Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira

This experience is interesting because it mixes Madeira’s steep roads with an open-air vehicle that makes you feel part of the island, not stuck behind glass. You get custom built trikes, plus the big scenery payoff of a viewpoint walk in the Valley of the Nuns area. It’s a very practical way to see a lot in about a half-day.

Two things I really like: first, you start and end with hotel pickup and drop off, which cuts out hassle when you are on a tight schedule. Second, the tour is built around your pace. Your guide, including names like John and Garth/Goth, will help you choose how long to stay at each stop instead of herding you like cattle.

One possible drawback to consider: it’s weather dependent, and higher areas can feel colder and windier, even when the coast is warm. You’ll also be riding on a trike, so if you get nervous on motorcycles or hate wind, plan to dress for it and ask questions early.

Key things that make this trike tour worth your time

• Hotel pickup and drop off so you do not burn sightseeing time getting to a meeting point
• Custom-built trikes with provided safety gear, helmets and jackets included
• Nun Valley viewpoint at 1,400m, plus a walk that clocks around 30 minutes
• Route flexibility inside 3 hours, including extra viewpoints if you want them
• A truly private group with only your party on the trike tour
• Guides who adjust fast when conditions change, with photo stops and detours

Entering Madeira by trike, not by tour bus

Madeira has a way of making people feel like they are always looking up. Streets climb, roads twist, and then suddenly you are staring at a viewpoint that looks too big to be real. The trike format changes how that hits you. On a coach, you look at scenery. On a trike, the scenery keeps moving around you, and you feel the wind, the temperature shift, and the scale.

This tour is designed for people who want the island to feel close. You’re not just passing by. You’re riding through it, getting up to the higher viewpoints where Madeira’s dramatic angles really show themselves. And since the trikes are custom built, the ride feels made for these roads rather than forced into them.

Also, the open-air experience matters more than it sounds. Several guests talk about wind in helmeted faces and even the ability to notice the smells up in the pine and eucalyptus areas. That is one of those details you only get when the trip is built around being outdoors.

Hotel pickup and drop off, why the start matters

The meeting point is at Pestana Carlton Madeira, Largo António Nobre nº 1, São Martinho, 9004-531 Funchal, and the tour ends back there. That matters less for locals and more for visitors, especially if you are traveling by cruise or bouncing between neighborhoods.

What I like is that pickup and drop off take the pressure off. You can step out of your hotel, get suited up, and be on the road quickly. For a tour that is about 3 hours total, saving even 15 to 30 minutes on logistics makes a difference. It also makes the experience more “useful sightseeing,” not just transportation.

It is also described as being near public transportation. So if you do need to adjust last-minute, the area is not isolated.

Custom-built trikes, helmets, jackets, and the comfort question

Safety gear is included: helmets and jackets are offered while on tour. That is a big deal on Madeira because the weather can change fast, especially as you climb. Even if you feel fine at sea level, higher up can be noticeably cooler, and the wind becomes part of the ride.

You should expect the ride to be exhilarating in the way that comes with open-air mountain roads. People describe it as thrilling and fun, but also comfortable when guides handle the pace well. Names you’ll hear include John, Garth, and Goth, and the common theme is feeling safe with a capable driver.

A practical tip from how guests talked about comfort: wear long trousers and long sleeves if you can. Even with a jacket provided, mountain wind can make you glad you brought layers. If you run cold easily, consider bringing extra warmth anyway, gloves if you like them, and plan for a short walk at altitude.

The Nun Valley climb, what you actually get at 1,400m

The main stop is the Valley of the Nuns, with a walk up to a viewpoint around 1,400 meters above sea level. The walk time given is about 30 minutes, and the admission ticket is included.

Here’s why this stop is the heart of the experience. Madeira viewpoints are not all the same. Some are quick photo angles from the roadside. Nun Valley is a bit more “earned.” You ride up, then you move through a short uphill stretch so the viewpoint payoff feels real.

It’s also tied to the route toward Pico Arieiro on the way there. Even if you do not spend time at Pico Arieiro itself, the overall climb sequence is part of why the scenery changes so dramatically during the tour.

And the viewpoint walk creates a nice rhythm. You are not constantly bouncing between parking lots. You get a ride up, a chance to step out and look, and then you continue.

If you are traveling with someone who dislikes motorcycles but still wants the scenery, this stop can help. The ride still feels thrilling, but the payoff is concrete once you’re standing at the viewpoint and looking down into the valley.

More viewpoints you can add, including the coastal cliff energy

The tour is flexible, and that flexibility is not just marketing. The 3 hours depend on how long you want to remain at each site, and you decide how much time to spend at viewpoints. In other words, the schedule is a framework, not a rigid checklist.

What you might see along the way can include popular photo-worthy stops beyond the Nun Valley focus. Some guests specifically mention viewpoints like Cabo Girão and Miradouro-style stops, plus time for photos and quick breaks.

There’s another important detail: the guide may also stop at additional viewpoints during the route if you want more scenery time. If you love “one more look,” you will like this format because you do not have to spend the whole tour watching the clock.

Food and drinks are a separate matter. Coffee and/or tea are not included, so if you want a café stop, you’ll be buying it yourself. That said, many trips include an opportunity to grab something warm or snack while you’re stopped for photos.

When weather or road conditions change, you still keep moving

Madeira can throw curveballs, especially after heavy rain. One of the most appreciated features is that the guide can pivot.

If planned roads are blocked due to landslides or conditions, the tour can be diverted. Instead of the tour grinding to a halt, you can still expect viewpoint stops and a coffee or photo stop along the way. That matters because a half-day tour gives you a small time window. You do not want your time wasted.

Also, the ability to linger is part of the value. Guests describe guides taking photos at stops and even sharing them later, which turns “quick sightseeing” into “you’ll remember this.” I would still assume you will want to pay for food or drinks, but the photo moments can be a free bonus.

Price and what you are really buying for $205.67 per group

The price is $205.67 per group (up to 2) for about 3 hours. On paper, that sounds like a lot, until you compare how private touring works in Madeira.

You are not just paying for a ride. You are paying for:

• A private guide and private trikes instead of a crowded group
• Door-to-door style convenience from pickup to drop off
• Safety gear included (helmets and jackets)
• An adjustable route based on what you want to spend time on
• A real stop at Nun Valley with ticket admission included

If you are traveling with a partner or a friend, the per-person cost can feel more reasonable because you split the group price. If you are solo, it can still be worth it because you still get a full private experience, but it may compete with other half-day options that are cheaper.

For value, the deciding question is simple: do you want a tour where you can choose your pace and feel close to the island? If yes, this is priced like a premium experience, but it also functions like one.

What to bring for wind, steps, and mountain temperature swings

Because this is open-air riding, what you wear can make or break the comfort level. While helmets and jackets are provided, plan for the fact that the higher you go, the more the wind can bite.

I recommend you bring:

• Long trousers and long sleeves (and wear them if it is cool out)
• Closed shoes with decent grip for the short walk time
• A layer you can keep on even if you get warm during the ride
• Optional but useful: gloves if you dislike cold wind

Also, bring a phone for photos, of course. But do not assume you will be the only photographer. Some guides take photos for you at landmarks and then share them afterward. That is not guaranteed for every stop, but it does appear as a consistent guest highlight.

And if you are prone to motion discomfort, take it seriously. This is not a car. You are actively moving on mountain roads. A quick test run in your hotel area before departure is not possible, so trust your comfort level with similar experiences.

Who this tour suits, and who should think twice

This works best for people who want scenic travel with a bit of adrenaline and a guide who adapts to you. It’s also a good fit if your group wants something unusual compared to a standard coach tour.

Guests include families, and even older visitors have managed it when they are comfortable with the ride and the short walk. The tour notes that most travelers can participate, which gives you some confidence.

What might not fit as well:

• If you strongly dislike windy open-air rides
• If you have concerns about motorbike-style movement
• If your group cannot handle a short uphill walk of about 30 minutes at higher altitude

If you’re unsure, you should ask your guide about comfort, clothing recommendations, and how much of the time you can spend at viewpoints versus riding.

Should you book Adventure Trikes Madeira?

If you want a half-day activity that feels more like riding through Madeira than merely touring it, I think this is a strong pick. The combination of private pacing, Nun Valley’s viewpoint payoff, and trikes that let you feel the island is exactly what makes this kind of tour memorable.

Book it if:

• You like scenery and you want it from angles a car cannot match
• You want hotel pickup and drop off to protect your time
• You are okay with wind and you’ll dress in layers

Consider another option if:

• You hate open-air riding or cannot manage the short walk at altitude
• Your timing is extremely tight and you cannot absorb weather-related changes

For most visitors who want a unique way to see Madeira in about 3 hours, this is the kind of tour that earns its place on your calendar.

FAQ

How long is the Adventure Trikes Madeira private tour?

The tour is about 3 hours.

Is this a private tour or shared with other people?

It is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates.

What safety gear is provided during the ride?

Helmets and jackets will be offered while on tour.

Is coffee or tea included?

No. Coffee and/or tea are not included.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You start at Pestana Carlton Madeira, Largo António Nobre nº 1, São Martinho, 9004-531 Funchal, Portugal. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Can the route be customized during the 3 hours?

Yes. All tours are customized around the clients, and the time at each site can vary. Your guide also builds in other viewpoints within the 3 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience, the amount paid is not refunded.