Explora Journeys
Set sail with Explora Journeys onboard the EXPLORA I. Fuelled by its heritage of sea-faring expertise, Explora Journeys strives to be a vessel through which one can discover their love of life as they embrace new destinations and create lifelong memories. The EXPLORA I, which first set sail in 2023, represents a new era of luxury ocean travel. This ship features an exquisite design with incredible architecture mixed with environmental technologies.
Discover beautiful and historic Italian and Greek cities and towns on this unforgettable 12 night cruise and stay. Enjoy two nights in Barcelona before setting sail on your eight night luxury cruise onboard the EXPLORA I which will end with a two night post cruise stay in Athens.
Day 1 – 3
Your journey will begin in Barcelona with a two night pre cruise stay at the Grand Hotel Central in a Double Classic Room on a bed and breakfast basis. Spend your days in Barcelona exploring all this incredible city has to offer. Visit the magnificent basilica Sagrada Família, wander the city’s most famous street La Rambla, marvel at the incredible views from Gaudí’s Park Güell, or relax at Barcelona’s beautiful beaches. On day three guests will transfer to the port to begin their cruise with Explora Journeys onboard the EXPLORA I.
Day 4
Today is your first day at sea onboard Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA I. While at sea, take some time to recharge before your next port of call. Lounge by the pool, visit the spa, treat your tastebuds at one of the many onboard restaurants or enjoy some entertainment.
Day 5
The first stop on this unforgettable cruising journey is Trapani, Sicily. Trapani is located on the west coast of Sicily and is a gateway to many Sicilian towns and attractions. Visit the beautiful hilltop town Erice for one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Sicily or travel to Monreale to visit the Norman cathedral and wander through the orange, olive and almond groves. Alternatively, admire some of the best-preserved relics of Greece’s Golden Age at the ancient city of Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 6
The next stop is Valletta, the capital city of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful city is home to some of Europe’s finest art works, churches and palaces. Wander through the city’s narrow street and discover quaint shops and charming cafes. Be sure to visit St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master's Palace.
Day 7
Today your cruise will dock in Taormina, Sicily. This medieval town is located on the side of a mountain overlooking the Ionian Sea. Taormina has a rich historical and cultural past and also boasts stunning natural scenery. A must visit is the Teatro Greco, a horseshoe-shaped theatre which was built in the 3rd century B.C. and is regarded as the most dramatically situated Greek theatre in the world. Also be sure to explore the beautiful bays, grottoes and pretty pebble beaches below.
Day 8
Today is another day at sea onboard Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA I. While at sea, take some time to recharge before your next port of call. Lounge by the pool, visit the spa, treat your tastebuds at one of the many onboard restaurants or enjoy some entertainment.
Day 9
Next your cruise will dock in Chania, a town in Crete where eclectic architecture meets ancient empires. Wander through the town’s charming narrow streets lined with Venetian townhouses and Byzantine churches. Alternatively, relax on one of the soft sandy beaches including the beautiful Beach of Balos where soft white sands meets shallow turquoise and emerald-green waters. Dine at one of the stunning harbourside restaurants and admire the views of the pastel sunset and the towering Egyptian lighthouse.
Day 10
The next stop is Naxos, the largest island in the Greek Cyclades. This island is home to vibrant lush valleys, long sandy beaches, medieval towers and charming mountain villages. Hike between mountain villages among cedar forests, olive groves and marble quarries edged by beautiful pristine beaches and afterward indulge in some well deserved fresh Aegean seafood. A trip to Naxos is not complete without a visit to Portara of Naxos, a massive marble doorway built in the 6th century B.C. and the island’s most popular attraction.
Day 11 – 13
Your cruise will end in Athens where you will disembark and transfer to The Dolli at Acropolis where you will stay for the next two nights in a Deluxe Room on a bed and breakfast basis. This ancient city is famous for its rich culture, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. Spend your days exploring this fascinating city with an abundance of attractions to see including the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Acropolis of Athens, a citadel situated on a rocky outcrop containing ruins of several ancient building. On day 13 guests will transfer to the airport for their flight home.