Monte Palace Tropical Garden with cable car tour
Activities

Monte Palace Tropical Garden with cable car tour

4.4/5

896 reviews
from
£53.00
Free cancellation
Language: German, English, Dutch
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: from 2 hours to 4 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • The views over Funchal from your one way cable-car ride are out of this world
  • You'll have plenty of time to stroll around the landscaped Monte Palace Tropical Garden
  • If you're feeling adventurous, there's an optional wicker tobboggan ride down the mountain
What to expect

The subtropical climate of Madeira makes it an ideal spot for a dazzling array of plant and flower life. Be charmed by the exotic gardens of Monte Palace on this half-day excursion, and take in fantastic views high above Funchal from a cable car.

As you soar up above the capital in a cable car, you'll witness special views of the city below – and of the Atlantic beyond. And, as you enter the palace's world-renowned gardens, you'll be struck by the aroma of exotic species – planted in immaculately landscaped gardens. There are fountains, follies and grottoes aplenty and oriental-inspired sections.

Wander among the beautiful blooms, and soak up the serenity of the swans wading in the many ponds. And, for a fun extra why not take an optional toboggan ride down the mountain on a wicker sled. It's the traditional way to travel down, with two ‘carreiros' – or drivers – manning the brakes. Your guide will pick you up at the bottom.

Read more
What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Panoramic bus tour
  • check One-way cable car ride
  • check Gardens entrance fee
What to remember
  • Return trip by toboggan ride at additional cost. Please note waiting times can be over an hour during high season
  • Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility or baby buggies
  • The itinerary for this outing may not always be the same and can be changed by the guide if there are operational issues
  • If you don't want to take part in the optional tobbogan ride, you'll have to wait for those that do. During this time, you'll either visit a local church or a small public garden, or go for a coffee
  • Bring a hat
  • Some entrance fees and optional extras are payable locally
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs
  • Subject to weather conditions
  • This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Read more
Provider
TUI PORTUGAL
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

4.4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 896 reviews


Review categories

Value for money

3.8/5

Service

3.8/5

Safety

4.2/5

Staff

4.2/5


58%
35%
6%
1%
1%

Sort by:

  • M

    Mrs Annette Hardyman

    8 April 2026
    1.8

    United Kingdom

    Very disappointed we was advised by TUI rep that this trip would be fine for my mother who has to walk pushing a walker. He told us there were some flat areas that we would be able to use walker to see some of the garden . These areas were all cobbled and rough path .my mother could not push walker on this surface. We endingbup just waiting for rest of group to get back. The cable cars were dangerous as they went off before my mum had chance to sit down . The tobogon was 3 hrs wait. Waist money

  • E

    Els

    Travelled as a couple


    10 April 2026
    4.6

    Netherlands

    Leuke ervaringen. Moet je eens gedaan hebben.

  • M

    Marion

    Travelled as a couple


    2 January 2026
    3.8

    Netherlands

    De belevenis met de manden naar beneden was geweldig! We wisten dat we lang in de rij moesten staan, maar wat gezegd was ongeveer een uur waren 2,5 uren! Vervolgens kerk en de tuin. In de tuin hadden we nauwelijks tijd. We moesten ********** tegelijk in de kabelbaan terwijl we niet allemaal met de bus terug naar de accommodaties gingen. We hebben daar dus lang moeten wachten op elkaar wat niet nodig was, omdat ieder toch z’n eigen weg ging. In Funchal 15.30 uur ipv 13.00 uur. Met enorme trek in

  • V

    Visser-Huijbregts

    Solo traveller


    17 April 2026
    4.2

    Netherlands

  • D

    Devriese

    Travelled with family


    17 April 2026
    4.6

    Netherlands

  • ?

    ?

    Travelled as a couple


    17 April 2026
    5

    Netherlands

You might also like

Madeira west coast tour with Cabo Girao and lunch in Porto Moniz
Excursions & day trips

Madeira west coast tour with Cabo Girao and lunch in Porto Moniz

Madeira's magnificent scenery takes centre stage on this full day tour. You'll visit a selection of highlights including Cabo Girao Cliff and it's glass-floored platform, Porto Moniz and Paúl da Serra. Mariana, one of our expert local guides, says "you'll get to know the true drama of Madeira's landscapes. You might be lucky enough to see the ocean both to the north and the south, but the highest points on the island do sometimes catch the clouds."Your first destination will be the Cabao Girao Cliff, where you can step out onto its glass-floored platform that stretches out over the edge. The coastal views here are some of the best around, so don't forget your camera. Mariana adds, "the cliff is around 580 metres high, making it one of the tallest in Europe. The views from the skywalk are really something else, and its experience that'll stick with you." Then, you'll head to the coastal town of Riberia Brava, before a stroll through a banana plantation in Madalena do Mar.Next, we'll head up the 1,500m-high Paúl da Serra plateau before descending on Porto Moniz, famous for its natural lava rock swimming pools. A typical lunch freshly prepared with local produce awaits in the village. Rounding off the day is a poncha drink demonstration and tasting in Câmara de Lobos – a favourite holiday spot of Winston Churchill. Mariana says "be careful – poncha is so fruity and refreshing, but it hides a serious brandy kick." What is the itinerary for this experience? The itinerary for this experience is...- 8:35am to 9:15am – pick‑up at hotels in Caniço and Funchal- 9:30am – stop and visit Cabo Girão viewpoint for around 30 minutes- 10:20am – visit Ribeira Brava village for around 40 minutes- 11:10am – stop at Madalena do Mar to walk through a banana farm estate- 11:35am – depart in the direction of Paul da Serra plateau with a photo stop (weather permitting)- 12:40pm – arrive at Porto Moniz for lunch at a local restaurant- 2:40pm – head to Câmara de Lobos village- 3:20pm – arrive at Câmara de Lobos village and stop at a local bar- 4:00pm – return to Funchal- 4:30pm to 5:30pm – drop-off at hotelsPlease note, the times and schedule may vary on the day and depending on weather conditions, the excursion may be done in reverse order, the guide will decide on the day of the tour.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

East Madeira tour with lunch, rum tasting and Pico Areeiro
Excursions & day trips

East Madeira tour with lunch, rum tasting and Pico Areeiro

The knockout natural beauty of eastern Madeira is in the spotlight on this full day tour. You'll have your head in the clouds at Pico do Areeiro, walk next to cute thatched houses in Santana, have lunch at Quinta do Furão and step back in time at Ponta de São Lourenço.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

Madeira south coast cruise on Living Sea boat with lunch
Excursions & day trips

Madeira south coast cruise on Living Sea boat with lunch

Madeira's southwest coast is the star of this all-inclusive cruise. After setting out from the port in Funchal, you'll head up the coast to Cais da Lapa for some swimming. The best part is that with a maximum of 52 guests on board, you'll have all the space and attentive service you need.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en, fr, pt 

Pico do Arieiro sunrise tour with local breakfast
Activities

Pico do Arieiro sunrise tour with local breakfast

Seeing sunrise from the top of one of Madeira's highest peaks will have you reaching for your camera over and over again. And this exclusive morning trip to Pico do Arieiro promises just that – views over Madeira during the mystical first light of the day, followed by a warming breakfast.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, pt 

Northwest Madeira 4x4 Tour with Laurisilva forest and tastings
Excursions & day trips

Northwest Madeira 4x4 Tour with Laurisilva forest and tastings

Taking in coastal gems, wild forests and sustainable producers, this 4x4 tour showcases Madeira's adventurous side. You'll experience the drama of Madeira's scenery from up close and get an insight into the island's culture, too. Ruben, one of our expert local guides, says, "Get ready to learn the secrets of mixing poncha, the much-loved island tipple made with sugar cane rum, fresh juice and local honey. Be careful, though – poncha's fruity, refreshing taste hides a serious kick."Starting off in Ponta do Sol, you'll get great views of the south coast from Paul da Serra, 1400m above sea level. Then it's on to Fanal, where some of the oldest Laurel trees on the island grow. Ruben says, "Madeira's laurel forests are the largest surviving area of primary laurisilva woods anywhere. Some of the trees are thought to be around 800 years old, and the ecosystem is largely intact. These forests host around 100 endemic species, and they are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site."Rumble past typical ‘poios' terraced farmland en route to Seixal beach for a swim. After this, we'll head to Chão da Ribeira to savour a tasty local lunch. Chef Sérgio will show you how to make the classic grilled beef skewer, known in Portuguese as ‘espetada', while you enjoy a glass of Madeira Wine as an apéritif. There's also a vegan burger option. To wrap up your tour, we'll visit São Vicente to meet an organic honey producer. Here, you'll learn all about honey production, and you'll try your hand at making Madeira's traditional drink, poncha.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Private Madeira dramatic west coast tour with lunch in Porto Moniz
Excursions & day trips

Private Madeira dramatic west coast tour with lunch in Porto Moniz

Madeira's magnificent scenery takes centre stage on this full day tour. You'll visit a selection of highlights including Cabo Girao Cliff and it's glass-floored platform, Porto Moniz and Paúl da Serra. Mariana, one of our expert local guides, says "you'll get to know the true drama of Madeira's landscapes. You might be lucky enough to see the ocean both to the north and the south, but the highest points on the island do sometimes catch the clouds."Your first destination will be the Cabao Girao Cliff, where you can step out onto its glass-floored platform that stretches out over the edge. The coastal views here are some of the best around, so don't forget your camera. Mariana adds, "the cliff is around 580 metres high, making it one of the tallest in Europe. The views from the skywalk are really something else, and its experience that'll stick with you." Then, you'll head to the coastal town of Riberia Brava, before a stroll through a banana plantation in Madalena do Mar.Next, we'll head up the 1,500m-high Paúl da Serra plateau before descending on Porto Moniz, famous for its natural lava rock swimming pools. A typical lunch freshly prepared with local produce awaits in the village. Rounding off the day is a poncha drink demonstration and tasting in Câmara de Lobos – a favourite holiday spot of Winston Churchill. Mariana says "be careful – poncha is so fruity and refreshing, but it hides a serious brandy kick."

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Madeira 4x4 tour with ecological park visit and local tastings
Activities

Madeira 4x4 tour with ecological park visit and local tastings

On this tour, you'll dive into Madeira's wild side, giving you a taste of the island's nature, traditions and local life all in one trip. First up is the Parque Ecológico do Funchal, where you'll explore the island's sustainability efforts. Depending on the month, you'll either plant a tree to help restore Madeira's ecosystem or check out the Interpretation Centre to see how this landscape has been protected over time. Riu, one of our local expert guides, says, “this is the kind of experience that lets you give something back to Madeira while discovering what makes the island so special.”After this, you'll head up to Santo da Serra for a 4x4 adventure that winds through hidden trails you'd never stumble across on your own. Then, things slow down with a walk along the Levada Serra do Faial, following Madeira's historic irrigation channels through dense greenery and streams. If the weather isn't playing ball, you might swap to the equally picturesque Paradise Valley Levada instead – either way, you'll get a feel for the island's deep connection to water and nature.To wrap it all up, you'll stop at a bar for a proper taste of local life. You'll be welcomed with a regionally-crafted sidra and carne vinha d'alhos – marinated pork with a garlicky sauce – followed by sopa de trigo, Madeira's oldest traditional soup, cooked over a wood fire and served with a glass of red wine. After some live folklore music, you'll make your way to Ribeira de Machico, a valley lined with terraced farms that show just how much care locals have poured into this land for generations.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Full-day private eastern Madeira highlights tour with lunch
Excursions & day trips

Full-day private eastern Madeira highlights tour with lunch

This exclusive private tour shines a light on the east of Madeira. You'll have your head in the clouds at Pico do Areeiro, walk next to cute thatched houses in Santana, have lunch at Quinta do Furão and step back in time at Ponta de São Lourenço.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Rabaçal Valley Walking Tour
Activities

Rabaçal Valley Walking Tour

One of the most popular walks in Madeira, the 11 km-long ‘25 fountains' levada walk will lead you through magical landscapes to waterfalls, a small lake and flowing springs. You'll journey from Paul da Serra into the Rabaçal Valley and along the levada to Risco waterfall and the 25 natural springs.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fr, pt 

Monte Palace Tropical Garden with cable car tour
Activities

Monte Palace Tropical Garden with cable car tour

The subtropical climate of Madeira makes it an ideal spot for a dazzling array of plant and flower life. Be charmed by the exotic gardens of Monte Palace on this half-day excursion, and take in fantastic views high above Funchal from a cable car.As you soar up above the capital in a cable car, you'll witness special views of the city below – and of the Atlantic beyond. And, as you enter the palace's world-renowned gardens, you'll be struck by the aroma of exotic species – planted in immaculately landscaped gardens. There are fountains, follies and grottoes aplenty and oriental-inspired sections.Wander among the beautiful blooms, and soak up the serenity of the swans wading in the many ponds. And, for a fun extra why not take an optional toboggan ride down the mountain on a wicker sled. It's the traditional way to travel down, with two ‘carreiros' – or drivers – manning the brakes. Your guide will pick you up at the bottom.

free cancellation
Available in:

en