Exploring the Aegean in Style: Istanbul to the Greek Islands aboard EXPLORA I

From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the sun-drenched Greek islands, our journey aboard EXPLORA I was a wonderful blend of relaxed luxury, authentic cultural experiences, beautiful destinations and exceptional dining.

There is something special about experiencing a destination - and a ship - first-hand. It's often the little details we discover along the way that make the greatest difference when designing journeys for our clients.

Our Aegean sailing took us from Istanbul along the Turkish coast and into the Greek islands, with time to explore, indulge and simply enjoy being at sea.

Here's a little insight into our experience - and why Explora Journeys impressed us.

Istanbul: Beginning in Style

Before embarking, we spent a night at Raffles Istanbul, where a drink in the Lobby Bar provided a welcome moment of jet-lag recovery after travelling from Australia.

The accommodation here is particularly impressive. Entry-level rooms begin at a generous 65 square metres, while our one-bedroom residence featured a full kitchen, separate living and dining areas, full bathroom, powder room and even a washer and dryer. For travellers wanting extra space or a longer stay in Istanbul, it's an excellent option.

And the Turkish breakfast the following morning? Let's just say you won't need to make too many lunch plans.

Our tip: If possible, arrive in Istanbul a day or two before your cruise. Aside from removing the stress of flying in on embarkation day, this fascinating city deserves time of its own.

Welcome Aboard EXPLORA I

After a smooth transfer to Galataport, embarkation was wonderfully seamless and by midday we were aboard, welcomed with a glass of French Champagne.

Now that's how a cruise should begin.

One of our immediate impressions was the sense of space. With just 495 guests aboard our sailing, EXPLORA I felt wonderfully calm and uncrowded. Whether relaxing beside the pool, finding a quiet spot with a coffee or enjoying one of the lounges, there always seemed to be somewhere to escape.

You could be as social - or as private - as you wished.

And that, for us, is a luxury in itself.

Exceptional Dining & Relaxed Days at Sea

Food was definitely one of the highlights.

Our first dinner at Marble & Co. Grill set the tone for the week, and we enjoyed dining across the speciality restaurants throughout the cruise.

What impressed us was not only the quality but also the flexibility. Dining never felt overly formal or regimented, allowing us to decide how each evening unfolded.

Our time at sea was equally relaxed. The ship was remarkably smooth and quiet, and we found the Starlink Wi-Fi fast and reliable - particularly useful when running a travel business doesn't stop simply because we're travelling!

One evening, sitting in the Explora Lounge with a drink as the sun disappeared over the Turkish coastline, everything felt wonderfully effortless.

A Turkish Hammam to Remember

One of our favourite experiences in Istanbul was an Authentic Turkish Baths & Grand Bazaar excursion booked through Explora Journeys.

A small warning: if you're particularly modest, a traditional hammam may take you slightly outside your comfort zone!

We embraced it and absolutely loved the experience. With only ourselves and another couple, it felt intimate and personal, and our guide was fantastic. Rather than simply seeing another tourist attraction, we were experiencing a centuries-old Turkish tradition.

It reminded us that some of our best travel memories happen when we step just a little beyond what feels familiar.

Bodrum: Castle Views & a Forgotten Swimsuit

Our first port was Bodrum, which we explored independently. We wandered through town and visited Bodrum Castle, where we were rewarded with wonderful views across the harbour and back towards EXPLORA I.

Our only mistake?

We left our bathers on the ship.

With temperatures around 32°C, combining sightseeing with a swim would have been perfect. Instead, we returned to the ship and found the Conservatory Pool almost entirely to ourselves.

Gelato in hand, forgetting the bathers suddenly didn't seem quite so bad.

Rhodes: Getting Lost Was Half the Fun

Rhodes quickly became another favourite. The port sits close to the magnificent medieval Old Town, making it wonderfully easy to explore on foot. It was busy during our visit, but we discovered the best way to escape the crowds was simply to leave the main streets.

We wandered into smaller laneways filled with beautiful old buildings, little shops and cafés, clocking up more than 10,000 steps without really noticing. Rhodes also left us wanting more. This is an island we could easily return to for a longer stay, hire a car and discover its beaches, villages and quieter corners.

Sometimes a cruise port gives you a great day.

Sometimes it gives you a reason to come back.

Amorgos: The Unexpected Favourite

...Then came Amorgos, perhaps the biggest surprise of our journey. We had originally booked a Greek cooking experience, but unfortunately it was cancelled due to insufficient numbers. Initially disappointing, yes.

But sometimes travel has other plans.

Instead, we explored independently, browsing little shops before settling into a seaside café and simply watching island life unfold around us. No rushing. No checklist. Nowhere else we needed to be.

And it became one of our favourite days.

Back aboard, a massage followed by time in the sauna, hydrotherapy pool and Himalayan salt room provided a rather lovely ending to our Greek island exploring.

Who Would We Recommend Explora Journeys To?

Explora Journeys particularly impressed us for travellers who love the ease of cruising but perhaps don't identify with the idea of a traditional cruise holiday.

The experience felt more like travelling between destinations aboard a contemporary luxury resort at sea. There was space, exceptional food, attentive service and, importantly, freedom. We could join an organised cultural experience one day, wander independently the next and spend an afternoon beside the pool whenever we felt like doing very little at all.

There was no pressure to fill every moment.

Luxury Isn't Always What You Think

Perhaps what we loved most was the contrast.

A beautiful suite one moment, a traditional Turkish hammam the next. French Champagne as we stepped aboard, followed a few days later by coffee at a simple seaside café on Amorgos. Exceptional dining balanced with days wandering cobblestone streets without an agenda.

For us, that's what modern luxury travel should feel like.

Not simply five-star surroundings, but having the freedom, time and space to experience a destination in the way that feels right for you.

At Travel with the Luxury Concierge, that's exactly what we aim to create.

Because luxury isn't always what you think.

It is personal.