Explora Journeys Canary Islands: 20 nights from Barcelona with Explora II
Apr 3, 2025

Motril

Tanger

Casablanca

Casablanca is the cosmopolitan, industrial and economic heart of Morocco and represents a developing Nation.

Casablanca is the place where money was first creates, where the industry has its headquarter, where the art galleries offer the best contemporary art and where the fashion designer have a window on the world. The old pirates’ den is looking at the future, showing its richness and success. Casablanca is the city of contradiction. You can find a suffocating traffic jam, social issues and shanty towns as well as wide boulevards, well-finished parks, fountains and a surprising colonial architecture. The Hispanic-Moorish rich architecture, art-deco and modernist gems are all to be discovered in the city centre and are the symbol of Casblanca, such as huge the Hassan II Mosque, amazingly decorated.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, is located in the north-east of the island. Its pleasent climate and commercial areas make the city the perfect place for walking and enjoying long hours of relaxation. There are lots of things to visit in the city such as its avenues, parks and Henry Moore's most famous sculptures, hidden treasures and historic buildings such as the Church of the Conception or the Carta Palace.

Do not miss the opportunity to taste local cuisine. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a beautiful port located in Tenerife, the largest of the western islands of the Canary Islands archipelago. In the area around the port, there are wide avenues, squares, exotic green areas and some examples of modern architecture. At the heart of the city, near the sea, there is Plaza de España, built in the mid-20th century and once the site of the San Cristobal Castle (16th century).

The oldest part of the city is rich in religious monuments. The construction of the Church of San Francisco, one of the best examples of the Baroque style, began in the 17th century. The Church of Pilar, dated back to the 18th century, stands on the remains of an ancient temple. The city has also some green areas filled with exotic tree species. The Garcia Sanabria Park houses an important outdoor Sculpture Museum.

Another not to be missed place is the Maritime Park, a recreational area designed by architect César Manrique and located in the old Canary Islands commercial basin. Also known as the Black Castle, this circular defensive bastion was built in the first half of the 17th century with volcanic stones. From a naturalistic point of view, Tenerife is an island of contrasting landscapes. The wide beaches of fine sand in the south of the island give way to lush vegetation in the north.

Every year, the outfits of the island's capital prepare to host Carnival, declared International Tourist Interest and one of the most spectacular in Spain. Its privileged location makes it possible to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Las Teresitas, get to know the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands archipelago and is located in the northeastern part of the archipelago. It is named after a famous Genoese navigator, Lanzerotto Malocello, who discovered it in 1312 and founded the first settlements there. This island is renowned for its extraordinary landscapes: crystal-clear water, unspoiled nature, red land in contrast with the characteristic white houses are just some of the beauties of this area. The island's appearance changed in 1730 as a result of the eruption of Timanfaya.

Currently, the coast of Lanzarote is full of paths that reach inland villages through the Timanfaya National Park, an evocative landscape with an almost lunar atmosphere. For this reason, Lanzarote is not only the ideal destination for those who want to relax along the coast, it is also the ideal destination for sport lovers. The auster mountains, with their gentle reliefs, are ideal for those who love nature and adventure.

Gibraltar

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.

Alicante

Alicante, located along the Mediterranean coast, is a beautiful city renowned worldwide for its very long fine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Sun, beaches and sand are the main reason why a large number of people visit Alicante. An holiday in Alicante offers the opportunity to visit beautiful beaches and a large number of sites related to the history and culture of Spain. Different civilazations have passed through these lands, leaving their marks that can be seen in all the corners of this emblematic city. 

Not only does this beautiful city offer access to beautiful beaches, but it also offers a wide range of cultural activities, with its museums, festivals, and natural areas, especially the island of Tabarca, a Mediterranean Marine Reserve for the excellent quality of marine flora and fauna. Even though tourism is the most developed economic sector, the city has also developed a special interest in industry and commerce. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

Ibiza

Cagliari

There are many cruises embarking from the port of Cagliari in the West Mediterranean. From this city you can easily reach the Balearic Islands and the southern coasts of France and Spain. Cruises from Cagliari offer favourable prices and the city is an ideal starting point for visiting Sardinia. Straddling a long bay between enchanting blue waters and sun-drenched fields, Cagliari is a true emerald green waiting to be discovered. The city rises on and around the hill of the historic district of Castello, and spreads over the surrounding 9 limestone hills.

Cagliari is the regional capital of Sardinia and is called Casteddu in the local dialect. Its territory is one of the most interesting places to visit on the island, full of pure Mediterranean essence expressed in every corner, in every bite of its delicious cuisine and in its history of colonisation. The international port of Cagliari is very busy due to both the traffic and the passengers, especially in the summer months when the crowd of tourists remarkably increases. The best time to visit this city is spring, when the weather is not yet too hot and the average temperatures is 20°C. Discover cruises that depart from Cagliari on Taoticket and let our travel agents recommend you to find the best departure for you.

If your ship calls at Cagliari do not miss the Poetto beach, the most famous city beach where you can enjoy fresh drinks accompanied by traditional fish dishes. Local cuisine is very varied thanks to various influences received from other places like those from Liguria and even from distant Catalonia.

Tunis

Messina

Messina has a very lively passengers port, discover all the cruises that set sail from Messina on Taoticket. Thanks to a cruise from Messina, you can visit lots of localities in Italy, France, Spain and Malta. Departures from Messina often has very convenient prices. Compare the itineraries and the prices and depart for your cruise. Messina is located in the north east Sicily, about 90km from Catania and 230 km from Palermo. A lively
and chaotic city, Messina is a real highway of maritime traffic.

In ancient time, the Greeks mythologised the conflicting currents of the Strait of Messina as the twin monsters of Charybdis and Scylla (the six-headed monster). The history of this place is filled with many myths and legends, transforming Messina into a town with a fairy-tale and enigmatic atmosphere. The climate in Messina is Mediterranean: very hot and dry environment but mild in summer and with heavy rainfall in winter.

Messina can be a starting point for excursions to discover Sicily: do not miss Taormina and Giardini-Naxos, two ancient small towns founded by the Greeks rich in charm, history and typical gastronomic and handicrafts products. Here you can do shopping and buy souvenirs for your friends and family. If you are nature and trekking lovers, do not miss the excursions to Mount Etna, one of the largest still active volcanoes in Europe. You will pass through cool forests until you reach the barren peak covered with lava stones from the latest eruptions: a fascinating landscape all year round! In winter, Mount Etna opens its ski facilities while in summer it is a refuge from the heat of the city.

Have a snack with the typical Arancini di Riso (rice balls) or the Pidoni (calzones pizza stuffed with escarole, anchovies and scamorza cheese), and if you love dessert, do not miss the cassata Siciliana or the chocolate cannoli accompanied by a coffee granita with cream! Enjoy your meal and have a goodcruise from Messina.

Naples

Set sail from Naples for a holiday in Mediterranean with a cruise from Naples. The port of Naples offers cruises that depart from April to November at extremely convenient prices. Discover all the itineraries and companies sailing from Naples.
A jewel set between a dormant volcano and the steaming Campi Flegrei, Naples is an eclectic metropolitan city, always active and full of contradictions. The romantic Naples, distant two hours in the south of Rome, is one of the largest and most beautiful art cities in the Mediterranean. In addition to its beautiful scenery, the city owes its well-deserved fame to the beautiful historic centre, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.
Naples is rich in monuments and squares, for example the large and famous Piazza del Plebiscito. Do not miss the residential district of Posillipo or the characteristic small streets of the historic center. Naples is an ideal starting point for many excursions to discover Amalfi coast: visit Sorrento, Capri and Ischia, and you will be faschinated by the beauty of these lands! If you are history and archaeology lover you should visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, two great archaeological sites of worldwide importance preserved thanks to the ancient and devastating eruption of Vesuvius, the volcano on whose slopes the city of Campania was founded.

Not to be missed is a visit to the Reggia di Caserta, just a few kilometres away from Naples, where you will find yourself immersed in a magical atmosphere full of luxury, opulence and wealth. Handicrafts typical of the city are nativity scenes, which are very important all year round. The main street full of specialised workshops is Via San Gregorio Armeno, which can be reached by walking along the famous Spaccanapoli to an open space full of characteristic nativity scenes.

Before embarking on a cruise from Naples, soak up the city atmosphere without missing the Porta Nolana Market, where you will find fresh fish, seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as all kinds of clothing, bags and furnishings. For art lovers there is the Capodimonte Museum and the unmissable Cloister of Santa Chiara, while for the more daring we recommend a visit to the Catacombs of San Gennaro and Underground Naples, a parallel city carved out of the tuff and full of mystery.

Civitavecchia

The port town of Civitavecchia is about an hour away from the Italian capital and is where ships will dock before bringing lucky holidaymakers into the city of Rome. It is an important port for cruise ships and ferries, connecting to Corsica, Sardinia and Barcelona. Civitavecchia is a town in the heart of Lazio. It is a small, sleepy town that overlooks the sea from behind the busy and chaotic commercial port.

Spreading out along the coast, the town is situated between the Mignon river to the north and the Marangone river to the south.
Civitavecchia is a port town in the heart of Italy, in the province of Rome, 80 kilometres northwest of the capital.

It is shrouded in art and history, and is rich in bays and coves with sandy and rocky beaches. Today the town is the departure point for many cruises and journeys around the Mediterranean. It is an excellent tourist destination where you can simply enjoy 'la dolce vita' or visit the amazing historical monuments. On a level with the majestic ancient capital, in terms of its monuments, gardens, villas and works of art, it also gives you easy access to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Terme della Ficoncella, and the Etruscan ruins.

Civitavecchia will guarantee you an original and enchanting experience.