When we disembarked for a day of fun in Funchal, we knew what we wanted to do and decided to hop a taxi. There are two lines of taxi's outside the ship - one for tours and one for hopping a cab to a specific destination. They have an association and each driver owns their own cab and they take turns as to which line they service. They also set their own rates.

Our good luck was our Driver was a native resident and spoke perfect English. When we told him what we wanted to do and negotiated a flat rate - 4 hours for 90 euros (time approximate). He added to our suggested itinerary and we ended up being out there for 6 hours without nary a word on his part. We did compensate him for the additional time. He was the perfect host and I would highly recommend him. He has a Mercedes that was clean and comfortable. He opened and closed doors for me at every stop, made sure that we knew where clean restrooms were, waiting for us through 50 people in line at the Sledge in Monte and followed us down the hill too. He told us many things about the areas, made photographic stops without our asking him to and was more of a guide then I ever expected.

His mobile is 91-764-2250 and his email address is johnpereira@netmadeira.com

Kathy, would love to see pictures from your day in Funchal!

We will be in Funchal on our Apr. 30th. cross from FLL to Barcelona. I will contact John, in Funchal, beforehand. Thanks for the tip.
Can 4 fit into his Benz ? And we are wee folks as you may recall.
Since you are from CA, and as a break until May, can you suggest how we can spend 5 or 6 days touring the Napa valley, or elsewhere in Ca where it is not cold ?

Neville,

Yes, his car will seat 4 and I sent you an email about our favorite spot in California.