An Extended Journey From Roman Shores To Balmy Coastal Towns

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.

Seductive Greek Sirens still sing from Sorrento's shores and lure us into her astonishing beauty of Vesuvian sites, Amalfi hikes and a wealth of pretty Positano pleasures. Wander maze-like Centro Storico laced with hidden gardens and historic churches then prepare your palate for old-school pizzerias and lemony gelato in picturesque Piazza Tasso. Peer down into the Valle dei Mulini or venture to Lattari Mountain trails and dig into Italy's most famous sites: ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum. Hop a yacht across the Bay of Naples to chic Capri or round Sorenntina Penisola for ravishing Ravello's terraced gardens. Between sips of luscious limoncello and a wealth of wonders, Sorrento smoulders with eternal dolce vita glamour.

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.

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.

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.

Leave craggy coastlines behind and venture to the heartland of the biggest Balearic. Where endless authentic charm, history and nature await. Celebrate at Spain's oldest winery, shop chic Palma boutiques and marvel at blossoming UNESCO-limestone mountains aboard a vintage train. Experience a tranquil monastery, art at a historic hacienda and tons of protected wildlife. Delve into nature at reserves, feast on wood-fired paella at lively hangouts, pilgrimage to historic churches and tour old-world Mallorcan villages. And as for sapphire seas that frame spotless beaches - Mallorca is truly an immense Balearic beauty.

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.

Experience the magnetic vibes of Ibiza. Relax as you feel the gentle pull of vibrant island life. Experience Las Salinas salt flats, eat paella, sip sangria, meditate, shop boutiques… do whatever you please. Hidden away are fincas, pine valleys, orange groves, almond trees and lush orchards. Retreat to renowned spas for wellbeing, yoga, massage and healing. Soothe in warm waters at private beach affairs. As darkness falls, cavort in bars and clubs where the world's finest DJ's thrill. Warm and easy-going, nature's elements blend beautifully with island life. It's little wonder that Ibiza has drawn artists, writers, gurus and beatniks for years. Some have never left.

Whitewashed buildings have welcomed seafarers to Tunis, gateway to North Africa, since time immemorial. Elegant mosaics carved wooden doorways and intricately tiled courtyards lurk around every corner of the ancient medina (old town), a warren of labyrinthine souks, white-domed mosques and beautiful madrassas (Islamic schools) with their iconic black and white archways and cool arcades.

French influence is palpable in the Ville Nouveau, where wide boulevards lined with eucalyptus lead to the monumental expanse of St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral. Don't miss the ancient Phoenician ruins and astonishing mosaics of Carthage near the pretty oceanfront town of Sidi Bou Said, muse of artists and poets.

Unearth the Med's master of restoration and renovation behind honey-hued Valetta's fortified walls. Strewn with a mass of well-preserved history - head back in time to hand-carved shelters, a maze of subterranean tombs and stone-age temples. Discover war secrets beneath the limestone streets, skim the Grand Harbour aboard a dghajsa, step into state history and get your fill of art and Fat Ladies in museums. But it's not all ancient history - watch buzzing bars spill out onto limestone alleys, treat yourself to Michelin-starred Maltese cuisine, neighbourhood watch and dive over wrecks. Malta may be Europe's tiniest capital, but she packs a might punch.

Giardini Naxos offers a relaxed sweep of sandy bays and Ionian-blue waters, perfectly placed for exploring Taormina's ancient lanes, café-filled piazzas and its iconic Greek Theatre overlooking sea and volcano. From here, Mt. Etna awaits with crater paths, lava fields and Etna DOC wine estates, while coastal boat trips and seafood trattorias invite a slower, sun-soaked pause. A charming gateway to Sicily's culture, scenery and volcanic soul.

A paradise of fairytales, flower-festooned footpaths, and cliff-hugging towns, Amalfi – and its eponymously named coast – rises vertically between impossibly blue sea and sky upon one of Italy's most romantic coasts. Amalfi town delivers with its dramatic Duomo, an 11th century marvel, stunning Emerald Grotto, and hand-painted ceramics.

High in the hills awaits tiny Ravello, with lofty aristocrat dreams of enchanting gardens in Villa Rufolo and knock-out-views on the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone. Positively perfect Positano is a UNESCO-protected masterpiece where steep streets are lined with boutiques and chic terraces perfect for sipping limoncello and pastel-hued houses tumble down the cliffside stretch beside Spiaggia Grande beach.

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.