Cruises > Journey to the Turkish Riviera & Ancient Vineyards (Explora Journeys)

About Your Trip

Journey to the Turkish Riviera & Ancient Vineyards (Explora Journeys)

Departs: 30 May 2025

Imagine a journey where history meets luxury, and every day unfolds like a dream. Step aboard Explora Journeys and sail through the Aegean on an extraordinary itinerary that brings the magic of Istanbul, the charm of Bozcaada, the vibrancy of Bodrum, and the ancient allure of Rhodes and Athens into one breathtaking experience. Picture yourself lounging on pristine beaches, sipping wine at hillside vineyards, exploring medieval towns, and immersing yourself in the rich cultures of Greece and Turkey—all while enjoying world-class comfort and service aboard a state-of-the-art cruise ship. If you’re seeking the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments, this is the voyage you’ve been waiting for.

 

Reference: TTS24107497

 

Call us on 01 905 9008 or email sales@thetravelsuite.ie for more information on this itinerary.

All offers are subject to change and availability.

More About This Cruise

What to Expect

Cruise Features

Your Ship – Explora I

A new era of ocean travel has arrived.

On 1 August 2023, EXPLORA I departed on her Maiden Journey, sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark on an epic 14-night journey through seven captivating destinations with a two-night stay in Reykjavik, before returning to the Danish capital. This marks the start of a series of itineraries spanning three continents, offering guests cultural immersion and an opportunity for inner and outer discovery on their quest to the Ocean State of Mind.

Curate your onboard experience

Experience vibrant cosmopolitan life aboard, with European luxury, 5-star dining, ocean wellness experiences, and tech-savvy comforts in sophisticated suites, all while enjoying beautiful sea views

Dining

A diversity of culinary riches with cuisine covering all corners of the globe. Explora Journeys brings personality, sophistication and a dash of soul to dining at sea.

Lounging

An elegant, cosmopolitan atmosphere in which to discover, enjoy and appreciate diverse flavours and talents from around the world.

Ocean Wellness

A series of experiences where our guests can embark on personal journeys of inner discovery and rejuvenation.

Shopping Experiences

Experience the ultimate shopping experience at sea. Collections include fine jewellery and Swiss watches from luxury brands plus a tapestry of artisanal products.

Entertainment

Re-imagining entertainment and enrichment, with thoughtful, personalised experiences, diversions and performances to feed the soul.

All our journeys include:

  • In-suite welcome bottle of champagne and sweet treats
  • Bottle of wine and spirit of the guests’ choice upon arrival
  • Unlimited fine beverages*
  • 8 Culinary Experiences
  • In-Suite Dining
  • Thermal Spa Access
  • Wellbeing and fitness programmes
  • All on-board gratuities
  • Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
  • Shuttle services from port to city centre**

 

Day 1 – Istanbul

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul City Center

Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Istanbul City Center is located in the heart of Istanbul. The Congress Center is just short distance to the Hotel. Our five-star Hotel is right across the Osmanbey metro station and only a walking distance to the luxurious shopping/fashion district, Nisantası.

*Special surprise treats and celebrations for birthday guests.
*Special dinner and surprise treats for honeymoon guests.

Some of the services we provide for our guests are; Smart TV and free wi-fi. Lobby Lounge is designed to give our guests a little break from the busy city life of Istanbul. While sipping your wine from our selected wine menu, you can also listen to music the lobby play list that we have created for you.

Turkish and international dishes are served in Pancaldi Restaurant. Breakfast is served as an open buffet.

Relax in the steam room or sauna, or indulge yourself with a massage treatment.

Day 2 – Istanbul>Board Explora I

The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new.

Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin’s call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan.

Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps.

It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.

Day 3 – Bozcaada

Bozcaada, also known as Tenedos, is a charming and picturesque island located in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea in Turkey. With turquoise blue waters, lush green landscapes, and a rich historical heritage, Bozcaada offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

One of the main draws of Bozcaada is its stunning beaches. The island boasts several pristine sandy beaches that are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Ayazma Beach is the most popular one, with its crystal-clear waters and soft sand. It is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the island. Habbele Beach, located on the western side of the island, is another excellent choice offering unique rock formations and breathtaking views of the sunset.

Apart from the beaches, Bozcaada is also famous for its vineyards and wine production. Around a third of the island is covered in vineyards, making it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts. The island’s indigenous grape variety, Vasilaki, is used to produce delicious and unique wines that can be enjoyed at the numerous wineries and wine tasting tours available on the island. A visit to the Bozcaada Wine Festival, held annually in September, is a must for those interested in exploring the local wine culture.

Day 4 – Bodrum

The popular holiday resort of Bodrum, called Halicarnassus in ancient times, is the South Aegean’s most attractive resort, described by Homer as the ‘Land of Eternal Blue’. The hillside is covered in painted villas adorned with bougainvillea, narrow streets wind their way down to the sea, and the peaceful setting of its twin harbours offer shelter for yachts.

Bodrum is a mustering point for local boats offering tailor-made daytrips to nearby islands or the pristine beaches and seaside restaurants along the magnificent coastline. From its position between the two harbours, the 15th century crusader Castle of St Peter dominates every part of the town, now home to the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The other Bodrum holiday attraction is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the crumbling remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Day 5 – Rhodes

Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect.

Day 6 -Samos

Day 7 – Paros

Paros is a truly remarkable Greek island located in the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and delicious food. The island is full of incredible sites to explore and activities to experience, making it a perfect holiday destination for just about anyone.

The crystal clear waters of Paros are inviting and make for great swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Tourists visiting the island can also enjoy a variety of water sports including kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, so everyone can find the perfect spot for their activities. Kolymbithres beach is a must-see spot for its unique rock formations. For those looking for a quiet getaway, there is also the fishing village of Naousa which offers some stunning views of the Cyclades.

If it’s nightlife you are looking for, Paros has some great options. The area around Parikia has some lively bars and clubs which stay open until late. There is also an open-air theater in Parikia, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy live performances of traditional Greek music and dance shows.

Day 8 – Piraeus

It’s no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown.

 

To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse “the glory that was Greece” in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement.

The Travel Suite Difference

Why you should book your holiday with us

At The Travel Suite – we have a Suite of reasons why booking your holiday will make you happy!

 

We have been curating travel for over 25 years

We offer personal concierge service

You are in the hands of an exceptional and experienced team

Our experiences are unique and tailor-made

The Travel Suite team nurtures personal connections with many hotels, resorts and airlines around the world to ensure your holiday is world class

You have peace of mind when booking with The Travel Suite team

Whenever you need us we are on-hand to assist

We work with the most trusted brands who will go above and beyond for you.

We are an 100% Irish owned company

Your money is fully protected - The Travel Suite are fully bonded and licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority – TA 0443

Call 01 817 3586 to find out more about this offer.