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Journey from Málaga, where Andalusian grace, Picasso’s legacy and golden evenings set the tone. In Motril, tropical orchards, Granada’s Alhambra and old squares bring southern Spain to life. Cartagena follows with Roman remains and marble streets, then Melilla blends Spanish flair with Moroccan spice. Gibraltar crowns the strait with epic views and macaques and Cádiz charms with sherry, flamenco and grand architecture, before the sailing draws to a close in glowing Lisbon.
Journey highlight
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1, Málaga, SpainDeparture 23:00
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.
Day 2, Motril, SpainArrival 08:00Departure 21:00
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.
Day 3, Cartagena, SpainArrival 09:00Departure 19:00
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.
Day 4, Melilla, SpainArrival 08:00Departure 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.
Day 5, Gibraltar, GibraltarArrival 08:00Departure 20:00
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.
Day 6, Cadiz, SpainArrival 08:00Departure 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.
Day 7, Lisbon, PortugalArrival 14:00
Enjoy the rich buzz of Lisbon. Dip into the city’s strong architectural, cultural and historical connections. Wander charming-cobbled streets, colourful buildings, the river Sado and endless nature. Pilgrimage to Fatima, tour hilly villages, learn Portuguese cooking techniques and listen to the Lisbon blues. Slip to charming Cascais for quieter energy and golden beaches. And as you bathe in the captivating light, enjoy plates of petiscos which - like fado - you’ll soon discover is vibrant, warm and most appealing.
Day 8, Lisbon, PortugalArrival 08:00
Enjoy the rich buzz of Lisbon. Dip into the city’s strong architectural, cultural and historical connections. Wander charming-cobbled streets, colourful buildings, the river Sado and endless nature. Pilgrimage to Fatima, tour hilly villages, learn Portuguese cooking techniques and listen to the Lisbon blues. Slip to charming Cascais for quieter energy and golden beaches. And as you bathe in the captivating light, enjoy plates of petiscos which - like fado - you’ll soon discover is vibrant, warm and most appealing.
Optional
Pre-Journey
Allow us to ease you into your ocean travel experience by taking care of all the essentials before your Journey.
How to Reserve
Contact the Explora Experience Centre for assistance.
Allow us to arrange seamless private transfers to the ship from your hotel or the airport.
Air Travel & Private Air Charters
Through our airline partners we can help secure competitive fares, with flight protection.
Bespoke Hotel Arrangements
Through our hotel partners, we can arrange bespoke accommodation near your port of embarkation.
Onboard Experiences
11 distinct culinary experiences
Ocean-inspired signature treatments and rituals
12 elegant bars & lounges
State-of-the-art Fitness Centre and Open-Air Fitness designed in partnership with Technogym
Curated tastings and pairings
Bespoke shopping experiences
Five indoor and outdoor heated pools
Enrichment experiences
World-class entertainment performances
Culinary classes at the Chef’s Kitchen
The Casino
day [0]
Overnight
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Overnight
Time at Sea
Embarkation
Arrival
Departure
Arrival Method
Disembarkation
The majestic Hassan II Mosque, with its 690ft minaret, stands like a lighthouse in this
bustling
port city. Africa’s largest mosque, one of only two in Morocco open to non-Muslims, dazzles
with
mosaics, marble columns, and Murano glass chandeliers.
Casablanca blends tradition and modernity—Habous Quartier’s colonial Art Deco, Moorish
houses,
and lively souks contrast with its cosmopolitan nightlife, buzzing restaurants, and
Parisian-style cafés.
Destination Experiences
How To Reserve
Ocean Terrace Suite
Next Passage
Optional
Post-Journey
Allow us to extend the experience by making your Journey home as seamless as possible.
How to Book
Contact the Explora Experience Centre for assistance.
An immersive, authentic dining experience offering the finest Pan-Asian cuisine.
Onboard Experiences
Ocean Terrace Suite
An immersive, authentic dining experience offering the finest Pan-Asian cuisine.
Combine this Journey with another to create an extended ocean journey experience and enjoy savings of up to 20% compared to reserving each Journey individually with our Extended Journeys offer.