Day-by-day on our Explora Journey

Days One and Two: Istanbul:
Embark on a European and Asian adventure packed with charm and cultural diversity. Roam the ‘blue’ mosque of Sultan Ahmet, the Grand Bazaar, the opulent Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, or sink into a serene Turkish Bath experience. An eclectic fusion of East and West, this city is conservative at heart with a truly modern soul.

Day Three: At sea
Relax and get into Explora's "ocean state of mind." So many things to do and enjoy. Or, do nothing at all.

Day Four: Santorini
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.

Day Five: Chania on the Isle of Crete
Chania is a cultural crossroads where eclectic architecture bears witness to ancient empires. Lose yourself in narrow streets lined with Venetian townhouses and Byzantine churches, where hidden corners reveal bougainvillea-covered courtyards and well-worn workshops. Woodcarvers and weavers flaunt their wares in covered markets, stalls piled high with olive oil and fragrant herbs from the surrounding hillsides. 

Day Six: At sea
By now, you will surely be in the "ocean frame of mind," and another sea day will be welcome with all the Explora brings.

Day Seven: Pulia's pretty port of Gallipoli
Flock to Gallipoli like young Italians do to sip fizzy prosecco and rich local Salentine wine. Gallipoli may be best known for its wartime history, but its island-like fortress retains a southern Italian charm all its own. Colorful fishing boats dart around the old city walls while resilient stone churches peer across a medieval bridge to the mainland port.

Day Eight: Distinctive Dubrovnik
Marvel at this chic walled city paved with a wealth of aristocratic palazzi, ancient forts, and epic Adriatic views. Enter Grand Pile Gate to lose yourself in intricate alleys, stage-set squares, museums, and baroque churches. It’s no wonder the glitterati flock to the strength of this charming and inspiring medieval Dalmatian marvel. 

Day Nine:  Ancona, Queen of the Italian Adriatic
Memories of maritime glory echo through the winding streets of charming Ancona, where handsome palazzos and elegant churches bear witness. Established by the Greeks on Italy’s outer elbow, the ancient harbor anchors undulating hillsides and a rugged Adriatic coastline peppered with fishermen’s caves and pearlescent beaches.

Day Ten: Poetic Plazas and Fairytale Castles of Trieste
For centuries, Trieste has been an essential bridge to Europe, connected by both land and sea. In the far north-eastern corner of Italy, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, on the border with the Balkans, Trieste has always been a wonderful border city. Its grand Habsburg past and the mixing of languages, peoples, and religions have given it an international flavor on top of its Central European and Mediterranean soul.

Day Eleven: A finale in Venice
Delve into ancient palaces, century-old galleries, and modern-day exhibits as you whirl through Venice. Walk through masterpieces, catch an opera, gaze at medieval buildings, blow Murano glass, and drift down the Grand Canal.  Cross hump-backed bridges and reach teeming Piazza San Marco’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Our Explora cruise ends here, but you might consider spending a day or two more in this captivating city.