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Monday, July 27 - PROGRESSIVE ATHENS (Embarkation)
Port: Praeus (Athens), Greece
Depart 8:00 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, and sing along in tavernas. At night, head to the harbour, where dimly lit bars serve the local ice-cold beer. As you inhale the salty air and watch Greek fishing boats peacefully depart for their catch, reflect on this ancient city's progressive attitude.
Tuesday, July 28 - PATMOS OF REVELATIONS
Port: Patmos, Greece
Arrive 9:00 am
Depart 11:00 pm
A tiny island with a big reputation. Voyage to this discreet island where few go. Famed for being the discerning guests' paradise, sun-kissed beaches, clear waters shielded by protective coves, and undeniably warm local hospitality. Classically Greek with beautiful, mountainous views of perfectly positioned white houses dotted high on the hills. Known as the Land of Legends, St John was said to have written his Book of Revelation here. Quiet but with a powerful energy, you'll understand why this island was named "Letois", after the goddess and huntress of deer, Artemis, daughter of Leto. It was believed that Patmos came into existence thanks to divine intervention.
Wednesday, July 29 - AT SEA
With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining, and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.
Thursday, July 30 - THE FUSION OF ISTANBUL
Port: Istanbul, Turkey
Arrive 9:00 am
Depart 2:00 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 jewelry, linen, and oriental antiques. Dine in the atmospheric old city or take a ferry to Asia for street-served food or feast over rich platters of meze, moist grilled bluefish, and succulent kebabs. Heighten your senses even further in the spice bazaar with enticing aromas and vibrant, colourful displays. After such a sensorial feast, indulge in a restorative raki, whichever continent you're in. By night, parties don't start until late, but expect to dance till dawn. Join the late crowd spilling into the streets overlooking the Bosphorus. Sway at European rooftop bars, shimmer by ferry over to the Asian suburbs, or remain ensconced in old-fashioned folk venues. An eclectic fusion of east and west, this city is conservative at heart with a truly modern soul.
Friday, July 31 - KUSADASI - KOOSH-AH-DAH-SEE
Port: Kusadasi, Turkey
Arrive 8:00 am
Depart 9:00 pm
Prepare for an exclusive explosion of history, culture, and carpets. Walk in Cleopatra's steps and pay homage to the Roman ruins of Ephesus. Journey through fields bursting with cotton, olives, and peaches until the hills broaden and Ephesus arises. Dedicated to Artemis, visit monuments, shrines, columns, and ruins. The place where Popes pray and pilgrims drink (holy water). Fully immerse yourself in this ancient site of worship, wishing for good health, and meditate in the sacred thermal pools of Pamukkale. Travel to Orthodox villages, where Turkish and Greek cultures blend, and feast on organic filo, feta, and spinach. Learn about Turkish weavings, natural dyes, and various materials; see looms in action, knotting carpets and kilims. Steeped in history and with terrain as diverse as the culture, it won't just be the traditional Turkish coffee that will make you sit up straight.
Saturday, August 1 - KUSADASI - KOOSH-AH-DAH-SEE
Port: Kusadasi, Turkey
Arrive 8:00 am
Depart 9:00 pm
Prepare for an exclusive explosion of history, culture, and carpets. Walk in Cleopatra's steps and pay homage to the Roman ruins of Ephesus. Journey through fields bursting with cotton, olives, and peaches until the hills broaden and Ephesus arises. Dedicated to Artemis, visit monuments, shrines, columns, and ruins. The place where Popes pray and pilgrims drink (holy water). Fully immerse yourself in this ancient site of worship, wishing for good health, and meditate in the sacred thermal pools of Pamukkale. Travel to Orthodox villages, where Turkish and Greek cultures blend, and feast on organic filo, feta, and spinach. Learn about Turkish weavings, natural dyes, and various materials; see looms in action, knotting carpets and kilims. Steeped in history and with terrain as diverse as the culture, it won't just be the traditional Turkish coffee that will make you sit up straight.
Sunday, August 2 - THE RHYTHM OF MYKONOS
Port: Mykonos, Greece
Arrive 8:00 am
Depart 10:00 pm
If you start early, you'll have Mykonos to yourself. Stroll the streets famous for Cycladic architecture and get lost in white-washed cubed buildings, alluring boutiques, Orthodox churches, and traditional windmills. Join glitterati guests at elegant events on iconic beaches, sink into saltwater pools, tour vineyards, and dance at bars where beats evolve in tempo (and volume). When the heat of the day dies down, drop into the sacred Isle of Delos to explore remarkable ruins, amphitheatres, temples, public squares, marketplaces, and shrines to Greek Gods. Take a table in central Chora for perfectly cooked, local dishes with generous views; mounds of flaky filo, Greek salads, halloumi and sea urchin, washed down with freddo. When the sun sets, head for a signature sundowner with views across the ocean. After dark, follow the fun to legendary bars and clubs. Progressive and profoundly beautiful.
Monday, August 3 - PROGRESSIVE ATHENS
Port: Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Arrive 7:00 am
Athenians don't live in the past. Ahead of its time, Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibilty - housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums. And you can't help but marvel at teh 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 watch Greek fishing boats peacfully depart for their catch, reflect on this ancient city's progressive attitde.