Explora Journeys Turkey and Greece Cruise

DAY 1 – ATHENS

Athenians don’t live in the past. Ahead of its time, Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibility – housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums. And you can’t help but marvel at the archaeological wonders of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through vibrant streets and markets, dance at buzzing bouzoukia, sing along in tavernas. At night, head to the harbour, where dimly lit bars serve the local ice cold beer. And, as you inhale the salty air and watch Greek fishing boats peacefully depart for their catch, reflect on this ancient city’s progressive attitude.

DAY 2 – PATMOS

A tiny island with a big reputation. Voyage to this discreet island where few go. Famed for being the discerning guests’ paradise; sun-kissed beaches, clear waters shielded by protective coves and undeniably warm local hospitality. Classically Greek with beautiful, mountainous views of perfectly positioned white houses dotted high into the hills. Known as the Land of Legends, St John was said to have written his Book of Revelations here. Quiet but with a powerful energy, you’ll understand why this island was named “Letois”, after the goddess and huntress of deer, Artemis, daughter of Leto. It was believed that Patmos came into existence thanks to her divine intervention.

DAY 3 – AT SEA

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

DAY 4 – ISTANBUL

Embark on a European and Asian adventure packed with a wealth of charm and cultural diversity. Roam the ‘blue’ mosque of Sultan Ahmet, the Grand Bazaar, opulent Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia or sink into a serene Turkish Bath experience. Embrace the city’s vine-shaded homely district where ladies shop for butter-soaked baklava and freshly picked olives. Explore further to haggle for gold jewellery, linen and oriental antiques. Dine in the atmospheric old city or take a ferry to Asia for street-served food. Feast over rich platters of meze, moist grilled bluefish and succulent kebabs. Heighten your senses even further in the spice bazaar with enticing aromas and vibrant, colourful displays. After such a sensorial feast, indulge in a restorative raki, whichever continent you’re in. By night parties don’t start until late, but expect to dance till dawn. Join the late crowd spilling into the streets overlooking the Bosphorus. Sway at European rooftop bars, shimmer by ferry over to the Asian suburbs or remain ensconced in old-fashioned folk venues. An eclectic fusion of east and west, this city is conservative at heart with a truly modern soul.

DAY 5 – ISTANBUL

Embark on a European and Asian adventure packed with a wealth of charm and cultural diversity. Roam the ‘blue’ mosque of Sultan Ahmet, the Grand Bazaar, opulent Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia or sink into a serene Turkish Bath experience. Embrace the city’s vine-shaded homely district where ladies shop for butter-soaked baklava and freshly picked olives. Explore further to haggle for gold jewellery, linen and oriental antiques. Dine in the atmospheric old city or take a ferry to Asia for street-served food. Feast over rich platters of meze, moist grilled bluefish and succulent kebabs. Heighten your senses even further in the spice bazaar with enticing aromas and vibrant, colourful displays. After such a sensorial feast, indulge in a restorative raki, whichever continent you’re in. By night parties don’t start until late, but expect to dance till dawn. Join the late crowd spilling into the streets overlooking the Bosphorus. Sway at European rooftop bars, shimmer by ferry over to the Asian suburbs or remain ensconced in old-fashioned folk venues. An eclectic fusion of east and west, this city is conservative at heart with a truly modern soul.

DAY 6 – KUSADASI

Prepare for an exclusive explosion of history, culture and carpets. Walk in Cleopatra’s steps and pay homage to the Roman ruins of Ephesus. Journey through fields bursting with cotton, olives and peaches until the hills broaden and Ephesus arises. Dedicated to Artemis, visit monuments, shrines, columns and ruins. The place where Popes pray and pilgrims drink (holy water). Fully immerse yourself within this ancient spot of worship; wish for good health and meditate in the sacred thermal pools of Pamukkale. Travel out to Orthodox villages combining Turkish-Greek culture and feast on organic filo, feta and spinach. Learn about Turkish weavings, natural dyes and different materials; see looms in action, knotting carpets and kilims. Steeped in history and with terrain as diverse as the culture, it won’t just be the traditional Turkish coffee that will make you sit up straight.

DAY 7 – MYKONOS

If you start early, you’ll have Mykonos to yourself. Stroll narrow streets famous for Cycladic architecture and getting lost; white-washed cubed buildings, alluring boutiques, orthodox churches and traditional windmills. Join glitterati guests at elegant events on iconic beaches, sink into saltwater pools, tour vineyards and dance at bars where beats evolve in tempo (and volume). When the heat of the day dies down, drop into the sacred isle of Delos to explore remarkable ruins; amphitheatres, temples, public squares, marketplaces and shrines to Greek Gods. Take a table in central Chora for perfectly-cooked, local dishes with generous views; mounds of flaky filo, Greek salads, halloumi and sea urchin, washed down with freddo. When the sun sets, head for a signature sundowner with views across the ocean. After dark, follow the fun to legendary bars and clubs. Progressive and profoundly beautiful.

DAY 8 – ATHENS

Athenians don’t live in the past. Ahead of its time, Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibility – housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums. And you can’t help but marvel at the archaeological wonders of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through vibrant streets and markets, dance at buzzing bouzoukia, sing along in tavernas. At night, head to the harbour, where dimly lit bars serve the local ice cold beer. And, as you inhale the salty air and watch Greek fishing boats peacefully depart for their catch, reflect on this ancient city’s progressive attitude.

Discover EXPLORA II, a beautifully crafted haven, the epitome of vibrant, cosmopolitan European elegance – a floating home-away-from-home

Luxurious, serene, and spacious, each of the 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences have been created with refined European elegance, comfort and simplicity as the focus to offer a real ‘Home at Sea’ to guests.

Explora I features 461 Ocean front Suites:

• 1 Owner’s Residence
• 22 Ocean Residences
• 67 Ocean Penthouses
• 371 Ocean Terrace and Ocean Grand Terrace Suites

82 of suites are multi-generation-friendly connecting suites.

Travel the world, and taste it.

Nine distinct inclusive culinary experiences focused on healthy, delicious food from local, sustainable sources.

Passion For Authenticity, Provenance And Wholesome Ingredients

Worldly, sophisticated, and well-travelled, with European panache, the culinary and beverage experts bring together an abundance of experience and artistry to the curation of immersive dining experiences. The team brings enthusiasm for provenance along with a plethora of stories about the rare ingredients, which are hand-selected just for Explora Journeys.

Throughout the year, wine selections will reflect the regional areas where the ship sails, while offering favourite grape varietals including French Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Australian Shiraz, and Nebbiolo. Sommeliers will constantly source boutique wine labels to build an inspiring menu with truly interesting choices and very rare bottles.

Your home at sea

• Private terraces which are amongst the largest in the category
• Large floor-to-ceiling windows with elegant interiors
• Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area

Environmental supporting technologies

• Hybrid-ready energy solutions
• Waste-management and energy-saving solutions
• No single-plastic used on-board and ashore

Generous outdoor decks

• Four swimming pools
• Several indoor and outdoor whirlpools
• Poolside dining and lounging
• Wellness Centre, Fitness Centre and gym
• Children’s playground and Nautilus Club for children age 6-17

Lounge & be entertained

• Twelve indoor and outdoor bar and lounge experiences with curated entertainment and intimate performances
• Nine Restaurants
• Casino, art gallery and curated shopping experiences

Holistic wellness & fitness

• Over 350 sq m (3,750 sq ft) of indoor and outdoor wellness facilities designed in partnership with Technogym
• Fitness Centre, Fitness Studio, Open Air Fitness, Running Track