Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

Monte & Toboggan Ride

Thrilling Rides to Splendid Panoramas Ascend to hillside Monte and hop a wicker toboggan for a partial descent, marveling at breathtaking vistas. You will transfer with your guide to Funchal’s cable car station and board your 15-minute ride up to the village of Monte, a favored destination since the 19th century because of its cooler clime. On a clear day, you will enjoy magnificent panoramas from your ski-lift style gondola and admire the twin towers of Monte’s 18th-century church as you approach the top. If you would like, you can descend to Livramento via Funchal’s famous toboggans, wicker basket sleds piloted by two drivers with rubber soles for braking. Enjoy an exhilarating ride down through the winding neighborhood streets, your skilled drivers rounding the sharp corners with ease. Continue to the Pico dos Barcelos overlook for fantastic views. En route back to your ship, stop at Blandy’s Wine Lodge to sample the island’s famous namesake wine. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.