Cruises > From Italian Piazzas to Tunisian Souks – Explora Journeys

About Your Trip

From Italian Piazzas to Tunisian Souks – Explora Journeys

Departs: 30 September 2024

Indulge in the ultimate luxury Mediterranean experience with Explora Journeys, as you embark on an unforgettable cruise from the historic city of Rome to the vibrant shores of Barcelona. Picture yourself aboard a state-of-the-art ship, where every detail is designed for your comfort and pleasure. Begin your journey in Rome, immersing yourself in the grandeur of the Eternal City before setting sail on a voyage that combines the finest in travel and leisure.

 

Reference: 719486

 

To find out more contact us at 01 905 9008 or email holidays@thetravelsuite.ie

 

 

All offers are subject to change and availability.

More About This Cruise

What to Expect

Cruise Features

Your Ship – Explora II

EXPLORA II, the second ship of the Explora Journeys fleet, sets sail in 2024, opening possibilities of new discoveries, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in exciting, inspiring destinations on their journey to the Ocean State of Mind.

On board, guests can expect vibrant, cosmopolitan relaxed European luxury at sea. EXPLORA II offers 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences designed to be ‘Homes at Sea’ for our guests with private terraces and sweeping ocean views; an unparalleled choice of 18 restaurants, bars and lounges, each its own celebration of global talents and cultures; four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, and refined onboard entertainment and enrichment. For a true sense of rejuvenation, Ocean Wellness offers the gift of physical and spiritual renewal, from a deeply calming spa inspired by the ocean’s natural forces, to a modern fitness space full of cutting-edge equipment.

The curated collection of journeys of EXPLORA II encourages guests to delve into a world of discovery, adventure, authenticity and wildlife. Whether unveiling the hidden secrets of the Mediterranean, awakening their senses to the unique atmospheres of Africa and the Indian Ocean, or encountering the exotic stories of the Arabian Peninsula and India, guests can immerse in carefully crafted journeys covering a plethora of regions and cultures, each more distinct than the last.

SHIP SPECIFICATIONS
— Length: 248m (~813ft)
— Tonnage: 63,900 GT
— Guests per hosts ratio 1.25 : 1

461 OCEAN-FRONT SUITES
— 1 Owner’s Residence
— 22 Ocean Residences
— 67 Ocean Penthouses
— 371 Ocean Terrace Suites and Ocean Grand Terrace Suites
— 78 multi-generation-friendly connecting suites

Featuring
— Private terraces which are amongst the largest in the category
— Large floor-to-ceiling windows with elegant interiors
— Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area

EIGHTEEN RESTAURANTS, BARS AND LOUNGES

RESTAURANTS
• Anthology – Exquisite cuisine celebrating the talents and specialities of guest chefs from around the globe
• Sakura – Immersive Pan-Asian dining
• Marble & Co. Grill – A redefined European steakhouse experience
• Med Yacht Club – Celebrating the flavours of the Mediterranean
• Emporium Marketplace – Effortless all-day dining restaurant
• Fil Rouge – French-inspired international cuisine

As well as
• In-Suite Dining – Refined dining in the comfort of your suite or private terrace
• Chef’s Kitchen – An immersive experience offering culinary classes

BARS & LOUNGES
• Lobby Bar – A centrally-located social bar and lounge
• Malt Whisky Bar – A refined tour of the global whisky regions
• Journeys Lounge – Mixology, enrichment and entertainment continuously evolving throughout the day
• Explora Lounge – Luminous lounge offering spectacular 270-degree views of the ocean
• Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory – Authentic French and Italian indulgences
• Crema Café – Bustling café lounge with sea views
• Astern Lounge – All-day lounge for a seaside escape opening up to the Astern Pool
• Sky Bar on 14 – A panoramic lounge setting, ideal for soothing cocktails and infinite views
• Astern Pool & Bar – An all-day pool and lounge setting for a seaside escape on deck 5
• Atoll Pool & Bar – An intimate pool on deck 10 with a chilled vibe throughout the day
• Helios Pool & Bar – A panoramic adults-only pool and lounge experience
• The Conservatory Pool & Bar – A weather-protected all-day poolside lounge

OTHER ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS
— Casino
— Art gallery
— Curated shopping experiences

GENEROUS OUTDOOR DECKS
— Three heated outdoor pools and one indoor heated pool with retractable glass roof
— 64 private cabanas
— Several indoor and outdoor whirlpools
— Poolside dining and lounging

HOLISTIC WELLNESS AND FITNESS
— Over 700 sq m (7,500 sq ft) of indoor and outdoor wellness facilities
— Over 270 sq m (2,900 sq ft) of indoor and outdoor fitness facilities with latest equipment
— A panoramic running track
— Bespoke balanced nutrition and sleep programmes

THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL-SUPPORTING TECHNOLOGIES
— Hybrid-ready energy solutions
— Waste-management and energy-saving solutions
— No single-plastic used on-board and ashore

Day 1 – Rome

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.

Day 2 – Sorrento

Seductive Greek Sirens still sing from Sorrento’s shores and lure us into her astonishing beauty of Vesuvian sites, Amalfi hikes and a wealth of pretty Positano pleasures. Wander maze-like Centro Storico laced with hidden gardens and historic churches then prepare your palate for old-school pizzerias and lemony gelato in picturesque Piazza Tasso. Peer down into the Valle dei Mulini or venture to Lattari Mountain trails and dig into Italy’s most famous sites: ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum. Hop a yacht across the Bay of Naples to chic Capri or round Sorenntina Penisola for ravishing Ravello’s terraced gardens. Between sips of luscious limoncello and a wealth of wonders, Sorrento smoulders with eternal dolce vita glamour.

Day 3 – Palermo (Sicily)

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.

Day 4 – Tunis

Whitewashed buildings have welcomed seafarers to Tunis, gateway to North Africa, since time immemorial. Elegant mosaics carved wooden doorways and intricately tiled courtyards lurk around every corner of the ancient medina (old town), a warren of labyrinthine souks, white-domed mosques and beautiful madrassas (Islamic schools) with their iconic black and white archways and cool arcades. French influence is palpable in the Ville Nouveau, where wide boulevards lined with eucalyptus lead to the monumental expanse of St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral. Don’t miss the ancient Phoenician ruins and astonishing mosaics of Carthage near the pretty oceanfront town of Sidi Bou Said, muse of artists and poets.

Day 5 – At Sea

Day 6 – Menorca

Beckon the buzz of a small UNESCO-listed island; proud of producing its own cheese, wine and rather distinguished gin. Sink into a lemon-scented laidback lifestyle that reflects elegant Georgian architecture, Spain’s oldest opera house, history, art and a monastery-based museum. Off glittering turquoise shores, visit the Royal Naval hospital, shop for world-renowned shoes, amble amongst butterflies up coastal paths and rest for tapas in harbour-side tavernas. Celebrated yet discreet – unhurried Menorca is the low-key location to go and not to be seen.

Day 7 – Barcelona

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.

 

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