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Italy

Monaco

France

Spain

Tunisia

12 Epic Ports, One Exceptional Journey.

Livorno (Florence)

A vibrant port city on Tuscany's western coast, Livorno – 105 kilometres to the west of Florence – rewards those who linger with its Venice-inspired canals, historic Mercato Centrale (food market) and the black-and-white checkerboarded Terrazza Mascagni promenade by the harbourfront.

Visit the Bocelli Estate on a full-day Destination Experience by Explora Journeys, travelling 64 kilometres south-east from Livorno through the countryside to the hilltop town of Volterra. Wander through its well-preserved Roman theatre then see a local alabaster workshop to learn about this ancient stone craft. Continue to Officine Bocelli, where you'll savour a wine tasting with antipasti, followed by a three-course Tuscan lunch. The day culminates with a live musical performance showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.

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An ocean voyage with Explora Journeys invites you to go beyond the surface with curated Destination Experiences that could have you getting hands-on in a Sicilian cooking class one day and taking a guided walk along the famed Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix race track the next. Not sure where to start?

Monte Carlo

Located 20 kilometres north-east of Nice, this two-square-kilometre district dazzles with its famed casino, luxury boutiques and yacht-filled harbour. For a tranquil reprieve from all the glamour, head to the Larvotto quarter where you'll find palm-fringed promenades and the serene Princess Grace Japanese Garden overlooking the water.

Soar above the Côte d'Azur on Explora Journeys’ 15-minute helicopter tour and gain a bird’s-eye view of Monaco's iconic landmarks. You'll hover over the Prince's Palace atop the Rock of Monaco, circle the ornate Oceanographic Museum and glimpse the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate where Grace Kelly wed Prince Rainier III.

Saint-Tropez

Once a humble fishing village, Saint-Tropez is now one of the most dazzling jewels of the French Riviera – 112 kilometres south-west of Nice – thanks to its lively nightlife and picturesque beaches. Underneath it all, the town's historic charm persists in the old quarter of La Ponche, where narrow Provençal lanes wind between colourful houses, leading to the sparkling harbour where local fishermen still ply their trade.

Join Explora Journeys’ coastal cycling adventure, a half-day Destination Experience starting at Saint-Tropez’s pier. Glide through the town's streets on an e-bike, passing the famed harbour, and cycle down the coastline to Cap de Saint-Tropez, a verdant peninsula south of the town centre. Reward your efforts with a dip in the crystal-clear waters before pedalling back to town.

Ajaccio (Corsica)

Nestled on the western coast of Corsica, Ajaccio is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and the island's capital. This port city blends French and Italian influences with its own distinct character, best experienced in the Old Town (Borgu). The town entices visitors with its narrow cobblestone streets, dynamic markets and sun-drenched squares lined with cafés and restaurants that serve traditional fare such as veau aux olives – a slow-cooked veal stew with olives, tomatoes and onions.

Embark on Explora Journeys' three-hour adventure to Îles Sanguinaires (Bloody Islands, named for their reddish hue at sunset). From Ajaccio's main harbour, you’ll travel around the Parata peninsula via speedboat and enjoy swimming in secluded coves, picnicking amid fragrant maquis shrubland and hiking to the 19th-century Sanguinaires lighthouse for panoramic views of the gulf.

ROME

With 2000-year-old ruins and Renaissance palazzi standing alongside trendy aperitivo bars and espresso counters, the Italian capital is a vibrant city where the ancient past collides with the present. For a taste of Roman life, head to ivy-covered Trastevere and mingle with locals while exploring the colourful neighbourhood’s medieval piazzas and art galleries.

Due to restrictions on group entry, taking in the splendour of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel’s ceiling and altar frescoes – painted by Michelangelo in the 1500s – is a privilege few get to experience. With Explora Journeys, you’ll have private access to the Renaissance masterpiece – just be sure to book early to reserve your spot.

Naples

In southern Italy, Naples is fringed by bubbling calderas and the Tyrrhenian Sea, all under the looming shadow of Mount Vesuvius. While wandering down its cobblestone alleys, you’ll hear the sound of church bells tolling and inhale the scent of freshly made sfogliatella and pizza fritta. At sunset, make your way to the breezy Chiaia district to shop at upscale boutiques, dine alfresco on ultra-fresh seafood or dip your toes in the aquamarine waters of Mappatella beach.

Wander the ruins of Herculaneum – an ancient city frozen in volcanic ash to the west of Naples – before indulging in a wine-paired lunch at nearby Vesuvius-side winery Cantina del Vesuvio.

Porto Cervo (Sardinia)

Nestled on Sardinia's north-eastern Emerald Coast (Costa Smeralda), Porto Cervo is a resort town known for its pastel buildings and buzzy nightlife. With powder-white beaches such as Spiaggia del Pevero, marinas filled with gleaming yachts and streets lined with designer boutiques, this glamorous destination – just 30 kilometres north of Olbia – is a favoured haunt of the likes of Beyoncé and Sir Elton John.

Explora Journeys’ Cetacean Triangle Destination Experience invites you aboard a 12-metre catamaran at Porto Cervo Marina for a four-hour voyage that sails from Sardinia to Corsica and the Tuscan Archipelago. Under the guidance of marine biologists, you'll have the opportunity to spot dolphins, fin whales and even the elusive sperm whale.

Carloforte (Sardinia)

On San Pietro Island off Sardinia's south-western coast, Carloforte is a unique enclave of Ligurian culture. In the heart of the Old Town, narrow caruggi (alleyways) wind between pastel-hued buildings, leading to family-run restaurants that serve a fusion of Ligurian, Mediterranean and North African dishes perfected over generations. Listen closely and you might catch snippets of the rare Tabarchino dialect, a language that’s unique to this island.

Set sail aboard the Ruggero II, a restored emerald-green vessel that dates back to the late 1800s. The full-day Vintage Sailing in San Pietro Destination Experience by Explora Journeys navigates the diverse coastline of Isola di San Pietro, revealing a landscape that spans soft sand dunes to dramatic rocky outcrops. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on board while basking in the Mediterranean sun.

Trapani (Sicily)

On Sicily's western edge, 72 kilometres from Palermo, Trapani is the Mediterranean at its best. You can expect sun-bleached beaches, seafood-centric local cuisine and a laid-back atmosphere. Due to its strategic position in the region, Trapani’s history includes stints of being ruled by the Greeks, the Spanish and more, and remnants of this diverse past can be found in the Baroque buildings and old Spanish walls that trace the coastline. Perched 751 metres above sea level, the medieval town of Erice crowns the landscape – its castle ruins offer panoramic views over the sparkling water and city below.

At the Centro Di Cultura Gastronomica, Explora Journeys’ hands-on Nuara cooking class highlights western Sicily's diverse culinary traditions. Craft classic dishes and enjoy your creations over lunch with local wines. Afterwards, explore Trapani's historic centre at your leisure.

La Goulette (tunis)

The port of Tunis serves as a gateway to North Africa, situated 11 kilometres from the Tunisian capital. This coastal town blends Mediterranean and African influences with palm tree-lined promenades and waterfront cafés serving grilled octopus and warm flatbread. Inland, the 7th-century Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, unfolds as a labyrinth of spice-scented souks, ornately tiled courtyards and weathered stone archways – a testament to centuries of Phoenician, Roman, Ottoman and French rule.

On Explora Journeys’ Ancient Carthage and Sidi Bou Said Discovery Destination Experience, visit the Baths of Antoninus Pius, ancient Punic Ports and the Carthaginian Sanctuary at the legendary Ruins of Carthage. Continue to Sidi Bou Said, about 20 kilometres north-east of Tunis, where cobblestone streets wind between whitewashed buildings adorned with vivid blue doors and intricate ironwork. Here you’ll find the Baron d'Erlanger Palace, an architectural gem showcasing exquisite Andalusian and Moorish design.

Palma de Mallorca

Framed by the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and the azure Balearic Sea, Palma, the sun-soaked capital of Mallorca, sits 206 kilometres off Spain's eastern coast. In the old town, honey-hued stone buildings and grand palaces contrast with vibrant neighbourhoods such as Santa Catalina, a former fishing quarter now buzzing with art galleries, vermouth bars and the lively Santa Catalina Market.

Take in Mallorca's coastal beauty with Explora Journeys’ Southern Coast kayaking Destination Experience. Departing from Calvià Beach, you'll drift past limestone cliffs and hidden coves before paddling to a secluded sandy bay where you can pause for a refreshing swim.

barcelona

In the capital of Catalonia, 150 kilometres south of the French border, you’ll spend your days bouncing from sun-soaked beaches to art museums or waterside restaurants and back again – all while surrounded by the city’s unique architectural heritage. Live like a local and make your way to the Gothic Quarter, where 14th-century churches stand alongside trendy boutiques and bohemian cafés such as Els Quatre Gats, once a haunt of Picasso.

Explora Journeys’ Best of Barcelona Destination Experience begins at the iconic Sagrada Família, where you'll marvel at the exterior of Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece and learn about its innovative design. From there you’ll head to the historic El Born district to see more of Gaudí's architectural wonders along Passeig de Gràcia. The experience concludes with a drive to Montjuïc hill to take in panoramic views of Barcelona's cityscape and coastline.

In Florence, visit the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli's Birth of Venus. Book a skip-the-line tour to avoid queues at this popular attraction, located just 500 metres from the Ponte Vecchio.

The three-hour Monaco Grand Prix and Classic Cars Tour with Explora Journeys starts at Port Hercule with a front-row view of the principality's luxury yachts and marina, before visiting Prince Rainier III's impressive car collection, which features over 100 vintage and racing vehicles. The experience culminates with a guided walk along a section of the Formula1 Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

Be immersed in local culture at Place des Lices – just 300 metres from the port – and join locals for a game of pétanque under the plane trees in the afternoon. Afterwards, sip a glass of chilled rosé from nearby Café des Arts – a Saint-Tropez institution where Mick Jagger and Blanca Pérez-Mora Macías had their wedding reception in 1971.

Explore the bustling Marché Central d'Ajaccio, open daily from 7am to 1pm in the heart of Ajaccio’s Old Town. Sample local delicacies such as prisuttu (cured ham), brocciu (sheep's milk cheese) and chestnut-flour pastries. For a taste of Corsican history, step inside Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's ancestral home-turned-museum, just a five-minute walk from the market.

During your visit to the Vatican, climb the Aventine Hill and head to the Priory of the Knights of Malta to seek out the large green door of the Magistral Villa. There you’ll find the Aventine Keyhole – peering through it delivers a perfectly framed view of St. Peter's Basilica Dome.

Journey through the city's heart on the Beautiful, Unforgettable, Inimitable Naples Destination Experience by Explora Journeys. Take in vistas of the Bay of Naples from Posillipo Hill before savouring authentic Neapolitan pizza at a local pizzeria – a UNESCO-recognised culinary treasure. Cap off your experience with an espresso and traditional pastry at Caffè dell'Opera and be immersed in Naples' vibrant food culture.

Tackle the Coastal Trail to the Hidden Coves hike, a three-hour guided walk starting from Cala di Volpe, seven kilometres south of Porto Cervo. You’ll take in panoramic views of Costa Smeralda and be rewarded with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Liscia Ruja beach.

Indulge in Carloforte's renowned bluefin tuna, a prized delicacy that’s often exported to Tokyo’s top sushi restaurants. If you time your visit with the Girotonno festival in June, you’ll be immersed in a four-day celebration of the island's tuna fishing heritage, complete with cooking demonstrations and tastings.

The World Wildlife Fund-protected Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco are just a six-minute drive south of Trapani. This geometric landscape of saline pools is most impressive at sunset when the water mirrors the colourful sky. Afterwards, pop into the onsite Salt Museum for insights into the area's 2000-year-old history.

Step into the Bardo Museum, housed in a 19th-century Ottoman palace just six kilometres from central Tunis and home to the world's largest collection of Roman mosaics. Highlights include the intricate Triumph of Neptune mosaic from La Chebba and the Virgil Mosaic, depicting the Roman poet at work.

Board the historic Ferrocarril de Sóller, a wooden train operating since 1912. This scenic one-hour journey departs from Palma's Plaza de España, winding through fragrant citrus groves and quaint mountain villages.

Delight in the city’s culinary scene with a tapas crawl along Las Ramblas at dusk. Head to Bar Pinotxo for their renowned chickpeas and morcilla (blood sausage) or El Xampanyet in the El Born district, where you can sip cava and savour classic bites including anchovies and pan con tomate in a traditional bodega atmosphere.

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After spending your day exploring the Mediterranean’s most spectacular gems, your onboard suite will feel just like coming home. Each features a private oceanfront terrace and spacious interiors – Explora Journeys offers the largest entry-level suites at sea. The Owner’s Residence offers even more room, with a wraparound deck, infinity whirlpool and a chandelier-lit dining space ideal for sharing a bottle of Dom Pérignon.

Suites

With 18 restaurants, bars and lounges onboard, you’ll be spoiled for choice when your appetite calls. Sip saké beneath cherry blossoms at Sakura, cut into a velvet-soft rib eye at Marble & Co. Grill or reserve a night at Anthology – Chef Franck Garanger’s elevated tribute to Italy. In between, recharge in the Ocean Wellness - The Spa with open-air yoga, a Finnish sauna or a plunge in the hydrotherapy pool.

DINING & WELLNESS

Everything you need is included on your journey, from fine dining and spa access to chilled champagne waiting in your suite. Guests in Ocean Residences enjoy butler service, too – so you’ll return to unpacked luggage, pressed clothes and the terrace set for sunset dining and made-to-order cocktails.

LUXURY SERVICE

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Click on each of the 12 ports below to discover their highlights and learn more about the ships that sail the waters between them.

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LUXURY SERVICE

DINING & WELLNESS

Suites

Ultra elegance with EXPLORA Journeys