Madeira is extremely mountainous, with no flat land for cultivation. Thus, terraces are used.

Photo © 2002 Linda Garrison, licensed to About.com, Inc.

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The volcanic island of Madeira is covered in colorful flowers and fruit trees. Madeira is a small island only 35 miles long and 13 miles wide. However, the rugged mountains and tortuous roads make it seem much larger. Just a speck in the Atlantic, some of Madeira's residents in outlying villages have never even been to the main city Funchal, much less to the mainland because of the ruggedness of the countryside. About half of Madeira's residents live in the picturesque capital of Funchal (pronounced "foon-shawl").

The Silver Whisper has three shore excursion options in Funchal.

• Cable Car to Monte -- 3.5 hours ($56 in August 2002)
This tour goes inland and allows participants to see Madeira from the hills at Monte, a favorite destination for tourists visiting the island. At one time, a rack and pinion railway hauled cruise line passengers from Funchal to Monte. The railway closed in 1939, and a cable car carries passengers to the top today. This excursion has a special twist for those thrill seekers who are fit. From Monte, you can board a typical wicker basket sled that was once used to travel downhill. There's no snow, but the 10-minute ride promises to be exhilarating!

• Jeep Adventure -- 4.5 hours ($51 in August 2002)
Riding a jeep inland from Funchal will give tour participants the opportunity to see some of the unspoiled natural sites of Madeira. The itinerary will be set the morning of the excursion in order to avoid bad weather, mud, etc. It sounds like a great way to see this rugged volcanic isle.

• Helicopter View of Funchal -- 30 minutes ($128 in August 2002)
A twenty minute helicopter ride over the capital city and surrounding countryside gives participants the opportunity to see the interesting mix of old and new architecture in Funchal as well as the lush valleys and hills nearby.

• Funchal on Your Own
The Silver Whisper docks about 1.5 miles from the center of Funchal. Shops carrying the famous Madeira wine are plentiful, as those with local embroider, wickerwork, and ceramics. For those who don't want to go far, there is a small shopping mall right on the pier so you won't have to carry all of that Madeiran wine! Sites to see in Funchal include the cathedral, a couple of museums, and a farmer's market.

The Silver Whisper next heads for another archipelago of islands in the Atlantic--the Canaries.

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