From Barcelona to Athens (Piraeus) · Mediterranean · 11 nights
Explora I launched in 2023 with Explora II following in 2024, and these luxury all-inclusive resort-style vessels marked the entrance of new cruise line Explora Journeys into the luxury cruise market.
These identical ships feature spacious accommodation, generous
outdoor areas, a huge choice of restaurants, an attractive guest to
crew ratio of 1.25 to 1, three outdoor pools and a fourth with a
retractable glass roof, these ships really have it all.
Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, is one of our favourite ports of call. From the warren-like medieval streets of the Barri Gòtic to the fantastical modernist architecture of Antoni Gaudí, from the dizzy heights of Mount Tibidabo to the golden sands of Barceloneta, there's never a dull moment in this most beguiling of cities. Take a stroll along the Ramblas, soak up the wonderful art of Picasso and Miró, or experience the electrifying atmosphere of a match at the Camp Nou. Barcelona is truly a city with something for everyone.
La Spezia is a busy port and Italy’s most important naval base, on the Ligurian coast to the south east of Genoa. The town itself has a certain authentic charm and an atmospheric old town, though you’ll most likely just be passing through en route to the beautiful villages of the nearby Cinque Terre.
One of the world’s great cities, Rome continues to dazzle and delight visitors with a potent mix of architectural marvels, continent-defining history and buzzing nightlife. The Colosseum, the Vatican and the Forum are among the big ticket items, with the crowds to match, though in truth you will find history around almost every corner.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre of Naples rewards exploration, and in addition to the many cultural treasures waiting to be unearthed Neapolitans are rightly proud of their food; this is where you’ll find the best pizza in Italy. The city also acts as a gateway to the fascinating remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the beautiful Amalfi coast.
Founded by Greek colonists in 734 BC, Siracusa was once the largest city in the ancient world, surpassing even Athens in its splendour. Highlights include the island of Ortigia, where narrow streets are lined by beautiful Baroque architecture, and the impressive ruins at the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis on the Sicilian mainland.
Malta’s tiny capital, established by the Knights of St John, packs in an awful lot of history considering its diminutive size. The atmospheric old streets, bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, are full of attractive honey-golden buildings, along with an impressive selection of bars and restaurants.
Glamorous Mykonos is the most popular of the Cyclades islands, well known as a haunt of the rich and the famous. It’s also the gateway to the nearby island of Delos, home to one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
Saint John is said to have written the Book of Revelations in a cave on Patmos, and today the spot is marked by the hillside Monastery of the Apocalypse. As well as spirituality, the island is known for its beaches and upmarket vibe, with a scattering of stylish restaurants and bars.
The volcanic island of Santorini (known officially as Thira) is one of the most spectacularly beautiful in the Mediterranean. The pretty village of Oia, with its whitewashed houses and windmills tumbling down the hillside, is particularly photogenic.
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance, but it's much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding.
