Explora Journeys Mediterranean: 14 nights from Barcelona with Explora III
Aug 3, 2026

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca: discover spanish islands

Palma de Mallorca is the main center of the island of Mallorca and is an enchanting stop during a cruise. It is renowned worldwide as a vibrant and culturally rich destination. La côte nord-ouest de l'île de Majorque, dominé par la chaîne montagneuse de la Serra de Tramuntana, est une belle région des oliveraies, forêts de pins et villages couleur ocre, avec un littoral spectaculaire. 

Best Of Palma

The northeastern coast is largely made up of two bays, the Badia de Pollença and the larger Badia d'Alcúdia. Its beautiful beaches are the ideal for sunbathing and water sports. Do not miss the opportunity to visit one of its famous market where you can taste local cuisine such as "sobrassada" (a type of sausage), "ensaimada" (a sweet pastry), and "pa amb oli" (bread with olive oil, tomatoes, and toppings). Palma de Mallorca is the main center of the island of Mallorca and it is an amazing stop during your cruise. It is renowned worldwide as a vibrant and culturally rich destination. This city has incredible energy, it attracts tourists from all over the world.

As soon as you arrive at the port, be prepared to be immediately surrounded by the beauty of the port; it’s a very cozy port. When you get off the ship, you are almost to the city center, where you see the Seu Cathedral. On your way to the center, grab prepared freshly churros and visit this cathedral. In the evening, this place offers beautiful views where you can enjoy the sunset. Nearby there are the incredible gardens of S'Ort del Rey, filled with fruit trees, olives and flowers. And nearby there is the Llotya de Palma building. But this is a cultural center that hosts temporary exhibitions.

The north-west coast of the island of Mallorca, dominated by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, is a beautiful region of olive groves, pine forests and ochre-colored villages, with a spectacularly wild coastline. Palma de Mallorca, is on the south side of the island, on a bay famous for its brilliant sunsets. Most of the south coast is lined with rocky cliffs interrupted by beaches and picturesque coves, while the interior is largely made up of the fertile plain known as Es Pla. The northeastern coast is largely made up of two bays, the Badia de Pollença and the larger Badia d'Alcúdia. Its beautiful beaches are the ideal for sunbathing and water sports.

If you have a little more time, then head to Soller, where you can taste the chocolate that is made there. You can reach this place on the legendary El tren de Soller train. Such trips will fill you with energy and strength, because you will see the beauty of cliffs, rocks and waves crashing against them. Just imagine how an old tram transports you across a mountain pass. In addition, we would advise you to go to the Cap de Formentor lighthouse, where you will see the beauty of nature.

And if you have even more time, be sure to visit the Drak caves. There you will see one of the largest lakes in the world, head to the grottoes, you will reach an amphitheater right in the cave, where a classical music concert will take place right on the boats. Just imagine how you will feel the moment of this beauty. After such life experiences, miracles happen in life.

Palma de Mallorca is a wonderful place, and the best place to go there is on a cruise ship. Live now and follow your dreams, book your dream cruise now.

Tanger

The city of Tangier (in Arabic طنجة, Tanja; in Latin Tingis) is a port in northern Morocco. Located at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, at the meeting point between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, the beautiful Tangier presents an unforgettable landscape that for centuries has attracted generations of artists, including Eugène Delacroix, Camille Saint-Saëns, Pierre Loti and Paul Morand. With its temperate climate, important vegetation, its luminosity and the strip of beach that extends for 3 km in a distinct way, Tangier seduces thousands of tourists every year. Its history makes it a mythical city, a land of relentless occupations and colonizations. The Old Medina preserves memories of Muslim influence: as soon as you cross the threshold, you will be assailed by the smells and perfumes of the Grand Socco literally known as the great soukh. Merchants in traditional costume will convince you to buy traditional clothes of the country and genuine leather products. A few meters away, you can also admire the Sidi Bou Abid Mosque, a favorite attraction for visitors. But be careful: entry to this place of worship is forbidden to non-Muslims. On the contrary, the modern city of Tangier, has preserved the French architectural experience, distinguishing itself The Grand Café de Paris, one of its fundamental pillars. Tangier is certainly one of those cities that must be deeply known to discover its wonders.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a port city with wide boulevards, squares and gardens with an atmosphere rich in history

Cadiz is an elegant city offering buildings dated back to XVIII and XIX Centuries. The City has a long and charming history: discover its monuments, the museums and all the amazing places where you can taste good food and have a drink. What makes Cadiz special it’s the people that are open, have a great culture and are independent. The majority of them enjoy life and the company of their friends in the many bars and squares of the city.

Portimao

Lisbon

Perched on steep slopes overlooking the Tagus River, Lisbon offers all the pleasures you'd expect from Portugal's main attraction.

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (in Portuguese Lisboa) has experienced a great rebirth in recent years, with a lively and flourishing contemporary culture. Perched on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare European cities that face the ocean and use water as an element that defines the city. Lisbon enchants travelers with its white limestone buildings, intimate alleys and an ancient charm that makes it a popular destination all year round.

Leixoes

La Coruna

La Coruña is a city and municipality in Spain. It belongs to the autonomous region of Galicia and is the capital of the province. Important historic port is located on the north-western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Rias Altas.

Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, La Coruña is a city whose history has maintained close ties with its old fishing and commercial port. The peninsula on which the houses of the historic center are located, beyond the Tower of Hercules, one of the symbols of the city and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you will find a set of interesting and historic streets, squares and medieval churches.
Although the origin of the town may appear as an old Celtic settlement, the history of the city began to be important in Roman times, when the port became a fundamental structure for the country.
Historically, the port has been the scene of some of the most important historical events in the city, such as the defeat of the English corsair Francis Drake in 1589, thanks to the resistance of the entire population and led by the protagonist María Pita.
The Finisterrae Aquarium, the Domus and the Science Museum are some of the areas that show the most modern and playful side of the provincial capital, also offers one of the most beautiful and extensive beaches of Riazor and Orzán. All this is completed with a traditional cuisine, marked by the excellence of its fish and meats from the interior of the province. Gastronomic city par excellence, it has many good places to enjoy the exquisite Galician cuisine. Furthermore, you will find several establishments that offer excellent wine, normally concentrated in the old part of the city.
In its splendid, always lively streets, there are good examples of Romanesque architecture. One of the most beautiful churches in the city is undoubtedly that of Santiago, the oldest in the area, built in the 12th century. Its large nave of arches houses a polychrome sculpture of Saint James dating back to the 13th century. For its architectural interest, it has been declared a Historical-Artistic Monument.
Sit on a terrace in Plaza de María Pita and discover its fascinating history, stroll through the Cantons admiring its famous modern-style crystal galleries, and if you want to go shopping, this is certainly the best place.

Bilbao

Bilbao, located on the Northern coast of Iberian Peninsula, is the ideal starting point to visit this area of Spain. Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, discover its culture and absorb its mild climate. With one of Europe's largest ports, the vibrant city has been able to invest in a redevelopment plan, trasforming its brownfield sites into cutting-edge cultural and architectural venues.

But it is its historic center, which continues to fascinate with its stores, alleys and monuments. The city was officially founded in the 1300s, consolidating its economic position. Thanks to the exploitation of mining and steel industry areas, port and ship activity and its financial center, the city became one of the most important cities during the Industrial Revolution. 

A modern and transportation network connects Bilbao to other cities in Spain. Thanks to its beautiful beaches, the city is the ideal destination for beach lovers. Beaches are not the only attractions in Bilbao, there are very fascinating places besides the beautiful beaches: the Cathedral of Santiago, located in the heart of the Old Town (Casco Viejo) is dedicated to the apostle Santiago, the official patron saint of the city of Bilbao since 1643.

Built at the end of the 14th century in the Gothic style, the neo-Gothic tower and façade were made by Severino Achúcarro in late 1887. The Old Bridge of San Antonio is located next to the church of the same name. Pablo de Alzola and Ernesto Hoffmeyer built a second bridge in 1877 but it was destroyed during the Civil War in 1937. San Antonio Bridge dates from the early 20th century, also known as the Atxuri Bridge, connecting the old neighborhood to the rest of the city. For nature lovers, the city is surrounded by a fertile landscape of forests, mountains, beaches, and cliffs that make Bilbao a tourist destination. A holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.

St. Jean De Luz

Southampton

Southampton is a city positioned in the South of Great Britain and its port is one of the main ports in Europe. From the port of Southamptos it is possible to set sail for a Cunard transatlantic cruise and reach New York, or visit Amsterdam and Belgium with an MSC cruise. The city offers, further to the New Forest National Park, a wide natural park with its suggestive woods, also many museums and art galleries and remarkable architectural works. Noteworthy is King John’s Palace, of Norman origins as well as the old walls with 7 entrances to the city. An evidence of the Victorian Age is Tudor House, collecting objects dated back to that period. For the art lovers, Southampton City Art Gallery offers exhibitions of any kind of art, from drawing to photography with shows that attract many visitors.