Botanical Garden, Cable car, Monte & Toboggan

Your tour will begin with a visit to the Botanical Gardens. Since the 17th century Madeira Island had been waiting for a botanical garden, a dream that came true in 1960. Located 3 km from the centre of Funchal at Quinta do Bom Sucesso – a private Quinta belonging to the Reid’s family – where the climatic conditions are much in favour of exuberant vegetation. The Botanical Garden boasts harmonious forms, contrasting colours and more than 2000 plants. Throughout the gardens you can find the plants labelled with their scientific names, common name and origin. 

After this visit, you will have the opportunity to experience an unforgettable voyage by cable car with nature at your feet! Made up by 12 cabins of 8 seats, this unforgettable voyage to Monte village will take about 7 minutes and offers its visitors a panoramic route with rare and exotic beauty made up by an important nucleous of Laurissilva forest.  

You will have time to explore this small village perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal, 6 km away from the centre of the capital, and formerly a health resort for Europe's high society.  

And now, for the highlight of your tour you will embark on an exciting, ten-minute wicker sleigh ride from Monte back to Livramento. Once upon a time, this was a well established form of transportation in hilly Madeira! Your sleigh is pulled by two people and does not travel fast. 

You will then will be driven to Funchal centre to visit the bustling town market, where vendors offer tastes of exotic fruits like Philodendres and Maracujathe. 

Pracitcal information: 

• Language: English.

• Remarks/requirements: Appropriate layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. 

• Walking information: In and out of bus, walking at stops. At Monte, in order to visit the church they must be able to negotiate 171 steps up and 68 steps down. 

• Wheelchair accessible: Yes.