As summer crowds begin to depart the Mediterranean, Explora Journeys is preparing for a quieter season with A Mediterranean Winter, a new series of voyages aboard EXPLORA II from November 2026 through March 2027. The collection includes 46 destinations across ten countries, including Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France, Italy, Malta, Greece and Gibraltar, offering more time in port. Four overnight stays in Casablanca, Lisbon, Madeira and Malaga highlight the itinerary lineup, with late departures from Malaga, Cannes, Siracusa and Gibraltar.
“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, in a press statement. “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.”
Explora’s New Season in the Med
The season introduces maiden calls in destinations such as Ceuta, Palamos in Girona, La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Algeria’s capital, Algiers. Each stop connects cultural contrasts, from North African coastlines to the Iberian Peninsula’s culinary and artistic traditions. The ship’s smaller size allows access to ports that larger vessels bypass, including Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura and Santa Cruz de La Palma, part of Explora’s focus on lesser-visited locales and the quieter side of Ibiza.
Designed as a modern oceanfront hotel, EXPLORA II blends comfort with space and thoughtful design. Your clients can unwind in residential-style suites or enjoy the Ocean Wellness program, which follows the rhythm of the sea to promote calm and balance. Onboard dining features seasonal ingredients and regional wines tailored to each sailing.
Season highlights include immersive experiences such as a private Christmas concert in Gibraltar’s St. Michael’s Cave, an exclusive evening opening of the Alhambra in Malaga and a curated overnight journey from Casablanca to Marrakech. Extended stays align with festive markets in Funchal and cultural celebrations in Syracuse.
Among the individual journeys, the 12-night Journey of Atlantic Light and Volcanic Shores sails from Barcelona to Lisbon on Dec. 9, 2026. The 8-night Journey of Riviera Lights and New Year Celebrations runs from Barcelona to Civitavecchia beginning Dec. 28. The 10-night Journey from Amalfi’s Cliffs to Andalusian Sun departs from Civitavecchia on Jan. 14, 2027, ending in Barcelona.
For more information, visit explorajourneys.com.
