High mountains on a trike beats the usual bus day. This private ride turns Madeira’s big viewpoints into a half-day adventure, with custom-built trikes and plenty of fresh-air stops. You’ll start with hotel pickup and enjoy a smooth drop-off when the ride ends.

I love two things most: the simple hotel pickup/drop-off setup, and the way the pace is adjustable so you can linger where the views earn your time. Your guide matters too—names like John, Garth, and Geoff pop up in the reviews for good reason. One drawback to plan for: the tour is about 3 hours, so if you want maximum time at every stop, you may feel a little rushed.

Key highlights to watch for

• Custom-built trikes that make Madeira feel fast and close-up, not faraway and rushed
• Pico do Arieiro at about 1,810 meters plus a stop for the Glass Sky Walk
• Valley of the Nuns viewpoint hike near 1,400 meters for classic Madeira drama
• Helmets and jackets provided so you’re not guessing what the weather will do
• Flexible timing where you choose how long you stay at each viewpoint and tasting stop

Why this trike tour works so well in Madeira’s mountains

Madeira has a habit of making every viewpoint feel like a movie set. The tricky part is getting there without spending your whole day in transit. This tour fixes that by using a three-wheeled setup that’s built for mountain roads and steep climbs, so you spend more time looking out and less time watching the clock.

The private format is the real unlock. You’re not stuck with a bus schedule or a group that wants to leave the viewpoint five minutes after you arrive. I like tours that let you choose your pace, and this one does—your guide works with you, and you can linger if the view grabs you (or move on quickly if you’re the type who hates waiting).

And yes, it’s open-air in the way trikes are: you get scents and air movement that you just don’t get in a closed vehicle. If the day is clear, you can even feel like you’re riding above the clouds on the way up—one review called out that dramatic change in elevation.

Getting picked up around Funchal (and why the timing matters)

Start time is 10:30 am, and the ride includes hotel pickup and drop-off. That matters in Madeira because the roads can be tight, and finding parking and meeting points can turn into a mini project. With pickup, you get loaded and moving without losing your morning to logistics.

Cruise passengers also seem to fit this well. One review notes pickup from a spot near the cruise terminal and the Ronaldo hotel area—close enough that you’re not doing a long shuttle run just to start the experience.

Because the tour is only about three hours, the morning timing is smart. You get your mountain highlights in one go, without the rest of the day evaporating. If you’re pairing this with lunch or another afternoon activity, the schedule fits nicely.

Pico do Arieiro: the 1,810-meter big viewpoint stop

Pico do Arieiro is the main event for a reason. You’re heading to Madeira’s third highest point at around 1,810 meters, and the temperature and visibility can shift quickly as you climb. That altitude change is part of the fun—suddenly everything feels higher, wider, and more dramatic.

This stop is about more than one view. You’ll also spend time at a fishing-village area and fit in wine tasting, plus the Glass Sky Walk. Even if you’re not chasing adrenaline for adrenaline’s sake, the Glass Sky Walk is one of those Madeira moments that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. It adds a clear “wow” factor to a day that already has mountain scenery.

You’ll also ride through areas with strong vegetation cues—think eucalyptus and pine. One of the most practical things about this tour is that the trike ride makes those scents part of the experience instead of being background noise.

Practical note on pacing: the stop is listed at about 45 minutes with admission included. Forty-five minutes sounds short until you’re actually on a mountain path, taking photos, and trying to catch the best light. If you love pictures, plan to spend extra time here and let other viewpoints stay a bit shorter.

Valley of the Nuns: a viewpoint walk at about 1,400 meters

After Pico do Arieiro, you’ll head toward the Valley of the Nuns area, where you’ll do a walk up to a viewpoint around 1,400 meters above sea level. The viewpoint walk is brief—about 30 minutes in the schedule—and it’s enough time to get your legs moving and earn the view without turning the morning into a hiking day.

This is the kind of stop that rewards going slowly. From up high, you’ll see how the valley cuts through the terrain. It’s a classic “Madeira signature” scene, and it’s the sort of viewpoint where your phone storage will threaten to quit.

In the reviews, people also mention feeling the ride down into the valley as part of the thrill. On a trike, the descent isn’t just scenery—you feel the curves and the changing air, which keeps the momentum going even after the walking stop.

If your group is flexible, your guide can often help adjust time between stops. That flexibility is handy here because some people want the viewpoint and photos only, while others want a little extra quiet time.

Wine tasting and the forest ride you can actually feel

One reason I like this tour format is that it layers different “Madeira senses” into a short window. You’re not just looking; you’re tasting and moving through the island’s vegetation zones.

At Pico do Arieiro, wine tasting is built into the experience, and it’s paired with time for the mountain sights nearby. That combination is smart: wine tends to work best when you’re already standing in the right mood—cooler air, big views, and that slow shift from city energy to mountain energy.

The ride itself adds the sensory part. You’ll get to travel through eucalyptus and pine areas, and the day feels more alive because you’re moving through air that smells like trees instead of just sitting in a vehicle.

A small practical detail: coffee and/or tea are not included. So if you’re the type who likes a warm drink between viewpoints, plan to buy it on your own.

What you get during the ride: tickets, gear, and customization

This tour is designed to reduce decisions. You’ll have helmets and jackets provided. In Madeira weather, that’s not just a comfort perk—it’s smart. Mountain conditions can change, and even if the coast feels warm, the higher air can turn chilly.

Reviews also mention warm/wet weather gear being offered when needed. That’s a good sign if you’re traveling in shoulder seasons or if rain is in the forecast.

Admission tickets are included at the main stops (Pico do Arieiro and the Valley of the Nuns). That means you’re not spending your limited time figuring out where to buy tickets or how long lines might take.

Then there’s the customization. The guide uses a route, but you choose how long you want at each stop. The tour provider even notes that the three-hour length can flex based on how long you stay at sights, and that they can include other viewpoints if time allows.

In real terms, that’s why this tour scores so high. You’re not trapped in a fixed checklist—you’re buying access to a route and a guide, not just a set of photo stops.

Safety on narrow roads: why the guide’s style matters

Mountain roads can be intimidating on paper. A trike can also sound a little “what could possibly go wrong?” until you realize this is run by a guide who’s driving, positioning, and timing stops.

Helmets and jackets help. But the bigger safety piece is how the ride is paced and how often you’re pulled aside for viewpoints so you’re not rushing through tight sections. Multiple reviews praise the calm, safe driving style of guides such as John and Garth/Goth, and people repeatedly describe the experience as feeling secure.

Another safety-related upside: because it’s a private tour, you’re not fighting for space with a bus load of strangers at every stop. Your guide can manage your timing at viewpoints, which keeps the experience calmer.

One more practical thought: terrain varies, and the tour is still a mountain ride. It’s listed as suitable for most travelers, but if you’re dealing with mobility limits, balance concerns, or severe motion sensitivity, you should think carefully about the short walking component and the road feeling.

Price and value: $168.62 per group up to 2

At $168.62 per group (up to 2), this isn’t priced like a “cheap” activity. But it also isn’t priced like a car rental day where you do all the work yourself.

You’re paying for a package that includes:

• Private guide time (you’re the only group)
• Pickup and drop-off
• Custom trike ride
• Helmets and jackets
• Admission tickets at the key stops
• A route that covers multiple highlights in roughly three hours

For two people, the math often works out better than you’d expect because it’s one price that covers both the transport and the major admissions. It also tends to feel like better value than squeezing multiple separate activities into one schedule—especially if you’re trying to fit Madeira highlights into limited vacation time.

One more sign of value: reviews call this a highlight of the holiday, and more than one person says the tour feels like it visits places other tours might not reach as easily. If you care about efficient sightseeing without losing the personal touch, this style of pricing makes more sense.

Who should book this trike tour (and who might not love it)

You’ll probably love this if you:

• Want a half-day plan that hits major Madeira viewpoints
• Like fresh air, scenic rides, and photo stops with time to breathe
• Prefer private pacing over joining a crowd
• Want a mix of mountain sights plus wine tasting
• Enjoy the idea of a guide like John or Garth shaping the day around you

You might want to choose something else if:

• You hate any amount of walking (even though the Valley of the Nuns walk is short)
• You want a longer, slower day with plenty of meals included
• You’re traveling with tight scheduling where a weather-dependent experience could be a stress point

Because the provider notes the experience requires good weather, plan to keep a flexible mindset. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund.

Should you book Adventure Trikes in Madeira?

If your goal is a fun, efficient way to cover Madeira’s big sights around Funchal without feeling herded, this is an easy yes. The combination of Pico do Arieiro, the Glass Sky Walk, the Valley of the Nuns viewpoint walk, and wine tasting all fit into a realistic half-day window.

Book it if you want the “Madeira feels different up high” experience, and you’re happy to let your guide steer the flow while you decide how long to stay. I’d skip it only if you know you’ll want much more time than three hours can offer, or if weather risk would ruin your plans.

If you’re going to do one trike adventure in Madeira, this is the one that makes the day feel full without swallowing your entire vacation.

FAQ

How long is the Adventure Trikes private tour?

It’s about 3 hours. The exact timing can shift a bit depending on how long you want to stay at each stop, plus whether extra viewpoints fit in.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:30 am.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

Is the tour private?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get custom trike riding with your guide, and you’ll be provided helmets and jackets. Admission tickets are included for the main stops (including Pico do Arieiro and the Valley of the Nuns). A mobile ticket is used.

Do I need to bring safety gear?

No. Helmets and jackets are provided during the tour. If the weather calls for it, your guide may also provide warm/wet weather gear (when needed).

Is coffee or tea included?

No. Coffee and/or tea are not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

How much does it cost?

It’s $168.62 per group for up to 2 people.