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A JOURNEY OF GREEK ISLES & CLASSICAL LEGENDS – EXPLORA II
Holiday package from:
- Ocean Terrace Suite: From NZ$15,499 per person*
- Deluxe Penthouse Suite: From NZ$20,399 per person*
Sailing Date: 04 October 2027
Duration: 16 Nights
Cruise Ship: Explora II
Departure / Return Port: Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Your holiday includes:
- Return Economy Class flights from Auckland to Athens
- 2 nights 5-star accommodation in Athens (02-04 October 2027)
- 14-night Greece & Turkey luxury ocean journey aboard Explora II
- Private transfers throughout your holiday
Athens Stay:
- 2 nights accommodation in Athens before your cruise
- Explore the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon
- Wander through the charming Plaka district
- Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine in traditional tavernas
- Discover the rich history and culture of Greece's capital city
14-Night Greece & Turkey Ocean Journey:
- Cruise roundtrip from Athens aboard the luxurious Explora II
- Discover the historic port of Nafplio
- Explore the beautiful island of Paros
- Visit the charming island of Skiathos
- Experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Mykonos
- Discover the ancient wonders of Ephesus
- Explore vibrant Istanbul where East meets West
- Visit the stunning coastal town of Bodrum
- Discover the medieval beauty of Rhodes
- Explore the sacred island of Patmos
- Experience the rich culture and landscapes of Crete
All Explora Journeys Include:
- Nine distinctive culinary experiences
- Unlimited fine beverages, premium wines and spirits
- Thermal spa access
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Wellbeing and fitness programmes
- All onboard gratuities included
- Shuttle services between port and city centres where applicable
- Choice of bottle of wine and spirit on arrival
- In-suite bottle of champagne and refreshments
- Authentic, personalised and intuitive luxury service
Private Transfers Included:
- 02 October 2027 – Private transfer from Athens Airport to hotel
- 04 October 2027 – Private transfer from Athens hotel to Piraeus Port
- 18 October 2027 – Private transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens Airport
Why You'll Love This Holiday:
- Ultra-luxury ocean travel aboard Explora II
- Visit some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful islands and cities
- Explore both Greece and Turkey in one seamless journey
- Enjoy exceptional dining, beverages and luxury inclusions
- Experience personalised service and spacious suite accommodation
- Perfect combination of cultural discovery, history and relaxation
Travel Information:
- Ship: Explora II
- Sailing Date: 04 October 2027
- Duration: 16 Nights
- Cruise: 14 Nights
- Hotel Stay: 2 Nights in Athens
- Departs and returns to Athens (Piraeus)
*Prices are based on twin share and subject to availability at the time of booking. Package includes return economy class flights from Auckland to Athens, 2 nights 5-star accommodation in Athens, private transfers and a 14-night Greece & Turkey ocean journey aboard Explora II. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
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Itineraries
Pre-cruise accommodation
Date : October 2, 2027
2 nights 5-star accommodation in Athens
2 nights 5-star accommodation in Athens
Date: 02-04 October 2027
In Athens, you can explore ancient icons like the Acropolis and Parthenon, wander through the lively Plaka district, and enjoy authentic Greek flavours in traditional tavernas.
Day 1
Date : October 2, 2027
Athens, Greece
Today, arrive in Athens and make your way to the Arrivals area where your driver will be waiting for you. Transfer to your Athens hotel and check in for two nights.
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.
Day 2
Date : October 3, 2027
Athens, Greece
Athens at leisure.
Day 3
Date : October 4, 2027
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Today, check out of your hotel and transfer Piraeus pier to begin your Explora Journey.
Embarkation midday-5pm.
Arrival Time: -
Departure Time: 8:00 PM
Day 4
Date : October 5, 2027
Nafplion, Greece
Neat Nafplio, one of Greece's most romantic cities, leads us to the UNESCO dotted Peloponnese Peninsula. Namesake of Poseidon's son, this rakish retreat is a dream to discover with its medieval old town, castle ramparts, and cafés lining Syntagma Square. Further afield, we vault into vestiges belonging to Bronze Age kings: colossal Mycenae fortress with its 14m (46ft) wide walls; the perfectly acoustic Epidaurus amphitheatre; and wedge-like Corinth Canal which was 2,500 years in the making.
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: 8:00 PM
Day 5
Date : October 6, 2027
Paros, Greece
Unveil picturesque Paros' unadorned charms from ancient remains to traditional tavernas and sweet villages and blue-domed churches to a bounty of blonde-sand beaches. Head out to Parikia to find the awe-inspiring AD326 Byzantine monastery or take a ferry across to explore caves in the rugged natural beauty of Antiparos. Walk through the island's ancient archaeological history at the tiny museum and lose yourself in the labyrinth of lanes at the old Venetian port of Naoussa. Banish any tension on a sunlounger, then breeze through home-cooked mezze feasts in white-washed tavernas. Windsurf, kite-surf, dive, swim au naturel and enjoy a network of walking trails. Somehow Paros has managed to preserve more of the soft spirit than some of her Cyclade cousins.
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: 9:00 PM
Day 6
Date : October 7, 2027
Skiathos, Greece
One of 24 islands along an ancient trade route in the Aegean on Greece's east coast, Skiathos is part of the Sporades, Greek for scattered. Known for its sandy beaches and scented pine forests that fall right down to the water, this is a Greek island idyll, with whitewashed townhouses with terracotta-tiled rooves, ancient monasteries clinging to the hillside, lagoons secreted in the trees and fish restaurants in beautiful bays. And oh that water – on a small boat explore the island's inlets and capes, the sea caves and Lalaria, the picture-perfect rock arch only accessible from the water.
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: 6:00 PM
Day 7
Date : October 8, 2027
Volos, Greece
Volos deals a perfect blend of architectural gems, scented archaic landscapes and beach-fringed salty bays. Discover treasures in the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts before bearing off to Pelion, homeland of the mythical Centaurs. Zig zag through a network of old cobbled donkey tracks linking villages and wander a botanist's dream of eucalyptus, fruit trees and thyme-scented woodland. Dip in blissfully quiet Pagasitic waters, bring history to life on gorge and bridge crossing Moutzouris and paddle past secluded coves into eerie sea caves and the Secret School. Visit Damouchari for a riot of bougainvillea and silvery olive trees, Tsagarada for the oldest plane tree in Greece and Milies for murals and absurd acoustics. This playground of the gods remains a quiet memory of Greek gone by - the Centaurs have protected it well.
Arrival Time: 7:00 AM
Departure Time: 7:00 PM
Day 8
Date : October 9, 2027
Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkiye
Walk in Cleopatra's steps as you journey through fields bursting with cotton, olives and peaches until the hills broaden, to reveal the magnificent Roman ruins of Ephesus. Dedicated to Artemis, visit monuments, shrines, columns and ruins, where Popes pray and pilgrims drink holy water. Immerse yourself totally in this ancient place of worship; wish for good health and meditate in the sacred thermal pools of Pamukkale. Travel out to Orthodox villages combining Turkish-Greek culture and feast on organic filo, feta and spinach. Study Turkish weavings, natural dyes and textiles; 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 makes you sit up straight.
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: 9:00 PM
Day 9
Date : October 10, 2027
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 so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.
Day 10
Date : October 11, 2027
Istanbul, Turkiye
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 jewellery, linen and oriental antiques. Dine in the atmospheric old city or take a ferry to Asia for street-served food. 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.
Arrival Time: 8:00 AM
Departure Time: 11:55 PM
Day 11
Date : October 12, 2027
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 so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.
Day 12
Date : October 13, 2027
Bodrum, Turkiye
Imagine an old-world fishing town with high society appeal. Explore breathtaking sights on the sunlit Peninsula of the turquoise coast. Soak up the town's buzzing energy; shop, eat, relax and explore. Pay respect to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, savour fresh fish and meze and sip coffee of toe-tingling strength. Delve into captivating landscapes bursting with nature; the Bafa Lake, olive groves, bougainvillea and hundreds of different bird species. Feel the wind in your hair on a private gulet as you voyage to crystal clear coves of the Aegean. Lasting memories abound.
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: 7:00 PM
Day 13
Date : October 14, 2027
Rhodes, Greece
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.
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: 9:00 PM
Day 14
Date : October 15, 2027
Patmos, Greece
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 into the hills. Known as the Land of Legends, St John was said to have written his Book of Revelations 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 her divine intervention.
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: 7:00 PM
Day 15
Date : October 16, 2027
Agios Nikolaos, (Crete), Greece
Picture a panoramic, sun-drenched Cretan town fit for royalty. Imagine lakes, hillside villages, bars, tavernas, shops and artistic, tile-roofed houses and you have Agios Nikolaos in Crete. Somehow this town is lively and cosmopolitan as it is calm, peaceful and slow-paced. You cannot help but be gently tempted to step back in time; experience archaeological adventures, legendary visitors, famous hillside windmills, Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques. Then satisfy an appetite by meeting proud and welcoming local communities who serve customary, delicious dishes in endless tiny tavernas. After - unwind on pale pink sandy beaches endlessly caressed by transparent turquoise waters.
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: 7:00 PM
Day 16
Date : October 17, 2027
Mykonos, Greece
If you start early, you’ll have Mykonos to yourself. Stroll narrow streets famous for Cycladic architecture and getting lost; 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.
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: 9:00 PM
Day 17
Date : October 18, 2027
Athens, Greece
Today, disembark Explora II and transfer to Athens airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Arrival Time: 7:00 AM
- Return Economy Class flights from Auckland to Athens
- 2 nights 5-star accommodation in Athens (02-04 October 2027)
- 14-night Greece & Turkey luxury ocean journey aboard Explora II
- Private transfers throughout your holiday
Athens Stay:
- 2 nights accommodation in Athens before your cruise
- Explore the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon
- Wander through the charming Plaka district
- Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine in traditional tavernas
- Discover the rich history and culture of Greece's capital city
14-Night Greece & Turkey Ocean Journey:
- Cruise roundtrip from Athens aboard the luxurious Explora II
- Discover the historic port of Nafplio
- Explore the beautiful island of Paros
- Visit the charming island of Skiathos
- Experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Mykonos
- Discover the ancient wonders of Ephesus
- Explore vibrant Istanbul where East meets West
- Visit the stunning coastal town of Bodrum
- Discover the medieval beauty of Rhodes
- Explore the sacred island of Patmos
- Experience the rich culture and landscapes of Crete
All Explora Journeys Include:
- Nine distinctive culinary experiences
- Unlimited fine beverages, premium wines and spirits
- Thermal spa access
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Wellbeing and fitness programmes
- All onboard gratuities included
- Shuttle services between port and city centres where applicable
- Choice of bottle of wine and spirit on arrival
- In-suite bottle of champagne and refreshments
- Authentic, personalised and intuitive luxury service
Private Transfers Included:
- 02 October 2027 – Private transfer from Athens Airport to hotel
- 04 October 2027 – Private transfer from Athens hotel to Piraeus Port
- 18 October 2027 – Private transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens Airport
Why You'll Love This Holiday:
- Ultra-luxury ocean travel aboard Explora II
- Visit some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful islands and cities
- Explore both Greece and Turkey in one seamless journey
- Enjoy exceptional dining, beverages and luxury inclusions
- Experience personalised service and spacious suite accommodation
- Perfect combination of cultural discovery, history and relaxation
Travel Information:
- Ship: Explora II
- Sailing Date: 04 October 2027
- Duration: 16 Nights
- Cruise: 14 Nights
- Hotel Stay: 2 Nights in Athens
- Departs and returns to Athens (Piraeus)
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
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While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
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