An Extended Journey Of Viking Legends, Irish Heritage & Scottish Culture

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.

The ‘summer city' of Mandal welcomes us to its sunny beachfront and lovely harbour for an afternoon of history, architecture, and fresh fare from the ocean. Stroll along an 800km stretch of golden Sjøsanden Beach, explore the city's pier, venture into the archipelago, visit museums, or find peace in Norway's largest wooden church. Established by King Eric of Pomerania as a major salmon trading station, Mandal has morphed into one of the prettiest harbours lined by whitewashed houses. Descend to the Lindesnes lighthouse to find small lakes and coves dotted with isolated islands. Tour the birthplace of Gustav Vigeland, one of Norway's greatest artists, where his quest for spirituality began.

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.

Inspiring adventures await within seafood-rich fjords and fertile mountain ranges. Once the Viking capital, Trondheim continues to reign with its vibrant, academic city life. Discover the stylish Bakklandet, vast Nidaros Cathedral, the Gamle Bybro bridge and the river Nidelva where rainbow-coloured huts align. Venture through an abundance of wildlife and forests, gently sail, fish or seek a thrilling RIB adventure. Head for the skies; take the world's northernmost tram to marvel at champion ski jumps, then return back to earth with a private organ concert. Sip spirited Norwegian aquavit at an elegant tasting as you connect with Trondheim's fusion of history, adventure and innovation, surrounded by beautifully rich nature.

Visit a pretty little town where even the ducks have homes built for them. Stroll through coastal street life taking in the bustling marina and a medieval church. Fly high to admire bobbing fishing boats and lighthouses in the shadow of rugged islands. Surprise at the bespoke duck houses and, when you sink into bed, be grateful for your own feathered nest.

Land in Leknes for dramatic landscapes and Viking ancestry. With a backdrop of turbulent Norwegian seas and soaring mountains, you can hike, helicopter or horse-ride to deep fjords and long beaches – home to a wide variety of seabirds. Safari by RIB, surf the world's most northerly waves and scuba dive through coral reef waters – where otters and puffins reside or saunter through fishing villages sheltering colourful huts. Once you've built up a strong appetite, enjoy platters of smorgasbord accompanied by world-famous Norwegian lager or, perhaps, a wild berry wine.

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.

Nested deep between towering mountains are narrow valleys, a mile-deep fjord and a little village called Flåm. Surrounded by breathtaking beauty, visit the Borgund Stave Church museum or board the astonishing Flåmsbana train, often titled the world's most beautiful rail journey. Climb aboard and witness waterfalls, fjords and farms so remote you wonder how they got there. Fish, cycle or experience a RIB safari through the slender Nærøyfjord - part of the UNESCO world heritage - as you appreciate the surreal landscape. Head into the abyss on the dramatic Stegastein, or - for the less adventurous but no less curious - sip homemade specialties at the local brewery.

Mother Nature excels on Norway's wildest coast with contrasting forms of extreme beauty: granite peaks laced with tumbling waterfalls that tower over silent fjords and beaches below. Nature is the entertainment, with surfboards, kayaks and horses adding to the adventure. Hike Europe's highest cliff, scale Mount Hoven by the Sky Lift, drop into history at Sagastad Viking Center and soak in Europe's deepest lake. Sail salty seas through epic fjords and explore the icy fingers of Briksdal Glacier during a scenic drive through landlocked panoramas punctuated with profound coastal views.

At the edge of the Norwegian fjords, Sandnes offers a gentler rhythm of discovery. From its charming, walkable town centre, wander along Langgata's boutiques and cafés or to the waterfront promenades lined with tranquil parks. Venture outward to the sweeping beaches of Jæren and the scenic North Sea Road, where lighthouses and dunes meet the wind. Beyond, the gateway to Lysefjord and the legendary Pulpit Rock invites breathtaking vistas and quiet awe — nature's grandeur, without the crowds.

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.

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.