Poised as if to kiss the continent of Africa, Andalusia hugs the southern coast of Spain and embraces cultural influences from both sides of the strait. This is the birthplace of Don Juan and Carmen, evening paseos by women in lace mantillas, cape-twirling matadors. In short, it is quintessential Spain. The beaches of the Costa del Sol are legendary. And behind lie equally magnificent mountain ranges sheltering picturesque "white villages.

Welcome to the Iberian Peninsula, home to some of the world's freshest seafood, finest wines and most flavourful local produce. On this 17-day trip across Northern Spain and Portugal, tingle your tastebuds as you eat and drink your way through cities and towns made famous by their cuisine. Hop from taperias to wine bars, learn how to cook authentic and delicious local meals, explore ancient wine cellars and fresh food markets and wander the fields of a farm before sitting down to a home-cooked meal. From sweet Portuguese tarts to savoury Spanish jamon, delight all your senses on this food-forward adventure.

From the artistic allure of Barcelona, journey to Marseille's sun-drenched Calanques and the sparkling beauty of Porto Cervo's Costa Smeralda. Stroll in the pastel-hued haven of Portofino before exploring Renaissance masterpieces in Florence. Drift along the Côte d'Azur, where the timeless glamour of the Riviera shimmers in Nice. Enjoy time at sea to relax, reflect and indulge in unparalleled wellness, dining and entertainment as we loop back to Mediterranean enchantment in stylish Barcelona.

From Ibiza's sunlit days to warm Riviera nights, we traverse Provence's rich fields and Cannes' seafront glamour. The Cinque Terre's colourful villages, Monte Argentario's dramatic scenery and Rome's eternal flame are yours to unearth. The spirit of discovery ignites your thirst for adventure in Naples, Sicily, Tunis and Barcelona. Spend idle days relishing unparallelled luxury in Monaco, Saint Tropez and Corsica, then create memories on Sardinia's soft sands.

This journey features the gift of time to pursue the ship's delightful diversions. Onboard, seek personal enrichments, enhance your wellness, enjoy cooking classes and cocktails on your private terrace. But it's the in-between that stays with you -- the free-spirited shores of Tangier, surfing sand dunes and gentle waves in Gran Canaria, topped with a paradisiacal culmination in the Caribbean's.

Shimmering sunsets and unparallelled luxury await you on a cerulean sea adventure. Linger overnight on the resplendent banks of the Bosporus before indulging in the spectacular Cyclades beauty of Mykonos and Santorini, and the Adriatic wonders of Corfu, Hvar and Pula. Wander through the piazzas of Venice and explore the fortresses of Dubrovnik and Kotor, the picturesque Amalfi Coast and ancient legends of Rome. Finally, absorb glittering blends of art and heritage in Monte Carlo, Florence and Barcelona.

Awaken the senses and quiet the mind during a voyage across a timeless sea. Firstly, fall under the spell of Cadiz and Funchal then find fathoms of peace enjoying the well-appointed amenities and a restorative wellness journey aboard EXPLORA I. After 6 languid days at sea, the sun rises with calls in St. John's, Road Town and San Juan.