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In
Athens, cradle of philosophy and architectural wonders, we begin our
exploration. Sail to the pine-fringed beaches and charming harbours of
Skiathos, then stroll in the footsteps of ancients at Ephesus in Kusadasi.
Explore the poetic soul and jade forests of Lesbos before absorbing vibrant
rhythms, spice-scented bazaars and rich heritage in Istanbul. Loop back
towards storied Athens, pausing on the way to enjoy the remarkable ruins and
cosmopolitan sparkle of Mykonos.
Journey highlight
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1, Piraeus (Athens), GreeceDeparture 20:00
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, Skiathos, GreeceArrival 08:00Departure 18:00
One of 24 islands along an ancient trade route in the Aegean on Greece’s east coast, Skiathos is part of the Sporades, Greek for scattered. Known for its sandy beaches and scented pine forests that fall right down to the water, this is a Greek island idyll, with whitewashed townhouses with terracotta-tiled rooves, ancient monasteries clinging to the hillside, lagoons secreted in the trees and fish restaurants in beautiful bays. And oh that water – on a small boat explore the island’s inlets and capes, the sea caves and Lalaria, the picture-perfect rock arch only accessible from the water.
Day 3, Kusadasi (Ephesus), TürkiyeArrival 09:00Departure 19:00
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 4, Mytilene (Lesbos), GreeceArrival 08:00Departure 17:00
Lovely Lesbos is a lush, jade gem hidden in plain site — 10km (6 mi) from the Turkish coast — yet far from the maddening crowds. Life moves resplendently slow here and history hovers in millenniums. Step ashore and ponder where the poet and muse Sappho loved and sang; where Odysseus paused; and Homer’s Iliad stormed. Follow Mytilene’s cosy cobbled lanes to its fortified castle that presides like a sentinel over all. An island of fishermen, forests (some petrified) and a bevvy of birds singing praises to Orpheus, this Greek isle’s culture leans closer to Antonia and tilters on utter enjoyment.
Day 5, Istanbul, TürkiyeArrival 09:00
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, Istanbul, TürkiyeDeparture 02:00
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 7, Mykonos, GreeceArrival 09:00Departure 22:00
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, Piraeus (Athens), GreeceArrival 07:00
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.
Optional
Pre-Journey
Allow us to ease you into your travel experience by taking care of all the essentials before your Journey.
How to Reserve
Contact the Explora Experience Centre for assistance.
Allow us to arrange seamless private transfers to the ship from your hotel or the airport.
Air Travel & Private Air Charters
Through our airline partners we can help secure competitive fares, with flight protection.
Bespoke Hotel Arrangements
Through our hotel partners, we can arrange bespoke accommodation near your port of embarkation.
Onboard Experiences
11 distinct culinary experiences
Ocean-inspired signature treatments and rituals
12 elegant bars & lounges
State-of-the-art Fitness Centre and Open-Air Fitness designed in partnership with Technogym
Curated tastings and pairings
Bespoke shopping experiences
Five indoor and outdoor heated pools
Enrichment experiences
World-class entertainment performances
Culinary classes at the Chef’s Kitchen
The Casino
day [0]
Overnight
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Overnight
Time at Sea
Embarkation
Arrival
Departure
Arrival Method
Disembarkation
The majestic Hassan II Mosque, with its 690ft minaret, stands like a lighthouse in this
bustling
port city. Africa’s largest mosque, one of only two in Morocco open to non-Muslims, dazzles
with
mosaics, marble columns, and Murano glass chandeliers.
Casablanca blends tradition and modernity—Habous Quartier’s colonial Art Deco, Moorish
houses,
and lively souks contrast with its cosmopolitan nightlife, buzzing restaurants, and
Parisian-style cafés.
Destination Experiences
How To Reserve
Ocean Terrace Suite
Next Passage
Optional
Post-Journey
Allow us to extend the experience by making your Journey home as seamless as possible.
How to Book
Contact the Explora Experience Centre for assistance.
An immersive, authentic dining experience offering the finest Pan-Asian cuisine.
Onboard Experiences
Ocean Terrace Suite
An immersive, authentic dining experience offering the finest Pan-Asian cuisine.
Combine this Journey with another to create an extended ocean journey experience and enjoy savings of up to 20% compared to reserving each Journey individually with our Extended Journeys offer.