A Journey Through Atlantic Islands And Volcanic Shores

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.

Sun, sea, and atmospheric architecture are in abundance in Agadir, a buzzy coastal oasis nicknamed the ‘Miami of Morocco'. Stroll into a 1,000 years of memories along modern, tree-lined boulevards designed by Le Corbusier after an earthquake levelled much of the city in 1960. Like a phoenix, Agadir arose and arouses travellers seeking a tapestry of treasures. Meander the Marina to eat fresh fish by the harbour, stroll the beach-side promenade then cool off under the trees in the Valley of the Birds. Shop Souk El Had, with nearly 6,000 stalls laden with spices, tajines, and teapots, then climb the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella, where history lives amongst massive rammed earth walls.

Artist César Manrique put little Arrecife on the map. Explore his eclectic works in underground caverns, fabulous murals and his former home in nearby Tahíche, or sate your artistic appetite in contemporary gallery MIAC and the surreal underwater world of sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. The spectral landscape of Timanfaya, once a seething sea of lava shattered by volcanic eruptions, is ripe for 4x4 exploration, while the year-round waves of Playa de Famara invite beginners and pros alike to grab a surfboard and take the plunge.

Set against volcanic hills and Atlantic light, San Sebastián de La Gomera is a place of quiet significance and natural beauty. From this historic harbour, Christopher Columbus once set sail toward the New World, and echoes of that legacy remain in its churches and whitewashed streets. Beyond the town, the island reveals a wilder soul—lush valleys, dramatic cliffs and the ancient laurel forests of Garajonay National Park. In San Sebastián, history and nature meet in a landscape shaped by time, wind and ocean.

The cobblestone capital of La Isla Bonita – the lesser travelled northwestern outcrop of the Canaries – was once among the most important ports in the Spanish empire. Uncover its history at a handful of museums, including the cloistered Insular Museo of Natural History, feel the Caribbean thread in the sugarcane stacks at the covered market, and stroll narrow streets with hanging wooden balconies, every house painted a different colour, to grand colonial mansions and the Plaza Espana, hustling bustling heart of Santa Cruz.

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.

Enjoy the rich buzz of Lisbon. Dip into the city's strong architectural, cultural and historical connections. Wander charming-cobbled streets, colourful buildings, the river Sado and endless nature. Pilgrimage to Fatima, tour hilly villages, learn Portuguese cooking techniques and listen to the Lisbon blues. Slip to charming Cascais for quieter energy and golden beaches. And as you bathe in the captivating light, enjoy plates of petiscos which - like fado - you'll soon discover is vibrant, warm and most appealing.