Half Day Traditions and Enchanting Valleys - Eira do Serrado, Curral das Freiras, Monte, Madeira Win

Funchal, Portugal

Stop at Pico dos Barcelos, viewpoint from where you can admire a beautiful view over Funchal. Journey to Eira do Serrado, viewpoint (1,094 meters) overlooking the valley of Curral das Freiras, a little village built in the crater of an extinct volcano.

Tour next stop will be at Monte a village situated in the suburbs of Funchal where you will visit the Parish church. Enjoy the famous sledge ride 'Toboggan' that can take you as far as Livramento. Finish the tour visiting a private wine cellar to tasting of various Madeira wines.

Review by: John W	June 2011
This trip started off as a disaster. The bus turned up about 10 minutes early and the guide did not check paperwork so a couple called Williams; who had booked a different trip took our place by mistake. At around 14:15 i went to check with the very friendly and helpful "Guest relations" lady, who phoned the tour company and they eventually sent another minibus to do the tour. Due to go at 14:00 went at 15:00. We did the trip in reverse with the wine tasting first. Nice visit , very olde world cellar and interesting tasting the 4 types of madeiran wine. Then off to the top of the nuns valley. No wonder the Madeiran drivers are good as the bad are all dead, going off the steep, narrow roads. Great views from the top, cafe, shop etc. well worth the trip. Then off to the Monte suburb. The gardens are splendid with a great variety of plants, trees etc. Did we want to do the sldge run? 25 euros a couple, and goes downhill for about 2 kilometers down toward Funchal town, pulled by two energetic men. We passed as my wife had done the run 20 years ago and it's no fun on your own. Well worth the money trip.

Review by: Denis B	January 2007
Lovely trip with fine views. The wine tasting was a little disappointing, that was my only critique.