Fred. Olsen – Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira – April 2026
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Bolette at sea ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
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The Morning Light Pub & Lounge on Bolette ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
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Single Balcony Suite JB on Bolette ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Sails from Liverpool
Portugal’s islands boast landscapes bursting with flora and fauna, making this the ideal sailing for nature enthusiasts. As the early morning mist clears, you’ll have chances to go whale and dolphin watching and witness volcanic wonders such as the Sete Cidades crater lakes in the Azores and the mighty Cabo Girão sea cliff in Madeira. You can embrace the Portuguese way of life by bathing in the hot pools of Furnas Valley, exploring the capital via tram, and savouring culinary delights such as sardines, custard tarts and Madeira wine. Delve deeper into the islands’ rich agricultural and horticultural history by immersing yourself in the intricacies of local farming practices, pineapple cultivation, winemaking and flower growing.
Click to view Ship Information of the Bolette
Dates
Tuesday 14th April - Tuesday 28th April 2026
Cruise Itinerary
Tuesday 14 April 2026
Departure from Liverpool, United Kingdom
Board the ship late afternoon before you set sail.
Wednesday 15 April 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Thursday 16 April 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Friday 17 April 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Saturday 18 April 2026
Praia Da Vitoria, Portugal
The Azores archipelago is a melting pot of Portuguese influences, and the capital of Terceira, Praia da Vitoria, offers a captivating blend of lush hills and volcanic vistas once the mist clears. After visiting the Facho viewpoint for panoramic views over the city and its bay, you could delve into the historic fortifications and cobbled streets of the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angro do Heroismo before strolling along the peaceful marina and sampling freshly caught seafood and local dishes like Azorean beef cooked in a claypot. Meanwhile, nearby Algar do Carvão, an ancient lava tube featuring striking geological formations, begs for exploration.
Sunday 19 April - Monday 20 April 2026
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
During your visit to the island of São Miguel, home to beautiful mountains, sandy beaches, and the famous twin crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades Volcano, there will also be the opportunity to explore Lagoa do Fogo, one of the highest crater lakes on the island, offering glorious autumnal scenery. You may choose to relax in the natural hot springs of Furnas Valley, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, or try the local delicacy of ‘Cozido das Furnas’, a hearty stew cooked underground by the heat of volcanic activity. You’ll also be ideally placed to taste the island’s tea at Europe’s only tea plantation, Gorreana, sample a sweet local pineapple, as it’s quite possible to experience four seasons in one day, so crops are plentiful, or join an exhilarating whale-watching tour.
- Overnight Port
Tuesday 21 April 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Wednesday 22 April 2026
Cruise by Cabo Girao, Portugal
Madeira’s highest sea cliff, Cabo Girao, seems to loom high over the village of Câmara de Lobos. It is the second tallest sea cliff in the world and was created by extensive volcanic activity in this part of the Atlantic Ocean. Translated as Cape of Return, Sea Captain João Gonçalves Zarco is said to have turned his ship around here in the 15th century, as the cliff was so intimidating, he deemed it must be a place of demons and beasts.
Thursday 23 April 2026 - Friday 24 April 2026
Funchal, Portugal
Take advantage of your overnight stay in Madeira and explore the vibrant capital of Funchal, with its historic charm and scenic beauty. Immerse yourself in local life as you wander through the colourful Mercado dos Lavradores, sampling exotic fruits and local delicacies, or embark on a dolphin and whale watching tour from the marina. Discover how the renowned Madeira wine is produced in the same way as it was centuries ago, and savour it’s notes of caramel and toffee. The cable car to Monte offers panoramic views across the city and bay, and the stunning landscapes and diverse range of flora at the Botanical Gardens are not to be missed. The Frederico de Freitas Museum and Sé Cathedral offer an insight into the cultural heritage of this beautiful island.
- Overnight Port
Friday 24 April 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Saturday 25 April 2026
Lisbon, Portugal
Overlooking the River Tagus, Portugal’s capital city offers an abundance of maritime highlights, including the iconic Ponte de Abril Suspension Bridge, and the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower, which served as an embarkation and disembarkation point for Vasco de Gama and other Portuguese explorers. The delicious pastéis de nata are also not to be missed when visiting Lisbon, particularly when sampled at the original bakery, which opened in 1837.
Saturday 25 April 2026
Cruise Mouth of River Tagus, Belem Tower & Discovery Monument, Portugal
As your ship sails into Lisbon along the Tagus River and under the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, you can witness prominent Portuguese landmarks punctuating the skyline from the unique viewpoint of the sea. The majestic Belém Tower stands proudly at the water’s edge as a testament to the Age of Discovery, while nearby the Monument to the Discoveries commemorates the country’s explorers, Vasco de Gama and Henry the Navigator. Meanwhile, in the distance, you will also be able to see São Jorge Castle, overlooking the historic Alfama District.
Saturday 25 April 2026
Cruise Cristo Rei & Abril 25 Bridge, Portugal
Inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer Statue, Lisbon’s Cristo Rei watches over the Tagus River and the renowned 25 de Abril Bridge, Europe’s longest suspension bridge, which closely resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, both of which you can witness from the decks of your smaller sized ship as you glide past. A symbol of peace and freedom, it’s located at the highest point in the region and is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and sculptures.
Sunday 26 April 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Monday 27 April 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Tuesday 28 April 2026
Arrival at Liverpool, United Kingdom
After an early breakfast, disembark the ship for your journey home.
Bolette Ship Information
Proudly bearing the name of the wife of one of the original founding brothers – Petter Olsen, Bolette harbours an historic connection to the Olsen family. Exuding classic, elegant style in her exterior and interior design, and featuring spacious and comfortable public areas, as well as just 690 cabins, Fred. Olsen’s flagship leads our fleet of smaller ships by example.
She can travel at high speeds, enabling the ship to reach destinations quicker, meaning our journey planners can craft itineraries that include more visits to ports and places on even our shorter cruises, and more time sailing the most scenic routes.
Bolette provides guests with plenty of space to relax within the bars, lounges, theatres and out on the open decks. The Observatory is where you can enjoy the scenic cruising through large panoramic windows. The Auditorium hosts cooking demonstrations as well as specialist enrichment talks and evening movie nights. Up on deck eight, you’ll find our Lido Bar and swimming pool. The retractable roof means you can enjoy a swim year-round, wherever you’re cruising. And of course, with friendly staff providing the typical level of personal, attentive service, there’s an intimate feel to the on board experience too.
| Date | Arrival | Departure |
| Tue 14 April 2026 | Late PM | |
| Wed 15 April 2026 | ||
| Thu 16 April 2026 | ||
| Fri 17 April 2026 | ||
| Sat 18 April 2026 | Early AM | Late PM |
| Sun 19 April 2026 | Early AM | |
| Mon 20 April 2026 | Early PM | |
| Tue 21 April 2026 | ||
| Wed 22 April 2026 | Early AM | |
| Thu 23 April 2026 | Early PM | |
| Fri 24 April 2026 | ||
| Sat 25 April 2026 | Early AM | Late PM |
| Sun 26 April 2026 | ||
| Mon 27 April 2026 | ||
| Tue 28 April 2026 | Early AM |
