Rome to Barcelona with Explora Journeys

Enjoy complimentary airport lounge access before your flight from the UK to Rome. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your luxurious city centre hotel on Via Veneto, one of the most famous and elegant streets in Rome – and the primary filming location for Federico Fellini's 1960 film, La Dolce Vita. Featuring a resplendent marble lobby, stylish Art Deco rooms and a superbly-equipped spa, it’s a perfect base from which to discover the iconic landmarks of the Italian capital, particularly as it's within easy walking distance from the likes of the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. 

On your first full day in Rome, you’ll head out on a private guided walking tour for a richly informative introduction to the city’s historic sights, including the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Capitoline Hill. It’s an ideal way to get your bearings while admiring Rome’s extraordinary array of architectural and archaeological wonders, which will leave you with a deeper appreciation and understanding of its fascinating past.

The following day is left free for you to explore independently, entirely at your own pace. Of course, you’ll also want to get a taste of the city’s culinary delights, which range from glitzy Michelin-starred restaurants to humble, neighbourhood pizzerias. 

You’ll have some more time in Rome today before taking a private transfer to the Port of Civitavecchia to embark on your luxury, all-inclusive Explora Journeys cruise. Contemporary, smartly-designed and beautifully appointed, the ship very much feels like a boutique home at sea, with a sophisticated yet simultaneously laid-back ambience. Take some time to settle into your stylish suite and familiarise yourself with the superb onboard amenities, which include indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre, a spa and an art gallery. A welcome bottle of champagne, meanwhile, will be waiting for you on arrival. You’ll depart this evening and enjoy your first delectable dinner onboard, with a diverse array of dining venues to choose from, covering from Italian and French cuisine to Pan-Asian fusion dishes and gourmet steaks.

Stay: Explora I or Explora II

As you sail south along the Italian coast, your next port of call is Naples, a city brimming with cultural treasures and framed, dramatically, by Mount Vesuvius. Wander among its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, replete with Baroque churches, Renaissance palazzi and an imposing medieval castle (Castel Nuovo), take the funicular up to Castel Sant’Elmo for magnificent views overlooking the city and the Bay of Naples, or take a step back in time with a visit to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Alternatively, you might be tempted to hop across to the idyllic island of Capri. Naples is also renowned as the birthplace of pizza, so you may well fancy seeking some out while you explore. 

Stay: Explora I or Explora II

Veering away from the Italian mainland, you’ll arrive on the west coast of Sicily today at the port city of Trapani – distinctive for its scythe-like shape, stretching out from the foot of Mount Erice across a pointed spit of land that extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s also renowned for its nearby windmill-dotted salt pans, where sea salt has been harvested as far back as the Phoenicians, around 2,700 years ago. While Trapani is certainly an interesting place to spend the day, you may prefer to take a trip to Agrigento to marvel at the ancient Greek wonders of the Valley of the Temples, or you could sail across to the Aeolian Islands – a rugged volcanic archipelago with black sand beaches, hot springs and plenty of excellent hiking trails. 

Stay: Explora I or Explora II

The next leg of your cruise sees you cross over from Europe to North Africa, arriving in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. It’s a city of labyrinthine souks, white-domed mosques, elegant mosaics and intricately-tiled courtyards, centered around a UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina. In the more modern part of the city, known as Ville Nouvelle, there’s a distinctly French influence visible in the wide, tree-lined boulevards that lead to the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul. The nearby beachfront town of Sidi Bou Said, meanwhile, is reminiscent of Santorini with its blue-and-white houses and charming cobbled streets; you could also check out Carthage, home to an extraordinary collection of ancient Roman ruins. 

Stay: Explora I or Explora II

Returning to European waters, you’ll soon arrive on the shores of San Pietro, a small, sparsely populated island just off the southwestern tip of Sardinia – often overlooked by foreign visitors, but with plenty to offer both in terms of natural and cultural intrigue. Carloforte, the main settlement on the island, is a compact delight, with pastel-coloured Ligurian houses and pretty piazzas dotted among its cobbled streets, surrounded by the remains of ancient fortifications. The seafood here is highly coveted, specifically its bluefin tuna, said to be among the finest varieties of tuna in the world. Elsewhere on the island are pink-hued salt pans, dramatic coastal cliffs, sprawling sea caves and plenty of beautifully secluded coves where you can swim in crystal clear water. 

Stay: Explora I or Explora II

Today offers the chance to relax and recharge at sea, making the most of the ship’s onboard amenities and indulging in the exquisite dining options. Whether you fancy a trip to the spa, a workout at the fitness centre or simply unwinding with a book in one of the elegant communal lounges, there’s no shortage of ways to pass your time as you cruise west, across the Mediterranean, in the direction of Majorca. 

Stay: Explora I or Explora II

With its blend of gorgeous beaches, spectacular mountains, picturesque villages and rich culinary heritage, along with its reliably fine weather and relaxed pace of life, it’s easy to see why Majorca is widely regarded as one of the Mediterranean’s most seductive island destinations. Its vibrant capital, Palma, is the perfect starting point, home to a majestic 13th-century cathedral, a 14th-century Gothic-style royal palace and an abundance of wonderful places to sample the local cuisine. You could also opt to spend the day enjoying Majorca’s fabulous beaches or hiking in the peaceful and picturesque countryside. 

Stay: Explora I or Explora II

The final destination of your Explora Journeys luxury cruise is Barcelona. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to the airport to catch your flight home. If you’d prefer to extend your stay in one of Europe’s most captivating cities, filled with architectural masterpieces, world-class restaurants, historic food markets and delightful parks and beaches, feel free to speak to one of our experts.