Explora I, ex Barcelona to Athens

10 Night Cruise sailing from Barcelona to Athens aboard Explora I.

Highlights of this cruise:

Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean and enjoys a mild climate all year round.Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest and most successful ports and one of the world’s leading cities in art and architecture.

From the modern cruise terminal at the docks you will need a taxi or tour to see the artistic beauty of this unique destination, credited to the talents of Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi, Jose Clara and others. Stroll the mosaic-paved Ramblas, the city's social hub, with open-air cafes, street entertainers and flower displays. See its unique Catalonian cultural heritage in the ancient Gothic Quarter, the surrealistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi and some outstanding museums.

Sights of interest include the Columbus Monument, the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia (1298 to 1454), the Maritime Museum, Picasso Gallery, La Sagrada Familia (Gaudi's unfinished cathedral), Palau Guell (Gaudi mansion) and the Olympic stadiums.

Chania
Chania city and seaport in Greece, is located in northwestern Crete (Kríti). It is the second largest city on Crete and considered among the most picturesque in Greece. It is built around an old Venetian Port and Castle and extends to a new part which boasts parks and wide streets.

Some notable sights include the Mosque of Djamissi; the remains of the Venetian "arsenali", where ships were once built and repaired; the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, the huge Municipal Market that connects to the new town at its opposite entrance; the marvellous Archaeological Museum occupying a 16th Century Venetian church; and many of the lovely side streets filled with shops, craftsmen, and beautiful architecture.

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.

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

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.