On Explora Journeys cruises, a wide selection of beverages are included in your fare. This includes fine wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees, teas, soft drinks, and an in-suite mini-bar stocked with your choice of wine and spirits. Guests are also welcomed with a bottle of champagne in their suite upon arrival. While most beverages are included, an exclusive selection of ultra-premium wines and spirits is available for an additional fee, ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience throughout your journey.
Wi-Fi
Unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is included on Explora Journeys cruises, keeping you connected throughout your journey. Whether you need to catch up on emails, video call loved ones, or simply browse social media
Specialty Dining
Explora Journeys offers an all-inclusive dining experience, including specialty restaurants that showcase diverse culinary traditions. From immersive tasting menus to global cuisine crafted by expert chefs, all specialty dining venues are included in your fare. This ensures you can explore every dining option onboard without worrying about additional costs, enjoying a true feast for the senses.
Tips
Gratuities are included in the fare on Explora Journeys cruises, so there’s no need to worry about tipping during your voyage. This covers the exceptional service provided by the crew, from your housekeeping team to dining staff and beyond.
Accommodation
Your cabin is included in the price of the cruise.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from the buffet and main dining restaurants are all included. Meals from the specialty dining restaurants are additional.
No surprises. All port fees and taxes are included in the price.
Extras
Excursions
If you would like to do any excursions/tours while docked these will be an additional charge. Excursions/tours can’t currently be booked with us online but please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add these to your package. Alternatively these can be bought while on the ship but may be more expensive than pre-booking.
Insurance
Have the peace of mind that you're covered. Contact us after you have made the booking if you would like us to add this to your package.
Parking
Car parking at the port or airport for the duration of your trip is not included within the price of the cruise. Port/airport parking can’t currently be booked with us online but please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add this to your package. An approximate cost for parking is between £12 - £20 per car per day. Alternatively we can arrange transfers from your home to the departure airport/port.
Transfers (home to port)
Transfers from your home to the port or airport aren't included but we can help organise coach transfers, taxis etc to make your life easier. Please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add these to your package.
Visa
Visas are not provided by us or the cruise operator. Visas and other travel documents have to be obtained by the individual passengers prior to sailing.
Ship Facilities
Explora I - By Explora Journeys
Good For CouplesExplorationLuxury ShipUltra Luxury
To book an accessible cabin, please give us a call
020 3991 1166
Customer reviews for Explora I
5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Cabin
5
Service
5
Excursions
4
Dining
5
Activities
4
Value for money
4
Entertainment
5
Our 2nd cruise with Explora 1 did not disappoint, beautiful ship, great staff and excellent quality food/drink. Would not hesitate to highly recommend.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
Talk to a Cruise Expert
Our cruise experts will help you pick the perfect cruise line, ship and destination.
We can tailor any package to suit your holiday needs: Add or extend hotel stays, arrange flights and find the best cabin location for you.
The Jewels of the Aegean Sea from Istanbul, 23 August 2024 (7 nights)
Your itinerary
Istanbul - Overnight onboard
DAY 1-2
23 Aug 2024
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 2 AM
Istanbul’s history dates back thousands of years, making it an incredibly culturally enriching destination to visit. With warm and welcoming locals excited to show you around, you’ll explore breath-taking mosques with vibrant mosaics, find handcrafted souvenirs at lively markets and enjoy aromatic mezes and fresh seafood as well as locally produced wine. There’s a lot to see here, but be sure to simply explore this wonderful city to truly soak up the culture.
Things to do in Istanbul - Overnight onboard:
Basilica Cistern
One of the city’s most popular attractions, the Basilica Cistern was built in 532 and is the largest surviving cistern in Istanbul. The number of columns and the impeccable symmetry is a staggering sight and a must see, making a great escape on hot summer days.
Blue Mosque
Built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque is named for its hand-painted blue tiles on the interior walls, and the blue lights that illuminate it at night. A walk around this impressive structure is truly awe inspiring- don’t forget to adhere to the dress code though.
Dolmabahce Palace
This magnificent structure took 13 years to build and was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. Take a tour of the entire palace or different sections and discover the exquisite decoration (particularly the 4.5 tonne chandelier) and the painting museum.
Hagia Sophia
Often considered the eighth wonder of the world, the Hagia Sophia was actually built three times after being destroyed, with the third and final structure being built 532-537 AD. Now, it is a museum filled with Christian and Muslim art, as well as breath-taking architecture.
Misir Carsisi
Selling countless varieties of Turkish delight, Mısır Çarşısı Market (also known as Spice Bazaar) is a fantastic place to find souvenirs, spices, snacks and stories from warm, friendly vendors. Whether you’re looking to buy or not, exploring the market is a great way to be immersed in the culture and atmosphere of Istanbul.
Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square is where you’ll find the tourist hotspots of Istanbul all in one place. Located in one of the most historical parts of the city, you’ll find the largest cistern, two stunning mosques and numerous places to enjoy authentic cuisine.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace possesses a colourful history with many sultans living there since 1481. A visit here will give visitors insight into the fascinating stories of the Ottoman Empire, through collections of armour, weaponry, pottery, jewellery and more.
Bozcaada, Tenedos
DAY 3
25 Aug 2024
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 4 PM
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Bodrum
DAY 4
26 Aug 2024
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 9 PM
Located on Turkey's breathtaking southwest coast, Bodrum is a popular coastal city that's home to an array of extraordinary sights, from the Castle of St. Peter to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus which was constructed in 4th century BC. For those that love to relax in the sun, Bodrum also has a selection of beautiful beaches that span the surrounding peninsula.
Things to do in Bodrum:
Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter)
The Knights of St. John constructed the historical fortification known as Bodrum Castle (or the Castle of St. Peter) in 1402. This picturesque castle is situated on a narrow rocky peninsula, and consists of French, Spanish, German, Italian and English towers, making it distinctive in design.
Bodrum Ancient Theatre
The Theatre at Halicarnassus, often referred to as the Bodrum Ancient Theatre, is a Greco-Roman theatre in Bodrum, Turkey, that dates back to the fourth century BC. Accommodating up to 13,000 guests, the theatre is said to have been constructed in a similar manner as the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. With stunning panoramic views of the Bodrum peninsula, it's certainly one of the most beautiful sights in downtown Bodrum, 3 kilometres from Gumbet, and 10 minutes by Dolmus.
Zeki Müren Arts Museum
Located in the centre of Bodrum, it showcases the Turkish actor and singer’s costumes and paintings. An icon in the country, he was often referred to as the Elvis of Turkey. A unique and popular place to visit whilst in Bodrum, the Zeki Muren Arts Museum is situated on a street of the same name - showcasing the popularity of the star.
Rhodes Town, Rhodes
DAY 5
27 Aug 2024
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 8 PM
Rhodes Town comprises of an old and new town, each with their own unique charms. While the Old Town is like stepping back into the medieval ages, boasting Ottoman and Italian architecture, the New Town is a hub of vibrant nightlife. The combination of both old and new makes for a fantastically varied cruise holiday, catering to all interests. Explore an ancient palace and medieval ruins during the day, dine at an authentic seafood tavern in the evening, and dance the night away.
Things to do in Rhodes Town, Rhodes:
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Situated in the medieval Hospital of the Knights of Rhodes, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is a striking building to explore, and the artefacts within make it especially key to visit. Visitors will find mosaics, sculptures, statues and spoils of war.
Elli Beach
The closest beach to Rhodes town, Elli Beach is a popular place to spend a sunny day. With plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas as well as waterfront restaurants and bars, you’ll have everything you need to relax, along with a diving platform to quickly cool you off.
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knight of Rhodes
Another must visit UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights is a beautifully preserved site filled with art, mosaics, furniture and décor. Explore this structure for a glimpse into the past of Rhodes.
Rhodes Town Medieval Town
Rhodes Town comprises of an old and new town, each with their own unique charms. While the Old Town is like stepping back into the medieval ages, boasting Ottoman and Italian architecture, the New Town is a hub of vibrant nightlife. The combination of both old and new makes for a fantastically varied cruise holiday, catering to all interests. Explore an ancient palace and medieval ruins during the day, dine at an authentic seafood tavern in the evening, and dance the night away.
Roloi Clock Tower
If you’re looking for the best views across Rhodes, Roloi Clock Tower is the place to be! Since being restored over time its architecture is of a Baroque style, and with a rewarding free drink after making the climb to the top.
Amorgos
DAY 6
28 Aug 2024
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 9 PM
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Paros, Greece
DAY 7
29 Aug 2024
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 8 PM
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Athens (Piraeus)
DAY 8
30 Aug 2024
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 7 PM
Just a short distance from Athens, Piraeus is the biggest port in the Mediterranean and sees over 20 million cruisers each year. This port city is a perfect example of life by the sea, boasting an impressive harbour and authentic seafood dining, as well as the rich and fascinating history of ancient Greece. Whether you’re looking to discover archaeological findings or just want to relax in the sun at a friendly café, Piraeus is the place to be.
Things to do in Athens (Piraeus):
Agia Triada Church
Despite being a modern construction, Agia Triada features Byzantine architecture as well as an impressive dome that is visible from every spot within the church. Overlooking the port of Piraeus, Agia Triada is a must visit to discover the history of the town and take in the tranquillity.
Castella
This vibrant and colourful district is nestled on top of a hill with views out over the bay. A walk around this neighbourhood will take you to quaint cafes, neoclassical architecture, Prophet Elias church and the Veakeion outdoor theatre.
Archaeological Museum
Covering the Mycenaean period to the Roman era, the Piraeus Archaeological Museum offers artefacts excavated from Piraeus’ landscape, as well as collections donated from other sites. Visitors will discover monuments, statues, artwork and more.
Hellas Liberty
One of only three surviving Liberty ships, the SS Hellas Liberty is a fascinating vessel to explore. This floating maritime museum was presented to the public in 2010 and covers a range of exhibits people of all ages will enjoy.
Zea Bay
With stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and the beautiful vessels moored in the harbour, the bay of Zea is the perfect place to go for a walk, enjoy a delicious coffee and take in the sunshine. You’ll find many hidden gems here, including ancient walls.