Duration
11 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
8 Ports
18 October
Setting sail from Fusina
Fusina is on the mainland just across the Venetian Lagoon from Venice and is a common embarkation and disembarkation port for those ships who can no longer call into the heart of the city. Convenient for the airport but offering little else in the immediate vicinity, it is in striking distance of Venice by water taxi and the treasures of Venice are well worth the journey, with highlights including the architectural marvels of St. Marks Basilica and Doge's Palace, the bustling Rialto Market or the quieter local neighbourhoods of Giudecca or Cannaregio. If you're extending your stay it is best to do so on one of Venice's islands to be close to the sights rather than in Fusina for the convenience of the port.
Our tip
If you explore Venice city centre, step away from the tourist trail and seek out some of the authentic bars and restaurants popular with the locals.
19 October
Croatia: Rijeka
The gritty port city of Rijeka isn’t a huge tourist draw, with most visitors passing through en route to the islands or the neighbouring seaside resort of Opatija, although the city centre is home to some handsome Austro-Hungarian architecture.
20 October
Italy: Bari
Bari is the second biggest city in southern Italy, situated at the heart of sunny Puglia. The delightful old town brims over with pretty churches and balconied houses, and the striking Basilica is said to house the bones of Saint Nicholas. Easy day-trips include the trulli houses of Alberobello and the stunning hilltop city of Matera.
21 October
At sea
22 October
Greece: Agios Nikolaos
The charming port of Agios Nikolaos, on the north east coast of Crete, offers a beguiling blend of characterful tavernas, lively bars and designer boutiques. The town is centred around little Lake Voulismeni, and nearby attractions include some lovely beaches and the Minoan ruins at Gournia.
23 October
At sea
24-25 October
Israel: Haifa
Haifa is Israel’s third city, a bustling and multicultural place where six different faiths live side by side. The city is the spiritual centre of the Baha’i Faith, and the beautiful Baha’i Gardens are a must-see. Many cruise visitors opt to skip Haifa and take an excursion to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, two to three hours’ drive away.
26 October
Cyprus: Paphos
Named European Capital of Culture in 2017, Paphos actually consists of two towns. Ktima, the Upper Town, is home to elegant colonial architecture and several museums, while Kato Pafos, the Lower Town, is more geared towards tourism, with bars, souvenir shops and the impressive Archaeological Park.
27 October
Greece: Rhodes
Sun-kissed Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is steeped in history; the medieval heart of Rhodes Town was once home to the crusading Knights of St John, and later fell to the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The hillside village of Lindos, with its pretty whitewashed houses, is another highlight.
28 October
At sea
29 October
Arriving in Istanbul
This is one of those destinations that really does live up to the hype! Istanbul is the place where East meets West, where Asia Minor reaches out across the Bosphorus and almost touches Europe. In its earlier incarnation as Constantinople, the city was the eastern bastion of the Byzantine Empire, holding out for centuries before finally capitulating to the Ottomans in 1453, and it remains a bristling, bustling cultural melting pot, the skyline dotted with magnificent minarets and domes.
Our tip
Try and go for an authentic Turkish experience with a bath in a hamam. Discuss your options with the receptionist. Cagaloglu Hamami is the most spectacular.
Your home from home
Explora I launched in 2023 with Explora II following in 2024, and these luxury all-inclusive resort-style vessels are an exciting new entrant into the luxury cruise market.
What we love
These identical ships feature spacious accommodation, generous outdoor areas, a huge choice of restaurants, an attractive guest to crew ratio of 1.25 to 1, three outdoor pools and a fourth with a retractable glass roof, these ships really have it all.
Capacity | 922 Guests |
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Style | Aiming for the feel of a 'luxury resort at sea' these ships offer sleek and stylish décor, spacious public areas and accommodation and an abundance of choice. Plus, attentive, unobtrusive and personalised service that will make your stay on board that much more special. |
Inclusions |
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Launch Date | August 2023 (Explora I / August 2024 (Explora II) |
Tailor-make your trip
Our recommended hotel in Istanbul
We love the intimate Four Seasons at Sultanahmet, but – top Mundy tip! - it is so small that it’s often fully booked, so don’t hang about.
See more of Turkey
Take a few extra days and travel to Cappadocia for the extraordinary Star Wars scenery, rock caves and churches.