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. Then, 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 majestic swans wading in the many ponds. And if you like a bit of adventure, there's the option of a unique and thrilling trip back to Funchal – a toboggan ride down the mountain on a wicker sled. It is pretty hair-raising, but at least you'll have a professional ‘carreiro' manning the brakes.