A Journey of Andalusian Legends & Historic North African Crossroads

Itinerary

1. Day 1 , Málaga, Spain 2028-02-27 Departure 22:00
   Enjoy the epitome of Spanish charm. Slowly discover Andalusian riches to reveal Picasso’s birthplace, the Alhambra in Granada, Mezquita in Cordoba and the Ronda valley. Explore ancient heritage sites, dance the flamenco, dare to hike the Caminito del Rey trail and delve into white villages sprinkled amongst mango groves and avocado orchards. Sip cocktails by day and sangria by night. And as you watch the sun slip down, reflect upon this gateway of delights.
2. Day 2 , Cadiz, Spain 2028-02-28 Arrival 09:00 Departure 21:00
   Go back in time - where cobbled streets clatter with horse drawn carriages, culture and history seeps through this Spanish city’s soul. Enjoy locally produced tapas and admire the form of iconic Andalusian horses. Drift into tasting tours at sherry wineries in Jerez, then step out to twirl the flamenco. Explore Seville’s architectural marvels; baroque churches, palaces, gothic cathedrals, aristocratic mansions and medieval buildings. With no less than three Unesco World Heritage sites to visit, you’ll feel truly inspired by what Cadiz has to offer.
3. Day 3 , Gibraltar, Gibraltar 2028-02-29 Arrival 09:00 Departure 19:00
   Rising from the sea like a titanic fin, the Rock of Gibraltar is a primordial sentinel that guards the entrance to the Mediterranean; the European Pillar of Hercules faces its African twin across the Strait of Gibraltar. From its top, the coast of Morocco shimmers in a desert haze, and eagle eyes spot dolphins dancing below. Criss-crossed by centuries-old siege tunnels and UNESCO-listed caves, the Rock has captured the imaginations of artists and would-be conquerors for centuries. A cable car makes short work of the journey to the top, where old artillery batteries and panoramic lookouts are guarded by legions of Barbary macaques.
4. Day 4 , Motril, Spain 2028-03-01 Arrival 09:00 Departure 19:00
   Accustom yourself to the main Town of Costa Tropical, a sub-tropical slice of Spain bursting with mangos, bananas and locally made rum. Protected by Andalucia's Sierra Nevada mountains, head up to the castle and sugar cane plantation in Salobreña, wallow in rum at Motril, eat tapas in Granada and bask in the sensual splendour of the Alhambra palace. Visit Elche where UNESCO-protected date palm trees form a unique urban park, sip vino de costa, taste exotic custard apples and trawl out the remains of Roman heritage in Almuñécar. With a Caribbean style climate and glittering seas yonder, the sounds of the flamenco and old town squares whisper Andalusian charm.
5. Day 5 , Melilla, Spain 2028-03-02 Arrival 09:00 Departure 19:00

   Shaped by sea winds and centuries of maritime heritage, little Melilla is Spain’s forgotten outpost. Tucked into the coast of North Africa, the city fans out from the fortified walls of Melilla La Vieja to the sea caves and dramatic cliffs that line the coast. Andalusian cuisine and Mediterranean seafood are transformed by Moroccan spice in palm-lined plazas, while the modernist architecture of the Golden Triangle lends an unexpected elegance to this hidden enclave.

6. Day 6 , Cartagena, Spain 2028-03-03 Arrival 08:00 Departure 17:00
   March into a hidden Spanish gem with centuries of deeply ingrained culture and history. Not forgetting gourmet cuisine fit for a king. Take part in cookery lessons, wine samplings and coffee workshops, or the heart stopping elevator to the top of the Castillo. Head back to Roman times at the theatre and sanctuary for relics and mosaics. Inspect weaponry at the military museum and explore shipwrecks, artefacts and Mediterranean history at museums. View delightful street art in the bustling city centre and sample the traditional sailor tipple, Asiático. Cartagena has sites you won't see in the rest of Spain, from Roman ruins, Byzantine walls and Belle Epoque architecture to marble streets and war memorials.
7. Day 7 , Algiers, Algeria 2028-03-04 Arrival 07:00 Departure 18:00
   Losing yourself is a rite of passage in the UNESCO-listed Casbah of Algiers, where labyrinthine alleyways reveal hidden courtyards, artisan studios and the remarkable architecture of Ketchaoua Mosque. In the palm-shaded gardens of Jardin d’Essai du Hamma, cast your eyes uphill towards the upraised hands of Maqam Echahid, symbol of gratitude of those who fell during Algeria's War of Independence. Delve deeper into Algeria’s prehistory at the Bardo National Museum before strolling the Promenade des Sablettes under a sultry Mediterranean sunset.
   
   Guests are advised that, due to local immigration and port security regulations in Algeria, disembarkation in Algiers is restricted. Guests wishing to go ashore may only do so if they are taking part in an Explora Journeys Destination Experience. Independent disembarkation is not permitted.
8. Day 8 , Alicante, Spain 2028-03-05 Arrival 09:00 Departure 19:00
   Blue-domed cathedrals, cobbled alleyways and leafy plazas shaded by giant Ficus trees set the scene for magical moments in Alicante, gateway to Costa Blanca beaches, jagged mountains and medieval villages. Wander through the narrow streets of El Barrio and gorge on turrón and tapas, then climb the steps to timeless Santa Cruz, where whitewashed houses, flecked with colourful pots, cling to steep staircases on the flanks of Mount Benacantil. High above lies the mighty Castel de la Santa Bàrbara, a 1,000-year-old sandstone citadel commanding spectacular views of the glittering Mediterranean and the tile mosaic of palm-fringed Explanada de España on the harbourside.
9. Day 9 , Valencia, Spain 2028-03-06 Arrival 09:00 Departure 19:00
   Steeped in tradition, inundated in head-spinning architecture and drenched in history spanning more than 2,000 years, Valencia leaves you breathless. The labyrinthine streets of Ciutat Vella thread between cobbled plazas where flaming festivals erupt throughout the year. Spectacular frescoes, Gothic towers and intricately carved stonework make the city’s religious buildings some of the most awe-inspiring in the world, while secular strongholds like La Lonja — the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange — echo its history as a commercial powerhouse. At the heart of it all, the Mercado Central, an Art Nouveau temple of gastronomy where generations of traders have fed the city under the iconic black and white roof for 100 years.
10. Day 10 , Palma de Mallorca, Spain 2028-03-07 Arrival 09:00 Departure 20:00
    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.
11. Day 11 , Barcelona, Spain 2028-03-08 Arrival 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.