An Extended Journey Of Gaelic Culture & Artistic Vibrance

Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the King is at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England's green and pleasant lands.

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.

Tucked into a labyrinth of loughs and harbours on Ireland's southern shores, Cork has welcomed sailors and pioneers for centuries. Listen to their stories in Blarney Castle, home to the fabled Blarney Stone, said to give those who touch it the gift of eloquence. Journey into Ireland's whiskey making heritage at the Jameson Distillery, then wander among the colourful houses and towering cathedral of Cobh, where stories of the past cary on the wind.

Hometown of Jonathan Swift, James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, Dublin is endowed with an abundance of literary talent. Trace its artistic roots in Merrion Square and the Old Library of Trinity College, where the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells is a masterpiece of medieval illustration. From the wild heathland of the Wicklow Mountains to the elegant grounds of Powerscourt Estate, the region has inspired poets and artists since time immemorial. Find your own inspiration at Guinness Storehouse and delve into the history of Ireland's most beloved export.

The Eire Force is strong along the Wild Atlantic Way. Scout the filming sites of Star Wars movies on the rugged cape of Mailin Head. Taste the legends of Donegal County in gin and whisky at Sliabh Liag Distillery. Take a swing at the two courses at Ballyliffin, which golfing superstar Rory McIIroy proclaims, “are must-play championship links”.

Step back in time at Grianan of Aileach, a massive man-made stone ring fort and one of Gaelic Ireland's royal sites. Go with the flow along the Lough Foyle to the bold Greencastle, built in 1305 by the Earl of Ulster. Or delve deeper into nearby Derry to see how its “Troubles” have eased into a vibrant and beautiful community. And never forget, “Go mbeidh an fórsa leat” or “May the force be with you”!

Life unfolds to a gentle tempo in County Donegal, where seafaring heritage and Irish tradition are wrapped in the rugged landscape of Ireland's northern frontier. From the boatyards of Killybegs to the historic heart of Donegal Town, this is a land steeped in Gaelic culture and folklore. Atlantic views reward hikers atop the dramatic Slieve League Cliffs, while Glenveagh National Park and its lakeside castle present a rolling expanse of woodland and mountain trails, where golden eagles soar and red deer roam.

Buffered by the Atlantic currents of the Firth of Lorn, life in Oban revolves around the sea. Maritime heritage is strong in this Victorian harbour, where you'll feast on fresh seafood, shop for local crafts and taste a dram of Scotland's finest at Oban Distillery. The granite arches of McCaig's Folly reveal views of the distant Hebridean archipelago. Follow fishing boats to the Isle of Mull and taste the sea air atop the ramparts of Duart Castle, or head inland to Loch Fyne and the ancestral lands of Inveraray Castle.

The Highlands have their munros, Edinburgh has its palace, but Glasgow is Scotland's undisputed cultural capital. Explore the red-brick Victorian buildings in the city's historic heart, visit the ethereal Kibble Palace glasshouse at Glasgow Botanic Gardens and delve into the magnificent collection at Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Beyond the city limits, embrace Scotland's natural heritage in the The Trossachs, where rolling hills and emerald glens frame the drive around Loch Lomond's bonnie banks, a patchwork of lush forests and wildflower-covered hillsides.

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.

Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the King is at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England's green and pleasant lands.

Fiercely independent and entirely unique, the spirit of rebellion runs through Guernsey. You'll feel it in the sumptuous surrounds of Hauteville House, the opulent home-in-exile of French author Victor Hugo. You'll sense it among the dramatic cliffs and rolling farmland of Sark island, where horse-drawn carts clatter by and echoes of the Sercquiais dialect hang on the wind. And you'll hear it in the noontime cannon fire at Castle Cornet, the island fortress guarding the entrance to Saint Peter Port for the last 800 years.

Fill your senses with wonderful Flemish flavour in UNESCO-praised Bruges. Relax amongst tree-lined canals and cobbled pathways to learn secrets of the city's world-famous chocolate. Partake in beer tasting, beer blending and beer sinking. Explore the medieval streets of the old town for classic cathedrals, gabled facades and unique Art Deco taverns. Head out to the pretty countryside, ride along canals and shop for comic books, lace and yet more chocolate. And as you slowly savour the taste of Belgian sustainable culture, enjoy a classic waffle that melts in your mouth.

Dive into the UNESCO heart of Amsterdam, where water is the essence of life. Cruise, bike and walk amongst its series of concentric, semi-circular canals, the Grachtengordel, that are crisscrossed by hundreds of bridges connecting about 90 islands. Walk the 9 Staatjes neighbourhood, where young Anne Franke penned her poignant diary.

Seek the cities favourite sons, Rembrandt and Vermeer, in the royal Rijksmuseum Museum, which ranks amongst the best bucket-list experiences. Binge on luxury at Bijenkorf in darling Dam Square or delve into its modern moments in the creative food scene, open-minded attitude, and novel designs.

Known as the gateway to the world and bearing the most bridges, immerse yourself with Hamburgers to the sound of canals and cuisine, architecture and music. Prepare to be submerged in culture; from affluent villas to modest Almshouses, the last castle, an inner-city lake, a floating landing platform, the neo-Renaissance Town hall, an industrial underground tunnel and baroque masterpiece, St Nicholas Church. Wander to the solid brick warehouse district of UNESCO Hafen City; touch the shining wave of glass of the futuristic Elbphilharmonie, listen to crystal clear acoustics that pair with Sydney's Opera House and enjoy views of the River Elbe. Hamburg offers unique, memorable entertainment - for all your senses.

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.

Once a quasi-pirate lair, quaint Lysekil awaits nestled amongst a leeward network of inlets and fjords on Sweden's wild western shore. Today, this fanciful fishing village begets a civilised sanctuary of sustainable culinary, wellness, and natural riches to explore. Set off on an oyster safari, wend through an organic vineyard, take a traditional “fika” break of coffee, tea and biscuits.

Plunge into cold waters of Gullmaren then warm up in wood-fired sauna or climb red bohus granite formations at Stångehuvud Nature Reserve. Touch starfish and urchins at Havets Hus Saltwater Aquarium or stroll through its tunnel that teases with views of sharks and octopuses. Find peace beneath the rose window of the hand-honed granite Church or imagine yourself as a well-heeled Swedish socialite frequenting the burnt-orange Curman Villas.

Rejoice in one of the happiest and most vibrant capital cities in the world. Relax like a local alongside joyful Danes and varied culture; the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid statue, Old Citadel, the Amalien Palace with four Rococo buildings, medieval history, charming fishing villages, leading examples of sustainable living and - of course - flaky Danish pastries. Cycling is the preferred way to shuttle across town and it's well worth the pedal to enjoy the trendy, cosy neighbourhood of Norrebro, Christiansborg Palace and the waterfront home of Christian Andersen. Genuine, vibrant and welcoming... rather like the smiles of those that live here.