Explora Journeys has opened reservations for the curated destination experiences forming part of “A Serene Mediterranean,” the Winter 2026–2027 programme aboard EXPLORA II, together with a selection of additional voyages. The collection, scheduled to operate from November 2026 through March 2027, has been designed around quieter seasonal travel across the Mediterranean, focusing on extended cultural engagement, smaller-scale experiences ashore and more flexible voyage durations.
The programme introduces a new series of destination experiences intended to highlight the heritage, gastronomy and artistic traditions of Mediterranean ports during the winter months. Explora Journeys stated that the season was conceived to present the region beyond the peak summer period, when reduced visitor traffic and slower rhythms ashore allow for a more measured style of travel.
A central feature of the collection is the President’s Journey aboard EXPLORA II, scheduled from 9th to 15th December, 2026 on the sailing titled A Journey of Atlantic Light & Volcanic Shores between Barcelona and Lisbon. During the voyage, Explora Journeys President Anna Nash is expected to host a series of onboard gatherings and curated events intended to offer guests a closer understanding of the brand’s approach to luxury ocean travel and itinerary design. Nash indicated that the Mediterranean assumes a different character during the winter season, with quieter ports, softer light and a slower pace shaping the experience ashore and at sea.
The winter deployment also introduces a collection of shorter itineraries ranging from 4 to 9 nights. These voyages are intended for guests seeking shorter Mediterranean sailings while retaining the immersive structure associated with the brand’s longer programmes. The itineraries include calls in destinations such as Lanzarote, Santorini, Sicily, Tunisia, Patmos, La Gomera and Siracusa, alongside overnight stays in Casablanca, Málaga and Madeira.
Across the season, curated shore experiences will focus on regional art, architecture, cuisine and local traditions. In Málaga, guests will be offered access to programmes centred on the legacy of Pablo Picasso and private museum visits, while Lisbon itineraries include experiences connected to Portugal’s ceramic traditions and historic convent architecture. Other programmes include explorations of Gaudí’s early influences in Reus, cultural visits in Sicily and culinary experiences in Tangier and Palermo.
Selected itineraries also incorporate more exclusive access arrangements in major destinations. Near Naples, guests will visit Pompeii and the Villa of the Mysteries alongside wine tastings connected to the volcanic terrain surrounding Mount Vesuvius. Additional winter-season experiences include private events in Gibraltar’s St. Michael’s Cave, after-hours visits to the Alhambra in Málaga and bespoke overland programmes from Casablanca to Marrakesh.
The Winter 2026–2027 deployment will keep EXPLORA II exclusively in the Mediterranean and adjoining Atlantic regions throughout the season, operating itineraries across Southern Europe and North Africa with a combination of established ports and maiden calls.