Lisbon was fairly typical of a European City – the old town
and the new areas and as usual we took the open top bus tours there. From
Lisbon we set sail for Funchal on the Portuguese Island of Madeira. Seas were a
little rough – a five metre swell and I lost my dinner one night as a result.
We had gone to the front of the ship for the late night show but the movement
of the ship was too much and I just made it to the nearest bathroom. No
problems after that.
Due to the terrain, we opted for a “shore excursion” (a coach tour organised by
Holland America) around Madeira the first day. Just amazing. We went to the
second highest sea cliff in the world Cabo Girao and stood on the glass floor
above the cliff (yes I did it!) and were treated to some amazing views. The
coach followed the steep, narrow (no guard rails I might add) and winding road
for many kilometres up into the mountains and down to amazing little fishing villages.
Lunch at some spectacular rock pools at Porto Moniz, was a three course meal
with the local wines before we headed back up to the hills and then down the
very steep roads back to Funchal. The Coach Driver was amazing, working that
coach around hairpin bends on narrow roads at reasonably fast speeds. Seven
hours of amazing scenery. Very different to anything I have seen and well worth
the extra expense. 
2 comments:
Glad I have proof you did the glass floor viewing or I wouldn't have believed it!! When we have been talking for months about your itinerary I kind of thought nice but not something I would do - well I have changed my mind!!! It looks spectacular and so different to the usual destinations that my "to see" list just got longer!!! Obviously a well researched and planned itinerary and can't wait to see all the photos. Till then I will enjoy the snapshots!! xo
It all looks great, so glad you are having such a good time - we miss you though
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