10 nights | A Journey of Centaurs, Ancient Civilization & the Turkish Riviera

Cruise Ship

Worldwide | Explora Journeys - Explora I

Departure Dates:

Year-Round

Ports of Call:

Istanbul, Turkiye | Canakkale, Turkiye | Kavala, Greece | Thessaloniki, Greece | Volos, Greece | Kusadasi, Turkiye | Marmaris, Turkiye | Chania (Crete), Greece | Piraeus (Athens), Greece

General Info:

Explora Journeys is the new luxury lifestyle travel brand launched by the MSC Group with the ambition to redefine the luxury cruise category. The concept is vibrant, cosmopolitan, relaxed European luxury at sea. Instead of cruises, they create journeys of the mind, and across the oceans of the world, to destinations on and off the beaten track. On board are spaces that offer guests relaxed luxury, creating a home at sea. Restoring life's essential balance with a combination of discovery and appreciation for wellbeing and nature. This is what our new discerning travelers have asked for and this is what they will enjoy on Explora Journeys.

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Type of Vessel

Designed to feel like your own private yacht.

Itinerary

DAY 1 | ISTANBUL, TURKIYE | Embark on a European and Asian adventure packed day in Istanbul, full of charm and cultural diversity. Wander the blue mosque of Sultan Ahmet, shop for goods at the Grand Bazaar or explore opulent Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. For a bit of relaxation, be pampered in a Turkish bath experience, sample some butter-soaked baklava and freshly picked olives and feast on rich platters of meze.
DAY 2 | CANAKKALE, TURKIYE | Blending cultural heritage and archaeological gems with stunning nature along the Dardanelles Straights, explore the treasures of this city. Delight in the Ottoman Empire's ceramic museums, fortresses and Sulva wine factory or step back in time amid Troy's ancient ruins where the fabled horse was brought ashore. For outdoor enthusiasts uncover the lush green forests, fresh spings and wild beauty of Mount Ida or dive in to Turkiye's only underwater national park to meet monk seals, then relax on the beach.
DAY 3 | AT SEA | Following a delicious breakfast, explore all the ship has to offer including indoor and outdoor shimmering pools, curated entertainment options, a wellness program with fitness studio, relaxation area, private spa suites, hydrotherapy and classes.
DAY 4 | KAVALA, GREECE | Stroll lively alleys and cobbled streets in Kavala's Old Town, then climb the whitewashed lighthouse for scenic vistas of Mount Athos. Watch a show at the amphitheater at the top of Panagia, visit the atmospheric old hammam and mosaic memorial, head to the ancient UNESCO city of Philippi or refresh in the waterfalls at Mount Pangaion. For foodies, sample the wines at a celebrated vineyard or some home-made honey before a relaxing Turkish coffee at a sideway cafe.
DAY 5 | THESSALONIKI, GREECE | Home to a number of museums and 15 UNESCO sites, this beguiling city mixes vintage with modern for a thriving art, culture and history scene. Begin at the beautiful domed Rotunda of Galerius Palace, explore a Byzantine church and the 15th-century White Tower or head out of town to Alexander the Great's birthplace in Pella and visit Vergina's royal tombs.
DAYS 6 - 7 | VOLOS, GREECE / AT SEA| Blending architectural treasures, beach-fringed salty bays and scenic landscapes, Volos awaits. Discover the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts before heading off to Pelion, homeland of the Centaurs. Bring history to life on the gorge and bridge crossing Moutzouris, paddle secluded coves and sea caves, visit Damouchari with its colorful bougainvillea and olive trees or delight in the murals and acoustics of Milies. This playground of the gods remains a quiet memory of Greek gone by. The following day, enjoy a restful day at sea.
DAY 8 | KUSADASI, TURKIYE | Walk in Cleopatra's footsteps and pay homage to the Roman ruins of Ephesus in this historic and cultural destination. Visit monuments, shrines, columns and ruins dedicated to the Goddess Artemis, immerse in an ancient spot of worship to wish for good health and meditate in the sacred thermal pools of Pamukkale, then travel to Orthodox villages combining Turkish-Greek culture to sample filo, feta and spinach. Conclude the day learning about Turkish weavings and natural dyes, seeing the looms in action creating carpets and kilims.
DAY 9 | MARMARIS, TURKIYE | A mesmerizing gateway to the Turquoise Coast and founded by traders and warriors more than 3,000 years ago, this city and sheltered harbor offer a glimpse of ancient civilizations. Pine-scented hillsides lead to sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, discover the fabled Cleopatra Island and listen for Apollo's song in the hilltop ruins of fallen empires. For an interesting day trip head out to Dalyan to delve into King Tombs, mud baths, reed-lined rivers and miles of beaches with the famed Caretta-Caretta sea turtles. Or, spend the day relaxing in a traditional hammam and Turkish bathhouse.
DAY 10 | CHANIA (CRETE), GREECE | Where eclectic architecture meets ancient empires, lose yourself in narrow streets lines with Venetian townhouses and Byzantine churches, find hidden bougainvillaea-covered courtyards and learn the trades from woodcarvers and weavers. After a day of exploring, savor a romantic evening in the harbor, toasting champagne as the sun sets wit pastel streaks across the sky.
DAY 11 | PIRAEUS (ATHENS), GREECE | After a delectable breakfast, disembark and spend the day uncovering the archaeological wonders of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through vibrant streets and markets; explore endless galleries, museums and boutiques; then savor Mediterranean bites at a local taverna. Consider extending your cruise stay with a stay in Athens or visit nearby countries and islands.

All Inclusive

LIFE ON EXPLORA INCLUSIONS | Authentic and intuitive service, in-suite welcome bottle of champagne and sweet treats; nine culinary experiences, unlimited fine beverages, thermal spa access, wellbeing and fitness programs, all on-board gratuities, complimentary Wi-Fi, shuttle services from port to city center. Select suites, penthouses and residences may also include priority embarkation and reservations for Destination Experiences, complimentary pressing, enhanced in-suite dining and personalized butler service.

Food and Dining

The culinary riches aboard Explora Journeys take their influences from across the globe, bringing personality, sophistication and a dash of soul to dining at sea whether in one of the elegant restaurants, by a pool or on a private terrace.
ANTHOLOGY | An Italian fine dining experience celebrating a rich tapestry of authentic flavors.
SAKURA | Immersive Pan-Asian dining.
MARBLE & CO. GRILL | A redefined European steakhouse experience.
EMPORIUM MARKETPLACE | Effortless all-day dining restaurant.
MED YACHT CLUB | Celebrating the flavors of the Mediterranean.
FIL ROUGE | French-inspired international cuisine.
EXPLORA LOUNGE | A luminous lounge offering stunning 270-degree views, a spectacular backdrop to informal drinking and dining.
CREMA CAFE | Bustling European all-day cafe with infinite sea views.
GELATERIA & CREPERIE AT THE CONSERVATORY | Authentic French and Italian indulgences. |
CHEF'S KITCHEN | An immersive experience offering culinary classes.
IN-SUITE DINING | Refined dining in the comfort of your suite or private terrace, available 24 hours.

Onboard Activities/Events

Offering three heated outdoor pools, including one for adults-only and one heated, weather-protected indoor pool with a retractable glass roof. Enjoy 64 private cabanas at no additional fee, indoor hydrotherapy pool, five indoor and outdoor whirlpools and several poolside and outdoor bars and lounges. Discover bespoke shopping experiences inspired by the Ocean State of Mind and influenced by the destinations we visit. Step into a world of opulence as you explore dedicated spaces for Rolex, Cartier, Panerai, Piaget, and Buccellati.
A series of Destination Experiences have been curated to be enjoyed by the whole family, ensuring that you create the most unforgettable moments together. The exciting experiences feature easily accessible and fun edu-tainment activities such as sa day at a farm or a visit to a space centre where children will get to meet and hear stories from a real astronaut.

Shore Excursions

Intimate, smaller groups with like-minded guests, for immersion to local culture, connect with locals and feel the real vibe of the places visited. Seamless and worry-free experiences with everything taken care of, no hidden fees, fully insured partners, transportation arrangements and flexibility in change of plans. Crafted experiences curated in collaboration with expert partners and ambassadors such as explorer Mike Horn. Samples of Destination Experiences include Truffle Hunting in Magical Meteora, Cooking at Karaiskos Farm, Ancient Archaeology and the Village of Makrinitsa | Hiking the Centaru Paths of Pelion, Ancient Corinth and its Mighty Canal, A Restorative Turkish Bath in Marmaris and more.

Staterooms or Cabins

Each of the 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences all designed with a refined, European elegance are created to bring guests closer to the ocean itself, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces. All suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private sun terraces with a dining area and a sunbed or sun loungers, arriving to find luggage delivered and a chilled bottle of champagne waiting, walk-in wardrobe with seated vanity area and Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, heated bathroom floors, individual climate and lighting control in each suite, gentle motion-activated bedroom night lights, infotainment system with on-demand TV options, wireless bedside device charging stations, mini-bar replenished according to each guest's preferences, espresso machine with biodegradable pods; a kettle and teapot, complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest, Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities and a pair of binoculars for guests use during their journey.

Spa

OCEAN WELLNESS | Encompasses the physical, spiritual, and emotional health of guests, ensuring an enriching and fulfilling experience. It is an ocean-inspired experience deeply rooted in the origins of Explora Journeys. Delight in 7,500 square-feet of space dedicated to relaxation and rejuvination, 11 serene treatment rooms including private spa suites with dedicated outdoor relaxation areas, multisensorial experience areas like hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, ice all and salt cave.

Fitness

THE FITNESS CENTRE & STUDIO |Designed in partnership with Technogym. Enjoy Pilates reformers, outdoor cycling and rowing, Technogym Artis line equipment for functional and strength training and bespoke fitness classes.

Kids Programs

NAUTILUS CLUB | Dedicated to younger guests, where a team of expert hosts will make sure they will be entertained and enriched in the company of other guests their own age. Nautilus Club offers the latest generation of video games and VR consoles, such as PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iPads and Oculus Pro. The space also offers other activities such as sports sessions, technology tournaments, paint art, and craft play, along with games in locations throughout the ship.

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800.837.0420

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