Explora JourneysEP20260820ISTFSA
A Journey through Coastal Gems & Spectacular Landscapes
Date
2026-08-20
Duration
11 nights
Departure Port
Istanbul
Turkey
Arrival Port
Venice
Italy
Rating
—
Theme
—
Explora Journeys
EXPLORA II
Launched
2024
Refitted
—
Tonnage
63,900 GT
Passengers
922
Cabins
461
Crew
700
Length
813 m
Width
32 m
Speed
18 knots
Adults Only
No
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Istanbul
For more than fifteen centuries, Istanbul has been the pivot upon which empires turned — Byzantium, Constantinople, the Ottoman capital — and nowhere else on earth compresses so much history into a single horizon. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace form an incomparable trinity of architectural genius along the Golden Horn; the Grand Bazaar's four thousand shops offer a sensory immersion unlike any other marketplace. Must-dos include a Bosphorus sunset cruise and a meal of mezze along the waterfront at Karaköy. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most gracious climate for this inexhaustible city.
Day 3
Day 3
Bodrum
Arrive 08:00Depart 21:00
Bodrum is the site of ancient Halicarnassus and one of the Seven Wonders, now a whitewashed Aegean resort town where the Knights Hospitaller castle houses the world's finest underwater archaeology museum. Visit June or September via Explora Journeys or Virgin Voyages for peninsula village dining, Bronze Age shipwreck treasures, and Turkey's most seductive balance of ancient heritage and contemporary Mediterranean sophistication.
Day 4
Day 4
Mykonos
Arrive 08:00Depart 22:00
Mykonos is the Aegean at its most seductive — a labyrinth of bougainvillea-draped whitewashed alleys designed to disorient pirates (and occasionally visitors) leading to Kástro, the medieval hilltop quarter overlooking Little Venice, where balconied houses hang directly above the sea. The island's famous windmills, perched on a ridge above the old harbour, are best photographed at golden hour as pelicans patrol the waterfront below. Visit the sacred archaeological island of Delos — a 30-minute boat crossing — for one of the most significant ancient sites in the Greek world. May, June, and September offer the perfect balance of warmth, light, and bearable crowds.
Day 5
Day 5
Athens (Piraeus)
Arrive 07:00Depart 20:00
Piraeus, the bustling port city of Athens, is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern charm, inviting travelers to explore its rich culture. Must-do experiences include savoring traditional Greek dishes at the Varvakeios Agora and embarking on day trips to nearby islands like Symi and Nydri. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are fewer.
Day 6
Day 6
Syros
Arrive 09:00Depart 23:55
Syros is the historic cultural capital of the Cyclades, where neoclassical Ermoupolis cascades between Catholic and Orthodox hilltop quarters in a setting of rare architectural beauty. Visitors should explore the miniature La Scala–style Apollo Theatre, taste the island's exclusive San Michali cheese and handmade loukoumia, and wander the medieval lanes of Ano Syros. May through October offers the ideal balance of warm weather, calm seas, and a vibrant festival calendar.
Day 7
Day 7
Paros
Arrive 09:00Depart 20:00
Paros is the Cycladic island of luminous marble — the stone that sculpted the Venus de Milo — where ancient quarries, one of Greece's oldest Byzantine churches, and the fishing village of Naoussa offer the authentic Aegean experience that Santorini and Mykonos have traded for fame. Visit May through October via Ponant or Explora Journeys for a Cycladic island that travelers discover second but return to for life.
Day 8
Day 8
At Sea
Day 9
Day 9
Corfu
Arrive 09:00Depart 18:00
Where Homer placed the island of the Phaeacians and four centuries of Venetian rule left their most enduring Mediterranean legacy, Corfu is a singular island of extraordinary historical depth and natural beauty. The UNESCO-listed Old Town — its narrow Kantounia alleyways, the elegant Liston arcade, and twin Venetian fortresses — is the finest preserved Venetian streetscape in Greece. Beyond the town, secret coves, olive groves of immense antiquity, and mountain villages offer weeks of unhurried discovery. May through June and September offer perfect conditions: warm sea temperatures, clear skies, and the island before or after its summer crescendo.
Day 10
Day 10
Hvar
Arrive 12:01Depart 20:00
Hvar port, with its rich history and stunning coastal charm, is a must-visit destination in Croatia. Don't miss indulging in local specialties like pašticada and the breathtaking views from the fortress. The best time to visit is during the late spring or early fall when the weather is delightful and the crowds are manageable.
Day 11
Day 11
Rijeka
Arrive 09:00Depart 20:00
Rijeka is Croatia's vibrant third city and 2020 European Capital of Culture, where Habsburg waterfront architecture, a thriving arts scene, and one of Europe's most exuberant carnivals create an authentic alternative to the Dalmatian tourist trail. Visit from April through October for the magnificent Korzo promenade, Trsat Castle views, and gateway access to the Kvarner islands.
Day 12
Day 12
Venice (Fusina)
Arrive 08:00
Venice, approached from the Fusina port across its luminous lagoon, remains one of the world's most extraordinary cities — a thousand-year-old republic built on 118 islands and laced with canals, palaces, and masterpieces. Must-dos include riding the Grand Canal by vaporetto, savouring cicchetti at a traditional bacaro, and visiting the colourful islands of Murano and Burano. April through June and September through November offer the finest light and the most manageable crowds.
Day 1
Istanbul
For more than fifteen centuries, Istanbul has been the pivot upon which empires turned — Byzantium, Constantinople, the Ottoman capital — and nowhere else on earth compresses so much history into a single horizon. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace form an incomparable trinity of architectural genius along the Golden Horn; the Grand Bazaar's four thousand shops offer a sensory immersion unlike any other marketplace. Must-dos include a Bosphorus sunset cruise and a meal of mezze along the waterfront at Karaköy. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most gracious climate for this inexhaustible city.
Day 3
Bodrum
Arrive 08:00Depart 21:00
Bodrum is the site of ancient Halicarnassus and one of the Seven Wonders, now a whitewashed Aegean resort town where the Knights Hospitaller castle houses the world's finest underwater archaeology museum. Visit June or September via Explora Journeys or Virgin Voyages for peninsula village dining, Bronze Age shipwreck treasures, and Turkey's most seductive balance of ancient heritage and contemporary Mediterranean sophistication.
Day 4
Mykonos
Arrive 08:00Depart 22:00
Mykonos is the Aegean at its most seductive — a labyrinth of bougainvillea-draped whitewashed alleys designed to disorient pirates (and occasionally visitors) leading to Kástro, the medieval hilltop quarter overlooking Little Venice, where balconied houses hang directly above the sea. The island's famous windmills, perched on a ridge above the old harbour, are best photographed at golden hour as pelicans patrol the waterfront below. Visit the sacred archaeological island of Delos — a 30-minute boat crossing — for one of the most significant ancient sites in the Greek world. May, June, and September offer the perfect balance of warmth, light, and bearable crowds.
Day 5
Athens (Piraeus)
Arrive 07:00Depart 20:00
Piraeus, the bustling port city of Athens, is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern charm, inviting travelers to explore its rich culture. Must-do experiences include savoring traditional Greek dishes at the Varvakeios Agora and embarking on day trips to nearby islands like Symi and Nydri. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are fewer.
Day 6
Syros
Arrive 09:00Depart 23:55
Syros is the historic cultural capital of the Cyclades, where neoclassical Ermoupolis cascades between Catholic and Orthodox hilltop quarters in a setting of rare architectural beauty. Visitors should explore the miniature La Scala–style Apollo Theatre, taste the island's exclusive San Michali cheese and handmade loukoumia, and wander the medieval lanes of Ano Syros. May through October offers the ideal balance of warm weather, calm seas, and a vibrant festival calendar.
Day 7
Paros
Arrive 09:00Depart 20:00
Paros is the Cycladic island of luminous marble — the stone that sculpted the Venus de Milo — where ancient quarries, one of Greece's oldest Byzantine churches, and the fishing village of Naoussa offer the authentic Aegean experience that Santorini and Mykonos have traded for fame. Visit May through October via Ponant or Explora Journeys for a Cycladic island that travelers discover second but return to for life.
Day 8
At Sea
Day 9
Corfu
Arrive 09:00Depart 18:00
Where Homer placed the island of the Phaeacians and four centuries of Venetian rule left their most enduring Mediterranean legacy, Corfu is a singular island of extraordinary historical depth and natural beauty. The UNESCO-listed Old Town — its narrow Kantounia alleyways, the elegant Liston arcade, and twin Venetian fortresses — is the finest preserved Venetian streetscape in Greece. Beyond the town, secret coves, olive groves of immense antiquity, and mountain villages offer weeks of unhurried discovery. May through June and September offer perfect conditions: warm sea temperatures, clear skies, and the island before or after its summer crescendo.
Day 10
Hvar
Arrive 12:01Depart 20:00
Hvar port, with its rich history and stunning coastal charm, is a must-visit destination in Croatia. Don't miss indulging in local specialties like pašticada and the breathtaking views from the fortress. The best time to visit is during the late spring or early fall when the weather is delightful and the crowds are manageable.
Day 11
Rijeka
Arrive 09:00Depart 20:00
Rijeka is Croatia's vibrant third city and 2020 European Capital of Culture, where Habsburg waterfront architecture, a thriving arts scene, and one of Europe's most exuberant carnivals create an authentic alternative to the Dalmatian tourist trail. Visit from April through October for the magnificent Korzo promenade, Trsat Castle views, and gateway access to the Kvarner islands.
Day 12
Venice (Fusina)
Arrive 08:00
Venice, approached from the Fusina port across its luminous lagoon, remains one of the world's most extraordinary cities — a thousand-year-old republic built on 118 islands and laced with canals, palaces, and masterpieces. Must-dos include riding the Grand Canal by vaporetto, savouring cicchetti at a traditional bacaro, and visiting the colourful islands of Murano and Burano. April through June and September through November offer the finest light and the most manageable crowds.
Cabin Categories
Cocoon Residence
Suite
753–1604 m²Max 4
CR
For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of our Ocean Residences. Enjoy perfect views of the oceans from your terrace’s dining area and private outdoor whirlpool, and make the most of our dedicated butler service.
FEATURES
Private butler services
Oversized windows with views of the sea
Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
Abundant lounge area
Dining table for 6 guests
Spacious work desk area
Private bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Laptop-size safe
OUTDOOR
Panoramic oceanfront terrace, with private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table and sun loungers
BEDROOM
Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system
Large double sofa bed
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Oversized walk-in wardrobe with vanity area
BATHROOM
Luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub and a separate walk-in shower room
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaDining AreaVanity AreaShowerBath+15
View Details
Cove Residence
Suite
753–1604 m²Max 4
CO
For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of our Ocean Residences. Enjoy perfect views of the oceans from your terrace’s dining area and private outdoor whirlpool, and make the most of our dedicated butler service.
FEATURES
Private butler services
Oversized windows with views of the sea
Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
Abundant lounge area
Dining table for 6 guests
Spacious work desk area
Private bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Laptop-size safe
OUTDOOR
Panoramic oceanfront terrace, with private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table and sun loungers
BEDROOM
Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system
Large double sofa bed
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Oversized walk-in wardrobe with vanity area
BATHROOM
Luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub and a separate walk-in shower room
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaDining AreaVanity AreaShowerWhirlpool Bath+15
View Details
Deluxe Penthouse
Suite
463–732 m²Max 4
DP
The Ocean Penthouses offer a luxurious, spacious retreat with ocean-front floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces to unwind and relax. And with a characterful private dining area for four, and a calm, comfortable place to work, you can entertain with others or spend time to yourself as you see fit.
FEATURES
Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows helping you feel closer to the sea
Spacious lounge area
Dining table for 4 guests
Spacious work desk area
Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
OUTDOOR
Spacious oceanfront terrace with a dining area. Comfortable daybeds or sun loungers for relaxation
BEDROOM
Bespoke queen-sized bed or twin beds sleep system
Some suites with a double sofa bed
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Spacious walk-in wardrobe with vanity area
BATHROOM
Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
Some suites with bathtubs and ADA facilities
King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaDining AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries Provided+13
View Details
Grand Penthouse
Suite
463–732 m²Max 4
GP
The Ocean Penthouses offer a luxurious, spacious retreat with ocean-front floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces to unwind and relax. And with a characterful private dining area for four, and a calm, comfortable place to work, you can entertain with others or spend time to yourself as you see fit.
FEATURES
Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows helping you feel closer to the sea
Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
Spacious lounge area
Dining table for 4 guests
Spacious work desk area
Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
OUTDOOR
Spacious oceanfront terrace with a dining area. Comfortable daybeds or sun loungers for relaxation
BEDROOM
Bespoke queen-sized bed or twin beds sleep system
Large double sofa bed
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Spacious walk-in wardrobe with vanity area
BATHROOM
Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
Some suites with bathtubs and accesible facilities
King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaDining AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries Provided+13
View Details
Ocean Grand Terrace Suite
Suite
377–420 m²Max 3
GT
Our Ocean Grand Terrace Suites features a larger oceanfront terrace of 11 sqm, featuring an outdoor dining area and comfortable sunbeds for relaxation.
All suites include elegant lounge areas, private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas. All suites feature spacious walk-in wardrobes with a seated vanity area."
FEATURES
Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows helping you feel closer to the sea. Lounge area with flexible coffee/dining table
Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
OUTDOOR
Spacious oceanfront terrace with a dining area
Comfortable sunbeds for relaxation
BEDROOM
Bespoke queen-sized bed or twin beds sleep system
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Spacious walk-in wardrobe with vanity area
BATHROOM
Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
Some suites with bathtubs and accessible features
Double or Twin ConfigurationKing or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerBath+12
US$9,855 /person
Ocean Terrace Suite
Suite
377–420 m²Max 3
OT1OT2OT3OT4
Our Ocean Terrace Suites elegantly combine space - at 35 sqm they are amongst the largest in the category - and light, as they all have floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces, to help you truly relax and feel closer to the ocean that carries you on your journey.
All suites include elegant lounge areas, private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas. All suites feature spacious walk-in wardrobes with a seated vanity area."
FEATURES
Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows helping you feel closer to the sea. Lounge area with flexible coffee/dining table
Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
OUTDOOR
Spacious ocean-front terrace with a dining area. Comfortable daybed for relaxation
BEDROOM
Bespoke queen-sized bed or twin beds sleep system
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Spacious walk-in wardrobe with vanity area
BATHROOM
Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
Double or Twin ConfigurationKing or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerBath+12
US$9,135 /person
Owner's Residence
Suite
3014 m²Max 4
OR
The iconic Owner’s Residence creates the largest accommodation on-board, with multiple harmonious spaces in which to relax, entertain and unwind. Stand in awe of the panoramic ocean views from your private outdoor terrace - featuring a spacious whirlpool - and enjoy intuitive, intelligent service with a dedicated private butler.
FEATURES
Dedicated private butler services
Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
Abundant lounge area with fireplace
Dining table for 8 guests
Spacious work desk area
Private bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Laptop-size safe
Guest lavatory and powder room
Butler pantry area
OUTDOOR
Panoramic oceanfront terrace covering the full ship’s width, with a private outdoor large whirlpool, day beds, a dining table, lounge area, shower and sun loungers
BEDROOM
Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system
Large double sofa bed
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Oversized dressing room
BATHROOM
Luxurious marble double vanity bathroom
Spacious bathtub and separate shower room
Private steam room
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
Double or Twin ConfigurationKing or Twin ConfigurationSecond BedroomLounge AreaDining AreaVanity Area+17
View Details
Penthouse
Suite
463–732 m²Max 4
PH
The Ocean Penthouses offer a luxurious, spacious retreat with ocean-front floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces to unwind and relax. And with a characterful private dining area for four, and a calm, comfortable place to work, you can entertain with others or spend time to yourself as you see fit.
FEATURES
Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows helping you feel closer to the sea
Spacious lounge area
Dining table for 4 guests
Spacious work desk area
Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
OUTDOOR
Spacious oceanfront terrace with a dining area. Comfortable daybeds or sun loungers for relaxation
BEDROOM
Bespoke queen-sized bed or twin beds sleep system
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Spacious walk-in wardrobe with vanity area
BATHROOM
Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaDining AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries Provided+13
View Details
Premier Penthouse
Suite
463–732 m²Max 4
PP
The Ocean Penthouses offer a luxurious, spacious retreat with ocean-front floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces to unwind and relax. And with a characterful private dining area for four, and a calm, comfortable place to work, you can entertain with others or spend time to yourself as you see fit.
FEATURES
Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows helping you feel closer to the sea
Spacious lounge area
Dining table for 4 guests
Spacious work desk area
Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
OUTDOOR
Spacious oceanfront terrace with a dining area. Comfortable daybeds or sun loungers for relaxation
BEDROOM
Bespoke queen-sized bed or twin beds sleep system
Some suites with a double sofa bed
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Spacious walk-in wardrobe with vanity area
BATHROOM
Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaDining AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries Provided+13
US$13,050 /person
Retreat Residence
Suite
753–1604 m²Max 4
RR
For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of our Ocean Residences. Enjoy perfect views of the oceans from your terrace’s dining area and private outdoor whirlpool, and make the most of our dedicated butler service.
FEATURES
Private butler services
Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
Spacious lounge area
Dining table for 4 guests
Spacious work desk area
Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Laptop-size safe
OUTDOOR
Spacious oceanfront terrace with private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table and sun loungers
BEDROOM
Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system
Large double sofa bed
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Oversized walk-in wardrobe with vanity area
BATHROOM
Luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub and a separate walk-in shower room
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaDining AreaVanity AreaShowerWhirlpool Bath+15
View Details
Serenity Residence
Suite
753–1601 m²Max 4
SR
For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of our Ocean Residences. Enjoy perfect views of the oceans from your terrace’s dining area and private outdoor whirlpool, and make the most of our dedicated butler service.
FEATURES
Private butler services
Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
Spacious lounge area
Dining table for 6 guests
Spacious work desk area
Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
Laptop-size safe
OUTDOOR
Panoramic oceanfront terrace with private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table and sun loungers
BEDROOM
Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system
Large double sofa bed
Down duvets and pillows
Extensive pillow selection
Oversized walk-in wardrobe with vanity area
BATHROOM
Luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub and a separate walk-in shower room
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Custom bath toiletries and amenities
Hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaDining AreaShowerBathWhirlpool Bath+15
View Details
Interested in This Voyage?
Our cruise specialists can help you find the perfect cabin and the best available pricing.
(+886) 02-2721-7300Contact Advisor