As you visit a string of beautiful Portuguese islands, including a duo of scenic gems in the hard-to-reach Azores archipelago, you’ll get to encounter a wealth of wildlife and natural wonders from on board Bolette and during time spent exploring ashore. See Terceira’s glorious coastline from the water, then perhaps tour to the south of the island where the UNESCO-listed historic city of Angra do Heroísmo is yours to explore, or take in the views from atop the Monte Brasil volcano. Unforgettable sights and experiences await on São Miguel; revel in the colourful lakes and vast craters of Sete Cidades Volcano, and see nature in action at the Furnas Valley, where natural hot springs fill the air with steam and the lingering scent of sulphur. You’ve opportunities to go in search of resident whales and dolphins that live and breed in the waters surrounding these islands too. What’s more, thanks to the expert planning of our team, your journey to the Azores is designed to cross the path of the passing Solar Eclipse, offering the chance to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon before it finishes its course. Upon departure from São Miguel, scenic cruising by Santa Maria island at sunset will provide a memorable final glimpse of the Azores’ natural beauty, before it’s on to Madeira. At Portugal’s ‘Garden Island’, see the mighty Cabo Girao sea cliff from your ship’s decks, then head ashore at Funchal – the island’s capital. You could spend your day wandering the levada walking trails, to absorb the vibrant colours and sweet scents of the wild flowers; or explore botanical gardens and orchid farms with a local expert, to learn about the flora in more detail. Elsewhere, on the Portuguese mainland, a call at Leixoes is your chance to tour to Oporto – a city famed for its port wine and seafood, while you’ll also spend two days in France taking in the historic sites of St Malo and charming Brest.