A Journey of Greek Treasures & Soulful Shores

Athens to Istanbul: A Hosted Journey Aboard Explora II
June 28, 2027 — Hosted by Julie Defee

Seven nights carry you across two countries and two continents, with me right there alongside you every step of the way. Six ports weave together ancient history and island ease, from Athens' ancient foundations to the whitewashed lanes of Mykonos.

The journey begins in Athens, where philosophy took shape centuries ago and monuments still rise above the modern city. Skíathos comes next, offering pine-fringed beaches and a slower island pace, before Kuşadası opens the door to Ephesus and its extraordinary ruins. The Greek island of Lesvos follows with olive groves, quiet harbors, and a literary history that shaped Greek poetry. From there, the ship sails the Dardanelles, the historic strait linking the Aegean to the Sea of Marmara, on approach to Istanbul, where the skyline spans two continents and the spice markets remind you just how enormous and endlessly interesting the world can be. The route closes in Mykonos, which needs no introduction.

Explora II gives you space and quiet in equal measure — generous staterooms, exceptional food, and a pace that lets you set the rhythm of each day. It's a ship built to trust you with your own time, offering plenty to do when you want it and just as much room to simply relax when you don't.

A day at sea here is yours to shape entirely. Mornings might start with coffee on your terrace, watching the Aegean slide by. From there, options widen — a session in the spa's thermal circuit, a swim, or a workout with sweeping sea views if you're feeling active, or the library and quiet lounges if you'd rather read and watch the horizon. Food plays a starring role, too, with around nine dining venues spanning Italian, French, Pan-Asian, and steakhouse concepts, plus casual spots for grazing through the afternoon. As evening settles in, live music, a show, or simply a quiet drink as the sun goes down rounds out the day.

Every guest sails with the essentials taken care of: nine distinct culinary experiences including in-suite dining, unlimited beverages, a welcome bottle of champagne on arrival plus an in-suite wine and spirit of your choosing, access to Ocean Wellness and the spa's thermal area, group wellness and mindfulness activities, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, onboard gratuities, and shuttle service from port to city centre where available.

Here's what sets Explora II apart from the moment you step into your suite: even the entry-level category isn't a cabin — it's a genuine suite, among the largest of its kind in the industry. Every Ocean Terrace Suite gives you floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace complete with a dining table and a daybed, an elegant lounge area, a private refrigerated minibar stocked to your preferences, an espresso machine and tea selection, a spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity, a bespoke king-sized bed with down duvets and fine linens, and a bathroom with heated floors, a walk-in shower, and custom toiletries. Pricing for these suites start at $4,910 per person for double occupancy.

Book your suite and receive $200 in onboard credit, with an additional $100 available if you reserve by September 25. Beyond these onboard credits, you'll have something few group departures offer: I'll be sailing with you. This isn't the usual pre-trip planning and check-ins you'd get from me as your advisor — I'll be on board for the full journey, on hand for anything that comes up along the way, with a few surprises planned for the group too.

I'm hosting this sailing as an intimate group, and spots are limited. If this itinerary has been on your list, now's a great time to reach out.