Alto Lido Funchal

... tuxedo&#8217;s and the other half in jacket and tie. We have been going to Bolero&#8217;s for latin music after dinner to salsa off the calories and I must be doing something right because my hips have been a little sore the next morning. Between the onboard shopping, after dinner shows, different nightclubs and bars there is not a shortage of interesting things to do while on the ship. <br><br><br><br>Funchal is a nice little island that is a sovereign state under ...

On Sunday we got up, had breakfast and we went off on a tour organized by P&amp;O to the top of the second highest cliff in the world, and very spectacular it was. On the way we saw all sorts of plant life, including banana trees and the very colourfull South African trees, with very large red flowers. We passed through Camara de Lobos and on to Pico da Torre where a magnificent view over the cliffs down to the sea showed how beautiful Madeira is.

... the ship on the tender for a bite to eat in the Aquarius Grill. At about 18:00 we watched Independence maneuver very slowly away from the berth and out into the open sea. Once she had gone our ship was gently maneuvered into the berth being secured by 19:00

This was the day I was looking forward to the entire cruise. First things first though. We scheduled our own tour through Strawberry Tours to head up to Nun's Valley. It&#8217;s tucked in the middle of the island with mountains on all sides and a small pass to the ocean. It&#8217;s where the people from Funchal would go and hide when pirates came to the island. It was beautiful up through there and the roads were ...

... definite return visit in our book. Although a little pricey the actual meal was less than what we would have paid for a buffet at our hotel. The steak with Madeira sauce was excellent, but best of all the steak was perfect. The imagination ran out when it came to the vegetables but it did not detract from the dining experience. The also do a set meal which is of the same quality but slightly cheaper. (GPS Location 32°38'39.05"N 16°55'8.79"W)

... br>As a resolution to the situation the "duty manager" or should I say the housekeeper offered a &#8364;25 discount on the Suite which unbeknownst to us we requested however all we requested and paid for was a room upgrade. <br><br>In addition they are unable to assist us as we booked thorough a third party, but we used their website to make the booking. It turns out that behind the scenes we where redirected to the third party, a not so subtle sloping shoulders ploy ...

... for a few yards and then take the path up to the old ice house. <br><br>For those of you who are tall be wary of the next section as at a point the path is cut into the mountain side and the overhang is just about 5' 6" which would be of no import, except that it is precisely where you are concentrating on the 1&#8217; wide path with the near vertical 500&#8217; drop to the left.<br><br>Just over half way the path folks just after what looks ...

... walking guide for timings and keep in mind the buss times.<br><br>On the return journey take care when coming down the boarded section as the boards are all painted the same rust colour and it becomes difficult to distinguish the steps. <br><br>Start<br> Time 12:46:38 <br> Altitude 397 ft <br> Location N 32.74312° W 16.70147° <br><br>End<br> Time 14:56:42 <br> Altitude 426 ft <br> Location N 32.74300° W 16.70149°

... addition some patches are covered in moss so shoes with good grip are a must. Do not attempt this path unless suitably shod. <br><br>The village itself has little to offer apart from a view from the top. On arrival you will get accosted with offers of coffee and cake. The chestnuts are an acquired taste and proximity to the autumn harvest would improve their flavor. But I for one would not recommend them ...

... The views are great and this is where the ancient, now touristy, street tobbagan rides commence. Two top tips: 1) Take a local bus (?86) to Carreira du Funchal, (nuns valley). Head downhill along the road for 400m then take the clear path on the left and enjoy an exhilirating climb to a great lookout. As Madeira bus drivers are bonkers, once you have ascended this crazy peak, you will find a bus stop. Buy your ticket, close your eyes and pray. 2) Get one way tickets on the ...