Vasco da Gama was the first famous explorer to sail directly from Europe to India. In 1497, he navigated around the Cape of Good Hope and reached the Indian subcontinent, landing in Calicut. This voyage was monumental as it opened sea trade routes between Europe and Asia. His successful journey marked the beginning of a new age of exploration and expansion for European powers, allowing them to establish trade relations with India and other parts of Asia, significantly influencing global commerce.