Funchal: Toboggan and Old Town Experience with Tukway

Toboggans in Monte beat the usual city tour. This Tukway outing mixes Old Town wandering with a trip up to Monte, where you also visit the Church of Our Lady of the Mount and then get the option to ride down the mountain on the famous sleds. I love how the streets feel like a set you can actually walk into, with small details everywhere.

My second big favorite is the Carreiros do Monte toboggan ride, a tradition that turned into pure fun. One thing to keep in mind: the toboggan tickets are paid separately, so the final cost is a bit higher than the tour price.

Key highlights that make this one worth your time

• Rua de Santa Maria painted doors: Different artists, different styles, same street, lots of character.
• Church of Our Lady of the Mount in Monte: The structure you see today was completed in 1818.
• Small-group pacing: Limited to 5 participants, so you are not lost in a crowd.
• Monte toboggans timing: You ride down as a step in a well-timed flow, not a random add-on.
• Practical guidance in plain English: Your driver-guide works in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Why this Tukway tour feels more personal than a coach ride

Funchal can be easy to over-plan. You end up on a bus, then sprint from stop to stop. This is different because you do a mix of sightseeing and walking with a small group and a driver-guide who keeps the day moving at a human pace.

The tour is also built around two sides of Madeira’s capital. You get the Old Town streets in Funchal, with their texture, doors, and cobbles. Then you shift up to Monte, which feels quieter and more village-like. If you like travel that mixes photo moments with real local context, this format works.

Also, I like that the plan keeps a clear rhythm. You start with pickups and scenic driving, then you hit Monte, then you slide back down toward Funchal and the parts most people skip unless they have time to wander.

Pickup in Funchal, then straight to the sights

The day starts with pickup and drop-off in Funchal, including from the cruise ship terminal. That matters because it reduces the first-hour hassle. You are not guessing where to meet, or paying for an extra transfer before your tour even begins.

Once you are in the vehicle, you get a scenic drive with guided commentary and viewpoints along the way. The stop-and-look parts are short enough to feel efficient, not rushed. And because this is a small group, you can usually hear the guide without leaning over and playing human audio equipment.

A small, practical note: there is a no strollers and no luggage or large bags rule. If you are traveling light, you are set. If you brought a big daypack plus shopping bags, plan to keep it minimal.

Rua de Santa Maria: the painted doors, cobbles, and real street details

This is where the tour earns points for style. Before Monte, you spend time in Funchal’s Old Town area, especially around Rua de Santa Maria. The guide points out the painted doors you see throughout Santa Maria street.

These doors are not just decorations. They are a public art tradition where different artists paint doors to give the street a glow. It turns your walk into something more than a single landmark photo. You start noticing textures: how the cobblestones catch light, how old house façades vary from one corner to the next, and how the street itself feels crafted over time.

Why I like this stop for value: it costs you nothing extra, takes you somewhere that feels lived-in, and gives you plenty of time to look around. You can slow down for photos without feeling like you are delaying a whole bus schedule.

If you are the type who usually walks past side streets, this is the kind of focus that changes how you experience a city. You begin to read the neighborhood instead of just collecting monuments.

Monte and the Church of Our Lady of the Mount

Monte is the second act of the day, and it is a big one. You go up to this hillside village area, then visit the Church of Our Lady of the Mount.

Here is the detail I think you should remember: the structure visible today for visitors was completed in 1818. That gives the church more weight than a quick stop. It also explains why it is one of the most sought sites for both worshippers and tourists.

What makes the visit enjoyable on a short tour is the balance. You are not stuck in a long museum-style timeline. You can see the church, take in the setting, and then transition to the fun part of the day.

Also, Monte is a useful contrast to Funchal. Up here, the pace feels calmer. Even when the vehicle is moving through the area, you get a sense of stepping out of the city center and into a more tradition-focused zone.

Carreiros do Monte toboggans: what the ride actually adds

This is the reason many people book. After Monte, you have the choice to ride the toboggans, also known as Carreiros do Monte.

Traditionally, this was a way locals traveled quickly from Monte down to Funchal. It appeared around the 1850s, and the fact that it is still operating today is part of the thrill. You are not just doing a rides-style attraction, you are doing a living transport tradition that has become a signature Madeira experience.

The practical part: tickets and timing

The toboggan tickets are not included in the tour price. It’s €35 for 2 people, and you pay for them separately.

The tour itself includes a safety briefing before the ride. There is also photo stop time, free time, and a focused window to make sure everyone gets onto the sleds smoothly.

A pattern I noticed from guide behavior in multiple bookings: the team often tries to position the timing so you do not get buried in long lines. If you are going during busy cruise days, that early start can make a noticeable difference in your mood.

What to expect during the ride

You will ride down in a controlled, guided way with crew and the guide coordinating. The day plan keeps the toboggan segment as a clear block, so you are not wondering where you need to be next.

The ride itself is short, and it is memorable for the speed and the sheer silly joy of it. If you are afraid of speed or sitting in a motion that feels more like transport than a theme-park ride, you might want to think twice. For most people, it is exactly the kind of activity that breaks up a sightseeing day in the best way.

Back in Funchal: viewpoints, walking, and the “how the city works” feel

After the Monte portion and toboggan option, you return toward Funchal for more guided sightseeing. The plan includes additional scenic drives and viewpoints, then more time around central areas you would otherwise miss.

This part is about orientation. You start to connect what you saw in Old Town with what you see from above. You also pick up local context from the guide, including stories about Madeira and the way the island shaped daily life.

And this is where many guides earn their keep. People describe guides who were not only friendly, but also helpful with how to pace your day. Some even suggest good food and drink spots once you are back in town.

You end the tour back in Funchal.

Price and value: where the real costs show up

On paper, the tour price is listed as $94 per group up to 2 for 2 hours. That sounds straightforward until you hit the one key extra cost: the toboggan ride.

The toboggan tickets are €35 for 2 people, paid separately. So the best way to value this tour is to think of the sled ride as the optional upsell that becomes the headline.

Where you still get value even if you only do part of it:

• Pickup and drop-off in Funchal or the cruise ship terminal
• Local driver-guide who handles the walking, the story, and the pacing
• A small group capped at 5
• Blanket included, which is a nice touch if Monte is cooler than you expect

If you want the toboggan experience, this setup is often better than booking it separately and then trying to find an Old Town tour on your own. You also get the church visit and the Rua de Santa Maria focus, which you would otherwise have to stitch together with taxis and walking.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This is ideal for:

• People who want a short, guided day instead of a full-day hike
• Travelers who like mixing Old Town streets with a signature Madeira activity
• Groups who prefer a small team over a large coach

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 3
• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• Anyone bringing luggage or large bags, or using baby strollers

If you are traveling with tight timing, or you want to tick Monte and the toboggans without turning your day into a logistics puzzle, this tour fits well.

My take: should you book the Tukway Monte and Old Town experience?

If you are coming to Madeira and you want more than a generic city drive, I think this tour is a smart move. The combination of Rua de Santa Maria painted doors plus the Church of Our Lady of the Mount gives you a real sense of where you are, not just what you are looking at. Then the optional toboggans add the fun factor that turns the day into a story you will tell later.

Just do one thing before you book: plan for the €35 toboggan ticket extra cost. If you want the ride, factor it in up front. If you do not, you might still enjoy the Old Town and Monte stops, but it will feel more like a light sightseeing loop than a full must-do.

Overall, for a 2-hour, small-group experience with pickup included, it is strong value, and the Monte-to-Funchal flow makes the day feel well designed.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are included in Funchal or at the cruise ship terminal.

Are the toboggan tickets included in the price?

No. Toboggan tickets are paid separately, listed as €35 for 2 people.

How big is the group?

It is a small group with a maximum of 5 participants.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing. A blanket is included with the tour.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for children under 3 years old and it is not designed for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Baby strollers are also not allowed, and you cannot bring luggage or large bags.