At
the western edge of Europe, Portugal has always been influenced above allby the sea and its maritime empire lasted for 500 years. Islands
such as Madeira and the Azores still reflect this former glory and are
still politically, if not geographically connected to Portugal.
Our tour of Madeira
includes
some high mountain walking and some gentle Levada (irrigation canal)
trails, a walking destination that remains popular throughout the
year because of a stable favorable climate.