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A Journey Of City Cultures, Storied Streets & Sunlit Shores

12 Days Barcelona Return
A Journey Of City Cultures, Storied Streets & Sunlit Shores
A Journey Of City Cultures, Storied Streets & Sunlit Shores
A Journey Of City Cultures, Storied Streets & Sunlit Shores

Overview

Explora Journeys
Cruise Operated By:
 (1) Review Total No. of Cruises 560
Start immersed in Barcelona’s creative pulse before discovering Valencia’s Art Nouveau marketplace and Gothic marvels. Take in Tangier’s bohemian cafés and colourful kasbah before Casablanca blends minaret majesty with Parisian flair. Santa Cruz de Tenerife reveals volcanic drama and old-world courtyards. Next, Funchal’s gardens and cable cars invite guests to take in breathtaking scenery. Finally, the journey leads to Marbella’s golden beaches and Andalusian charm of Puerto Banús.
Our Price From
US$7,370 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
Cruise Length

12 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Barcelona

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Barcelona

Cruise Departures
Departures
Apr 2028
Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Cruise Shi
Cruise Ship
Explora II
Ship Reviews
1 Ship Review
Avg. Rating: 5/5
Passengers
Passengers

922

Crew
Crew

700

Ship Launch
Launched

2024

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

BCNBCN12.6

Itinerary

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. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind.

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. If you're serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.

Steeped in tradition, inundated in head-spinning architecture and drenched in history spanning more than 2,000 years, Valencia leaves you breathless. The labyrinthine streets of Ciutat Vella thread between cobbled plazas where flaming festivals erupt throughout the year.

Spectacular frescoes, Gothic towers and intricately carved stonework make the city's religious buildings some of the most awe-inspiring in the world, while secular strongholds like La Lonja — the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange — echo its history as a commercial powerhouse. At the heart of it all, the Mercado Central, an Art Nouveau temple of gastronomy where generations of traders have fed the city under the iconic black and white roof for 100 years.

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

At the crossroads of Europe and Africa, this once rakish, countercultural Moroccan city has retained its bohemian, beguilingly artistic feel. People watch the demi-monde from the Petit Socco, heart of Tangier's seductive café scene, before strolling the Kasbah and cobblestone Grand Socco among a tangle of streets saturated in colour from tiles and painted cedarwood shutters and doorways.

Iconic must-visits might include the 64-year-old Librarie des Colonnes, a sumptuous bookshop of literary greats; Café Hafa, for sunset sweet mint tea overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar; and El Morocco Club, for a nightcap on its rooftop terrace or in the city's only piano bar.

Like a lighthouse, the majestic Hassan II Mosque beckons us to the shores of this bustling port city, its minaret soaring 690ft to the sky. Africa's biggest mosque is one of only two in Morocco open to non-Muslims, inviting us to marvel its mosaics, marble columns and 50 Murano glass chandeliers. Casablanca conjures a charismatic collision of tradition and modernity, the Habous Quartier's faded grandeur of French colonial Art Deco, whitewashed Moorish houses, narrow alleyways, small souks and olive markets in companion to its cosmopolitan nightlife, buzzing restaurants and Parisien-style cafes.

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Drop a sun-kissed Spanish city onto an island off the coast of North Africa, add a sprinkle of tropical charm and place an active volcano on the doorstep and you have Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Feast on tantalising tapas before exploring neighbouring San Cristóbal de la Laguna's UNESCO-listed Old Town, whose ancient doorways conceal exquisitely tiled courtyards and hand-carved balconies overlooking resplendent churches. Beyond, Tenerife is dotted with half-moon bays, immaculate golf courses, vineyard-covered hillsides, labyrinthine lava tunnels and sheer basalt cliffs: a primordial landscape sculpted by the fury of mighty Mount Teide.

Funchal's web of ancient streets spills down from lofty heights. Ride the cable car up to the exotic gardens of Monte Palace at its peak, where peacocks prowl high above the Atlantic. Descend at speed in a wicker sleigh piloted by ‘Carreriros' elegantly dressed in crisp whites and straw boater hats since the mid-1800s. Swirl a glass of amber-coloured Madeira at a café overlooking chequerboard-tiled Praça do Município and prepare to explore lush could forests crisscrossed by hiking trails and black sand beaches below jungle-covered cliffs.

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Andalucian culture, Moorish castles, beautiful beaches, and manicured golf courses form an irresistible cocktail in Marbella, queen of the Costa del Sol. Explore leafy plazas, listen to the strains of flamenco music, learn the art of making tapas, or pair sips or wine and boutique shopping around Puerto Banús marina. Dive into endless beaches; tee off on some of Europe's top golf courses; trek through olive farms to sample pressed oils; saddle a horse into Andlucia's equestrian heritage, Marbella is a gateway to discoveries for all.

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

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. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind.

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. If you're serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.

Life On Board

Explora Journeys
 (1) Review
Total No. of Cruises 560
Explora Journeys is the new luxury lifestyle travel brand launched in 2023 by the MSC group redefining the luxury ocean experience. Vibrant, cosmopolitan relaxed European luxury at sea. Instead of cruises we create journeys – of the mind and across the oceans of the world, as we visit extraordinary places on and off the beaten track.
EXPLORA II
EXPLORA II

EXPLORA II embarked on her maiden voyage in 2024, paving the way to new discoveries and furthering possibilities. Exquisitely designed to offer you relaxed luxury, restoring life's essential balance with a combination of discovery and appreciation for wellbeing and nature. Read more

Inclusive Journeys
Inclusive Journeys

Experience vibrant cosmopolitan life aboard, with European luxury, 5-star dining, ocean wellness experiences, and tech-savvy comforts in sophisticated suites, all while enjoying beautiful sea views. Read more

Your Home At Sea
Your Home At Sea

Elegant, spacious and comfortable our ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences are designed to create a home at sea for our guests. Read more

Dining At Sea
Dining At Sea

Celebrating global talents and cultures, infusing global influences with personality, sophistication, and a touch of soul for a unique dining experience at sea. Read more

Leisure Experiences
Leisure Experiences

Discover Explora Journeys' collection of one-of-a-kind entertainment and enrichment experiences, designed to stimulate the mind and feed the soul. Read more

Ocean Inspired Wellness
Ocean Inspired Wellness

Ocean Wellness encompasses the physical, spiritual, and emotional health of our guests, ensuring their time with us is enriching and fulfilling. Read more

Ship Reviews (1)

Explora Journeys Reviews
Reviews 1 Review
Average Rating 5 out of 5
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Explorer 2 - Wow just Wow 1 , NSW, Australia, Mar 2025
We had an amazing experience on Explora 2 from Lisbon to Barcelona in early April. The boarding was seamless, our cabin a lovely quiet haven, the food and restaurants were amazing, with so much choice. The icing on the cake was the Explora team, everyone was so friendly and nothing was ever too much trouble. We loved it and will return. Thank you read more for such a wonderful holiday.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $7,370
Tuesday 18 Apr 2028 18 Apr 28 Barcelona
Saturday 29 Apr 2028 29 Apr 28 Barcelona
Details
Explora II
Exclusive Savings
Suite
US$7,370
Save $2,980
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Explora Journeys. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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