Explora Journeys
Surrender to an Athens sunset seeking dawn in Mykonos, a former haunt of Le Corbusier who said "unless you have seen the houses of Mykonos, you can't pretend to be an architect". In Skiathos we seek its unique biotape, a walker's paradise and life that is both cosmopolitan and old fashioned. Alongside jet-setters, sybarites and sophisticated connoisseurs, we slip into secretive sanctuaries in Kavala before setting a course through narrows of Hellespont to enigmatic Istanbul.
Day 1-2
Your journey will begin in Athens with a two night pre-cruise stay at Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens. Spend your first two days exploring this city steeped in history. Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibility - housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums.
Day 3
Spend one more day strolling through the vibrant streets and markets of Athens before embarking on Explora I and setting sail that evening.
Day 4
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; amphitheaters, temples, public squares, marketplaces and shrines to Greek Gods. Take a table in central Chora for perfectly-cooked, local dishes with generous views.
Day 5
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 roofs, ancient monasteries clinging to the hillside, lagoons secreted in the trees and fish restaurants in beautiful bays
Day 6
Volos deals a perfect blend of architectural gems, scented archaic landscaped and beach-fringes salty bays. Discover treasures in the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts before bearing off to Pelion, homeland of the mythical Centarus. Zig zag through a network of old cobbled donkey tracks linking villages and wander a botanist's dream of eucalyptus, fruit trees and thyme-scented woodland.
Day 7
Arrive into Thessaloniki and breeze into a beguiling mix of vintage and modern, awash with a thriving art, culture and history scene. Crowded with museums dedicared to the past plus an extraordinary 15 UNESCO sites - there's so much to learn. 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.
Day 8
Wind into lively alleys once known as the mecca of tobacco. Climb cobbled streets to Kavala's old town and the Byzantine walled fortress. Wander the scenic walls to the whitewashed lighthouse for a chance to spot Mount Athos/ Watch the amphitheater put on a show at the top Panagia, then descend into the Imaret complex of domes. Amble the taverna and bar-filled pedestrianised streets around Agios Nikolaos Church and visit to the atmospheric old hammam and mosaic memorial before routing to the ancient UNESCO city of Philippi.
Day 9
Today is spent at sea so take some time to relax and enjoy the range of unique luxurious facilities on board.
Day 10-12
Arrive into Istanbul and transfer to Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul for a 2 night post cruise stay. 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. By night parties don't start until late, but expect to dance until dawn. Join the late crowd spilling into the streets overlooking the Bosphorus.