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A Grand Journey Of Enchanting Cityscapes & Medieval Treasures

11 Days Athens to Jeddah
A Grand Journey Of Enchanting Cityscapes & Medieval Treasures
A Grand Journey Of Enchanting Cityscapes & Medieval Treasures
A Grand Journey Of Enchanting Cityscapes & Medieval Treasures

Overview

Explora Journeys
Cruise Operated By:
 (1) Review Total No. of Cruises 431
Sail from Piraeus, with its modern Athenian flair, toward Heraklion’s Venetian echoes and Minoan treasures. Continue exploring Rhodes’ UNESCO-listed medieval marvels and storied port before stepping into Port Said’s pharaonic lore before a mesmerising Suez Canal crossing. Sharm El-Sheikh dazzles with coral reefs and incredible desert beauty while Aqaba opens ancient Petra’s secrets. The odyssey concludes in Jeddah’s enchanting cityscape.
Our Price From
US$4,150 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
Cruise Length

11 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Athens

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Jeddah

Cruise Departures
Departures
Oct 2028
Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Cruise Shi
Cruise Ship
Explora I
Passengers
Passengers

922

Crew
Crew

700

Ship Launch
Launched

2023

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

PIRJED10

Itinerary

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, 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 peacefully depart for their catch, reflect on this ancient city's progressive attitude.

Immerse in a capital town that bustles with life, classical culture, steep landscapes and seductive beaches. Visit Rethymnon's impressive past and visit Chania's glorious Venetian architecture. Be guided around the Palace of Knossos - a must for minotaur and labyrinth fans. Walk the Venetian walls that mark the medieval city limits to explore the main archaeological museum, the Loggia Building and the Agios Titos church for relics of St Tito.

Scale the heights of Mount Ida, hike paths that span villages and battlefields, scuba dive and nip over to fêted neighbouring Greek isles. Explore the island through the ages at museums, sip raki and delight in local cuisine. Embrace this Isle of the Gods that teems with treasure.

Rising from the sea like a jewel, the island of Rhodes was a gift from Zeus to Helios, the sun god. A sun-kissed home to Cicero and Caesar whose rhetoric and thinking still echo along stone-paved lanes and the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Follow the footsteps of the Knights of St. John and their Turkish conquerors who both left fascinating monuments, fountains and shady squares. Soak up the buzzing energy and be gently tempted to step back in time.

Pay respect at the pinkish Suleiman Mosque with its tall minaret then seek serenity at the Byzantine Church or heavenly views where perfectly positioned white houses are dotted high into the hills. Whilst you wander, lean into the legend of the 100-foot Colossus, a wonder of the world, replaced now with twin bronze deer that guard the Mandraki Harbour.

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 so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

A place of myth and legend that simmers with heady mix of romance, action, adventure, pharaohs and Pyramids. Choose to crawl through chambers to discover ancient hieroglyphics and gaze at the Great Sphinx. For a different experience, you may prefer to drop into a health spa for pure relaxation, and later share stories as you gracefully sail along in a hot air balloon.

Passionate Egyptologists will talk you through the lineage of the Pharaohs, whilst architects and engineers walk you through the construction of the Suez Canal. Come evening, slow down for some Eastern cuisine in the curiously quaint Port Fouad where choice and variety is the order of the day. An incredible global crossroads that you truly need to see and experience to believe.

Egypt's wondrous waterway, the Suez Canal, unfolds before you on a sensorial sailing. Glide gently through the liquid link as you ebb between auspicious antiquity and modern commerce. Swish beneath bridges and traverse locks as the canal leads you beside fertile farmlands of the Nile delta and rugged desert of the Sinai Peninsula. Embrace your inner explorer to discover the world on a deeper level with this extraordinary canal expansion experience.

Dive into raw desert adventures, glittering treasures, and world-class reefs. Float through a riot of colourful coral off Shark Bay and delve into the depths of perfectly preserved Thistlegorm. Travel out to the beating soul of Cairo for the great Pyramids and Sphinx, visit laid-back Dahab's Blue Lagoon, or hot air balloon over the Valley of the Kings. Stop by Old Sharm to browse Souqs and impressive mosques, zip through the desert to local Bedouin villages, climb holy Mount Sinai and drop into the world's oldest working monastery. It's not just the year-round sunshine that lights up this beautiful region.

Welcome Middle Eastern culture with a splash of adventure. Jordan's sun-kissed centre reels in distinct Islamic architecture with access to lunar-like landscapes and ancient archaeological wonders. Visit the stunning rock-hewn Petra and take a four-wheel-foray to the rust-coloured sands and towering rocks of UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum. Flock to observe migratory birds, dive through underwater wonders, or crack Arabian cooking inland. Support local artisans on a spice-scented stroll through colourful souks and dress to worship at stark white mosques. This movie-set region teems with elegant Arabic charm.

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 so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Immerse yourself in the bustle and buzz of Saudi Arabia's oldest city. Pilgrimage to Islamic holy towns, unearth secrets in the backstreets of UNESCO-celebrated Al-Balad, explore ruins and floating mosques, then unwind strolling amongst the charms of the Corniche. Seek breathtaking Edge of the World views, shop heaving souks and set out to Moon Mountain. Fish, quad bike, dive, ride camels, mountain climb, or gallop through the desert on Arabian horses. From the world's largest dome to the world's tallest fountain, watch the rise of this captivating city.

Life On Board

Explora Journeys
 (1) Review
Total No. of Cruises 431
Explora Journeys is the new luxury lifestyle travel brand launched in 2023 by the MSC group redefining the luxury ocean experience. Vibrant, cosmopolitan relaxed European luxury at sea. Instead of cruises we create journeys – of the mind and across the oceans of the world, as we visit extraordinary places on and off the beaten track.
EXPLORA I
EXPLORA I

EXPLORA I represents a new era of luxury ocean travel. Exquisitely designed to offer you relaxed luxury, restoring life's essential balance with a combination of discovery and appreciation for wellbeing and nature. Read more

Inclusive Journeys
Inclusive Journeys

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. Read more

Your Home At Sea
Your Home At Sea

Elegant, spacious and comfortable our ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences are designed to create a home at sea for our guests. Read more

Dining At Sea
Dining At Sea

Celebrating global talents and cultures, infusing global influences with personality, sophistication, and a touch of soul for a unique dining experience at sea. Read more

Leisure Experiences
Leisure Experiences

Discover Explora Journeys' collection of one-of-a-kind entertainment and enrichment experiences, designed to stimulate the mind and feed the soul. Read more

Ocean Inspired Wellness
Ocean Inspired Wellness

Ocean Wellness encompasses the physical, spiritual, and emotional health of our guests, ensuring their time with us is enriching and fulfilling. Read more

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $4,150
Saturday 07 Oct 2028 07 Oct 28 Athens
Tuesday 17 Oct 2028 17 Oct 28 Jeddah
Details
Explora I
Exclusive Savings
Suite
US$4,150
Save $2,100
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Explora Journeys. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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