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At a glance
Visiting:
Azores Islands
Portugal
Length:
15 nights
Make your own way
no flight
Price from:£1,899pp
Request Brochure - Wonders & Wildlife of the Azores & Madeira
To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA
Wonders & Wildlife of the Azores & Madeira
From on board Bolette, and during time spent exploring ashore, encounter the wildlife and natural wonders of a string of Portuguese islands, including a duo of scenic gems in the hard-to-reach Azores archipelago. See Terceira’s glorious coastline from the water, then perhaps – during your visit to Praia da Vitoria – 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.
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. What’s more, the highlights of this cruise aren’t restricted to island delights; 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 there’s also a visit to Lisbon, to see the capital’s many famous monuments, learn of its maritime history and not only eat famous Pasteis de Nata, but also make your own with a local pastry chef.
Special Offer:
Solo traveller offer available
Holiday Highlights
Marvel at the wonders of beautiful Portuguese islands, from the sea and ashore
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
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
1
Friday 19 April 2024 Departs Liverpool
Depart: Late PM
2
Saturday 20 April 2024 Cruising
3
Sunday 21 April 2024 Cruising
4
Tuesday 23 April 2024 Praia da Vitoria
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
5
Wednesday 24 April 2024 Ponta Delgada
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
6
Wednesday 24 April 2024 Cruising by Santa Maria
Arrive: Late Night
Depart: Late Night
7
Thursday 25 April 2024 Cruising
8
Friday 26 April 2024 Cruise by Cabo Girao
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Early AM
9
Friday 26 April 2024 Funchal
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
10
Saturday 27 April 2024 Funchal
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
11
Sunday 28 April 2024 Cruising
12
Monday 29 April 2024 Lisbon
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
13
Tuesday 30 April 2024 Leixões
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
14
Wednesday 1 May 2024 Cruising
15
Thursday 2 May 2024 Cruising
16
Friday 3 May 2024 Arrive back at Liverpool
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 and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
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").
These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, 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. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in 2023, 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.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information.
You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.