Fred. Olsen – Scenic Islands of the Azores – 2022
Sails from Liverpool
The emerald-green Azores are remote and hard-to-reach, but on this special exploration of this Atlantic archipelago you’ll get to experience the wonders of three of its most inspiring islands, and in no time at all thanks to Borealis’ higher cruising speeds. On Terceira Island, Praia da Vitoria is your gateway to the beautiful south coast, where the UNESCO-listed historic city of Angra do Heroísmo is yours to explore, and unspoilt Atlantic Ocean vistas await at the top of the Monte Brasil volcano. At Faial Island, a wonderland of verdant forests, lakes, volcanic landscapes and peaks, such as Capelinhos Volcano, are best discovered on a scenic drive or 4×4 adventure, though you could opt to go in search of sperm whales on a whale watching tour – an unforgettable experience.
On São Miguel, Ponta Delgada is your gateway to the scenes of the Sete Cidades Volcano, with its 13-kilometre-wide crater and colourful lakes, which are amongst the most spectacular of the Azores’ must-see sights. The Furnas Valley hot springs and Terra Nosta Park’s haven of gardens, geo-thermal pools and forests make for memorable discoveries too. Aside from your Azorean adventures, there is an opportunity to delight in the historic sights and highlights of two Irish cities; you’ll get to enjoy a few hours of exploration in Belfast, while a visit to Cobh provides a taste of Ireland’s rugged beauty and renowned charms too.
Dates
Monday 17th October 2022
Cruise Itinerary
Monday 17th October 2022
Departure from Liverpool, United Kingdom
Board the ship mid-afternoon before you set sail later that evening.
Tuesday 18th October 2022
Cobh, Ireland
The charming seaside town of Cobh, situated in Cork harbour, has served as a route in and out of Ireland for centuries. Formerly known as Queenstown before locals reverted back to the old Irish name in 1922, Cobh was the embarkation point for 2.5 million people who emigrated to America from the ‘Emerald Isle’ between 1848 and 1950, and was famously the Titanic’s final port of call on her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.
19 - 20 October 2022
At Sea
Enjoy 2 days of cruising.
Friday 21 October 2022
Praia de Vitoria, Terceira, Azores, Portugal
Pretty Praia da Vitoria, the former capital of the Azores, is a town steeped in history. Originally heavily fortified, Praia has a fascinating historic quarter, and a stunning natural harbour that’s overlooked by the impressive 16th century Fort of Santa Catarina.
Translated as the Beach of the Victory, Praia da Vitoria is a popular destination thanks to a bustling, modern harbour, vibrant town centre and gorgeous sandy beaches. The pick of which is the uncrowded Praia Grande, which is a safe, dark sand beach with barely any waves.
Praia’s centre has a pleasant pedestrian zone with many attractive shops and some notable historic buildings that deserve a glance. The most notable monuments include the imposing bell towers of 15th century Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz and the stunning Town Hall in the main square.
Saturday 22 October 2022
Horta, Faial, Azores, Portugal
The tranquil little port of Horta on the Azores island of Faial, has played host to transatlantic yachtsmen since it was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century.
Regarded as one of the most colourful marinas in the world, Horta is the location of several international regattas each year, and its harbour is known for its vast open-air exhibition of paintings installed on the jetty by visiting sailors.
This emerald-green, volcanic island is an unspoilt environment of craters, lakes, sheer cliffs and lush valleys, to which only picturesque whitewashed houses and stately little baroque churches have been added.
Sunday 23 October 2022
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
Ponta Delgada, the main town on the island of São Miguel, is the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The town’s cosmopolitan atmosphere belies its 500 year history, and the surrounding island boasts beautiful lakes, mountains, sandy beaches and the stunning crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades volcano.
Ponta Delgada’s fine collection of buildings, narrow cobbled streets and squares, are a firm reminder that this was once a key staging post between Europe and the Americas. Intermingled are cool parks, enchanting squares, a modern marina, restaurants and waterside cafés. Its lakeside, whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs look out to enchanting mountain plains.
The striking, three-arched city gates, Portas da Cidade – which once stood in the harbour and now reside in Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square, were dedicated to the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Azores. The Gothic Church of St. Sebastian and The Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, which is home to a revered image of Christ, are both worth uncovering. The Carlos Machado Museum offers diverse artefacts of Azorean culture, while Igreja Matriz Church, with its splendid clock tower, is one of many beautifully ornate towers to be found.
24 - 26 October 2022
At Sea
Enjoy 3 days of cruising.
Thursday 27 October 2022
Belfast, Northern Ireland
From beautiful coastlines to a fascinating industrial heritage, Belfast is a modern, vibrant and stylish city. Famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Northern Ireland’s capital offers visitors the chance to visit the Harland and Wolff shipyard and the fascinating Titanic Experience. Only in Belfast can the Titanic story be traced to its source, and the excitement of an era when the city was at the height of its powers relived.
Friday 28 October 2022
Arrival at Liverpool, United Kingdom
After an early breakfast, disembark the ship for your journey home
Borealis Ship Information
Borealis, like her sister ship Bolette, has capacity for less than 1,400 guests but is larger in overall size than the other vessels in the Fred. Olsen fleet. This means when you come on board for a memorable cruise holiday, to relax and enjoy a premium level of comfort – as well as our renowned personal service – in the elegant public areas, lounges, bars and dining venues, you have even more space in which to do so.
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, Borealis is very much in keeping with what our guests have come to expect from a Fred. Olsen ship.
Date | Arrival | Departure | Port of Call |
Mon 17 Oct 2022 | Late PM | Liverpool, United Kingdom | |
Tue 18 Oct 2022 | Late AM | Late PM | Cobh, Ireland |
Wed 19 Oct 2022 | Cruising | ||
Thu 20 Oct 2022 | Cruising | ||
Fri 21 Oct 2022 | Early PM | Late PM | Praia da Vitoria, Portugal |
Sat 22 Oct 2022 | Early AM | Late PM | Horta, Portugal |
Sun 23 Oct 2022 | Early AM | Early Night | Ponta Delgada, Portugal |
Mon 24 Oct 2022 | Cruising | ||
Tue 25 Oct 2022 | Cruising | ||
Wed 26 Oct 2022 | Late Night | Cruising | |
Thu 27 Oct 2022 | Early PM | Late PM | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
Fri 28 Oct 2022 | Early AM | Liverpool, United Kingdom |