--- type: cruise schema_type: TouristTrip id: fe617bf8-3f8b-42c2-a9ca-283484871e86 slug: 2335324 voyage_code: EX20280407PIRPIR cruise_line: Explora Journeys ship: EXPLORA I departure_date: return_date: nights: 7 embarkation_port: Piraeus (Athens) disembarkation_port: Piraeus (Athens) starting_price_usd: bookable: false last_updated: 2026-10-19T22:28:32Z --- # A Journey of Classical Greek Spectacles & the Vibrant Charms of Istanbul > Explora Journeys · EXPLORA I · Apr 7 – 14, 2028   (7 nights) ## Quick Facts | Attribute | Value | |-----------|-------| | **Cruise Line** | Explora Journeys | | **Ship** | EXPLORA I | | **Duration** | 7 nights | | **Departure Date** | N/A | | **Return Date** | N/A | | **Embarkation Port** | Piraeus (Athens) | | **Disembarkation Port** | Piraeus (Athens) | | **Starting Price** | N/A USD per person | | **Voyage Code** | EX20280407PIRPIR | ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Piraeus (Athens) **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 06:00 PM Athenians don’t live in the past. Ahead of its time, Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibility - housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums. And you can’t help but marvel at the archaeological wonders of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through vibrant streets and markets, dance at buzzing bouzoukia, sing along in tavernas. At night, head to the harbour, where dimly lit bars serve the local ice cold beer. And, as you inhale the salty air and wa... ### Day 2: Volos **Arrives:** 08:00 AM · **Departs:** 08:00 PM Volos deals a perfect blend of architectural gems, scented archaic landscapes and beach-fringed salty bays. Discover treasures in the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts before bearing off to Pelion, homeland of the mythical Centaurs. 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. Dip in blissfully quiet Pagasitic waters, bring history to life on gorge and bridge crossing Moutzouris... ### Day 3: Thessaloniki **Arrives:** 08:00 AM · **Departs:** 05:00 PM Breeze into a beguiling mix of vintage and modern, awash with a thriving art, culture and history scene. Crowded with museums dedicated to the past plus an extraordinary 15 UNESCO sites – there’s much to learn. Admire ramparts built to last; the impressive Galerius Palace, the beautiful domed multi-serving Rotunda, a bevy of Byzantine churches and the curious 15th century White Tower. Dig deeper into the past to trace pre-historic times at the Archaeological Museum. Rove around Ladadika narrow s... ### Day 4: Istanbul, Turkey **Arrives:** 04:00 PM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM 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. Embrace the city’s vine-shaded homely district where ladies shop for butter-soaked baklava and freshly picked olives. Explore further to haggle for gold jewellery, linen and oriental antiques. Dine in the atmospheric old city or take a ferry to Asia for street-se... ### Day 5: Istanbul, Turkey **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 05:00 PM 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. Embrace the city’s vine-shaded homely district where ladies shop for butter-soaked baklava and freshly picked olives. Explore further to haggle for gold jewellery, linen and oriental antiques. Dine in the atmospheric old city or take a ferry to Asia for street-se... ### Day 6: Mytilene (Lesbos) **Arrives:** 09:00 AM · **Departs:** 06:00 PM ### Day 7: Santorini, Greece **Arrives:** 09:00 AM · **Departs:** 09:00 PM Dreamily sail into Santorini when others leave. Romantic, exuberant and pure; roam one of the world’s most enchanting islands as you enjoy breathtaking scenery, rock-set whitewashed houses, paved paths, sugar white sand, black beaches and terracotta cliffs. Experience the many geological and architectural delights; blue-domed churches, an active volcano, excavate with experts and cover the caldera between cliff-hanging Oia and Fira. Glide through sapphire seas in a catamaran, taste local wine, e... ### Day 8: Piraeus (Athens) **Arrives:** 07:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Athenians don’t live in the past. Ahead of its time, Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibility - housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums. And you can’t help but marvel at the archaeological wonders of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through vibrant streets and markets, dance at buzzing bouzoukia, sing along in tavernas. At night, head to the harbour, where dimly lit bars serve the local ice cold beer. And, as you inhale the salty air and wa... ## Pricing Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy in USD. | Cabin Type | Starting Price | |------------|----------------| | Suite | $4,520 | ## Cabin Options ### Suite Cabins **Ocean Grand Terrace Suite** (Code: GT) Our Ocean Grand Terrace Suites features a larger oceanfront terrace of 11 sqm, featuring an outdoor dining area and comfortable sunbeds for relaxation. All suites include elegant lounge areas, private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine and t... **Penthouse** (Code: PH) The Ocean Penthouses offer a luxurious, spacious retreat with ocean-front floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces to unwind and relax. And with a characterful private dining area for four, and a calm, comfortable place to work, you can entertain with others or spend time to yourself as you s... **Retreat Residence** (Code: RR) For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of our Ocean Residences. Enjoy perfect views of the oceans from your terrace’s dining area and private outdoor whirlpool, and make the most of our dedicated butler service. "FEATURES Private butl... **Cocoon Residence** (Code: CR) For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of our Ocean Residences. Enjoy perfect views of the oceans from your terrace’s dining area and private outdoor whirlpool, and make the most of our dedicated butler service. "FEATURES Private butl... **Ocean Terrace Suite** (Code: OT1) "Our Ocean Terrace Suites elegantly combine space - at 35 sqm they are amongst the largest in the category - and light, as they all have floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces, to help you truly relax and feel closer to the ocean that carries you on your journey. All suites include eleg... **Serenity Residence** (Code: SR) For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of our Ocean Residences. Enjoy perfect views of the oceans from your terrace’s dining area and private outdoor whirlpool, and make the most of our dedicated butler service. "FEATURES Private butl... **Ocean Terrace Suite** (Code: OT2) "Our Ocean Terrace Suites elegantly combine space - at 35 sqm they are amongst the largest in the category - and light, as they all have floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces, to help you truly relax and feel closer to the ocean that carries you on your journey. All suites include eleg... **Ocean Terrace Suite** (Code: OT3) "Our Ocean Terrace Suites elegantly combine space - at 35 sqm they are amongst the largest in the category - and light, as they all have floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces, to help you truly relax and feel closer to the ocean that carries you on your journey. All suites include eleg... **Owner's Residence** (Code: OR) The iconic Owner’s Residence creates the largest accommodation on-board, with multiple harmonious spaces in which to relax, entertain and unwind. Stand in awe of the panoramic ocean views from your private outdoor terrace - featuring a spacious whirlpool - and enjoy intuitive, intelligent service wi... ## Ship Information ### EXPLORA I EXPLORA I, the first of four luxury best-in-class ships, will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships ready to set sail in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Exquisitely designed with the guest and relaxed, home-like comfort in mind - and in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers - the innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design. With 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, guests will enjoy feeling closer to the sea and in port thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 35 sqm (377 sq ft) which makes them among the most spacious for the luxury cruise category. Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximising guest choice and create areas of quiet seclusion and privacy. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 sqm (26,909 sq ft) delivering stunning views of the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpools on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship has been designed with water as a real focal point of the onboard experience - helping our guests discover their ocean state of mind. Tailored to suit personal preferences, flexible dining times at nine distinct restaurants will provide unrivalled variety at sea. Each venue will celebrate global culinary talents, with a focus on provenance and wholesome ingredients sustainably sourced from local partners. To make sure guests are spoilt for choice, several indoor and outdoor bars and lounges will also be in place to unwind and relax. The wellbeing experience onboard was inspired by our love for the sea, with a spacious indoor/outdoor spa and fitness area on board. From treatment rooms to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group workout classes to personal training appointments, tailor-made programmes make keeping well while on holiday effortless and enjoyable. Bespoke wellness experiences at each destination will make relaxation and rejuvenation easily accessible both onboard and ashore. #### Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Passenger Capacity | 0 | | Crew | 0 | | Gross Tonnage | 63,900.0 | | Length | 813.0 ft | | Total Cabins | 461 | ## Onboard Amenities ### Relaxation - **Explora Lounge**: A luminous lounge offering 270-degree views of the ocean, a spectacular backdrop to informal drinking and dining.Explora Lounge is a central meeting p... - **Finnish Sauna**: A deeply purifying experience using dry heat, to help you unwind and reduce stress levels while also opening the airways, relaxing the muscles, and ox... - **Astern Lounge**: An all-day lounge and oceanfront escape opening onto the Astern Pool.The Astern Lounge is the social hub of any journey, with a collection of daily ev... - **Ice Fall**: Regenerate the body with a cold ice blast, perfect following the intense heat exposure of the Finnish Sauna or Steam Room. - **Outdoor Relaxation Area**: A tranquil open-air relaxation deck with infinite ocean views​, perfect for reflection before or after a treatment. ### Other - **Steinway & Sons**: Steinway & Sons handcraft the world’s finest grand pianos, played by the world’s greatest pianists since 1853. Guests will enjoy recitals by iconic p... - **Captain Pietro Sinisi**: Captain Pietro’s maritime career began at Italy's Acciaiuoli Nautical Technical School and the Italian Navy. Joining the cruise industry in 1995, he r... - **Moët Hennessy Pairings**: Rooted in our shared European heritage, this collaboration brings together two brands united by the commitment to craftsmanship and unwavering passion... - **Franck Garanger**: Head of Culinary, Franck’s pedigree in European luxury, combined with his passion for authentic cooking has shaped an evolution of dining at sea. - **Technogym**: As a world leading brand in fitness, health and wellness, Technogym arms guests with the latest high-performance training equipment. Official Supplie... ### Food and Drink - **Sakura**: Named after the cherry blossom - the national flower of Japan - and symbolic of renewal and optimism, Sakura offers Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Ma... - **Refined Italian Cuisine**: As our signature fine-dining experience, Anthology elevates Italian cuisine, offering an unparalleled gastronomic adventure. On the menu, created by... - **Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory**: Authentic French and Italian indulgences served poolside.Set in the relaxed, weather-protected poolside Conservatory, this is the place to treat yours... - **Crema Café**: A luxurious layer of crema nods to the freshness of an espresso and aptly lends authenticity and sophistication to a café at the centre of life on boa... - **Sky Bar On 14**: Refreshing cocktails and infinite views in a sophisticated outdoor setting.Set on the ship’s highest point, on deck 14, this panoramic outdoor lounge ... ### Recreational - **shopping**: Discovery We champion small, luxury, locally-influenced brands with unique stories to tell, inviting our guests on a journey of discovery into the ... - **BUCCELLATI**: World-Renowned Jewels Experience the ultimate curated shopping experience at sea with the exclusive Buccellati boutique, a first of its kind at sea. ... - **Atoll Pool & Bar**: An intimate pool for laidback lounging throughout the day.A laidback venue where guests can enjoy the sun, sea and serenity day-long, accompanied by a... - **Heated Marble Loungers**: A restful place to relax, equipped with an infrared system that radiates the heat to ease muscle stiffness and create on overall feeling of comfort an... - **PIAGET**: The Shopping Experience Piaget epitomises daring creativity – a quality that has continued to permeate through the Maison since its beginnings in 1874... ### Entertainment - **Casino**: Explore The Casino and its diverse gaming offerings: from thrilling poker and blackjack tables to the excitement of American roulette, baccarat, and t... ## Ports of Call ### Piraeus (Athens) *Coordinates: 37.9792, 23.7166* Athenians don’t live in the past. Ahead of its time, Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibility - housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums. And you can’t help but marvel at the archaeological wonders of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through vibrant streets and markets, dance at buzzing bouzoukia, sing along in tavernas. At night, head to the ... ### Volos *Coordinates: 39.3646, 22.9332* Volos deals a perfect blend of architectural gems, scented archaic landscapes and beach-fringed salty bays. Discover treasures in the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts before bearing off to Pelion, homeland of the mythical Centaurs. 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. Dip... ### Thessaloniki *Coordinates: 40.625, 22.9725* Breeze into a beguiling mix of vintage and modern, awash with a thriving art, culture and history scene. Crowded with museums dedicated to the past plus an extraordinary 15 UNESCO sites – there’s much to learn. Admire ramparts built to last; the impressive Galerius Palace, the beautiful domed multi-serving Rotunda, a bevy of Byzantine churches and the curious 15th century White Tower. Dig deeper i... ### Istanbul, Turkey *Coordinates: 41.0124, 28.9759* 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. Embrace the city’s vine-shaded homely district where ladies shop for butter-soaked baklava and freshly picked olives. Explore further to haggle for gold jewellery,... ### Mytilene (Lesbos) *Coordinates: 39.0916, 26.5599* ### Santorini, Greece *Coordinates: 36.3932, 25.4615* Dreamily sail into Santorini when others leave. Romantic, exuberant and pure; roam one of the world’s most enchanting islands as you enjoy breathtaking scenery, rock-set whitewashed houses, paved paths, sugar white sand, black beaches and terracotta cliffs. Experience the many geological and architectural delights; blue-domed churches, an active volcano, excavate with experts and cover the caldera... ## Booking Information - **Book This Cruise:** https://pirate.travel/cruise/2335324 - **Compare Prices:** CruisePirate compares prices across multiple booking channels - **Price Alerts:** Set up alerts for price drops on this sailing - **Support:** Contact our AI-powered cruise assistant for personalized recommendations ### Why Book with CruisePirate? - Real-time price comparison across booking channels - AI-powered cruise recommendations - Transparent pricing with no hidden fees - Expert cruise search and filtering --- ## Technical Metadata - **Canonical URL:** https://pirate.travel/cruise/2335324 - **Markdown URL:** https://pirate.travel/cruise/2335324.md - **API Endpoint:** https://pirate.travel/api/cruises/2335324/ - **Primary Image:** https://images.cruisepirate.ai/v3/static/cruise-lines/explora-journeys/explora-i/other/128242.webp - **Data Source:** CruisePirate Cruise Database - **Last Updated:** 2026-10-19 22:28:32 UTC