An Extended Journey from a Riviera New Year to the Mediterranean’s Deep Soul

Overview

A 17-night voyage aboard EXPLORA II, departing Barcelona on 28 Dec 2026 and arriving in Civitavecchia, Rome, calling at 14 destinations along the way.

Cabin prices

Live prices per person based on two sharing. Select a grade to see its fare options.

1. 1

   Day 1 ·Barcelona, SpainEmbark

   28 Dec 2026

   Depart 20:00

   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.
   
2. 2

   Day 2 ·Palma de Mallorca

   29 Dec 2026

   Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00

   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.
   
3. 3

   Day 3 ·Palamós

   30 Dec 2026

   Arrive 09:00Depart 19:00
4. 5

   Day 5 ·Port of Fécamp

   31 Dec 2026

   Arrive 18:00
5. 5

   Day 5 ·Port of Fécamp

   1 Jan 2027

   Depart 02:00
6. 5

   Day 5 ·Villefranche-sur-Mer(Nice)

   1 Jan 2027

   Arrive 09:00Depart 20:00
7. 6

   Day 6 ·Genoa, Italy

   2 Jan 2027

   Arrive 09:00Depart 19:00
8. 7

   Day 7 ·Livorno (Florence)

   3 Jan 2027

   Arrive 08:00Depart 17:00
9. 8

   Day 8 ·Civitavecchia (Rome)

   4 Jan 2027

   Arrive 08:00Depart 20:00

   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.
   
10. 9

    Day 9 ·Naples, Italy

    5 Jan 2027

    Arrive 09:00Depart 17:00
11. 10

    Day 10 ·Siracusa (Sicily)

    6 Jan 2027

    Arrive 09:00

    Dip in a Mediterranean mass of rich history, cuisine and abundant nature. Wander through historic cities, Roman sites, Greek temples and expansive vineyards. Skirt around simmering Mount Etna’s fertile lava lands, survey Grecian archaeology inland at Valle Dei Templi Grecian, seek out tumbled ruins at sea-facing Selinunte and drop in to Casale to admire ornate mosaics. Attend an Etna Rosso wine tasting, head for peace at the nature reserve and liven up at the Baroque old town of Sciacca. And for a final taste of Sicily, feast on olive oil drenched pasta - you won’t leave this honey-hued region unfulfilled.
    
12. 11

    Day 11 ·Siracusa (Sicily)

    7 Jan 2027

    Depart 06:00

    Dip in a Mediterranean mass of rich history, cuisine and abundant nature. Wander through historic cities, Roman sites, Greek temples and expansive vineyards. Skirt around simmering Mount Etna’s fertile lava lands, survey Grecian archaeology inland at Valle Dei Templi Grecian, seek out tumbled ruins at sea-facing Selinunte and drop in to Casale to admire ornate mosaics. Attend an Etna Rosso wine tasting, head for peace at the nature reserve and liven up at the Baroque old town of Sciacca. And for a final taste of Sicily, feast on olive oil drenched pasta - you won’t leave this honey-hued region unfulfilled.
    
13. 12

    Day 12 ·Bari

    8 Jan 2027

    Arrive 09:00Depart 20:00
14. 13

    Day 13 ·At Sea

    9 Jan 2027
15. 14

    Day 14 ·La Valletta

    10 Jan 2027

    Arrive 08:00Depart 17:00

    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.
    
16. 15

    Day 15 ·La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia

    11 Jan 2027

    Arrive 09:00Depart 17:00
17. 16

    Day 16 ·Palermo (Sicily)

    12 Jan 2027

    Arrive 09:00Depart 20:00

    Be drawn into a balmy blend of olive-strewn landscapes, starkly beautiful Greek temples, Byzantine mosaics, and ricotta-filled farm-to-table delights. Wander Palermo's ficus-filled streets as you tour through the Florio family tale. Taste wine through a patchwork of fertile vineyards below rumbling giant Mount Etna and talented Teatro Greco, Sicily's most dolce vita hill town. Take in noble UNESCO heritage sites, tour leafy Villa Tasca, marvel medieval mosaic masterpieces at Monreale or Cefalù and continue the Greek theme to visit tumbled ruins and secluded temples. Welcome Baroque brilliance, Aztec chocolate, and modern-day charms in Sicily's honey-hued deep south towns. From Michelin-starred temple dining to Trapani beaches and fishermen mending nets outside hipster bars - such contrasts are at the soul of this irresistible island.
    
18. 17

    Day 17 ·At Sea

    13 Jan 2027
19. 18

    Day 18 ·Civitavecchia (Rome)Disembark

    14 Jan 2027

    Arrive 08:00

    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.
    

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