A Journey Of Gaelic Castles, Literary Treasures & Ancient Fortresses

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.

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.