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FREEDOM FARE
From£1,899pp

Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira

T2524

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View over the crater lake at Sete cidades, Azores View over the crater lake at Sete cidades, Azores
10 Oct 2025
Liverpool
13 nights
Bolette

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Our team has planned this Bolette cruise to showcase Portugal’s remarkable landscapes. The remote archipelago of the Azores is home to verdant volcanic vistas, hot springs and crater lakes, while the ‘Garden Island’ of Madeira boasts vibrant floral displays and the towering Cabo Girão sea cliff – one of Europe’s highest capes. Thermal bathing in the Furnas Valley, tasting Madeira wine and relishing fado music in Lisbon are great ways to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Portugal. The Azores also offers unparalleled opportunities for whale and dolphin watching. There will be chances to uncover the islands’ rich agricultural history, too, by exploring the cultivation of produce like pineapples and tea.

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Highlights

Furnas valley, Azores

Uncover volcanic vistas

Your cruise to the Azores aboard Bolette has been designed to offer you the opportunity to discover the magnificent twin lakes of Cete Sidades in Ponta Delgada. Surrounded by romantic tales of why one is green and the other is blue, they are set in the main crater of an extinct volcano; while the hot sulphur springs of Furnas Valley can also be admired before you take a dip in the thermal pools at Terra Nostra Park. The lava tube at Algar do Carvao, once a channel for molten lava, is now a huge, lush cave full of silica stalactites dangling from the ceiling, said to be the largest of their kind in the world.

A close-up of a tray of Pastéis de Nata, the traditional Portuguese custard tarts, golden and flaky.

Discover the Portguese way of life

Immerse yourself in the way of life in Portugal by exploring Lisbon on one of the iconic trams, meandering through narrow streets and up and down steep hills set amongst colourful houses, sample the local delicacies of sardines and the deliciously flaky pastéis de nata, and experience a Fado performance from a talented singer, accompanied by acoustic guitar, singing heartfelt songs of lost love. In São Miguel, you will have plenty of opportunities to experience bathing in the springs of the Furnas Valley, kept warm by the unique geothermal activity on the island; while in Madeira, do join us for a tasting of the region's wine, full of rich caramel and toffee flavours.

Telopea flower in Palheiro Gardens in Madeira, Portugal

The perfect sub-tropical climate 

The Azores are well-known for their uniquely sub-tropical climate, perfect soil for growing and cultivating tropical fruits and flora, and opportunities to experience all four seasons in one day. Ponta Delgada is home to a Pineapple Plantation, where you can witness the sweet-tasting fruit at each stage of its development in specially-made greenhouses. Europe's oldest tea plantation, Gorreana Tea Factory is also located on the island of Sao Miguel, producing exotically flavoured leaves for green, black and oolong tea. In Funchal, explore Palheiro Gardens, one of the most botanically rich landscapes in Madeira; or the exotic plants of the Botanical Gardens, dedicated to preserving endangered plant species; before wandering amongst the vineyards of the Madeiran Wine Route.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Life On Board

Introducing Bolette

With just 690 cabins Bolette fits perfectly in our fleet of smaller ships. With her warm, welcoming atmosphere, timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising.

Bolette in Olden, Norway
Bolette at sunrise

Bolette

Bolette is one of the largest ships, by overall size, in our fleet. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising, Bolette is very much in keeping with what our guests have come to expect from a Fred. Olsen ship.

690 cabins
1,338 guests
657 crew
62,735 GT
24.5kts 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 the Azores and Madeira.

Glynda Easterbrook
Volcanic Vistas

Glynda Easterbrook

A Fellow of the Geological Society and an Earth Scientist, Glynda will be on board speaking on a range of topics which relate to the natural world in the destinations we will be visiting.

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Astronomy

Go Stargazing

Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.

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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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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 01:00 10/11/2024, 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 01:00 10/11/2024, 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)

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

Freedom Fare From £4,399 pp
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Suite

Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

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

Freedom Fare From £4,399 pp
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Suite

Balcony Suite (BS)

Located on Highland deck, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony

Freedom Fare From £4,499 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Bolette’s Premier Suites are located on Bridge deck, and have a private balcony.

Freedom Fare From £5,599 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

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

Freedom Fare From £5,599 pp
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Suite

Olsen Suite (OW)

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

Freedom Fare From £6,999 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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