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At a glance
Visiting:
Portugal
Length:
Cruise
Request Brochure - The Azores, Crossing the Path of the Solar Eclipse
To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA
The Azores, Crossing the Path of the Solar Eclipse
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.
Holiday Highlights
Explore volcanic sites in the Azores and go in search of resident whales and dolphins
See, smell and learn about the vibrant, fragrant flora of Madeira
Cross the path of the Solar Eclipse, for a chance to see the phenomenon before it finishes
What's Included
Comfortable, stylish cabins and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet
Itinerary
Thursday 4 April 2024
Departs Southampton
Depart: Late PM
Friday 5 April 2024
St Malo
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Saturday 6 April 2024
Brest
Arrive: Late AM
Depart: Late PM
Sunday 7 April 2024
Cruising
Monday 8 April 2024
Cruising
Monday 8 April 2024
Solar Eclipse
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Tuesday 9 April 2024
Cruising
Wednesday 10 April 2024
Praia da Vitória
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Thursday 11 April 2024
Ponta Delgada
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Thursday 11 April 2024
Cruising by Santa Maria
Arrive: Late Night
Depart: Late Night
Friday 12 April 2024
Cruising
Saturday 13 April 2024
Cruise by Cabo Girao
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Early AM
Saturday 13 April 2024
Funchal
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Sunday 14 April 2024
Cruising
Monday 15 April 2024
Leixões
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Tuesday 16 April 2024
Cruising
Wednesday 17 April 2024
Arrive back at Southampton
Arrive: Early AM
Bolette
Depart from Dover or Southampton and choose from a wide variety of exceptional journeys covering Europe and far-flung exotic destinations. Whether embarking on a scenic tour of Scotland or a month-long trip to the Arctic or the Americas, you can look forward to all of the amenities you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible, along with fantastic entertainment and excellent customer service.
Whichever route you decide on, Bolette cruises provide the chance to create treasured lifelong memories, with a range of enthralling tours and experiences. From witnessing the beguiling Northern Lights and Arctic Midnight Sun to wildlife watching and exploring ancient ruins, you're sure to end your holiday with a feeling of having tasted true adventure.
Chargeable Extras
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours.
*Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included.
Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.