A Journey of Ancient Legends & Breathtaking Innovation Cruise on Explora II from Athens (Piraeus)

Athens (Piraeus)

Athens, the capital city of Greece is an active cosmopolitan mix of different cultures and people, passionate about their art and history. The climate is one of the best in Europe, with mild winters and very hot summers, ideal for tourism. It is located just a few miles from the port of Piraeus, the central commercial port of the capital, and the shores of southern Attica. The main attractions of Athens are The Ancient Agora, Anafiotika, The Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, Thiseion Cinema, Gazi, Monastiraki Flea Market, Pireaus seaside, Pireaus open air market, Kastella Hill, Veakio open air theatre and Piraeus Archaeological.

Heraklion (Crete)

Heraklion, or Heraclion is the largest city and capital of the island of Crete, Greece. It is one of the largest cities in Greece. The ruins of Knossos, which were excavated and restored by Arthur Evans, are nearby. Top places to visit include the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaistos and the Venetian structures in Heraklion Town, like the Koules Fortress and the Morosini Lions Fountain. Heraklion is a beautiful island and is loved by cruise passengers. There are pristine beaches to enjoy, including Matala, Agia Pelagia, and Malia. Delicious local cuisines also await, and you can’t visit Greece without trying some delicacies such as Dakos, Dolma and Kalitsounia. In short, Heraklion is an island that offers it all and we’re sure one visit won’t be enough.

Port Said (Egypt)

Is a city that lies in north east Egypt extending about 19 miles along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of the Suez Canal. The city was established during the building of the Suez Canal. Port Said is also an important harbour for exports of Egyptian products like cotton and rice, but also a fueling station for ships that pass through the Suez Canal. It thrives on being a duty-free port, as well as a tourist resort especially during summer. It is home to the Lighthouse of Port Said (the first building in the world built from reinforced concrete).Thereare numerous old houses with grand balconies on all floors, giving the city a distinctive look. Port Saids twin city is Port Fuad, which lies on the eastern bank of the canal.

Crossing the Suez Canal

Crossing the Suez Canal

Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

Jeddah is a city located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major city of the western Saudi Arabia. It is the principal gateway to Mecca and Medina Islam's holiest cities, and a great commercial city in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah lies along the coast of the RedSea, connected to the the Corniche, open-air sculptures and works of art, typically situated in roundabouts, making the city one of the largest open-air art galleries in the world. You will find about a dozen museums or collections in Jeddah such as: Jeddah Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, the Jeddah Municipal Museum, the Nasseef House, the Humane Heritage Museum or the private Abdul Rauf Hasan Khali Museum.

Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

Jeddah is a city located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major city of the western Saudi Arabia. It is the principal gateway to Mecca and Medina Islam's holiest cities, and a great commercial city in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah lies along the coast of the RedSea, connected to the the Corniche, open-air sculptures and works of art, typically situated in roundabouts, making the city one of the largest open-air art galleries in the world. You will find about a dozen museums or collections in Jeddah such as: Jeddah Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, the Jeddah Municipal Museum, the Nasseef House, the Humane Heritage Museum or the private Abdul Rauf Hasan Khali Museum.

Salalah (Oman)

It is a modern city, that is raised between coconut trees and bannana trees. It is very famous in the area the incense tree that provides the sap that was so searched for in the ancient times. Inside the city it is interesting to visit the tomb of Homran, where it is said that the father of Virgin Mary is buried, the Sultans Palace and the As Salam strees, the shopping center of the city, where we can find most of the shops and bussines. A place you can not miss is the ruins of Al Baleed. Near Salalah we find the desert of Al Khali Frotar, the biggest sand desert in the world.Some agencies offer day and night excursions where you will enjoy the silence and the stars. We can also find villages like Wadi Dawkah, Shisr Wubar, Khor Rori and Al Balid, declared Human heritage by the UNESCO.

Muscat (Oman)

This country will catch you slowly, with no hurries. First with the odours, like incense; after, with the flavours, sweet like the dates and the tea; and finally with the people, simple and friendly, and with a naivety nearly childis. Here you will find the Sultans Palace and the original city port, flanked with the forts Jalali and Mirani.

Khasab (Oman)

Khasab is a city in Oman, capital of the Musandam peninsula. Khasab is located 310 miles from Muscat and is known as the Norway of Arabia. It is a popular destination for the people from the Emirates for their weekends. Khasab is the perfect starting point to explore the unknown Musandam Peninsula, the traditions and the special culture they have. Some of the attractions you can find include the Khasab Castle which was built in the early 17th century. This castle was inhibited by the Wali and his family in recent centuries and and was also used to hold prisoners, has now been restored and transformed into museum.

Dubai

This sunny, arid paradise on the edge of the desert also happens to be one of the world's fastest growing cities and a premier luxury travel destination for visitors around the world.