Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos Day 10

Day 10 - Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - Fly to Madeira; Transfer to Funchal; City Tour; City Landmarks; Cathedral; Wine Tasting

Our morning started early today. Our bags had to be out at 6:30 and the hotel opened the dining room for a special breakfast. We left the hotel at 7:00 for a brief drive to the airport. There were several SATA Air Azores flights leaving at about the same time so the check-in counters were very busy.

When our flight was called, we had a windy hike on the tarmac to board our Q400 Dash 8. It was another full flight, the standard these days. The 2 hour and 45-minute flight to Madeira, another Portuguese autonomous region, was relatively smooth. We were served a small box lunch midway through the flight.

Madeira is further south and east of the Azores, closer to Morocco. We crossed back into the Western European time zone, the same as Lisbon. At the Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira Funchal International Airport, named for the world-famous Portuguese soccer player born on the island, we met our driver, Gloria.

We drove about 15 minutes to our hotel but the rooms weren’t ready. We took an orientation tour of the hotel complex and then at 1:45 we were able to get our room cards. Our room was very spacious and clean.

At 2:00 we met our city guide, Garça who took us on a three hour walk around the city center and the Madeira Botanical Gardens. The Cathedral of Funcha was built in 1495 and has a special alter to the Lady of Fátima, one of the patrons of Portugal. At the cathedral, Gennie lit a candle for her mom and friends who have recently passed.

After time for shopping at the City Market, we walked back to the hotel by way of the D'Oliveiras Winery, where we had an opportunity to taste several of their fortified wines. Famous long before the beginning of the United States, Madeira wine was used to toast the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Back in our rooms at 6:00, we had barely an hour to do our homework and get the photos sorted and the journal created. At 7:00 we were back in the lobby with our group for another included dinner. Does it sound like we are eating our way through the Azores and Madeira?

The days are flying by on this adventure. Because Henrique always has more for us to do and see, the group has been very thankful for all of the extra activities he has provided.

Accommodations: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel - - - Meal: B & D