Explora Journeys
Discover hidden gems and glittering harbours whilst onboard Explora III on this remarkable destination cruise journeying through North America’s inlets and coastal waterways. Taking shelter from the wild swells of the Atlantic in Nova Scotia’s salty fishing towns and historic cities. With candy-striped lighthouses and towering red cliffs, this maritime province has a distinct rugged and wild feel, just waiting to be discovered.
After thoroughly exploring the centuries-old architecture during a three-night stay in Quebec City, begins the voyage through North America’s coastal treasures. Embark on Explora III to uncover this stretch of undulating coastline, dotted with French Acadian villages and Scottish Gaelic churches where rocky headlands are interrupted by great crescents of silver sands. Relax and restore in this natural habitat of mountains, valleys and forestry for as far as the eye can see.
A sanctuary of unparalleled comfort and space, Explora III embodies the essence of effortless elegance, evoking the feeling of being aboard a private yacht. Creating an atmosphere of upmost tranquillity, embark on one of the world’s finest ships, with state-of-the-art amenities complimented by an unmatched list of inclusions, Explora is redefining the notion of luxury at sea. Opportunities for indulgence are endless, with wellness facilities inspired by the sea's restorative powers – escape to this private retreat to fully relax and unwind after the natural adventures of the day.
Day 1 - 3
Arrive in Quebec and transfer to the luxurious Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, where you’ll stay for the next three nights. Encounter a province thriving with culture and cuisine, history and history, as well as so much more. Explore impressive architecture, intriguing history, and the treasured streets of UNESCO praised Old-Quebec. With its renowned elegant European feel, relax in Parisian-inspired bistros, and be culturally saturated by its modern art exhibitions. Delve deep into nature to kayak through a fjord, walk the width of Montmorency Falls, zipline, paddleboard, surf and mountain bike in tranquil settings.
Day 4
With an unambiguously hypnotic feel of stepping into an untouched wilderness, submerge into the raw natural beauty and protected wildlife in the heart of the River Saguenay at La Baie. Within the Fjord, learn about Canadian history, spot black bears roaming in their natural habitat, and embark on a wealth of adventurous activities from kayaking, sailing, to skiing. With endless opportunities for both the body and mind, most importantly relax and restore on the first step of the voyage in this nature-lover’s paradise.
Day 5
Heed the calm of the wilds in Sept-Îles, famed for its immense landscape of forests, lakes, and mountains. Walk hand-in-hand along stretches of sandy beaches, listening to the soulful sounds of the tides gently lilting the shoreline. Stroll the Vieux-Quai promenade for museums, shops, and cafes serving the region’s famed ‘fruit de mer’. Head to Lac des Rapides to kayak, canoe and cycle a mirrored lake reflecting soaring pines. Boat to Grand Basque Island, in the heart of the grandeur, or navigate the St. Lawrence River seeking ghostly water sprays from minke and humpback whales.
At Sea
Recharge and rejuvenate with a restorative day of sailing across the Atlantic. Treat yourself to health, beauty, and restorative treatments in the revitalising spa or enjoy the onboard fitness options – offering a chance to truly focus on you. Watch the world go by, perhaps with a drink or two at the choice of bars, lounges, and social spaces. In the evening, dine in luxury and elegance at specialty restaurants.
Day 7
With a distinct nostalgic feeling of stepping back in time, make lifelong memories on Prince Edward Island as you explore the capital city of Charlottetown. For such a small city, Charlottetown is bursting with energy, illustrated by its bustling art and culture scene teeming with historical discoveries. Soak in the romance and nostalgia of its postcard-perfect streetscapes, wander along lengthy boardwalks where lobster boats and sailing yachts cosy up in the shelter of deep-water harbours. Admire red brick facades by horse-drawn carriage or choose a coastal drive to encounter the full beauty of this picturesque region.
Day 8
Embrace the perfect balance of urban charm, historic sites, captivating scenery, and warm hospitality in Cape Breton. Rugged, wooded, and wild highlands drew Gaelic Scottish settles who saw the island as a landscape reminiscent of Scotland. Their welcoming Celtic roots still shine through in Nova Scotian culture, with toe-tapping fiddle tunes and traditional ceilidh music producing a cacophony of sound and dance. Absorb the wild scenery hiking along part of the far-reaching Cabot Trail, where dramatic coastal peaks, pine forests, and hidden waterfalls beckon every adventurer. From heritage sites and artisan studios to historic landmarks and immersive cultural experiences, the Island invites exploration of its many stories.
Day 9
Welcome the vibrant, culture-filled capital of Nova Scotia. Trace Canada’s roots back through historic sites and museums, shop in the fresh farmers’ market, dine in a flourishing food scene and head up the ancient fort crowned hill for commanding views of the harbour. Drop down to sip at a winery, embark on a salt-water ferry cruise and head to Peggy’s Cove to glimpse the iconic lighthouse. With a wealth of wooded nature never far away, wind around the coast and wander through Canada’s most glamourous Victorian gardens to gaze at flower beds blooming with beauty.
At Sea
Against a backdrop of endless blue, relax and rejuvenate through embrace of the Ocean State of Mind. A variety of wellness, dining, and entertainments awaits to enrich the mind, body, and soul – offering the rare chance to disconnect with the outside world and reconnect with yourself and loved ones. Later, tantalise your tastebuds in one of the exquisite restaurants before taking a seat for sophisticated evening entertainment.
Day 11
Stroll into the elegant beauty of Newport, once the summertime escape for the wealthiest Americans during the Gilded Age and still remaining one of America’s most popular summer idylls in the present day. No visit to Newport would be complete without a visit to one of its famed mansions, established by families such as the Vanderbilts and Astors as their seaside “cottages”. The city’s landscape encourages perambulatory discovery, whether it’s exploring the walkable downtown district, or taking a stroll along the breathtaking Cliff Walk, with its scenic views of both the sea and the 19th-century “cottages” which loom over it.
Day 12 - 14
Wake up to be part of the city that never sleeps. An epicentre for the arts, architectural daring, dining and shopping capital – culturally rich and perpetually evolving, there’s a lot to bite off in the Big Apple. Get an aerial view of the sprawling city on a helicopter flight over the Manhattan Skyline for flawless sights of the Statue of Liberty, neon-lit Times Square, the verdant expanse of Central Park, and the sky-scraping Empire State Building. Explore Picasso, Pollock, and Van Gogh amongst others at the Museum of Modern Art. As evening falls, take a walk with your loved one over Brooklyn Bridge for that ultimate movie moment before returning home to the UK after a three-night stay exploring this unique city.