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Wonders & Wildlife of the Azores & Madeira

T2322

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Whale tail, Azores Dolphins swimming in the sea

13 Aug 2023

Southampton

12 nights

Bolette

The cruise at a glance

The Olsen Way Highlights

Portugal’s islands are bursting with fascinating landscapes filled with flora and fauna, making this the ideal sailing for those wanting to get closer to nature. The hard-to-reach islands of the Azores are home to the Sete Cidades crater lakes and the Furnas Valley hot springs. There’s the chance to spot resident sperm whales here, too. On Madeira, you could wander the levada walking trails or explore the botanical gardens with a local orchid expert. Scenic cruising highlights include sailings past Santa Maria, a remote island with historical links to Columbus; and the Tower of Hercules, said to be the only Roman lighthouse in existence.

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Highlights

Beautiful view of Santiago Lake "Lagoa de Santiago, Azores, Portugal

The crater lakes at Sete Cidades

The islands of the Azores are peppered with volcanic landscapes, due to their location on no less than three tectonic plates. One of the most striking is the Sete Cidades Crater Lakes on Sao Miguel. Legend says that they created from the tears of a princess and a shepherd after their marriage was forbidden by her father. The jewel-like green and blue twin lakes are separated by a seven-arched bridge, symbolising the seven cities of the lost continent of Atlantis.

 

 

Dolphin spotted from on board

Marine Wildlife

Join the team from ORCA out on deck as they assist you with spotting marine life – particularly whales – around the islands of the Azores, well known for being home to sperm whales and other visiting cetaceans, due to the crystal-clear waters and abundance of food. The team will observe the whale behaviours allowing them to identify and protect critical whale and dolphin habitats, ultimately to promote the health of our seas.

 

 

Wineyards of Madeira at sunset, above the municipality of Seixal

Azorean Trades

The Azores have an abundance of important trades, with many of these lying in food and drink products. Ponta Delgada is known for its tea, pineapple, sugar and tobacco. São Miguel has greenhouses which are unique to the Azores, and are used to cultivate and market the island’s intensely flavoured pineapples, grown in rich volcanic soil. Funchal is famous for its delicious Madeiran wine – join a tour to an organic vineyard to learn about its history and their traditional wine-making process before sampling some along with tapas.

 

 

 

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

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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Our Signature Experiences

To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.

Itinerary Insights

We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting

Scenic Discoveries

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships

The Ship and the Sea

Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years

The Sky at Sea

There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea

Treats of the Region

We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 08:12 01/06/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call 0800 035 5130 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 08:12 01/06/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call 0800 035 5130 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 £3,699 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 £3,699 pp
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Suite

Balcony Suite (BS)

Located on deck 6, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony

Freedom Fare From £3,899 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 £6,899 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Bolette’s Premier Suites are located on Deck 7, and have a private balcony.

Freedom Fare From £4,899 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

Bolette's Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and located on deck 7.

Freedom Fare From £4,899 pp
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Cruise Offers

SAVE up to £300pp   Freedom Fare

What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

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

Enhance your cruise

Enhance Cruise with some of our optional extras

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