Leisurely Funchal, Madeira.

After cruising through the night and most of the next day we reached our first port of call, Funchal, Madeira late afternoon

We joined fellow passengers for our first excursion and were soon leaving Funchal behind as we climbed to our first stop Eira do Serrado one of the most beautiful locations in Madeira.

Eira do Serrado lies at the very centre of the island at an impressive elevation of 3,592 feet. However, thick low clouds enveloped the central massif and the incredible view down the valley was not to be.

Instead, at a local inn/store, we were treated to a tasting of a Portuguese liqueur "ginja", some of the party enjoyed the taste but I found it too sweet and cloying. As well as the typical souvenir samples for sale there was a very impressive display of bottles dating back many years . 

We didn't buy any but in typical tourist fashion we bought the T shirt!

Our next stop was lower down the mountain at the Pico dos Barcelos, 1100 feet above sea level, where we enjoyed the panoramic view over Funchal Bay, the city and a glimpse of the rocky Desertas Islands in the background before returning to the ship.

Cruising onboard Azamara Onward

We just got back a few days ago from a 7 day cruise around the Canary Islands onboard the Azamara Onward.

Azamara's usp is what they refer to as "Destination Immersion". 

Simply put this means that as their ships, they have 4, are smaller (only 700 passengers) they can stay longer in port.

This means that we had more time to experience the local life and culture from early until late.

We embarked in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria (Spain) and visited the islands of Madeira (Portugal); La Palma (Spain); La Gomera (Spain) and Tenerife (Spain) before returning to Gran Canaria.

We went on several guided excursions, more about those later, and also enjoyed some days just lounging on the ship reading, soaking up the sun (such a treat after all that recent snow) and enjoying delicious meals.

Shadow Shot Sunday