Cruise Description

10 Night Cruise sailing from Barcelona roundtrip aboard Explora I.

Highlights of this cruise:

Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean and enjoys a mild climate all year round.Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest and most successful ports and one of the world’s leading cities in art and architecture.

From the modern cruise terminal at the docks you will need a taxi or tour to see the artistic beauty of this unique destination, credited to the talents of Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi, Jose Clara and others. Stroll the mosaic-paved Ramblas, the city's social hub, with open-air cafes, street entertainers and flower displays. See its unique Catalonian cultural heritage in the ancient Gothic Quarter, the surrealistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi and some outstanding museums.

Sights of interest include the Columbus Monument, the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia (1298 to 1454), the Maritime Museum, Picasso Gallery, La Sagrada Familia (Gaudi's unfinished cathedral), Palau Guell (Gaudi mansion) and the Olympic stadiums.

Arrecife
Lanzarote is the smaller of the two main Canary Islands, located about 100 km off the African coast. It’s capital, Arrecife, is home to the Canary Island's largest fishing fleet, due to its close proximity to mainland Africa. Shopping opportunities for souvenirs include local embroideries, baskets, and native Guanche pottery.

Arrecife has three beaches, Playa Blanca, El Reducto and Guacineta. Playa El Reducto, just south of Arrecife, is said to be the best beach. A short camel trek through Timanfaya National Park in the Fire Mountains is a popular tourist activity.

The primary destination along the northern coast from Arrecife is the volcanic grottoes at Jameos del Agua, formed when the lava flow reached the Atlantic Ocean.

Gibraltar
Gibraltar is both a town and country of only 7 sq. km , but it has its own airport, currency, postage stamps, naval and military garrisons, two cathedrals, its own newspapers, radio, and TV and a casino. "The Rock" enjoys a pleasant climate and has a recorded history dating from A.D. 711 and traces of cave occupation 40,000 years ago.

The Rock of Gibraltar is a massive limestone rock rising out of the sea to a height of 425m (1,396 ft.), and is often referred to as the Gateway to the Mediterranean.

The town of Gibraltar lies on the west side of the Rock around the harbors. You can visit the top attractions in 3 to 4 hours. Most visitors, however, allocate a full day.