Cruise Description

9 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.

Motril
Motril is a town and municipality on the Mediterranean coast in the province of Granada, Spain. It is located midway between the resorts of Malaga to the west and Almeria to the east and is the biggest town on the Costa Tropical.

Motril offers beautiful beaches and a lively port. The town centre has many tapas bars and restaurants and the marina and nautical club offers a variety of watersports. Motril’s coastal strip has two main beaches; Playa Poniente and Playa Granada.

Granada is only 40 minutes from Motril and is worth a visit to see the famous Alhambra Palace, the Generalife Gardens and the Hamman Arabic baths.

Malaga
This lovely capital of Spain's Costa del Sol has an ancient history that goes back to Phoenician times. Presiding over the city is the majestic Moorish citadel, the Alcazaba. Visit Pablo Picasso's birthplace in the Plaza de la Merced or some of the beautiful old churches: Sagrario with its 16th century alter and Santiago with its Moorish tower. Venture to hilltop Mijas for an enchanting example of an Andalusian village.

Málaga is surrounded by mountains, lying in the southern base of the Axarquía hills, and two rivers, the Guadalmedina (on the left bank) and the Guadalhorce, flow near the city into the Mediterranean. The inner city of Málaga is just behind the harbour. The quarters of El Perchel, La Trinidad and Lagunillas surround this centre.

Apart from all the cultural attractions, Malaga is a perfect location to enjoy life. The relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere and the perfect climate attract many tourists.

The people in Malaga (Malagueños), are known for going out at night for a chat, a drink or to eat out. The town therefore has a great variation of restaurants, bars and bodegas, which are normally busy throughout the week. The Malagueños are also known for loving everything about their town and are particularly proud of their world famous citizen, the painter Pablo Picasso.