural beauty.
Towering over the island’s lush landscapes, this vantage point offers 360-degree panoramic vistas that simply take one’s breath away.
Jagged emerald peaks rise majestically from a patchwork of verdant valleys, while the azure Atlantic shimmers in the distance.
Visitors are left in awe, captivated by Madeira’s raw, untamed splendor.
It’s a moment to pause, inhale the crisp, clean air, and let the soul-stirring panorama sink in.
With camera in hand, travelers immortalize this unforgettable experience, ensuring they can relive the beauty of Pico dos Barcelos long after the tour has ended.
Thrilling Toboggan Ride
After exploring the stunning vistas of Pico dos Barcelos, the tour then whisks visitors away to the charming town of Monte, where they’ll embark on a thrilling 2-kilometer toboggan ride down the winding streets.
Hurtling at breakneck speeds, the traditional wicker sleds, guided by skilled drivers, weave through the picturesque landscape, providing an unforgettable adrenaline-fueled experience that captures the essence of Madeira’s unique cultural heritage.
The toboggan ride offers:
- An exhilarating descent that reaches speeds up to 30 mph, delivering an unadulterated rush of excitement.
- Unparalleled views of the lush, verdant hillsides and the shimmering expanse of the Atlantic Ocean below.
- A chance to take in a time-honored tradition dating back to the early 19th century.
Tomb of Emperor Charles I
Nestled within the church in Monte lies the final resting place of Emperor Charles I of Austria, whose tomb commands a reverent presence and invites visitors to reflect upon a life marked by both triumph and tragedy.
This hallowed site serves as a poignant reminder of the former ruler’s profound impact on the world stage, as well as the fleeting nature of human existence.
Visitors can almost feel the weight of history as they gaze upon the ornate, somber monument, imagining the countless lives that have passed through these sacred halls over the centuries.
The tomb’s serene atmosphere evokes a sense of contemplation, urging travelers to pause and consider the fragility and significance of their own journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
Yes, this captivating tour offers a private option, allowing guests to indulge in Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes and thrilling experiences at their own pace. Explore the charming Nuns Valley, soar down the legendary Monte toboggan, and savor local delicacies in the comfort of a personalized setting.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Absolutely! Guests can tailor the tour itinerary to their preferences. The friendly guides are happy to accommodate requests, ensuring travelers experience Madeira’s captivating sights, savor local delicacies, and create a truly personalized adventure.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available?
The tour operator proudly offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options for guests, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. From local produce to meatless traditional dishes, every dietary need is expertly accommodated, satisfying the most discerning plant-based palates.
Is the Tour Wheelchair/Disabled Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair-friendly, with assistance available for accessing the sleigh ride. Guests with disabilities can fully enjoy the stunning vistas, historic sites, and thrilling toboggan descent that make this Madeira excursion a must for any able-bodied traveler.
Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?
Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras to capture the breathtaking vistas and thrilling experiences on this tour. From the lush Nuns Valley to the exhilarating toboggan ride, every moment is photo-worthy.
Recap
The ‘From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour’ offers an unforgettable adventure amidst Madeira’s stunning landscapes.
From the breathtaking Pico dos Barcelos to the historic Eira do Serrado and picturesque Nuns Valley, this tour promises a rich cultural experience.
The thrilling 2-kilometer toboggan ride down Monte’s winding streets and sampling of traditional Madeiran delicacies make this an adventure not to be missed.
