A Journey to Santorini, Sicily & the Riviera

Overview

A 10-night voyage aboard EXPLORA II, departing Athens (Piraeus), Greece on 29 Nov 2026 and arriving in Barcelona, calling at 9 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 ·Piraeus (Athens)Embark

   29 Nov 2026

   Depart 19:00

   Athenians don’t live in the past. Ahead of its time, Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibility - housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums. And you can’t help but marvel at the archaeological wonders of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through vibrant streets and markets, dance at buzzing bouzoukia, sing along in tavernas. At night, head to the harbour, where dimly lit bars serve the local ice cold beer. And, as you inhale the salty air and watch Greek fishing boats peacefully depart for their catch, reflect on this ancient city's progressive attitude.
   
2. 2

   Day 2 ·Santorini, Greece

   30 Nov 2026

   Arrive 09:00Depart 19:00

   Dreamily sail into Santorini when others leave. Romantic, exuberant and pure; roam one of the world’s most enchanting islands as you enjoy breathtaking scenery, rock-set whitewashed houses, paved paths, sugar white sand, black beaches and terracotta cliffs. Experience the many geological and architectural delights; blue-domed churches, an active volcano, excavate with experts and cover the caldera between cliff-hanging Oia and Fira. Glide through sapphire seas in a catamaran, taste local wine, eat freshly-caught seafood, break plates and shop elegant boutiques. Then settle in for a slow moonlit dinner high on a hilltop, just in time for the world-famous sunset.
   
3. 3

   Day 3 ·At Sea

   1 Dec 2026
4. 4

   Day 4 ·La Valletta

   2 Dec 2026

   Arrive 08:00Depart 18:00

   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.
   
5. 5

   Day 5 ·Messina (Sicily)

   3 Dec 2026

   Arrive 08:00Depart 18:00
6. 6

   Day 6 ·Naples, Italy

   4 Dec 2026

   Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00
7. 7

   Day 7 ·Civitavecchia (Rome)

   5 Dec 2026

   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.
   
8. 8

   Day 8 ·Livorno (Florence)

   6 Dec 2026

   Arrive 08:00Depart 20:00
9. 9

   Day 9 ·Villefranche-sur-Mer(Nice)

   7 Dec 2026

   Arrive 08:00Depart 20:00
10. 10

    Day 10 ·At Sea

    8 Dec 2026
11. 11

    Day 11 ·Barcelona, SpainDisembark

    9 Dec 2026

    Arrive 08:00

    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.
    

Your ship: EXPLORA II

Explore EXPLORA II's cabins, dining and onboard facilities.

About EXPLORA IIMore Explora Journeys cruises