The itinerary of Explora I’s maiden voyage
Explora Journeys has announced the itinerary for Explora I’s maiden voyage, which will depart on July 17, 2023 from Southampton in the United Kingdom and will last 15 nights through wondrous fjords and beyond the Arctic Circle, setting sail for Northern Europe and docking in 12 ports and 4 countries.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys, anticipated that there will also be surprises for guests during the trip, such as exciting experiences, carefully selected giveaways, and fantastic guest artists; all to satisfy the desire of discerning travelers to discover the world around them, meet new people, and reconnect with themselves.
The ship will depart from Southampton and arrive at Zeebrugge in Belgium and Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Brønnøysund, Flåm, Bergen and Stavanger in Norway, before continuing on to Denmark, where it will visit Skagen and the country’s capital, Copenhagen.
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The first stop is Zeebrugge where guests will enjoy medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, beautiful canals and the gardens of Bruges. From here they will travel north along the magnificent west coast of Norway, where the Atlantic meets the Arctic.
Geiranger, is the perfect example of a typical Nordic village, where the fjord is so famous that it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best known for the large and wild Seven Sisters Falls, among the ten highest in the world.
Trondheim was the Viking capital of Norway until 1217, and its harbor dates back to 997. A must-see is its Romanesque-Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, which is an important stop for pilgrims in northern Europe.
Molde, known as the “city of roses” because of its fertile soil, rich vegetation and summer blooms; it is surrounded by 222 snow-capped peaks and boasts quaint bars and boutiques.
Leknes is a town and administrative center of the municipality of Vestvågøy and the most populated urban center in Lofoten and Vesterålen, Nordland county in Norway. Warmed by the Gulf Stream and lit by 24 hours of sunlight, it offers tropical beaches, horseback riding, eagle rays and unforgettable views.
Brønnøysund features a swimming lake right in the center of town, a mountain with a large hole in the middle visible to the naked eye, and a marina with breathtaking hiking trails.
The Flåm Railway is among the most scenic excursions one can make aboard a train, and along the way it offers unique natural wonders such as the Nærøyfjord, also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bergen‘s 14th-century Hanseatic harbor, Bryggen, provides visitors with a first glimpse of a city rich in arts, crafts and food markets. Its high-quality restaurants make it a worthy representative of the cities that are part of the UNESCO gastronomic network.
Explora Journeys: between Atlantic and Newengland
The colorful old town of Stavanger offers cobblestone streets and immaculately restored white wooden houses, as well as quaint bars, boutiques, museums, and a vibrant nightlife. The city is surrounded by fabulous natural scenery and movie-perfect beaches just waiting to be explored. This is the last port of call in Norway.
Skagen, which represents Denmark’s northernmost point, is also where the Baltic Sea and the North Sea meet. The rich artistic history of this place speaks of the many painters seduced by its unique light. In addition, its excellent seafood cuisine, architecture, and large dunes that shift with the wind on Råbjerg Mile make Skagen a must-see place.
On August 1, Explora I will arrive in Copenhagen, the friendliest capital city in Northern Europe with its special dining experiences, exciting cultural experiences, and green oases in the heart of the city. Its architecture varies from the medieval period to the Renaissance to the contemporary landscape, and it is also the hippest and trendiest city in Scandinavia, another place guests will never forget.
Guests aboard Explora I for its maiden voyage will be able to immerse themselves in local cultures, exploring both major sights and lesser-known corners, taking in some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders.
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