Explora Journeys Mediterranean: 11 nights from Venice with Explora II
Oct 29, 2026

Zadar

Thanks to its geographical position, its beaches and attractive environment Zadar is an ideal destination for visiting the Dalmatia. Icing on the cake: the sunset would be the best in the world according to Alfred
Hitchcock.
Regional capital of northern Dalmatia, Zadar is a small coastal city in Croatia protected by lots of islands of the Kornati archipelago, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. If you want to enjoy your stay in this enchanting country, May, June and September are the most ideal times. A peaceful atmosphere is emanated from this ancient walled city. Surrounded by the sea and numerous pebble beaches, in the territory there are many national parks, in particular the most notably are the Plitvice Lakes, the Krka waterfalls and Velibit Mountain. Even after getting to know the city, you can admire the islands of the Kornati National Park, where you will find a labyrinth of untouched oases. This blessed place of the gods is ideal for diving and snorkling.

The surprising feature of Zadar: it is the only city in the world with a
marine 'organ', the waves produce a sound similar to the instrument used in the church. This is a further reason to discover this city rich in history and full of charm. This island has been inhabitaed for more that three decades, this is testifyed by its magnificent historical and archelogist ruins for example the 9th century monastery of San Donato, the 16th century Venetian bastions or the Porta della Terraferma, both Venetian. The central arch is decorated with a statue of St Chrysogonus, the patron saint of the city, these are just some of the places to visit. If you also plan to have fun, you will find several summer cultural events here, including Zara of Dreams or the musical nights of San Donato. For party-goers, we recommend one of the most famous clubs in Croatia, the Hacienda, which always hosts famous DJs and it is located between Zadar and Šibenik. While for liquors lovers, especially local ones, you can enjoy a typical local Maraschino in the evening.

The capital of Dalmatia, Zadar, is a small coastal city, located in Croatia and protected by numerous islands of the Kornati archipelago, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. If you want to enjoy your stay in this enchanting country, May, June, and September are the most ideal period. In this ancient walled city emanates a peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by the sea and numerous pebble beaches, the territory has various national parks, in particular, the Plitvice Lakes, the Krka waterfalls, or the Velibit mountain. Even after knowing the city, you can contemplate the islands of the Kornati National Park, where you will find a labyrinth of pristine oases. This place blessed by the gods is ideal for diving and snorkeling. The striking feature of Zadar: it is the only city in the world with a "sea organ", the waves produce a sound similar to that of the instrument used in the church. One more reason to discover this coastal city rich in history and full of charm. This region has been inhabited for more than three millennia, as evidenced by the magnificent historical and archaeological finds. The monastery of San Donato of the 9th century, the Venetian bastions of the 16th century or the Porta della Terraferma, also Venetian. The central arch is decorated with a statue of San Crisogono, patron saint of the city, these are just some of the places to visit. If you also plan to have fun, here you will find several summer cultural events including Zadar of Dreams or the musical nights of San Donato. For partygoers, we recommend one of the most famous clubs in Croatia, Hacienda which always hosts well-known DJs, is located between Zadar and Sibenik. While for lovers of liqueurs, especially the local ones, in the evening you can enjoy a Maraschino typical of the area.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is definitely special. A magnificent curtain wall surrounds marble streets and Baroque buildings exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun.

Picturesque and artistic, Dubrovnik is a tourist hotspot and port in southern Dalmatia, at the foot of the Srđ mountain. From a historical and cultural point of view, it has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Thanks to its beauty and everything it has on offer for tourists, Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean, so much so that the city can be visited all year round. In addition to its world-famous architectural heritage, this place has beautiful rocky beaches, pebble beaches and sandy beaches, enjoys a Mediterranean climate and also has lush vegetation. The main pedestrian street, Placa, is a melange of cafes and shops with monuments at each end.

Churches, monasteries and museums adorned with finely carved stone, recall an eventful history and a rich artistic tradition. Beyond the city there is a paradise of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a crystal-clear sea dotted with lush islands.

The city is also known for its delicious cuisine and its infrastructure of hotels for tourists. The city offers a wide selection of first-class restaurants, numerous sport and leisure activities, as well as cultural and entertainment events

Korfu

Corfù is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, located off the northwestern coast of Greece and south of Albania. The Greek island is a natural paradise. It is the second largest island of Greece, with 220 km of coastline. Its geography is dominated by mountain ranges and reaching 1000 meters above sea level, you will find Mont Pantokrator.

This mountain divides the island into three different areas. The northern area, abundant in olive groves, features green valleys and coastlines that form both small and large bays. The central part, the most populous and important, is covered by dense vegetation and lush hills.

The southern area consists of a large plain with less vegetation than the other regions but is decidedly more fertile. The most lively part of the city is found at Liston, similar to Paris’ Rue de Rivoli- a grand avenue lined with beautiful cafes and excellent restaurants. On the other hand, the island also has beautiful beaches washed by the Ionian Sea.

One of the most beautiful walks in the capital is along the harbor promenade, next to the city walls, where you can contemplate the view of the city. Corfù was the first Greek Island to open its doors to tourism, becoming an important international tourist centre that attracts many visitors every year. Even if tourism is evident in the coastal areas, the island has managed to preserve its authenticity.

Volos

Volos is a town located in the center of mainland Greece, about 326 km north of Athens and 215 km south of Thessaloniki, the second most important city. Built at the deepest point of the Pagasean Gulf and at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos is a large port city that enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with rather humid summers and mild winters.

Built at the deepest point of the Gulf of Pagaseo and at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos is located on the Pelion peninsula in central Greece.
The etymology of the name " Volos ", according to a historical version, is the result of the distortion of the name of the Mycenaean city of Iolkos, where Jason set off with his Argonauts and his ship Argo in search of the Golden Fleece.
Volos is one of the oldest port cities in Greece. Capital of the province of Magnesia, the city belongs to the central region of Thessaly, its only outlet to the sea. It is located on the inner part of the mouth of the Gulf of Pagaseo, at the foot of the mythical Mount Pelion, the legendary country of the centaurs, as mythology tells.
Volos represents the ideal base to discover not only the picturesque mountain villages but also the Sporades islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos, connected by ferries. The city owes its current economic boom and its development to maritime trade, to the industries established in the area, and to the increase in tourism.
Volos is a relatively new city, it began to develop in the mid-19th century in the place where a small Turkish village previously resided. After its annexation to Greece from the Ottoman Empire, in 1881, it grew very rapidly in the following 40 years. In the 1920s there was a large influx of refugees. Merchants, entrepreneurs, artisans, and sailors went to live in Volos and the surrounding areas.
The development of the city has been closely linked to the creation of industrial areas, the restructuring of the port and the increase in tourism thanks to its geographical position, near Mount Pelion, and the fabulous beaches of Magnesia, especially those located in the Sporades.
The city is also known for its variety of " mezedes ", mixed appetizer dishes based on fish or seafood, served with a traditional alcoholic beverage called "Tsipouro".

Istanbul

An incredible city, huge, vibrant like few others in the world. Where two continents meet, culture and diversity thrive in a unique architectural setting. Istanbul is hot,and we aren’t talking about the weather. These days there are more restaurants,bars,galleries and clubs around the city than Ottoman mosques(which is not a small feat).

The international fashion and design press has talked about Istanbul to the point of exhaustion; the sense of age that fell over the city once the Ottoman empire disappeared, has been replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the times of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Istanbul

An incredible city, huge, vibrant like few others in the world. Where two continents meet, culture and diversity thrive in a unique architectural setting. Istanbul is hot,and we aren’t talking about the weather. These days there are more restaurants,bars,galleries and clubs around the city than Ottoman mosques(which is not a small feat).

The international fashion and design press has talked about Istanbul to the point of exhaustion; the sense of age that fell over the city once the Ottoman empire disappeared, has been replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the times of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Canakkale

Il Pireo

Embark on a legendary cruise from Piraeus, the historic port of Athens, Greece. This bustling gateway to the Aegean Sea offers immediate access to the ancient wonders of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and countless archaeological sites. Immerse yourself in the cradle of Western civilization before setting sail on a journey to the sun-drenched Greek Islands and beyond, promising a voyage rich in history, culture, and breathtaking beauty.