7-night Mediterranean cruise from Athens (Piraeus), Greece on EXPLORA I
The A Journey of Classical Greek Spectacles & the Vibrant Charms of Istanbul is a 7-night Mediterranean cruise aboard EXPLORA I, operated by Explora Journeys. Departing Athens (Piraeus), Greece on April 7, 2028, the voyage visits 6 ports including Volos, Thessaloniki, Istanbul. Fares start from $4,520 per person.
Fixed editorial images from the places on this itinerary. They stay stable each time you return to this sailing.
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area.
From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.
Volos
Volos is a commercial and industrial city; it is Greece's third-largest port. Much of it has been rebuilt after a severe earthquake in 1955. The location in the gulf of the same name and near scenic Mount Pelion ensures this town an attractive setting. Interesting sites in the surrounding areas include imposing monasteries perched atop craggy mountains and a fine Archaeological Museum. Volos was founded in the 14th century in an area which has been occupied by man since the Neolithic era. A short distance out of Volos, the second millennium saw the establishment of the Mycenaen city of Iolkos, seat of King Pelias and home of his nephew Jason, who sailed from here with the Argonauts. Remains of Mycenaen buildings have been discovered near the river, where a palace stood around 1400 B.C. The main reason visitors come to Volos is to depart on excursions to the monasteries of Meteora. Their lofty position atop gigantic pinnacles makes them the area's foremost attraction.
Thessaloniki
Breeze into a beguiling mix of vintage and modern, awash with a thriving art, culture and history scene. Crowded with museums dedicated to the past plus an extraordinary 15 UNESCO sites – there’s much to learn. Admire ramparts built to last; the impressive Galerius Palace, the beautiful domed multi-serving Rotunda, a bevy of Byzantine churches and the curious 15th century White Tower. Dig deeper into the past to trace pre-historic times at the Archaeological Museum. Rove around Ladadika narrow streets and charming squares that emit a Parisian air, absorb Greek produce in the Market’s holy halls and soak up modern art on the lively waterfront. Raise hairs at Heptapyrgion, take coffee in Aristotelous Square or head out of town to peer at Alexander the Great’s birthplace in Pella and Vergina’s royal tombs. Perfectly poised on the placid Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki brings past and present together in remarkable harmony.
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EXPLORA I, the first of four luxury best-in-class ships, will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships ready to set sail in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Exquisitely designed with the guest and relaxed, home-like comfort in mind - and in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers - the innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design.
With 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, guests will enjoy feeling closer to the sea and in port thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 35 sqm (377 sq ft) which makes them among the most spacious for the luxury cruise category.
Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximising guest choice and create areas of quiet seclusion and privacy. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 sqm (26,909 sq ft) delivering stunning views of the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpools on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship has been designed with water as a real focal point of the onboard experience - helping our guests discover their ocean state of mind.
Tailored to suit personal preferences, flexible dining times at nine distinct restaurants will provide unrivalled variety at sea. Each venue will celebrate global culinary talents, with a focus on provenance and wholesome ingredients sustainably sourced from local partners. To make sure guests are spoilt for choice, several indoor and outdoor bars and lounges will also be in place to unwind and relax.
The wellbeing experience onboard was inspired by our love for the sea, with a spacious indoor/outdoor spa and fitness area on board. From treatment rooms to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group workout classes to personal training appointments, tailor-made programmes make keeping well while on holiday effortless and enjoyable. Bespoke wellness experiences at each destination will make relaxation and rejuvenation easily accessible both onboard and ashore.
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