Explora opens reservations for winter Med experiences

Explora Journeys has opened reservations for curated destination experiences tied to “A Serene Mediterranean,” EXPLORA II’s Winter 2026-2027 Journeys Collection.

The collection runs from November 2026 through March 2027 and focuses on off-peak Mediterranean travel, with quieter ports, cultural experiences and shorter itineraries.

The luxury ocean brand has also announced a President’s Journey hosted by Explora Journeys president Anna Nash, as well as additional shorter sailings.

“The Mediterranean reveals an entirely different character as summer’s intensity wanes, offering a beauty that invites a Journey slowly unfolding and deeply experienced,” said Nash. 

“I am looking forward to being onboard EXPLORA II this December to share this contemplative season with our guests and to savour this more personal way to explore.”

President’s Journey

Nash will host guests onboard EXPLORA II from December 9 to 15, 2026, during A Journey of Atlantic Light & Volcanic Shores, sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon.

The President’s Journey will include hosted moments with Nash, giving guests opportunities for conversation and a closer look at Explora Journeys’ approach to luxury ocean travel.

Explora says the sailing is designed to bring the brand’s leadership and guest community together through onboard programming, shared experiences and direct engagement.

Shorter itineraries

Explora has also added a collection of shorter Journeys, designed for first-time guests, returning guests or travellers looking for a Mediterranean escape with fewer days away.

The four-to-nine-night itineraries include destinations such as Lanzarote, Santorini, Sicily, Tunisia, Casablanca, Málaga, Madeira, Patmos, La Gomera and Siracusa.

The shorter sailings span the Greek Islands, Atlantic coastlines of Portugal and Morocco and other Mediterranean destinations, while keeping the slower pace and destination focus of the broader collection.

Experiences now open

The curated destination experiences now open for reservations focus on art, gastronomy, history and local culture.

In Málaga, guests can explore Picasso’s birthplace before an exclusive opening of the Picasso Museum.

In Lisbon, a historic convent introduces guests to Portugal’s azulejo tile tradition through museum visits and hands-on workshops. 

In Reus, Catalonia’s creative history is explored through the world that shaped Gaudí’s early imagination.

Near Naples, guests can visit Pompeii, including ancient ruins, frescoes and the mosaics of the Villa of the Mysteries, with wines shaped by the volcanic soils around Mount Vesuvius.

Food-focused experiences include a visit to a historic palazzo in Palermo highlighting Sicily’s culinary traditions and a Tangier experience centred on Moroccan cuisine and preparing a traditional tagine.

Near Livorno, experiences along Tuscany’s Viale dei Cipressi focus on local estates and wines tied to the region’s landscape and heritage.

Reservations are now open.

Guests can also access Explora Journeys’ Victoria Day edition of “An Invitation to Explora,” which includes up to 35 per cent savings through May 26.

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