Cove Travel

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Bridges, Sunsets & Ruins - Explora Journeys

14 Night Cruise Only

  • Cruise Line: Explora Journeys
  • Ship: Explora I
  • Package Departs: 12 July 2024
  • Package Duration: 14 Nights
  • Offer Type: Cruise Only
  • Embark Ship: Venice, Italy
  • Disembark Ship: Istanbul, Turkey
Sail into the inky night, where stars illuminate Venetian rooftops, guiding you towards the Adriatic jewels. Glide along the jagged shores to experience the rapturous beauty of Hvar and the shimmering stillness in the Bay of Kotor. Sail into lovely Brindisi and the dreamy blue bays of Nydri. Trade imperial Athens for a decadent overnight in Mykonos before you beach-hop Skiathos, greet Alexander the Great in Thessaloniki, and explore Roman ruins in Kavala. The rosy dawn reveals old Byzantium, the city of a thousand minarets.
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Bridges, Sunsets & Ruins Cruise Package includes:
- 14 night luxury cruise aboard the NEW Explora I from Venice to Istanbul
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne upon arrival
- A bottle of wine and a bottle of spirit of guests` choice upon arrival
- Authentic, cultured and intuitive service from a team of hospitality experts
- Nine distinct culinary experiences, including in-suite dining*
- Unlimited beverages, fine wines and premium spirits, speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks available anytime, including in-suite mini-bar*
- Access to the spa thermal area
- Wellbeing and fitness programmes on board and at the destinations
- All on-board gratuities
- Unlimited, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Shuttle services from port to city centre (where required/available)
- Port fees and taxes
- Additional inclusions and services apply to Ocean Penthouse and Ocean Residence categories
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PRICING:
The fares shown here are full brochure Explora Journey Fares. Other fare types may be available and there may be special offers, so please contact us for the current best deal.
Solo travellers: Please contact us for availability and pricing.
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*For fine wine and spirits connoisseurs or those wishing to elevate their experience or celebrate a special occasion, an ultra-exquisite selection of wines, spirits, and liqueurs, will also be available for an additional fee. Please note that the complimentary wine and spirits selection is not available at Anthology restaurant. For those who are seeking to indulge in an award-winning dining experience, Anthology offers menus curated by the world`s most celebrated chefs and wine pairing by illustrious winemakers for a one-of-a-kind guest chef experience onboard. An exclusive experience fee applies. The Chef`s Kitchen offers an immersive experience for 12 guests. The culinary experts guide our guests through a journey of discovering new ingredients, flavours, textures and cultures. An exclusive experience fee applies.
Special Conditions
*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on full brochure cruise fares at time of publication (19Feb24). Some cabins may have obstructed views. Any airfares/taxes are due in full 24 hours from reservation and strict cancellation/change fees apply. Selected routing and airlines apply to package offers - any variances requested by guest will incur surcharges. Visitors to the United States/Canada must complete an online ESTA/CAN ESTA application prior to arrival which is not included and is the guests responsibility. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Transfers only included if guests are arriving/departing by air at specific airports on exact package dates. Offer subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.
Special Validity Dates
Special is valid from 19 February 2024 to 12 June 2024 or until sold out/withdrawn.
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
12 Jul 2024 Venice, Italy 6:00 PM
13 Jul 2024 Ravenna, Italy 8:00 AM 2:00 PM
14 Jul 2024 Hvar, Croatia 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
15 Jul 2024 Kotor, Montenegro 9:00 AM 7:00 PM
16 Jul 2024 Brindisi, Italy 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
17 Jul 2024 Lefkada Island (Lefkas), Greece 9:00 AM 11:00 PM
18 Jul 2024 At Sea    
19 Jul 2024 Athens (Piraeus) Greece 7:00 AM
20 Jul 2024 Mykonos, Greece 9:00 AM
21 Jul 2024 Mykonos, Greece 2:00 PM
22 Jul 2024 Skiathos, Greece 8:00 AM 8:00 PM
23 Jul 2024 Thessaloniki, Greece 8:00 AM 7:00 PM
24 Jul 2024 Kavala, Greece 8:00 AM 8:00 PM
25 Jul 2024 At Sea    
26 Jul 2024 Istanbul, Turkey 7:00 AM
14 Night Cruise sailing from Venice to Istanbul aboard Explora I.

Highlights of this cruise:

Venice
The city of Venice sits at the top of the Adriatic Sea in the north east corner of Italy. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city sits on 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon – a salt marsh. In the 12th century Venice became a city state and its location at the top of the Adriatic made it a key naval and commercial centre as well as a flourishing art centre.

Modern Venice is stunning and retains the wonderful history of this unique city. It is a city of museums, galleries, piazzas, palaces, churches and more. One visit isn’t enough to see all that Venice has to offer but visitors should try and see the Basilica San Marco and San Marco Square, the Doges Palace and the Gallerie dell'Accademia which houses some of Italy’s finest art treasures.

Athens
The port of Piraeus is one of the last old-style Mediterranean ports from where you can catch ferries to all of the Greek islands and travel a short distance to Greece's capital city Athens.

In the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka district, with its honeycomb of streets, little shops - and tavernas that come alive at night. Situated on the north and east slopes of the Acropolis, it is rich with historic sites, such as ancient monuments and churches. Within Athens there are eight large hills, including the Acropolis, and on the outskirts, Mount Parnitha, Mount Pendeli and Mount Hymettos surround the city. A trip to Athens' most famous tourist attraction, the impressive Parthenon built on the Acropolis around 2,500 years ago, will be memorable to say the least.

There are an extraordinary number of historic tourist sights in Athens and many of these are known world-wide. Some of the top Athens attractions include the Agora - a grand, ruined Roman building, Hadrian's Arch - originally the city gate linking the Roman quarters with original town of Athens and the stunning Dionysos Theatre - the world's oldest theatre where many great plays have been performed over the years.

Istanbul
Istanbul is Europe's most populous city (the world's 4th largest city proper and 20th largest urban area) and Turkey's cultural and financial center. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait, and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country.

Part of Istanbul’s great attraction is its unique position on two continents, divided by the Bosphorus. Most of the population live on the European side; the Asian sector is reached via the high-level Bosphorus Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge or by ferry. With 13 million inhabitants Istanbul offers all the excitement of a cosmopolitan city. Its numerous monuments, mosques and museums, plus the famous Grand Bazaar, make it one of the world’s great destinations.

Your home at sea
Private terraces which are amongst the largest in the category. Large floor-to-ceiling windows with elegant interiors. Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area

Environmental supporting technologies
Hybrid-ready energy solutions. Waste-management and energy-saving solutions. No single-plastic used on-board and ashore


Ship Profile & Stats
  • Maiden voyage: 2023
  • Tonnage: 63,900 GT
  • Length: 248m
  • Beam: 32m
  • Draft: 56m
  • Speed: 18 knots
  • Passenger capacity (dbl): 1473
Ship Amenities
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Infotainment system with Smart TV and easy connectivity to personal devices
  • Telephones with voicemail
  • On-demand TV options
  • Wireless charging base on bedside tables
  • Individual climate control in each suite
  • Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
  • Lounge area with coffee/dining table
  • Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
  • Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
  • Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
  • Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
  • Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
  • Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system
  • Featuring a double sofa bed
  • Down duvets and pillows
  • Extensive pillow selection
  • Oversized walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
  • Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and heated floors
  • Plush bathrobes and slippers
  • Custom bath toiletries and amenities
  • Dyson Supersonic TM hair-dryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror (Some suites with bathtubs and accessible facilities)
Ship Facilities
  • Over 700 sqm (7,500 sq ft) of indoor and outdoor wellness facilities
  • Over 270 sqm (2,900 sq ft) of fitness facilities with latest equipment
  • 18 restaurants focused on healthy, delicious food from local, sustainable sources
  • Multiple culinary experiences across six vibrant restaurants and numerous lounges (as well as In-Suite Dining) created to celebrate global cooking tal
  • 12 indoor and outdoor bar and lounges with curated entertainment and intimate performances
  • Cosmopolitan, effortless entertainment with the perfect blend of vibrancy and privacy across an array of indoor and outdoor spaces on board
  • Casino, art gallery, culinary school and curated shopping experiences
  • Three outdoor pools, including one adults-only, and one indoor pool with retractable glass roof
  • 64 private cabanas
  • Multiple indoor and outdoor whirlpools
  • Poolside dining and lounging
  • Hybrid-ready energy solutions
  • Waste-management and energy-saving solutions
  • No single-plastic used onboard and ashore
Explora Journeys represents the ambition and long-held dream of the MSC Group and the Aponte family to create a transformative luxury ocean travel experience and brand that redefines the luxury cruise category.

This is a story that starts in Sorrento with a Neapolitan ferry captain, Gianluigi Aponte, who – together with the Swiss sweetheart he met when she was a passenger on one of his crossings – went on to create MSC, a global shipping operation and the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company. Now this Swiss-Italian seafaring family are fulfilling their life-long dream and launching Explora Journeys, an exquisite, modern luxury cruise experience like no other.

The Aponte family records date back to the 17th century from which 300 years of sea-faring expertise, alongside an inherent passion and respect for the sea has developed.

Indeed, the ocean and its influence on us as human beings sits at the very heart of the Explora Journeys brand.

The oceans connect you with yourself, people and the places around you. It relaxes you, and creates an energy in you that inspires inner and outer discovery, broadens horizons and triggers new connections.

All of this, creates an emotional connection that is powerful, transformative, yet universal.

We call it the Ocean State of Mind

A state of mind that has helped create Explora Journeys.
A state of mind inspired by the blue waters of our seas and oceans.
Characterised by calm, unity, elegance and joy, that encourages inner and outer exploration and discovery.
One that appeals to our audience’s desire for mindful travel.
A state of mind that embodies a consciousness of how guests go, not just where they go.
This is what Explora Journeys will uniquely provide for our guests.

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Deck 3

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Deck 8

Deck 9

Cocoon Residence Cocoon Residence
Our Cocoon Residences are amongst the most spacious of our residences, with an expansive sun terrace on the ship’s coveted aft deck.

Serenity Residence Serenity Residence
Abundant in space and light, the elegant Serenity Residences offer a large living area, a dining area for six, an adept desk area, a luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower, and a Residence Host providing butler services.

Premier Penthouse Premier Penthouse
These light-filled, luxurious Premier Penthouses are designed for withdrawing in style or entertaining other guests.

Grand Penthouse Grand Penthouse
The Grand Penthouses offer elegant spaces with a separate stylish living area, a neat work space and a separate dining area for four, whilst the private sun terraces allow guests to unwind and savour the ocean, in the company of friends or one another.

Cove Residence Cove Residence
For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of the Cove Residences.

Retreat Residence Retreat Residence
Our luxurious Retreat Residences offer oversized floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto a spacious sun terrace with a private whirlpool, whilst a Residence Host providing butler services is on hand for our guests’ every whim, as well as a dining area for up to four guests, a separate living area and calm workspace.

Owner’s Residence Owner’s Residence
The iconic Owner’s Residence creates the largest living space on-board, with multiple harmonious spaces in which to relax, entertain and unwind.

Stand in awe of the panoramic ocean views from your private outdoor terrace – extending over the full ship's width – with a spacious infinity whirlpool, and enjoy intuitive, intelligent, dedicated private butler services by the Residence Manager.

Every aspect of the design of our Owner’s Residence reflects the meticulous curation of all details, conscious at all times of our commitment to sustainability.

Deluxe Penthouse Deluxe Penthouse
Flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling oversized windows, the Deluxe Penthouses offer elegant accommodation and a stylish living area, a neat work space and a separate dining area for four.

Ocean Grand Terrace Suite Ocean Grand Terrace Suite
Our Ocean Grand Terrace Suites feature a larger ocean-front terrace of 11 sqm (118 sq ft), featuring an outdoor dining area and comfortable daybed for relaxation.

Penthouse Penthouse
Each of our Penthouses offers a spacious living area, a neat work space and a separate dining area for four, allowing guests to entertain others or retreat in style as they see fit.

Ocean Terrace Suite OT2 Ocean Terrace Suite OT2
Flooded with light from the oversized floor-to-ceiling windows, each of our elegant Ocean Terrace Suites, 35 sqm (377 sq ft) - Suite 28 sqm (301 sq ft) and Terrace of 7 sqm (75 sq ft), offers a private sun terrace with a seating area and a comfortable daybed for switching off at sea.

Ocean Terrace Suite OT3 Ocean Terrace Suite OT3
Among the most spacious entry-level accommodations in the industry, 35 sqm (377 sq ft), Suite 28 sqm (301 sq ft) and Terrace of 7 sqm (75 sq ft), our Ocean Terrace Suite invite guests to feel closer to the sea with luminous floor-to-ceiling doors opening onto a private sun terrace.

Ocean Terrace Suite OT4 Ocean Terrace Suite OT4
Each of our sun-drenched Ocean Terrace Suite 35 sqm (377 sq ft), Suite 28 sqm (301 sq ft) and Terrace of 7 sqm (75 sq ft), offers a private terrace with a seating area and sunbeds for relaxing at sea, whilst the elegant living area is amongst the largest in the industry.

Ocean Terrace Suite OT1 Ocean Terrace Suite OT1
Our Ocean Terrace Suite are amongst the largest entry-level suites in the industry, 35 sqm (377 sq ft), Suite 28 sqm (301 sq ft) and Terrace of 7 sqm (75 sq ft). Each one has floor-to-ceiling windows and a private sun terrace, allowing guests to feel closer to the ocean as it carries them on their journey.
From

AU $16,200*

per person
*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
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