Explorers Magazine Spring 2024

Kelly and Karl along with some of our amazing travel partners have just returned from our annual Cruise Conference on board Ambassador Cruise lines Ambience ship

Avoid overpaying for your holiday.

Experience the very best of Jordan on this mesmerising north-to-south tour!

An Unforgettable Journey in Middle China

The Cruise Collection 2024-25

Discover Krakow: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Nestled amidst the majestic Italian Alps, Lake Como beckons travellers with its serene beauty and an abundance of activities, both on its shores and in its crystalline waters. From leisurely strolls along cobbled streets to indulgent wine tastings, this picturesque destination offers an array of experiences to enchant every traveller's soul. Join us on a journey through the charm of Lake Como as we explore its breathtaking vistas, savour its delectable cuisine, and revel in its water-based adventures. Lake Como is an all-year round destination with many flight options in to Milan as the ski season is in full swing in the mountains over winter and the lakes & mountains options the rest of the year. For sun lovers, April to September is the best time, however, if you want to enjoy outdoor activities out of the heat, or want to simply relax then any time of the year is perfect. Walking Tours: Begin your adventure in Como at the southern tip of the lake. It's known for the Gothic Como Cathedral, a scenic funicular railway and a waterfront promenade. The Museo Didattico della Seta traces the history of Como's silk industry, while the Tempio Voltiano museum is dedicated to Italian physicist Alessandro Volta (think Voltage!) and visit beautiful Villas. The enchanting town of Bellagio, often hailed as the "Pearl of Lake Como." Meander through its quaint alleyways adorned with vibrant flowers, uncovering hidden gems such as rustic trattorias and cozy cafes. Admire the graceful architecture of historic villas like Villa Melzi, set amidst manicured gardens overlooking the tranquil waters of the lake. For a deeper immersion, venture beyond the town's confines and traverse ancient footpaths winding through verdant forests and serene hamlets. The Sentiero del Viandante, a centuries-old hiking trail, offers sweeping vistas of the lake and opportunities to stumble upon charming country inns and taverns offering traditional fare. Cycling Tours: For the adventurous souls, cycling around Lake Como offers a thrilling way to embrace its scenic landscapes and quaint villages. Rent a bicycle and pedal along the lakeside promenade, passing by picturesque vineyards and olive groves adorning the countryside. As you cycle through charming towns like Varenna and Menaggio, be sure to stop for a delightful picnic amidst the stunning scenery. Enjoy classic Italian treats such as crusty pies, artisan cheeses, and decadent chocolates, paired with a bottle of fine Italian wine procured from a nearby vineyard. Eating Local Foods and Wines: No visit to Lake Como would be complete without indulging in its exquisite culinary offerings and sampling its local wines, as well as those from nearby wine regions. Embark on a gastronomic journey through local markets in Como, where you can feast your senses on an array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats. Select the finest ingredients for a picnic by the lake, accompanied by a bottle of Lombardia wine, renowned for its sparkling, whites and robust reds. Alternatively, dine at charming lakeside restaurants and trattorias, where you can savor traditional Italian dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in regional specialties such as risotto with lake fish, creamy polenta with mountain cheese, and tender osso buco (Veal) paired with a velvety red wine from the nearby vineyards. Water-Based Activities: Embrace the tranquillity of Lake Como with a variety of water-based adventures that await you. Rent a rowing boat or paddleboard and glide across the serene waters, soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and charming lakeside villages. For a leisurely experience, embark on a scenic boat cruise, sunsets are amazing, explore hidden coves, historic villas, and picturesque islands scattered across the lake. You might even see George Clooney on his balcony! Is it for you? From leisurely walks and cycling tours to indulgent picnics and water-based adventures, and of course the food and wines, Lake Como offers a wealth of experiences to captivate the hearts of travellers. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, sampling local delicacies, or simply basking in the natural beauty of the region, a visit to Lake Como promises an unforgettable journey filled with traditional Italian charm. So pack your suitcase with your best walking shoes for the days, some evening wear, and your sense of adventure, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Lake Como – where every moment is a delightful excursion into adventure and elegance.

You could say I fall into the ‘fairly new’ to cruise category, after a previous short stay on the lively Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady two years ago, followed by a summer holiday to the Greek Islands with Royal Caribbean last summer. I know I like the variety that cruise offers, with a new destination to explore each day, different restaurants to eat in each evening and enough entertainment throughout the days and nights to even keep a livewire like me entertained! But luxury cruising was a new one on me, and one that I was keen to experience! So, when I heard about MSC Group launching a new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, I knew I had to experience it for myself. 
MSC doesn’t have a luxury capability currently, but I recognised that being owned by a family with the world’s largest shipping company could translate into something extraordinary. Fast forward to the February 2024, where I find myself on a plane to Barbados with my husband, embarking on an unforgettable journey aboard the inaugural ship, EXPLORA I. DISCOVERING THE ELEGANCE UPON EMBARKATION
 As we boarded EXPLORA I, the ship’s elegant design immediately caught my attention. Every detail exuded luxury, from the sleek interiors to the impressive central bar. Our Ocean view terrace exceeded expectations, offering a divine bathroom, a huge king bed, living space, and a terrace with day bed and table and chairs. So many little details have been included in each terrace to enhance the experience, from a stocked mini bar and a coffee machine to a separate dressing area with a Dyson hairdryer and leather-lined clothing rails, there are touch es everywhere that add to the luxurious feel. What truly sets the suite apart is the overall design, which fosters relaxation and indulgence. It truly felt like a home at sea. On arrival, each suite has the lovely touch of an iced bottle of Champagne, enjoying the room service on our terrace whilst drinking the complimentary Moet whilst we sailed away really was the most special way to start our holiday. CULINARY DELIGHTS
 The exceptional food is one aspect of EXPLORA I that left a lasting impression on me. From the Emporium Marketplace concept, which transformed the ordinary cruise buffet into an elegant dining experience where I enjoyed unlimited lobster tails and freshly cooked garlic prawns, to the other restaurants such as Fil Rouge, Med Yacht Club, Marble & Co. Grill and Sakura, with their outstanding interiors and diverse menus. Sakura, in particular, surpassed expectations with its sensational sushi (in my opinion the best at sea), and Marble & Co was also exceptional, with my husband devouring the largest Porterhouse I’ve ever seen! With the option to dine in restaurants as many times as you like, the hosts allowed us additional visits to our favourite culinary venues without a reservation. I must emphasise the variety and flexibility in the dining options, making Explora Journeys a perfect choice even for picky eaters. The 24-hour room service mentioned above also sets this ship apart. The range of foods available, all served quickly and at the right temperature, along with drinks to accompany really added a special experience. There is no additional charge for this service, it was truly incredible. THE POOLS THAT STAND OUT
 One design feature that captivated me on EXPLORA I was the innovative pool design. Given the two sea days included at the end of our itinerary, we got to fully experience the glorious sunshine on the contemporary, almost hotel-like design of the pools. Surrounded by large daybeds and strategically positioned to maximise the breathtaking views, these pools create a perfect ambience for relaxation and indulgence. Service as ever was impeccable, with hosts discreetly noticing when our drinks needed refilling, and always remembering what we were drinking, nothing ever seemed too much trouble. THE DIFFERENCE
 If you’re wondering where Explora Journeys sits in the luxury cruise market, rest assured it holds its own against other industry favourites. Exceptional service, culinary offerings, and innovative designs make it a fit for existing clients of those luxury brands. However, I believe that Explora Journeys would also be particularly appealing to those who enjoy staying in luxury hotels. With its emphasis on design, comfort, and personalised service, Explora Journeys offers a more intimate and unique way to experience the world that is sure to captivate even those who are new to cruising. My adventure aboard EXPLORA I with Explora Journeys was truly remarkable. 
The ship's graceful design, flawless service, mouth-watering cuisine, and thoughtful details have made a lasting impression on me. If you're in search of a luxurious ocean voyage that goes above and beyond, I would highly recommend Explora Journeys. Set sail on EXPLORA I and prepare for a journey that will elevate you to new levels of indulgence and luxury.

My trip to the Seychelles was, for me, a mixture of huge firsts! After working in this industry for 24 years this was my very first FAM trip!! I'd never flown from London Heathrow, let alone travel down there by train on my own!!! I'd never been thrown into a mix of 11 beautiful women I'd never met before who made the experience for me!! My only long-haul experience was Thailand about 18 years ago so I really didn't know what to expect from the Seychelles. It beat every expectation I had hands down!! Club Med have their own private boat transfer over to St Anne Island where they have their own private resort. It is located 3km from Mahe and 30 minutes from Victoria Airport. The approach to the island was spectacular, the beaches white, the sea a multitude of crystal blues. We were met by our group organiser, Ashley, who gave us a little welcome talk and escorted us to our rooms. As I sat on my balcony I was totally overwhelmed by how lucky I was to be in such a stunningly beautiful setting, the sea view from my room was amazing! There are two restaurants, one buffet, with 3 different themed areas and the other located in the Zen area which is table service, à la carte with Creole specialities. All the food was excellent. After lunch together we had the afternoon to ourselves, cosy on, down to the Zen beach ( adults only) this ended up being our little haunt as it was so beautiful and peaceful. We spent the afternoon in the sea, having a little drinkie or two and getting to know one another! Each night at a Club Med resort you have a theme night, our theme for that night was Club 45 which is a nod to the number of years they have been in business, Club 45 t'shirts are a must and bright as can be! During the trip we also had flower power, boho and whites night, this was literally like being in a club!!! Fab dance music, glow sticks, the lot!!! The All Inclusive was stunning, some of the best food I have ever tasted, such a mix from fish, different meats, signature dishes and plenty on the side. As were the drinks... premium branded alcohol, local beer (which was lovely!) amazing cocktails, even the wines were top notch! On the Tuesday we were treated to a full day excursion to two of the islands, Praslin & La Dique by catamaran ferry. Praslin famous for having the worlds largest seed called the Coco De Mer and lush forests and La Dique for having the most amazing Tortoise farm, we were very lucky to be able to get in with them and feed them. For me this was one of the biggest highlights of my trip, they are truly amazing and beautiful. The beaches on La Dique were also out of this world, looked very much like something out of Jurassic Park with its enormous granite rocks, it is still very colonial and the best way to get around the island is by cycling! On Wednesday we took a site tour of Club Med Seychelles which took us to the watersports beach where snorkling, paddle boarding, sailing and yoga take place! This beach has its own bar. Hiking and exploring is a must on the island too, they have eco walks where they ensure the island is clean keeping up with its harmonious holistic approach to life. They have a fantastic kids club which ranges from 4 to 17 years. They also provide the most stunning Wedding location on the island were they also have weekly sunset parties, fresh coconuts filled with rum, fabulous music and dancing to the sunset. We were given the Thursday to ourselves, so down to the Zen beach we headed for sea swimming, Reef Shark and crab chasing, strawberry daiquiri drinking, beautiful food eating and baking in the beautiful sun. The weather was very hot but with a lovely breeze that broke it a bit, it rained a couple of times but you could see the amazing storms coming in, we even sat in the sea drinking daiquiris during a rain storm which was fabulous for the soul! The island has its own resident tortoises who roam freely and even pose for pictures and videos! Also stunningly amazing were the fruit bats flying out and about all day, I became a bit of a geek, bat spotting!! I loved it 😍. Our last night together was hosted by the restaurant at the Zen area, all sat together talking about our experiences over the last few days, we all decided that being together as group made the whole thing for us, each and every woman was so supportive and caring of each other ♥️. The food again was magnificent, I've never had a fillet steak like it and probably never will do again!! Leaving the Island on our boat transfer back was filled with lots of emotions, the experiences I had had, the ladies I had met, the people I would probably never see again 😢. I'd had truly had one of the best times of my life that gave me a new found confidence in myself, suffering with anxiety it was one of the hardest things I have done on my own, especially the UK travel so I came away very proud of myself and my word of the trip in my own head was "WINNING". I was extremely lucky to have been sent to the Seychelles and given this opportunity to have such an amazing experience that will stay with me forever. 🤩😍. Steph, Travel Consultant