My adventure with this company was truly special. Guide Marco and intern/assistant Andre met me at the pier where my Oceania cruise arrived in Funchal. I didn't spend a second worrying about what I needed to bring or if they would meet me. I used the TripAdvisor messaging, and Marco got right back to me! He confirmed I should wear hiking boots and bring layers, especially for rain or drips from the Levada tunnels. We arrived in Saint Vincent and started our hike along the Levada Faja dos Rodrigues. It was lovelier than I imagined, and both Marco and Andre shared information about local history, culture, the local trees and plants, and even the special yellow Madeira butterfly, which we were lucky to see. They made sure that if I felt uncomfortable with any of the tunnels, we could turn around at any time. Two very thoughtful guys! I did the first two tunnels where I could, literally, see light at the end of the tunnel. The other tunnel, about 1/2 mile long, was a bit too much for this hiker as I don't like caves. We turned around there. Along the way, they made sure to remind me about safety, took pictures of me, had a flashlight at the ready for the tunnels, and made sure I was comfortable. I hike a lot at home, and I have to say, it was nice to be watched over. After our beautiful hike, I asked if there was a chance I could add more sightseeing and if I could treat them to a coffee and the delicious Pastel de Nata (custard tarts). We went to a bakery in St. Vincent (and saw the sacred church built into the rock). The bakery didn't take credit cards or US currency, and the ATM didn't work with my credit card (Tip: Bring euros!). Marco offered to pay, and we sat together and enjoyed a leisurely coffee (not like in the United States, where coffee is through a drive-thru on your way to work). Along the way, I shared that my recent DNA analysis showed that not only am I 49% Portuguese, but also in two sub-communities: Madeira and Madeira Southeast & Hawaii. We talked about the long-ago history when there was a famine in Madeira, and some families took a ship all the way around the horn of South America to Hawaii to work in the sugar cane industry. Some of my ancestors took part in that migration (I have the ship manifest and the work contract that shows our family history). I knew I was very Portuguese, but I didn't know how very Madeiran my DNA would be. I'd always dreamed of visiting Madiera, and here I was with two new friends showing me the beauty of their home (and learning about the hardships as well). After coffee, they took me to the monument and clock tower now dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, with its many steps and gorgeous vista overlooking the sides of a long extinct volcano and the terraces full of vineyards and white lime-pained houses with red-tile roofs. Next, Marco drove us to many more fabulous vistas sharing the history and other details along the way. Andre added in a lot of agricultural and environmental details as he knew that was of interest to me. It was perfect weather and mostly shaded on the hike but good to have sunscreen, a hat, and some wipes (Tip: I brought a wet washrag from my ship and tucked it into a zip lock for cooling off and wiping up). I also brought sunscreen, hand sanitizer, wipes, kleenex, my phone for taking pictures, a backpack, water, a snack, and everything I'd bring for a hike at home (Tip: including anything you need for a "pee" in the woods because they do not have portable potties at the trailheads). I had the most wonderful time! I then explained to Marco and Andre that I could go onto my ship and that the reception desk could exchange some euros for me. I wanted to pay them for the add-on time, of course, but also a hefty tip to show my appreciation for all they shared and did for me. They brought me back to my ship and I ran on board and then was able to give them euros and what I hope was a more than fair tip to pay Marco back for the coffee and pastel de natas and to thank them both for such a fantastic day (Tip: try these delicious Portuguest treats along with Malasadas, something my family loves and is part of our heritage). Thank you Marco and Andre! You went above and beyond to show me so much of the place my family came from. My heart was so full as we sailed away from the beautiful islands of Madeira. P.S. My husband was so appreciative of his pastel de nata and he ate it right away with some coffee sitting down and watching as we sailed from Madeira - not a "fast food" coffee at all. P.S.S. And he thanks you, Marco and Andre, for taking good care of me and says he is feeling much better. Many blessings!