Funchal is a picturesque city nestled in the foothills.  The gondola line to a village (Monte) higher up on the mountain is faintly visible on the upper right.  We were to have an unforgettable experience in Monte!

Madeira 

This beautiful island is an autonomous region of Portugal, located almost 400 miles from our last stop in the Canary Islands.

A Gondola Ride to The Sledge Location

From the port, our tour bus took us to the gondola station.  The ride took about fifteen minutes and could not have been more scenic.  As we climbed, we got great views of the ocean.

Once off the gondola, we followed our tour guide a few blocks to the starting point of the sledge ride.  A sledge is a sled with runners that is used to carry loads.  We have heard it also referred to as a toboggan.  

Whatever it is called, it is quite a unique vehicle. It is built by specialized craftsmen and carpenters from wicker and wood.  Our guide told us that it was "invented" in the late 1800's by a man living in this little mountain town.  He had an invalid wife who he wanted to get down the mountain.  With the invention of this vehicle, he accomplished his aim.  I'm not sure how he got her back up!

The route is downhill for 1.2 miles and takes ten thrill-packed minutes. 

The only difficulty we encountered was that we had to stand in line for about one and one-half hours to get our "turn." However, you could leave the line if someone saved your place and let you back in.  JR went for a walk.  I stayed in line and was entertained by a fun British couple. 

Two drivers ("Carreiros") wear straw hats, all white clothing, and shoes with thick rubber soles used as brakes. In the photo below they are getting us started on our ride. After the sledge starts moving, they jump on the back and guide us downward. 

The route is quite steep.  We didn't know it yet, but we were about to not only go downhill very fast but also make quick turns.  

There were very narrow streets. Some of them has cars parked along the side and people moving around.  

Our carreiros had us going pretty fast. There were no seatbelts.  

It was really fun!  I felt that I might have lost an inch or two around my waist going around corners.

Note that there is a car behind us.  I'm sure that any local who needs to use this street is quite aware of what is going on at this time of the day. 

Of course, we were busy most of the ride taking pictures.  This photo was taken by a guy who was disguised along the route.  Since we purchased it from him at the end of the ride, I believe it is okay to post it.

We survived the ride and got off at the sledge "landing area".  A couple of other sledges are seen arriving behind us.  Our next task was to find our guide and our bus to continue on the tour. 

D' Oliveiras Winery 

Our tour group cooled off from the excitement of the sledge ride by getting into our airconditioned bus and taking a trip to this beautiful old building.  It dates back to the 17th Century.  The founding family still runs it, roots going back to the 1820's.  

We were taken to their tasting room where we were shown varieties of their wines.  They specialize in aged wine.  

A Sampler

They had individual bottles of all ages for sale as well as packs (seen in the photo below) that have a variety of ages.   We got a very small sample to taste.  

Bolo de Mel

Our guide told us before the visit that they would serve us some of their famous Madeira Honey Cake (Bolo de Mel).  It is not cut with a knife as they believe that the metal in the knife alters the taste.  Traditionally, it is made about 8 December so it's ready for Christmas.  It will last up to five years if cared for properly.  Family recipes are secretly guarded.

Its ingredients are varied but usually include molasses or honey, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, anise seeds, allspice, walnuts, almonds, and dried fruits.  It was quite tasty. 

We got to tear off a small piece from a big hunk of cake.  I'm sure that this procedure wouldn't have happened during the height of COVID 19!

A Mountain Visit

Our tour continued into the local mountains.  The views were amazing as was the plant life. 

Eira do Serrado (Nuns Valley)

 Our destination was an area with a lookout of Nuns Valley.  This small settlement is between two almost perpendicular mountains.  The village is in a valley formed by a natural phenomenon--erosion or volcanic activity.  In 1566, nuns from a convent fled when pirates attacked Funchal.  They brought their convent's valuables with them.  They have pretty much lived off the land.  There is an abundance of chestnut trees which allows them to have an annual celebration, "Chestnut Festival". 

What a day in Funchal!  

Next Blog:  Continue with us to Motril, Spain where we will see the gorgeous scenery of a nearby city, Nerja, and visit their famous cave. 

Written by Team Johnson (Bonnie Nelson Johnson and Adolph W. Johnson, JR (aka A.D.)All photos were by us except the photo (from a distance) of us on the sledge.  We received no remuneration for our recmmendation of this shore excursion. 

Highly Recommend Shore Excursion

This tour, "Best of Madeira", was taken on 30 March 2023, during our NCL Star cruise from Rio to Barcelona.  It was booked as a 4 1/2 hour tour but it lasted about 6 hours.  We didn't mind. 

References:

"Bolo de mel", Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolo_de_mel.  Obtained 1 Jun 2023.

"Pereira d'Oliveira", www.madeirawineanddine.com.  Obtained 1 Jun 2023.

"Eira do serrado", madeira-web.com/en/places/camara-de-lobos/visit.  Obtained 1 Jun 2023. 

Mountain views 

Eira do Serrado--views of the interior of the island.  3592 feet take look at village of Curral dais Freiras (Nuns Vallely)