Trip to Madeira and Sao Miguel

Day 2 - Friday, February 16, 2024 - Ponta Delgada to Funchal

Although we left an hour late departing JFK we weren't that far behind in getting to Ponta Delgada in the Azores. Upon arrival it also was announced that our next flight was delayed but not by too much. We later found out it was because one of the couples on the trip were delayed and they held our flight since there is only one flight each day to Madiera. We had a gentleman waiting for us as we left the airport to take us to our hotel about 20 minutes away. We had to wait a bit as one guy's luggage didn't make it. (I don't think it ever came.) We got to the Savoy Gardens and were delighted with the hotel. It's 7 stories with a roof top terrace, pool, hot tub, sauna, exercise room spa center etc. We walked around the hotel and checked things out. Then we walked down the hill to the main drag, turned to the left and explored part of Funchal. We always got our 10K steps with most days closer to 20K. Of course, we found a place that sold gelato and stopped for a snack. We walked some more and a little thirsty by then we stopped at The Hole in One to have a beer. Walked back to the hotel and noted that any place we were walking was up-hill. At 5:00 went to a little talk by hotel reps about what there is to do and see both at the hotel and for excursions. From there it was on to the roof top deck where happy hour is everyday at 6:00. Not super hungry we went to Chalet Vicente for some mussels and a bread bowl of soup which we shared. It had been a long day so early to bed.