Explora Journeys Reveals ‘A Mediterranean Winter’ Aboard EXPLORA II

• Expanding the destination portfolio with five maiden ports: Ceuta, Algiers, San Sebastián de La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Palamós, marking Explora Journeys’ first-ever call to Algeria
• A focus on immersive, high-impact experiences, with extended and overnight stays designed to deepen cultural connection, including a private Christmas concert in Gibraltar’s St. Michael’s Cave, an after-hours opening of the Alhambra in Málaga, an intimate cultural event in Funchal, and a bespoke overnight journey from Casablanca to Marrakech
• A richer, more intentional Mediterranean, defined by access to lesser visited gems, refined festive moments, and signature wellness and culinary experiences that elevate the season at sea

As the high-summer crowds depart and a serene stillness settles over the storied coastlines of Southern Europe and North Africa, Explora Journeys invites guests to discover a more contemplative side of the region. The luxury ocean travel brand today unveils further details of EXPLORA II’s Mediterranean deployment for the Winter 2026–2027 season. Titled A Mediterranean Winter, this new Journeys Collection captures a soulful and intimate perspective of these shores, showcasing their reflective beauty through softer light, quieter streets and deeper cultural connections from November 2026 through March 2027.

 “The Mediterranean in winter is a collection of subtle contrasts and understated elegance, and we are delighted to dedicate EXPLORA II to the region this season, revealing its more contemplative side,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “Beyond the pace of peak travel, coastal towns become havens of calm, where culture is experienced on a more human scale. We invite our guests to linger in quiet piazzas, engage more deeply with living heritage, and experience the long shadows and golden light that define the season — a natural expression of our Ocean State of Mind.”

A Mediterranean Winter features a meticulously curated selection of 46 destinations across ten countries, including Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France, Italy, Malta, Greece and Gibraltar. By blending iconic locations with hidden gems, these enriched Journeys offer a sophisticated gateway to the region’s most immersive experiences. The season is further defined by extended time in port, with four overnight stays in Casablanca, Lisbon, Madeira and Málaga, alongside late departures from Málaga, Cannes, Siracusa and Gibraltar, allowing for deeper and more flexible exploration.

This season also introduces a selection of maiden ports, where these destinations reveal a rich interplay of cultures and heritage, from the meeting of continents in Ceuta to the layered influences of Algiers, complemented by the unspoiled character of La Gomera, the raw volcanic beauty of Fuerteventura, and the refined coastal and culinary identity of Palamós.

Designed as a floating luxury hotel whose address is the ocean, EXPLORA II offers a naturally unhurried pace, where space and thoughtful design invite true disconnection. In the stillness of the Mediterranean winter, each journey becomes an opportunity to restore and rebalance, with Ocean Wellness experiences inspired by the rhythm of the sea, fostering a quiet sense of calm, clarity and perspective — the essence of the Ocean State of Mind.

Signature Elegance at Sea

Guiding guests toward the Ocean State of Mind, life on board EXPLORA II during these months mirrors the calmer rhythm found ashore. Guests can retreat to their elegantly residential oceanfront suites or relax in a sun-lit lounge after a day of exploration. This sense of wellbeing is further enhanced by Ocean Wellness rituals, while culinary experiences are shaped by seasonal ingredients and regional wines.

Season Highlights

• Extended Immersion: Several Journeys feature overnight stays to allow for leisurely exploration, including festive markets in Funchal, Marrakech via Casablanca and the historic heart of Syracuse.
• Exclusive destination experiences: A curated selection of high-impact experiences, particularly during overnight stays, including a private Christmas concert in Gibraltar’s St. Michael’s Cave, an exclusive evening opening of the Alhambra in Málaga, a private cultural event in Funchal, and a refined overnight program from Casablanca to Marrakech.
• New Destination Discoveries: EXPLORA II will visit new destinations including Ceuta, Palamós in Girona, San Sebastián de La Gomera and Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, while also marking its first call to Algeria
• Refined Festive Moments: Guests can enjoy unique winter traditions, from a Christmas carol performance in a Gibraltar cave to the spectacular New Year fireworks in Cannes.
• Lesser-Visited Gems: The season highlights the quieter side of the Canary Islands and ‘quiet Ibiza’, focusing on the quiet authenticity of destinations such as Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura and Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Seasonal Journeys include:

• A Journey of Atlantic Light and Volcanic Shores
  9 December - 21 December 2026 : Barcelona to Lisbon
  Departing Barcelona, cross sunlit seas and storied cultural crossroads toward the dramatic North African coast. Linger in the cinematic allure of Casablanca, where an extended stay invites deeper exploration inland, before continuing to the volcanic beauty of Atlantic isles and the lush serenity of Madeira.
• A Journey of Riviera Lights and New Year Celebrations
  28 December - 4 January 2027 : Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome)
  Follow Spain’s radiant coastline at a relaxed, immersive pace, where each stop reveals a distinct rhythm of the season. Welcome the New Year amid the Riviera glamour of Cannes, with an overnight stay to experience its sparkle and celebration after dark. Continue through Italy’s storied cultural landscapes before concluding in Rome, where a timeless festive spirit lingers into the new year.
• A Journey from Amalfi’s Cliffs to Andalusian Sun
  14 January - 24 January 2027 : Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona
  Set off from Rome and follow a sunlit course along dramatic coastal cliffs and storied shores. Embrace the warmth and rhythm of Andalusian culture, where time slows and traditions come to life, before arriving in Tangier, where a vibrant blend of influences reveals the meeting point of continents. Conclude in Barcelona, returning to its unmistakable energy and creative pulse.

With A Mediterranean Winter, the region is not simply visited but deeply felt. From slow mornings in historic squares to winter sunsets over quiet bays, Explora Journeys offers a spacious and deeply personal Journey through the world’s most iconic sea that summer rarely allows.

For those seeking the warmth of sun-drenched shores during the winter months, EXPLORA I will sail across the Caribbean, Central and South America, offering a collection of Journeys defined by tropical landscapes, vibrant cultures and a relaxed island rhythm.

To book a Journey, guests may visit explorajourneys.com or contact their preferred travel advisor.