Poised as if to kiss the continent of Africa, Andalusia hugs the southern coast of Spain and embraces cultural influences from both sides of the strait. This is the birthplace of Don Juan and Carmen, evening paseos by women in lace mantillas, cape-twirling matadors. In short, it is quintessential Spain. The beaches of the Costa del Sol are legendary. And behind lie equally magnificent mountain ranges sheltering picturesque "white villages.

Welcome to the Iberian Peninsula, home to some of the world's freshest seafood, finest wines and most flavourful local produce. On this 17-day trip across Northern Spain and Portugal, tingle your tastebuds as you eat and drink your way through cities and towns made famous by their cuisine. Hop from taperias to wine bars, learn how to cook authentic and delicious local meals, explore ancient wine cellars and fresh food markets and wander the fields of a farm before sitting down to a home-cooked meal. From sweet Portuguese tarts to savoury Spanish jamon, delight all your senses on this food-forward adventure.

Embrace the joys of island-hopping from treasure to treasure, pausing in Sicily, Sardinia and the Balearics, as well as exploring mainland gems like splendid Florence, epic Rome, Ancient Carthage and beautiful Barcelona. Coast through the sparkling panache of Monte Carlo and the Cote d'Azur. Absorb tranquil, timeless whispers at the Pantheon and the elusive secrets of Pompeii. Then sample Palermo's architectural and culinary delights and Sardinia's fine white sands before looping back through Spanish charms.

From the stirring soul of San Juan, we trace the shores of colourful Antillean islets, pausing to stroll on the smooth sands of Antigua and Saint Barthélemy and discover the sparkle of Florida Keys. Indulge in every mind-body luxury, poolside wonder and culinary pleasure aboard EXPLORA II, with an unforgettable night under starlit Bermuda skies. The scenery of the Azores regales us with its stories before the claps of castanets draw us to Andalusia, and onwards to art-filled Barcelona.

Embark on a journey that traces a coastline of wonders and majesty. Starting in bustling, art-suffused Barcelona, feel the pulse of cultural heritage.

Experience the dolce vita, from the old-world sophistication of Monte Carlo to the wild coastline and Renaissance elegance of Italy. Linger on sun-drenched shores and marvel at the beauty of Sicily, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands. Barcelona's brilliance guides us towards the rural idylls of Provence and Cannes, then onwards to breathtaking nature in Cinque Terre and Monte Argentario. We wrap up our adventures by treading in the footsteps of Caesar in historic Rome.

Fill your senses with the aromas, flavours and spectacles of an extraordinary odyssey through ancient grandeur and luscious landscapes. From Rome's architectural splendour and Pompeii's fascinating history, follow a trail of Mediterranean island beauty on the shores of Italy and Spain. Seek out fields of lavender and lemon, olive groves and hidden lagoons. The allure of Tunis leads us over the sea and beyond, whirling between islands until we return to iconic Barcelona.

Discover genius in Lisbon, where Henry the Navigator started a school that trained men to explore the world. Looping back, indulge in the pleasurable playgrounds of Cadiz and Tangier, finally pushing through the Gates of Hercules.