Fred. Olsen – Scenic Isles of Scotland – 2023
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Isle of Skye Road Bridge ©Scottish Viewpoint
Sails from Newcastle
On a journey between remote, hard-to-reach Scottish isles, you’ll get to see the scenery, wildlife and wonders of some of Britain’s most beautiful places. Scenic cruising on Bolette will provide many unforgettable sights. Marvel at the rock formations and unique landforms of Fingal’s Cave, Kilt Rock, Dutchman’s Cap and Duncansby sea stacks; delight in the scenic beauty of the Small Isles, Lough Swilly and Loch Hourn; and take in cultural and historical landmarks such as Duart and Dunrobin castles, and the ‘Holy’ Isle of Iona. Look out for seabirds perched on sea stacks and cliffs, and porpoise, dolphins and whales in the waters of Moray Firth and the Western Isles too.Show less
Stepping ashore in Orkney, Shetland and the isles of Skye and Lewis also provide opportunities for even closer encounters with their natural treasures. Seabird havens await, with Shetland’s RSPB Sumburgh Head – where fulmars, puffins and various other bird species live and breed – a particular highlight. Explore the coastal scenes of Northmavine at Shetland’s northernmost point perhaps; and uncover the fascinating history of Orkney at the ancient sites of Skara Brae, Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. Skye’s craggy coastline will beg for exploration too, while centuries-old castles and beautiful Hebridean countryside are yours to seek out on Lewis. What’s more, a visit to Northern Ireland includes time in Belfast to uncover the treasures of the capital, such as the Titanic experience, or even tour to iconic Giant’s Causeway.
Dates
Saturday 15 July 2023
Cruise Itinerary
Saturday 15 July 2023
Departure from Newcastle, United Kingdom
Board the ship mid-afternoon before you set sail.
Sunday 16 July 2023
At Sea
Monday 17 July 2023
Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of the Shetland. The bustling, cosmopolitan seaport is the islands’ only town, and its wonderful natural harbour is a joy to explore. Until the 1600s, Leir Vik – Norse for a muddy bay – was little more than a few huts. However, conflict between the British and Dutch, whose fishing fleet fished for herrings off the islands, led to the building of a permanent settlement. This included Fort Charlotte, which once overlooked the harbour but has now been enclosed by the town following land reclamation.
Tuesday 18 July 2023
Stornoway, Scotland
Thanks to its sheltered location, Stornoway, on the island of Lewis and Harris, is the largest town of the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland. The port offers a warm welcome to those visiting Lewis as part of their exploration of one of the UK’s remotest locations.
A stroll along the quay reveals local fishermen on traditional fleets landing the catch of the day, before shipping it to one the island’s amazing eateries. There is an unmistakeable odour of peat in the air as the smokehouses turn the seafood into island specialities.
Wednesday 19 July 2023
Cruising Dutchman’s Cap, Fingal’s Cave, Iona & Lough Swilly
Thursday 20 July 2023
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 21 July 2023
Cruising Past Duart Castle, Sound of Mull, Loch Hourn & Small Isles
Saturday 22 July 2023
Portree, Isle of Skye
Portree is the Isle of Skye’s largest and liveliest town. Set within a pretty natural harbour with brightly-coloured houses and surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling hills, Portree is a truly beautiful place to explore.
Sunday 23 July 2023
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
the capital of the Orkney Islands, resonates with ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history. It’s a town that feels more Scandinavian than Scottish; in fact, the name Kirkwall comes from the Norse for ‘Church Bay’, relating to the town’s 11th century Church of St Olaf of Norway.
Exploring the town’s atmospheric paved streets and twisting lanes, reveals a number of highlights, including the ruins of the Earl and Bishop’s Palaces, dating from the mid-12th century and serving as a reminder of Orkney’s turbulent past. The palaces are considered by many to be the finest Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Also worth visiting is the recently restored St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson by Norseman Earl Rögnvald Kali.
Monday 24 July 2023
Cruising Duncansby Sea Stacks, Dunrobin Castle, Spey Bay, Burghead Troup Head & Moray Firth
Tuesday 25 July 2023
Arrival at Newcastle, United Kingdom
After an early breakfast, disembark the ship for your journey home.
Bolette Ship Information
While she’s one of the largest ships, by overall size, in the Fred. Olsen fleet, Bolette has capacity for less than 1,400 guests – keeping within the smaller ship ethos therefore, you’ll find that you’re not overcrowded on board.
Furthermore you’ll have plenty of space in which to indulge yourself in the stylish dining venues, enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple and fantastic entertainment at the one of the eleven stylish, spacious and comfortable bars and lounges, providing plenty of choice and variety.
There’s an undoubted sense of occasion to dining in Bolette’s main restaurant, a grand two-tiered venue featuring classical, elegant décor and a variety of seating options and table sizes, perfect for both intimate and large group dining.
You’ll find that there’s plenty to keep you entertained during the day on board Bolette, whether you prefer to while away the hours relaxing or engaging your body and mind. The ship’s facilities include two swimming pools, two jacuzzis and an impressive spa with a Thermal Spa, Aroma Room, Hydro Pool, two saunas and nine treatment rooms, while there are tennis and basketball courts and a Culinary Theatre
You’ll have days and nights to remember on board Bolette.
| Date | Arrival | Departure | Port of Call |
|
Sat 15 July 2023 |
Late PM | Newcastle, United Kingdom | |
| Sun 16 July 2023 | Early PM | Late PM | At Sea |
| Mon 17 July 2023 | Early AM | Late PM | Lerwick, Shetland Islands |
| Tue 18 July 2023 | Early AM | Late night | Stornoway, Scotland |
| Wed 19 July 2023 | Early PM | Cruising | |
| Thu 20 July 2023 | Early AM | Late PM | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Fri 21 July 2023 | Cruising | ||
| Sat 22 July 2023 | Early AM | Late PM | Isle of Skye, United Kingdom |
| Sun 23 July 2023 | Early AM | Late Night | Kirkwall, Orkney Islands |
| Mon 24 July 2023 | Cruising | ||
| Tue 25 July 2023 | Early AM | Newcastle, United Kingdom |
