Captain of Celebrity Constellation says his 18th crossing was his smoothest ever. Our first stop is Madeira (Funchal) Portugal, the 'island of flowers' in the Azores known for it's vintage wines and hand sewn embroidery. We toured using a hop on hop off double Decker open bus, seeing the haunts of Winston Churchill, and many historic figures whom would take holiday on the reclusive island that was also neutral territory during the great war.
We sat on the patio of the Reid's hotel, the first built over 100 years ago, and sipped Madeira wine which was decidedly more a liquor cordial than table wine. Later we did a wine tasting at a local winery in town. We were fortunate to visit Madeira during their annual Flower Festival. We have pictures a plenty, but internet speed is too slow to post many.
We sat on the patio of the Reid's hotel, the first built over 100 years ago, and sipped Madeira wine which was decidedly more a liquor cordial than table wine. Later we did a wine tasting at a local winery in town. We were fortunate to visit Madeira during their annual Flower Festival. We have pictures a plenty, but internet speed is too slow to post many.
 Beautiful receiving room at Reid's historic hotel in Madiera. |  View of Funchal from highest point we visited. |