An Extended Journey Of Glamour, Grandeur And Island Escape

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.

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.

Olbia opens the door to seductive Sardinia's northern shoreline of eye-popping aquamarine waters and jet-set bliss. Pause in Olbia's refreshingly authentic historic centre with pastel buildings and palm-lined piazzas, then steer to the white-hot shores of Costa Smeralda. Nestle under a cheerful parasol on the beaches of Spiaggia del Principe or Liscia Ruja then enjoy chic people-watching in Porto Cervo's glamourous village. More soul-stirring beauty abounds between Sardinia and Corsica in the outrageously enchanting La Maddalena Archipelago National Park or in the mountain village of San Pantaleo, a bohemian haven ripe for sipping local Vermentino and Cannonau wine.

Framed by Monte Argentario's wild landscapes dotted with ancient lookout towers and fringed with hidden calas (coves) and lighthouses, Porto Santo Stefano is one of Italy's best-kept secrets. Steep streets spill down from the Spanish Fortress through a maze of cobbled passages that wind between terracotta rooftops to the old port, where fishermen unload their daily catch and sailboats bob in gin-clear shallows. Follow the boardwalk towards waterfront eateries and glasses of ruby Chianti, visit the WWF-protected sanctuary of Orbetello Lagoon, home to pink flamingos and graceful egrets, or sail to the outlying islands of Giglio and Giannutri, scarcely trodden gems of the Tuscan Archipelago.

Megayachts jostle for space while billionaires roll dice in the world's most famous casino — welcome to Monte-Carlo, playground to the rich and famous. Royals and legends alike grace the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, gathering place for well-heeled locals and visitors since 1879. 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, then soak up the Riviera sunshine at the Thermes Marins (thermal baths), dedicated to well-being and beauty.

Yacht-studded seas and palm trees form Cannes' iconic Riviera backdrop. Yet inside are a swish marina, perfumed forests, casinos, iconic boutiques, cinematic heritage, and supermodels. Stroll ancient narrow winding streets of the hilly Le Suquet and feel its medieval past, shop fashion labels on palm-flanked La Croisette, slide into sleek Michelin-starred restaurants, and lie low in plush beach clubs where glittering sea views take central stage. Peace seekers may ferry to leafy island of Saint-Honorat and the 500-year-old monastery. Take a spin along the Cote d'Azur to moneyed Monaco or glitzy St Tropez. Cannes has curves in all the right places – the oh so French social hub that defines seaside glamour.

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. And as the sun sets over the Ponte Vecchio, relax in an elegant terrazzo with a rich refined Tuscan red, and reflect on the city's Medici dynasty - Hurry Slowly.

There's more to Rome than its ancient architecture. The Eternal City is home to a seemingly endless array of hidden gems. 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. Learn how to make pasta the true Italian way, hunt truffles, nibble gelato, sip coffee and sink into a 3000 year old pool for a wellness experience. An ode to homespun pasta at a Renaissance piazza. When in Rome, fusing old with new makes it simple to indulge in whatever you like.

Pitched between mighty Mount Vesuvius and the volcanic calderas of Phlegraean Fields, history is revealed around every corner of Naples, cradle of Italian culture. Baroque churches, Italian-Renaissance palazzi and Neoclassical opera houses leave you breathless, so ride the funicular up to the top of Castel Sant'Elmo for dreamy views of the Bay of Naples and Sorrento Peninsula beyond, gateway to the spectacular Amalfi Coast. Beneath the cobblestone streets lies another Naples, a warren of subterranean tunnels hewn by legions of Roman and Greek settlers. Linger longer to visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried under the wrath of Mount Vesuvius, or hop over to the idyllic Island of Capri.

A bounteous island of mythical volcanic beauty, Capri leaps from the sea with its sculptural landscapes, enormous sea stacks, and mysterious caves including the renowned Blue Grotto. Citrusy scents of lemon, wafting on a lazy breeze, lead us to the blooming flowers of Villa San Michele in beautiful Anacapri. Walk into the isle's wild side of nature through bougainvillea-bordered paths to the gardens of Villa Cimbrone. Boat to storied Faraglioni rocks where a kiss under the arch is said to seal eternal love, but keep a vigilant eye out for mermaids as Virgil warned. Or find layers of history in the serpentine streets of Capri town or sip sundowners in Piazza Umberto, watching the world drift by.

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. Then slide away from the jet set to take in breathtaking landscapes and verdant hillsides, all the while feasting on the very best fresh local produce. After all the decadence and glamour that the Cote d'Azur delivers, we continue our journey to somewhere a little calmer.

Corsica's capital, a 16th-century citadel cradled by mountains on the island's west coast, could take its magnetic moniker from its founder, the Greek hero Ajax, or from the word adjaccium, Roman for “place to rest”. This is Napoleon's birthplace, so beeline the old town's charming narrow streets to Maison Bonaparte, the family home and now a museum, and Baroque cathedral where he was baptised in the marble font. Meander markets popular with foodies seeking local winemakers, olive oil, chestnuts and cheeses, and kick back on white sands in the beautiful Bay of Ajaccio with views of the Genoese tower on the Parata Peninsula and rust-coloured Sanguinaire islands beyond.

Sea stacks and fishing boats hail all who arrive on San Pietro's saintly shores, a southern Sardinian Island with a distinctly Ligurian flavour. Sea breezes drift through the cobbled streets of Carloforte, where generations-old restaurants tease flavours from smart sommeliers that uncork Sardinian sunshine and serve world-renowned Bluefin Tuna, which is coveted by acclaimed sushi chefs in Tokyo. Centuries-old walls and hilltop castles tell tales of pirates and plunder, while pretty piazzas and bustling markets set the stage for unhurried moments. Nature sculpts otherworldly forms along a rugged coast, where seabirds swoop around gorse-covered clifftops and scenic sailings reveal hidden coves and honeycomb caverns. Tap into the island's artistic soul among pink-hued salt pans and powder-soft sands, a blank canvas for your island masterpiece.

Beckon the buzz of a small UNESCO-listed island; proud of producing its own cheese, wine and rather distinguished gin. Sink into a lemon-scented laidback lifestyle that reflects elegant Georgian architecture, Spain's oldest opera house, history, art and a monastery-based museum. Off glittering turquoise shores, visit the Royal Naval hospital, shop for world-renowned shoes, amble amongst butterflies up coastal paths and rest for tapas in harbour-side tavernas. Celebrated yet discreet – unhurried Menorca is the low-key location to go and not to be seen.

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.