A Journey from Athens to Istanbul – Explora journeys – 19 Jul 2025 – Cruise Traveller

A Journey from Athens to Istanbul – Explora journeys

Cruise Line
Explora Journeys
Ship
Explora I
Package Departs
19 Jul 2025
Package Duration
7 Nights
Embark Ship
Athens (Piraeus) Greece
Disembark Ship
Istanbul, Turkey
Ocean Terrace Suite OT1 Ocean Terrace Suite OT2 Ocean Terrace Suite OT3 Ocean Terrace Suite OT4
AU $8,100
per person
AU $8,500
per person
AU $8,900
per person
AU $9,400
per person

A Journey from Athens to Istanbul Cruise Package includes:
– 7 night luxury cruise aboard the NEW Explora I from Athens (Piraeus) to Istanbul
– In-suite welcome bottle of champagne upon arrival
– A bottle of wine and a bottle of spirit of guests` choice upon arrival
– Authentic, cultured and intuitive service from a team of hospitality experts
– Nine distinct culinary experiences, including in-suite dining*
– Unlimited beverages, fine wines and premium spirits, speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks available anytime, including in-suite mini-bar*
– Access to the spa thermal area
– Wellbeing and fitness programmes on board and at the destinations
– All on-board gratuities
– Unlimited, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship
– Shuttle services from port to city centre (where required/available)
– Port fees and taxes
– Additional inclusions and services apply to Ocean Penthouse and Ocean Residence categories
_______________

PRICING:
The fares shown here are full brochure Explora Journey Fares. Other fare types may be available and there may be special offers, so please contact us for the current best deal.
Solo travellers: Please contact us for availability and pricing.
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*For fine wine and spirits connoisseurs or those wishing to elevate their experience or celebrate a special occasion, an ultra-exquisite selection of wines, spirits, and liqueurs, will also be available for an additional fee. Please note that the complimentary wine and spirits selection is not available at Anthology restaurant. For those who are seeking to indulge in an award-winning dining experience, Anthology offers menus curated by the world`s most celebrated chefs and wine pairing by illustrious winemakers for a one-of-a-kind guest chef experience onboard. An exclusive experience fee applies. The Chef`s Kitchen offers an immersive experience for 12 guests. The culinary experts guide our guests through a journey of discovering new ingredients, flavours, textures and cultures. An exclusive experience fee applies.

Special Conditions

*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on full brochure cruise fares at time of publication (19Feb24). Some cabins may have obstructed views. Any airfares/taxes are due in full 24 hours from reservation and strict cancellation/change fees apply. Selected routing and airlines apply to package offers - any variances requested by guest will incur surcharges. Visitors to the United States/Canada must complete an online ESTA/CAN ESTA application prior to arrival which is not included and is the guests responsibility. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Transfers only included if guests are arriving/departing by air at specific airports on exact package dates. Offer subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.

Special Validity Dates

Special is valid from 24 Jun 2024 to 12 Jul 2025 or until sold out/withdrawn.

Cruise Itinerary

DateActivityArriveDepart
19 Jul 2025
Athens (Piraeus) Greece
7:00 PM
20 Jul 2025
Mykonos, Greece
9:00 AM
21 Jul 2025
Mykonos, Greece
01:00 AM
21 Jul 2025
Patmos, Greece
10:00 AM 6:00 PM
22 Jul 2025
Volos, Greece
9:00 AM 9:00 PM
23 Jul 2025
Thessaloniki, Greece
9:00 AM 8:00 PM
24 Jul 2025
Kavala, Greece
9:00 AM 8:00 PM
25 Jul 2025 At sea    
26 Jul 2025
Istanbul, Turkey
7:00 AM

All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

Please select your preferred category and cabin configuration/price. Then scroll down and select Continue to provide your contact details and preference. Our cruise specialists will check availability and respond to you as soon as possible.

Category Twin Per Person     Single Per Person
Ocean Terrace Suite OT1
   
Ocean Terrace Suite OT2
   
Ocean Terrace Suite OT3
   
Ocean Terrace Suite OT4
   
Ocean Grand Terrace Suite
   
Penthouse
   
Deluxe Penthouse
   
Premier Penthouse
   
Grand Penthouse
   
Cove Residence
   
Retreat Residence
   
Serenity Residence
   

Please select your preferred category and cabin configuration/price. Then scroll down and select Continue to provide your contact details and preference. Our cruise specialists will check availability and respond to you as soon as possible.

7 Night Cruise sailing from Athens to Istanbul aboard Explora I.

Highlights of this cruise:

Athens
The port of Piraeus is one of the last old-style Mediterranean ports from where you can catch ferries to all of the Greek islands and travel a short distance to Greece’s capital city Athens.

In the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka district, with its honeycomb of streets, little shops – and tavernas that come alive at night. Situated on the north and east slopes of the Acropolis, it is rich with historic sites, such as ancient monuments and churches. Within Athens there are eight large hills, including the Acropolis, and on the outskirts, Mount Parnitha, Mount Pendeli and Mount Hymettos surround the city. A trip to Athens’ most famous tourist attraction, the impressive Parthenon built on the Acropolis around 2,500 years ago, will be memorable to say the least.

There are an extraordinary number of historic tourist sights in Athens and many of these are known world-wide. Some of the top Athens attractions include the Agora – a grand, ruined Roman building, Hadrian’s Arch – originally the city gate linking the Roman quarters with original town of Athens and the stunning Dionysos Theatre – the world’s oldest theatre where many great plays have been performed over the years.

Istanbul
Istanbul is Europe’s most populous city (the world’s 4th largest city proper and 20th largest urban area) and Turkey’s cultural and financial center. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait, and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country.

Part of Istanbul’s great attraction is its unique position on two continents, divided by the Bosphorus. Most of the population live on the European side; the Asian sector is reached via the high-level Bosphorus Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge or by ferry. With 13 million inhabitants Istanbul offers all the excitement of a cosmopolitan city. Its numerous monuments, mosques and museums, plus the famous Grand Bazaar, make it one of the world’s great destinations.

Your home at sea
Private terraces which are amongst the largest in the category. Large floor-to-ceiling windows with elegant interiors. Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area

Environmental supporting technologies
Hybrid-ready energy solutions. Waste-management and energy-saving solutions. No single-plastic used on-board and ashore

Ship Profile & Stats

  • Length: 248m
  • Tonnage: 63,900 GT
  • Maiden Voyage: 2023
  • Passenger Capacity (dbl): 1473

Ship Amenities

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Infotainment system with Smart TV and easy connectivity to personal devices
  • Telephones with voicemail
  • On-demand TV options
  • Wireless charging base on bedside tables
  • Individual climate control in each suite
  • Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
  • Lounge area with coffee/dining table
  • Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
  • Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
  • Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
  • Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
  • Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
  • Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system
  • Featuring a double sofa bed
  • Down duvets and pillows
  • Extensive pillow selection
  • Oversized walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
  • Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and heated floors
  • Plush bathrobes and slippers
  • Custom bath toiletries and amenities
  • Dyson Supersonic TM hair-dryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror (Some suites with bathtubs and accessible facilities)

Ship Facilities

  • Over 700 sqm (7,500 sq ft) of indoor and outdoor wellness facilities
  • Over 270 sqm (2,900 sq ft) of fitness facilities with latest equipment
  • 18 restaurants focused on healthy, delicious food from local, sustainable sources
  • Multiple culinary experiences across six vibrant restaurants and numerous lounges (as well as In-Suite Dining) created to celebrate global cooking tal
  • 12 indoor and outdoor bar and lounges with curated entertainment and intimate performances
  • Cosmopolitan, effortless entertainment with the perfect blend of vibrancy and privacy across an array of indoor and outdoor spaces on board
  • Casino, art gallery, culinary school and curated shopping experiences
  • Three outdoor pools, including one adults-only, and one indoor pool with retractable glass roof
  • 64 private cabanas
  • Multiple indoor and outdoor whirlpools
  • Poolside dining and lounging
  • Hybrid-ready energy solutions
  • Waste-management and energy-saving solutions
  • No single-plastic used onboard and ashore

Explora Journeys represents the ambition and long-held dream of the MSC Group and the Aponte family to create a transformative luxury ocean travel experience and brand that redefines the luxury cruise category.

This is a story that starts in Sorrento with a Neapolitan ferry captain, Gianluigi Aponte, who – together with the Swiss sweetheart he met when she was a passenger on one of his crossings – went on to create MSC, a global shipping operation and the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company. Now this Swiss-Italian seafaring family are fulfilling their life-long dream and launching Explora Journeys, an exquisite, modern luxury cruise experience like no other.

The Aponte family records date back to the 17th century from which 300 years of sea-faring expertise, alongside an inherent passion and respect for the sea has developed.

Indeed, the ocean and its influence on us as human beings sits at the very heart of the Explora Journeys brand.

The oceans connect you with yourself, people and the places around you. It relaxes you, and creates an energy in you that inspires inner and outer discovery, broadens horizons and triggers new connections.

All of this, creates an emotional connection that is powerful, transformative, yet universal.

We call it the Ocean State of Mind

A state of mind that has helped create Explora Journeys. A state of mind inspired by the blue waters of our seas and oceans. Characterised by calm, unity, elegance and joy, that encourages inner and outer exploration and discovery. One that appeals to our audience’s desire for mindful travel. A state of mind that embodies a consciousness of how guests go, not just where they go. This is what Explora Journeys will uniquely provide for our guests.

Select the Cabin to view detail.

* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.

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