Explora Journeys Mediterranean: 10 nights from Il Pireo with Explora II
Oct 19, 2026

Bodrum

Set Sail for Ancient Wonders from Bodrum!

Begin your captivating cruise adventure from Bodrum, Turkey, a city where ancient history meets modern charm on the Aegean coast. From its iconic castle to its vibrant marina, Bodrum offers a stunning backdrop for your departure. Explore historical ruins and enjoy the lively atmosphere before embarking on a journey to discover sun-drenched islands and historical sites of the Aegean and Mediterranean.

Rhodes

Ancient Charms and Aegean Sails from Rhodes!

Embark on a captivating cruise from Rhodes, Greece, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, steeped in ancient history and medieval charm. From its impressive Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to its beautiful beaches, Rhodes offers a magical departure point for exploring the Aegean Sea. Immerse yourself in its legendary past before setting sail on a journey filled with sun-drenched islands, historical treasures, and serene sea days.

Rhodes is the 3rd largest island in Greece. Its geographical location and beauty have long been a target for many empires. Considered one of the most important centers of ancient Greece, this locality was frequented by wealthy Romans. In the Middle Ages, the city came under the dominion of the Knights of Malta and was later occupied by the Ottomans. Thus, Rhodes is known both for the variety of landscapes and the richness of its historical architecture. The old city, thanks to its imposing fortifications, makes it one of the largest inhabited medieval cities in Europe. The metropolis is divided into three areas. The modern and cosmopolitan city, with its hotels and buildings. The ancient one, built in 408 BC, later restored and where the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, the stadium, the gymnasium, and the theater are located. Finally, the one characterized by medieval Gothic architecture, built during the Ottoman period. Not to mention the Grand Masters Palace, home to ancient mosaics and a collection of Western-style furniture. Rhodes is the sunniest in Europe, with 300 days of sunshine a year. You will find both modern comfort and vintage style. You can also appreciate the warm hospitality of its people and the traditions that are still alive. After visiting the city, you will notice its beautiful beaches, some of which are equipped for water sports.

Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of Cray. It is the largest port and economic center of the island and the third largest city in Greece. This city hosts the archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church and has religious buildings of great interest.

Heraklion is located in the center of the northern coast of the Greek Islands. With more than 100,00 inhabitants, the city is the capital of Crete, a Venetian fortress during the Middle Ages. The ancient city, with its squares and wide cobbled streets, balconies with wonderful view on the sea, mantains numerous fortifications. In particular there are important and magnificent monuments such as the Church of Agia Ekaterini, dated back to 1555, where the Museum of Sacred Art is hosted. The Archaeological Museum, home to ceramic sculptures, jewellery and frescoes on the Minoan culture. The Historical Museum, home to the only exhibited work of the painter Domenico Theotokopoulos (The Greek), and where you can have a view of Mount Sinai. The Cathedral of St Mena, the patron saint of the city, built between 1862 and 1895 is one of the largest buildings in the area.

Heraklion has an important port and a considerable center for the coastal trade of oil, soap, wine and hides. It has ferry boats and ships with regular itineraries to the islands of Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Karpathos and Syros. There are also several daily ferry bgoats to Piraeus, south-west of Athens. The Venetian fortress, still in perfect condition, protects the entrance to the port.

The large combination of reality and mythology, tradition and modernity, make Herklion a cosmopolitan center and one of the most important tourist destination in the Mediterranean. Great beaches, lively nightlife, sunny people, excellent cuisine and the strange "interplay" between the old and the new, guarantees to tourists an unforgettable holiday.

Heraklion is located in the center of the northern coast of the Greek island. With more than 100,000 inhabitants, the locality is the capital and largest city of Crete, a Venetian stronghold during the Middle Ages.
The ancient city, between squares and wide cobbled streets, balconies overlooking the sea, preserves numerous fortifications. Particular importance and beauty are its magnificent monuments such as: the church of Agia Ekaterini, dating back to 1555, is where the museum of Sacred Art is housed. The Archaeological Museum, home to ceramic sculptures, jewelry, and frescoes on Minoan culture. The Historical Museum, home to the only work on display by the painter Domenico Theotokopoulos (El Greco), and where it is possible to have a view of Mount Sinai. The Cathedral of Saint Mena, patron saint of the city, built between 1862 and 1895, is one of the largest buildings in the area.
Heraklion has an important port and a considerable center for the coastal trade of oil, soap, wine, and hides. It has ferries and boats with regular routes to the islands of Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Karpathos, and Syros. There are also several daily ferries to Piraeus, southwest of Athens. The Venetian fortress, still in perfect condition, protects the entrance to the port.
The great combination of reality and mythology, tradition and modernity, make Heraklion a cosmopolitan center and one of the most important tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Large beaches, intense nightlife, sunny people, excellent cuisine, and the strange "game" between the old and the new, assures tourists an unforgettable vacation.

Kotor

The Adriatic Sea penetrates the jagged coast of Montenegro and winds between high mountains until it meets the exquisite and walled medieval city of Kotor.

Along the Adriatic coast of the former Yugoslavia, we find one of the most unique and fascinating European coastal areas, the city hidden in Montenegro, Kotor.
Located at the bottom of a bay, the beautiful medieval city of Kotor is considered a Mediterranean location surrounded by cliffs and an interesting historic wall. The tourist attractions of Kotor are easily reached with a pleasant walk. This small walled city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has compact dimensions that make it comfortable and easy to visit.

The central part of Kotor was built between the XII and XIV centuries. A historic center surrounded by a rather thick wall, four and a half kilometers long and fifteen meters high. This immense fortified wall reaches the bastion of Sveti Ivan (San Giovanni).
Inside the walls, it preserves an urban network cut into the stone. Its most emblematic work is the Cathedral of San Trifone, built in the 12th century. Inside the church it contains objects and frescoes sculpted during the 14th century. Furthermore, The Orthodox Church of San Nicolas, built between 1902 and 1909 in neo-Byzantine style and that of San Luca (13th century) built in Romanesque and Byzantine style.

Together with the churches, the city includes many palaces that tell its history: the Maritime Museum, located in the Grgurina Palace, a splendid baroque building located in the historic center of the country. The Drago house, with its beautiful Gothic windows, the Prima building, where Renaissance and Baroque lines are combined, the Ducal Palace and the Bizanti, both from the 17th century and the Napoleonic theater in the 19th century.
In Kotor, it is very common to see locals located along the rocky coast in the lower part of the city. In the old part of the area you will find many shops and restaurants that will delight your eyes. This location is the classic ideal city to spend quiet days or for a romantic getaway.

Gallipoli

Hvar

Located on the Adriatic Sea, the island of Lesina is one of the largest islands overlooking the Croatian coast. An ancient city with a rich past, it is located on the west side of the island, towards the south. A popular tourist destination, not only in summer but also in spring and autumn, it becomes the most visited destination in Croatia.
During your stay in Lesina, you can discover the richness of its natural heritage: the island is well-equipped with a series of caves, some of which are completely uninhabited.
Do not forget to visit the various monuments such as the imposing fortress, built in the early 16th century and restored in 1579, following an explosion, which offers extraordinary panoramic views of the city of Lesina and the Pakleni islands. Other significant monuments are: The Cathedral of San Stjepan, located on the east side of the main square of the city, the Arsenal, the oldest public theater built in 1612, the Franciscan monastery, now a museum and gallery of rarities, and many other works that testify to the turbulent past of the Nation. In this country, you will find a transparent and crystalline sea with small beaches of sand and rocks. In front of the bay of Lesina you will find the "Infernal" islands, where you will meet the most beautiful beaches.
The city is connected to the islands by regular ferry lines. Sports and leisure lovers can go trekking, scuba diving, numerous water activities, walking, playing football, handball, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. The nightlife of the city of Hvar is more active in Dalmatia. You can relax among enchanting beaches, watching shows, exhibitions, concerts, musical, and folklore events.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a Croatian seaport and city located in the Gulf of Kvarner, on the Adriatic coast. It is the third largest city in the country.
Before being annexed to the Yugoslav Republic in the twentieth century, it underwent Austro-Hungarian and later Italian dominations at the end of the nineteenth century. Today, the country has an excellent shipbuilding industry.

In this location there are some historical places of interest, which are located in the so-called Old Town preserved since ancient times. It is decorated with images of great Austrian emperors such as Charles VI and Leopold I. One of the most important architectural complexes is the castle of Tersatto, which is located on one of the highest hills. The construction of the castle took place in the 13th century, consisting of 538 steps of steep stairs. For those who want to take a more comfortable climb, they can use the funicular. After visiting the castle you can observe and admire the magnificent panorama of the city. In addition to the beautiful fortification, built in late Gothic style and its panorama, on the hill you will also find the Temple of the Madonna di Tersatto and the Franciscan convent, the most important religious places in the area. The most notable part of the city is the central one, called Corso. Here the streets are entirely reserved for pedestrians. During a walk you can see the shops and popular restaurants, visit the new cinema or simply relax in beautiful parks, where one of the most colorful markets in the city is located. Traditional souvenirs, which the locals call moric and are represented by small silver objects with the image of the Moor's head, are really very popular with visitors. We associate its original souvenirs with many interesting legends, known to all merchants and inhabitants. This beautiful place attracts many tourists fascinated by the Mediterranean climate and the beautiful landscapes composed of steep mountain ranges, accompanied by a crystal clear sea. The nearest airport is 35 km away, on the island of Krk. It provides European destinations such as Oslo, London and Stuttgart. The Croatian Railways offers connections from Fiume to the heart of Europe. The ferry line connects the port to several major coastal cities in the Mediterranean.

Venice

Setting sail from Venice on a cruise ship is unique and unforgettable. Discover all the cruises that depart from Venice for a great start to your holiday!

Venice it is one of the golden destinations of our age. A unique city of 120 islands, with an ancient history and endless waterways, it attracts a constant flow of tourists from all over the world to see its inspiring architecture and navigate its canals.

There are many souvenirs you can bring home from Venice, but the most lasting memory will be your impression of the city itself.