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From£1,799pp

Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira

S2518

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Beautiful views of Sete Cidades lakes, Azores Beautiful views of Sete Cidades lakes, Azores
04 Jul 2025
Dover
13 nights
Borealis

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Verdant volcanic wonders await on this exploration of Portugal, from the Sete Cidades crater lakes and Furnas Valley hot springs to the ancient Algar do Carvão lava tube. In the Azores, sperm whales and dolphins frequent the waters and the landscapes are adorned in vibrant blue hydrangeas – we’ve timed your visit specially so you can capture the archipelago’s national flower in bloom. You can also immerse yourself in Portuguese traditions such as thermal bathing and savouring culinary delights like sardines and Pastéis de Nata, accompanied by the soulful notes of fado music. Enrich your experience further by learning about flower cultivation on the ‘Garden Island’ and pineapple growing in the Azores.

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Highlights

Furnas valley, Azores

Verdant Azorean Vistas 

The North Atlantic archipelago of the Azores offers diverse range of volcanic peaks, craters and lakes. The unique twin lakes of Sete Cidades, one a bright emerald green and the other sapphire blue tell tales of folklore, while the lava tube at Algar do Carvão lava tube offers the chance to explore caves and magma chambers formed by the cooling and solidifcation of lava flows. Furnas Valley on São Miguel Island is known for its lush landscapes and geothermal activity, including hot springs and bubbling mud pots; while the Caldera de Guilherme Moniz crater, with lava fields, caves and rocky outcrops is begging to be explored.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights

Portuguese yellow tram seen by visitors during a cruise to Lisbon, Portugal

Embrace the Portuguese way of life

On this Borealis cruise, you'll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life by experiencing activities and sampling local cuisines. In Lisbon, enjoy a journey aboard one of the city's iconic trams, travelling through narrow streets lined with brightly coloured houses, and indulge in the deliciously flaky pastry pastéis de nata or sardines served simply with bread; or enjoy a performance of hauntingly beautiful Fado music telling stories of heartbreak and loss. In Madeira, take time to discover how the renowned wine is made and enjoy a taste, or relax in the geothermal baths of Furnas Valley.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights

Blue hydrangea with landscape of Sao Miguel, Azores in the background

Horticulture and Agriculture

This cruise has been designed for you to see the beautiful hydrangeas of the Azores when they are in full bloom, and as their scent fills the air. Enjoy strolling through the exotic flowers and plants of the Botanical Gardens in Madeira, and discover how pineapples are cultivated on São Miguel Island. When in Ponta Delgada, you will have the opportunity to discover one of Europe's few tea plantations, Gorrenea Tea Plantation, and witness how the tea is processed. The region is also well known for its dairy farming as it has an abundance of lush green pastures and meadows enabling the farmers to produce milk and other dairy products.

Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Life On Board

Introducing Borealis

Sister ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world. 

Borealis at sea at sunset
Borealis at sea at sunset

Borealis

Sister-ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for taking guests on a journey around the globe, enabling more exploration in more exciting ports. Her smaller size, spacious public areas, open deck spaces and impressive array of restaurants make her perfect for longer voyages, and shorter journeys alike.

702 cabins
1,360 guests
662 crew
61,849 GT
25kts max speed
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Your Guest Speakers

We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.

Guest speaker David Winpenny in front of a bookcase
Agriculture & Horticulture

David Winpenny

Garden and landscape ethusiast David has extensive experience in leading garden tours and will be joining us to talk about the gardens of this cruise.

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Astronomy

Go Stargazing

Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. Join Dr Maggie Lieu on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.

ORCA
Ocean Wildlife

Orca

Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.

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Jon Gluyas
Verdant Volcanic Vistas

Professor Jon Gluyas

Geologist and Fellow of the Geological Society, Jon Gluyas, will be joining us on board to deliver a series of insightful talks about the geological highlights you will find on this cruise.

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Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 15:00 12/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 15:00 12/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Freedom Fare From £3,999 pp
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Suite

Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

Borealis' Balcony Junior Adapted Suites have a balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Freedom Fare From £3,999 pp
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Suite

Balcony Suite (BS)

Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.

Freedom Fare From £4,199 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Borealis' Premier Suites are located on Bridge deck, and have a private balcony.

Freedom Fare From £5,499 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

Borealis' Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and located on Bridge deck.

Freedom Fare From £5,499 pp
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Suite

Olsen Suite (OW)

The Olsen Suite is the largest suite on Borealis, with a private balcony and sitting area.

Freedom Fare From £7,499 pp
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What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • Swimming Pools
  • Jacuzzis
  • Fitness Centre
  • Fitness Classes

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

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