Food & Wine

I took a one-week hiking trip to Madeira Island, Portugal, in late May 2018 with Exodus International (Toronto, ON; 844/227-9087, www.exodustravels.com). Including a single supplement, the land cost was about $1,100, breakfasts included.

This was my fourth trip with Exodus. I enjoy hiking with the mostly British clientele as well as the very reasonable prices.

On our final day, we had the day free to roam Madeira’s major town of Funchal. Many visitors take the cable car from lower Funchal up to the suburb of Monte. After enjoying the sites of Monte, the most fun way to head back down into Funchal is by riding a toboggan, maneuvered by two drivers, down the steep, slick streets.

This month’s winner is JANE B. HOLT of Hinesburg, Vermont:

Kyoto was booked solid for the 2018 sakura (cherry blossom) season, so my husband, Clyde, and I stayed a 9-minute train ride away in Otsu at the Prince Hotel, on the shores of Lake Biwa. We took the hotel’s free shuttle to the train station to dine at a different nearby restaurant each night.

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Chef Ruth Ruiz announced, “This morning we’re going to the market to buy a pig’s head.” 

Before we embarked on a 2-week South America cruise with Oceania Cruises, my husband and I were fortunate enough to spend three days and two nights in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Algodon Mansion (1647 Montevideo St.; phone +54 11 3530 7777, www.relaischateaux.com/us/argentina/algodon-buenos-aires).

Our stay at this 10-room boutique hotel was the most fantastic experience of our entire trip! 

We hear back from travelers who have been on an extended solo tour.