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A Journey of Ancient Legends & Innovation

Nov 29 - Dec 14, 2026

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Your Advisor

Chip Barker

Oceans & Lands: Luxury & Expedition Travel

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info@oceansandlands.com

(813) 504-9974

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Overview

You are cordially invited to join me, Chip Barker, on an exclusive voyage from Athens to Dubai aboard the elegant Explora II. I have been selected by Signature Travel Network to be their Signature Host for this unique Sailing. As your onboard ambassador, I’ll be there to welcome you personally, curate special hosted moments, share insights along the way, and ensure your journey feels both seamless and deeply enriching. It’s a rare opportunity to sail with a dedicated luxury travel expert at your side—adding an insider connection and an extra layer of sophistication to an already extraordinary itinerary.

We'll begin in storied Athens, where marble temples glow in the Mediterranean sun and the city’s timeless treasures set the tone for the journey ahead. From there, sailing effortlessly into Heraklion, where Crete’s Minoan legends whisper through ancient palaces and rugged coastal cliffs. Next, we slip down to Port Said for a rare chance to venture inland to the Pyramids of Giza, their ancient silhouettes rising from the sands with breathtaking grandeur, before returning to witness the engineering marvel of the Suez Canal up close.

We then continue toward an overnight stay in Jeddah, a cosmopolitan crossroads where Red Sea tradition and contemporary culture meet in a vibrant embrace. Between ports, Explora II becomes its own sanctuary—defined by ocean-inspired wellness, contemporary European elegance, and the kind of attentive service that transforms travel into ease. The days unfold with unhurried grace as you sail toward the frankincense-scented breezes of Salalah, the ornate mosques and atmospheric souks of Muscat, and the dramatic, fjord-like cliffs of Khasab.

This unforgettable journey concludes in dazzling Dubai—an arrival that feels less like an ending and more like the beginning of your next story.

Trip Details

Your Journey Map

This itinerary traces a remarkable path from the ancient world to the Arabian Peninsula—departing Athens for Crete, then sailing to Port Said with the opportunity to visit the Pyramids before navigating the Suez Canal. Continue down the Red Sea to...

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Exclusive Signature Amenities

As a Signature Travel Network hosted cruise, you'll take advantage of a choice of one of the following bonus amenities. ONE Private Car & Guide: Local Highlights Tour (Value - Up to $700 per Couple). Choose from the ports below. ONE Private Car & ...

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Promotion: Your Invitation to Explore

THE EXCLUSIVE INVITATION Reserve by January 4, 2026... and enjoy savings of up to 35% with only a 5% deposit. All Journeys Include Nine culinary experiences Unlimited fine beverages Thermal spa access Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi Wellbeing and f...

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Day 1 · Sun, Nov 29 · Piraeus, Greece

About Your Cruise Line - Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys represents the ambition and long-held dream of the MSC Group and the Aponte-Vago family to create a transformative luxury ocean travel experience and brand that redefines the luxury cruise category. With two ships currently exploring the world, four more sister ships are scheduled to be launched by the year of 2028.

The concept: Vibrant, cosmopolitan, relaxed European luxury at sea. Instead of cruises, we create journeys – of the mind,...

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About Your Ship - EXPLORA II

Discover EXPLORA II, a beautifully crafted haven, the epitome of vibrant, cosmopolitan European elegance – a floating home-away-from-home

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Suite Selection

Nov 29 - Dec 14, 2026

3 room options · Starting at $19,120

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Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Nov 29

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...

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Day 2 · Mon, Nov 30 · Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece

Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete

Nov 30

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 m...

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Day 3 · Tue, Dec 1

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 entert...

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Day 4 · Wed, Dec 2 · Port Said, Egypt

Port Said, Egypt

Dec 2

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, gaze at the Great Sphinx, visit Luxor, the Valley of Kings (and Queen)...

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Day 5 · Thu, Dec 3 · Suez, Egypt

Suez Canal Transit

Dec 3

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...

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Day 6 · Fri, Dec 4

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 entert...

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Day 7 · Sat, Dec 5 · Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Dec 5

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...

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Day 8 · Sun, Dec 6 · Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

No activities planned, yet.

Day 9 · Mon, Dec 7

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 entert...

Learn More

Day 10 · Tue, Dec 8

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 entert...

Learn More

Day 11 · Wed, Dec 9

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 entert...

Learn More

Day 12 · Thu, Dec 10 · Salalah, Oman

Salalah, Oman

Dec 10

Frankincense-scented charms mingle with a sea and sun that swims in a bright blue Mediterranean feel. Here UNESCO-approved ruins, tombs, Arabian palaces with desert backdrops and jaw-dropping mosques await. Refresh in Wadi Darbat’s waterfalls, spo...

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Day 13 · Fri, Dec 11

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 entert...

Learn More