2 nights 5* pre cruise accommodation in Barcelona

DAY 1 – BARCELONA, SPAIN

Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla.

DAY 2 – AT SEA

Choose between the stylish bar and lounge areas or relax by one of the pools and enjoy all that Explora I has to offer.

DAY 3 – CADIZ, SPAIN

Go back in time – where cobbled streets clatter with horse drawn carriages, culture and history seeps through this Spanish city’s soul. Explore Seville’s architectural marvels; baroque churches, palaces, gothic cathedrals, aristocratic mansions and medieval buildings. With no less than three Unesco World Heritage sites to visit, you’ll feel truly inspired by what Cadiz has to offer.

DAY 4 – GIBRALTAR

Rising from the sea like a titanic fin, the Rock of Gibraltar is a primordial sentinel that guards the entrance to the Mediterranean; the European Pillar of Hercules faces its African twin across the Strait of Gibraltar. From its top, the coast of Morocco shimmers in a desert haze, and eagle eyes spot dolphins dancing below. A cable car makes short work of the journey to the top.

DAY 5 – MOTRIL, SPAIN

Accustom yourself to the main Town of Costa Tropical, a sub-tropical slice of Spain bursting with mangos, bananas and locally made rum. Visit Elche where UNESCO-protected date palm trees form a unique urban park, sip vino de costa, taste exotic custard apples and trawl out the remains of Roman heritage in Almuñécar. With a Caribbean style climate and glittering seas yonder, the sounds of the flamenco and old town squares whisper Andalusian charm.

DAY 6 – CARTAGENA, SPAIN

March into a hidden Spanish gem with centuries of deeply ingrained culture and history.  Head back to Roman times at the theatre and sanctuary for relics and mosaics. Inspect weaponry at the military museum and explore shipwrecks, artefacts and Mediterranean history at museums. View delightful street art in the bustling city centre and sample the traditional sailor tipple, Asiático. Cartagena has sites you won’t see in the rest of Spain, from Roman ruins, Byzantine walls and Belle Epoque architecture to marble streets and war memorials.

DAY 7 – AT SEA

Choose between the stylish bar and lounge areas or relax by one of the pools and enjoy all that Explora I has to offer.

DAY 8 – ST. TROPEZ, SPAIN

Saunter into the sultry, sophisticated stretch of the French Riviera. Bardot and blonde beer shine bright in this playground of international glitterati. Bask in the Mediterranean sun, mingle with movie stars, admire the super yachts and enjoy champagne in effortlessly chic cocktail bars.

DAY 9 – MONTE CARLO, MONACO

Mega-yachts jostle for space while billionaires roll dice in the world’s most famous casino — welcome to Monte-Carlo, playground to the rich and famous. Supercars growl along well-dressed streets, past palatial hotels and fine dining restaurants showered in Michelin stars. Delve into seafaring history at the Oceanographic Museum, a cliffside cabinet of curiosities, and explore the 13th century Prince’s Palace perched high on the monolithic Rock of Monaco.

DAY 10 – LIVORNO (FLORENCE), ITALY

Plunge into Tuscany’s capital of culture. Once casa to legendary Michelangelo, Florence now shelters some of the Renaissance’s greatest masterpieces. Immerse in the relics of antiquity; catch a glimpse of the heavens in the famous Uffizi gallery, visit the iconic terracotta-tiled Duomo and step into an oasis of sculptured serenity at Giardino di Boboli to forget the world beyond its leafy walls exists.

DAY 11 – ROME, ITALY

There’s more to Rome than its ancient architecture. The artistic-minded can enjoy fashion aristocracy, street art, vespa jaunts to The Appian Way and toss coins into fountains. Or you can stroll by appointment to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Pope’s private quarters at the Vatican. Explore the historic ruins of The Colosseum, Caravaggio churches, the Spanish Steps and The Pantheon.

2 nights 5* post cruise accommodation in Rome