DAY 1 – ROME
There’s more to Rome than its ancient architecture. The Eternal City is home to a seemingly endless array of hidden gems. The artistic-minded can enjoy fashion aristocracy, street art, vespa jaunts to The Appian Way and toss coins into fountains. Or you can stroll by appointment to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Pope’s private quarters at the Vatican. Explore the historic ruins of The Colosseum, Caravaggio churches, the Spanish Steps and The Pantheon.
Learn how to make pasta the true Italian way, hunt truffles, nibble gelato, sip coffee and sink into a 3000 year old pool for a wellness experience. an ode to homespun pasta at a Renaissance piazza. When in Rome, fusing old with new makes it simple to indulge in whatever you like.
Rome
DAY 2 – SORRENTO
Seductive Greek Sirens still sing from Sorrento’s shores and lure us into her astonishing beauty of Vesuvian sites, Amalfi hikes and a wealth of pretty Positano pleasures. Wander maze-like Centro Storico laced with hidden gardens and historic churches then prepare your palate for old-school pizzerias and lemony gelato in picturesque Piazza Tasso. Peer down into the Valle dei Mulini or venture to Lattari Mountain trails and dig into Italy’s most famous sites: ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Hop a yacht across the Bay of Naples to chic Capri or round Sorenntina Penisola for ravishing Ravello’s terraced gardens. Between sips of luscious limoncello and a wealth of wonders, Sorrento smoulders with eternal dolce vita glamour.
Sorrento
DAY 3 – MESSINA, SICILY
If Sicilians do everything better, then Messina is pure mastery.
The cathedral is finer; its bell tower taller; and the astronomical clock more magnificent. The fountains more fabulous with mythological figures and statue of the sea god. Cinematic settings more stunning in the nearby village where the movie “The Godfather” was filmed and wineries more fruitful growing in fertile lava fields. Top off your day Taormina, home of the magnificent Greek Theatre, or heli, hike and summit epic Mount Etna. Eternally exciting Messina is built to impress.
Messina
DAY 4 – AT SEA
Enjoy the varied restaurants or spa on Explora II.
DAY 5 – CAGLIARA
Cagliari fans out from the steep slopes of Il Castello, the hilltop citadel built by Pisan rulers in the 13th century, home to the opulent Cathedral of Santa Maria and bloody Elephant Tower, where trophy heads once hung.
The seven-kilometre expanse of Poetto Beach unfurls from the Devil’s Saddle (Sella del Diavolo) on St. Elia promontory, past a string of beachfront eateries where legendary Sardinian seafood is enhanced by crisp chilled Vermentino. Across the waves, the irresistible waters of Capo Carbonara Marine Reserve teem with colourful coral fans and kaleidoscopic sea creatures.
Cagliari
DAY 6 – ALGHERO, SARDINIA
Watch the sun melt into the horizon from Alghero’s monumental towers, three sentinels that keep watch over ancient walls. Dive into the Coral Coast around Capo Caccia and discover underwater worlds teeming with graceful rays and the skeletons of ancient wrecks, then delve into Neptune’s secret grotto, burrowed between limestone cliffs and pebbly beaches.
Don’t miss pretty Bosa, maiden of Sardinia, or the churches and museums of Sassari. Local wines are the perfect pour with lobster alla Catalana, plucked fresh from the deep blue sea.
Alghero
DAY 7 – MAHON
Beckon the buzz of a small UNESCO-listed island; proud of producing its own cheese, wine and rather distinguished gin. Sink into a lemon-scented laidback lifestyle that reflects elegant Georgian architecture, Spain’s oldest opera house, history, art and a monastery-based museum.
Off glittering turquoise shores, visit the Royal Naval hospital, shop for world-renowned shoes, amble amongst butterflies up coastal paths and rest for tapas in harbour-side tavernas. Celebrated yet discreet – unhurried Menorca is the low-key location to go and not to be seen.
Mahon
DAY 8 – BARCELONA
Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind.
Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you’re serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.
Barcelona
