An Extended Journey of Renaissance Marvels & Iberian Enchantments Cruise on Explora I from Athens (Piraeus)

Athens (Piraeus)

Athens, the capital city of Greece is an active cosmopolitan mix of different cultures and people, passionate about their art and history. The climate is one of the best in Europe, with mild winters and very hot summers, ideal for tourism. It is located just a few miles from the port of Piraeus, the central commercial port of the capital, and the shores of southern Attica. The main attractions of Athens are The Ancient Agora, Anafiotika, The Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, Thiseion Cinema, Gazi, Monastiraki Flea Market, Pireaus seaside, Pireaus open air market, Kastella Hill, Veakio open air theatre and Piraeus Archaeological.

Heraklion (Crete)

Heraklion, or Heraclion also Iraklion is the largest city and capital of the island of Crete, Greece. It is one of the largest cities in Greece. Heraklion is the capital of Heraklion regional unit. The ruins of Knossos, which were excavated and restored by Arthur Evans, are nearby.

Valletta (Malta)

Valletta is the capital of Malta, situated in the east central portion of Malta. It is the second southernmost capital of Europe. The City was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. The city is essentially Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo Classical and Modern architecture in selected areas. Building dated The city consists of buildings from the 16th century onwards, built during the rule of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as Knights Hospitaller. The official name given by the Order of Saint John was Humilissima Civitas Valletta The Most Humble City of Valletta. The bastions, curtains along with the beauty of its Baroque palaces, gardens and churches, led the ruling houses of Europe to give the city its nickname Superbissima, Most Proud.

Civitavecchia (Rome)

Civitavecchia is the city of Rome´s port on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The harbour is formed by two piers and a breakwater, on which is a lighthouse. The name Civitavecchia means ancient town. There, the Eternal City lies before us in large format architectural and artistic sculptures such as the Colosseum, the most important monument of ancient Rome and used for public entertainment. Do not miss the Trevi Fountain and make a wish while you throw a coin back and continues to the Pantheon, one of the best preserved monuments of antiquity, Piazza Navona and the Vatican City. Take a walk through the Plaza of Spain and rest on the steps of Trinita dei Monti before heading to Via Condotti, wide avenue lined with shops.

Livorno (Florence/Pisa)

Livorno , English traditionally Leghorn is a port city on the Ligurian Sea on the western coast of Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Livorno. Places of Interest:The New Venice district retains much of its original town planning and architectural features such as the bridges, narrow lanes, the noblemen´s houses and a dense network of canals that once served to link its warehouses to the port.The Old English Cemetery is the oldest foreign Protestant burial ground in Italy.The Museo Mascagnano houses memorabilia, documents and operas by the great composer Pietro Mascagni, who lived here. Every year some of his operas are traditionally played during the lyric music season, which is organised by the Traditional Theatre of Livorno. Also the Terrazza Mascagni, a walkway divided from the sea by a handrail, is named in his honor. Up in the hills the Sanctuary of Montenero, dedicated to Our Lady of Graces, the patron saint of Tuscany, is a destination for pilgrims. "Monument of the Four Moors", is dedicated to Grand Duke Ferdinando I de´ Medici of Tuscany, and is one of the most important monuments of Livorno. The Piazza della Repubblica contains two important monuments of Italian politicians important to the unification. A large canal passes under the square, which serves as a bridge over it. The old red brick fortress, was built during the Medici years, and defended the city from attack by pirates.

Monte Carlo

It is excepcionally located, between the sea and the mountain, it´s gardens, it´s sports and cultural events, and so many other things... make of Monaco the ideal destination for an escape or for a unforgettable conference. Montecarlo has been for decades a meeting place for royals and big movie stars.

Marseille (France)

Marseille is the second largest city in France, after Paris and is the third largest urban area and metropolitan area after Lyon. Marseille is the capital of the Provence Alpes Côte dAzur region, as well as the capital of the Bouches du Rhône department. The Quai des Belges at the end of the harbour is the site of the daily fish market. The Old Port or Vieux Port is the main harbour and marina of the city. It is guarded by two massive forts (Fort St Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean) and is one the main places to eat in the city. Things to See & Do: Old Port area, Abbey of Saint Victor, The Centre Bourse and the adjacent rue St Ferreol district the main shopping area & Museums and historical buildings.

Barcelona

The port of Barcelona was born about the same time as the city was. It is one of themost important ports in the Mediterranean, cruise ships leave the city to call on some of themost desirable cities in the Western Mediterranean. The port has modern facilities and allthe services needed to accommodate the many passengers who have Barcelona as anembarkation and a disembarkation port. Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan andmulticultural capitals of Europe. Among many attractions that include the Sagrada Familia,Montjuic, Gaudi's Güell Park and the famous Ramblas. It’s a hub of activity and the city isalways bustling.

Cadiz (Spain)

Cadiz is a city and port in southwestern Spain. The older part of Cadiz within the remnants of the city walls is commonly referred to as the Old Town It is characterized by the antiquity of its various quarters, among them El Pópulo, La Viña, and Santa María, which present a marked contrast to the newer areas of town. While the Old City's street plan consists of narrow winding alleys connecting large plazas, newer areas of Cadiz typically have wide avenues and more modern buildings. In addition, the city is dotted with numerous parks where exotic plants flourish, including giant trees supposedly brought to Spain by Columbus from the New World. Cadiz, situated on a peninsula, is home to some of Spain's most beautiful beaches. La Playa de la Caleta is the best-loved beach of Cadiz. It has always been in Carnival songs, due to its unequalled beauty and its proximity to the Barrio de la Viña. It is the beach of the Old City, situated between two castles, San Sebastian and Santa Catalina. La Caleta and the boulevard show a lot of resemblance to parts of Havana, the capital city of Cuba,

Arrecife (Lanzarote)

Arrecife open the doors of Lanzarote, an island full of underwater views and spots, transparent waters, and palm trees. the natural park of Timanfaya is the most representative of the island, and you will see how the volcanic lava swept all the land. A good example of this is Los Jameos del Agua, spectacular volcanic cave in which interior lies a natural lake of transparent waters inhibiten by blind albino crabs, from unknown origin. You can also visit the beaches of Famara or Papagayo.

Santa Cruz de La Palma (Canary Islands)

The banana plantations are not the only thing you will find in plenitude during your holidays in the volcanic island of La Palma: from espectacular views of the coast, valleys filled with vegetation, beaches and forested areas, even facilities for the practice of acuatic sports, are numerous in the beautiful island.

Funchal (Madeira)

The city´s name comes from the abundance of fennel (funcho) found on the island. It was an important shipping center during the 15th-17th centuries. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. It is a modern, cosmopolitan, rejuvenated city, well known for its many top class restaurants, stunning new 4 & 5 star hotels and warm climate all year round. The city itself is nestled in a great natural amphitheatre, facing the blue Atlantic with a backdrop of dramatic mountains. It is located in the stunning south of Madeira, on it’s sunniest coast amidst banana plantations and wonderful gardens. Funchal has also for many years been one of the Atlantic Cruise-ship’s main ports of call, with the Liner harbour right in the middle of the town. Once ashore, the cafés, restaurants and history that mark this famed capital are just a stroll away. Tourists in Funchal can also enjoy activities such as diving in the crystal-clear waters, surfing the waves, taking day excursions along the coast and through the eucalyptus smelling mountain woods.

Gibraltar

It is a small British colony in southern Spain. The population is about 29,000 inhabitants in an area of 2.6 square miles. It is also a naval base of the British Armed Forces. Most interesting things are the Rock of Gibraltar, the famous rock monkeys,the dolphins and the main shopping streets.

Barcelona

The port of Barcelona was born about the same time as the city was. It is one of themost important ports in the Mediterranean, cruise ships leave the city to call on some of themost desirable cities in the Western Mediterranean. The port has modern facilities and allthe services needed to accommodate the many passengers who have Barcelona as anembarkation and a disembarkation port. Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan andmulticultural capitals of Europe. Among many attractions that include the Sagrada Familia,Montjuic, Gaudi's Güell Park and the famous Ramblas. It’s a hub of activity and the city isalways bustling.