Explora JOURNEYS Guide to
Thessaloniki
Beautiful, energizing, mesmerising and meditative.
Where bohemian days meet soirees of luxury wonder.
- Time Zone: (GMT +03)
- Language: Greek
- Currency: EUR
Breeze into a beguiling mix of vintage and modern, awash with a thriving art, culture and history scene. Crowded with museums dedicated to the past plus an extraordinary 15 UNESCO sites – there’s much to learn. Admire ramparts built to last; the impressive Galerius Palace, the beautiful domed multi-serving Rotunda, a bevy of Byzantine churches and the curious 15th century White Tower. Dig deeper into the past to trace pre-historic times at the Archaeological Museum. Rove around Ladadika narrow streets and charming squares that emit a Parisian air, absorb Greek produce in the Market’s holy halls and soak up modern art on the lively waterfront. Raise hairs at Heptapyrgion, take coffee in Aristotelous Square or head out of town to peer at Alexander the Great’s birthplace in Pella and Vergina’s royal tombs. Perfectly poised on the placid Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki brings past and present together in remarkable harmony.
Recommended Destination Experiences in Thessaloniki
Discover a wide array of curated pursuits and experiences during your Ocean Journey, to suit your every need.
Ancient Macedonian Pella and Nearby Waterfalls
Ancient Macedonian Pella and Nearby Waterfalls
Discover artefacts from the ancient kingdom of Macedonia at the Archaeological Museum of Pella
Ancient Relics and Royal Tombs in Thessaloniki
Ancient Relics and Royal Tombs in Thessaloniki
Learn about Thessaloniki’s rich history at the city’s Archaeological Museum
Foothills of Mount Olympus and Ancient Dion
Foothills of Mount Olympus and Ancient Dion
Explore the ancient city of Dion and see artefacts at the museum
Discover Thessaloniki Through the Ages
Discover Thessaloniki Through the Ages
Uncover ancient artefacts at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Discover Tombs and Relics of Macedonian Royalty
Discover Tombs and Relics of Macedonian Royalty
Visit the tomb of King Philip II of Macedon, father to Alexander the Great
Taste the Flavours of Thessaloniki
Taste the Flavours of Thessaloniki
See Thessaloniki’s food scene through the eyes of a local
A Tranquil Trip Across Mountains
A Tranquil Trip Across Mountains
Discover the beautifully restored village of Palaios Panteleimonas
Wine Tasting and Tour at the Ktima Gerovassiliou Estate
Wine Tasting and Tour at the Ktima Gerovassiliou Estate
Tour the Ktima Gerovassiliou estate with a winemaking expert
Which journeys call at Thessaloniki
Here are the bookable journeys which visit this city
A Journey of Robola Wine, Red-Tile Roofs & Gondoliers
From: 5425.0
Embarkation: Istanbul,
Türkiye
Duration: 10.0
Nights / 10.0 days
Disembarkation:
Fusina (Venice), Italy
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-05-05 - 2025-05-15
Awash in wonders, from Turkish baths to Venetian canals, we swim through a myriad of the Med’s marvels. An overnight in Istanbul delights with Whirling Dervishes before we find the divine in Thessaloniki, which sits in the long shadow of Mount Olympus, then climb mythical landscapes in Volos where monasteries tetter atop rocky promontories. We clasp the colours of Croatia—red tiles and blue lagoons too vivid to fathom—then jump with both feet into Ravenna’s divine cultural and culinary inspirations.
A Journey through Greek Mythology to the Gallipoli Straits
From: 4985.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 7.0
Nights / 7.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-09-12 - 2025-09-19
From playground of the Gods to walled medieval town concealed by cliffs and connected to the Peloponnese only by a causeway, this sailing summons mystique in spades. Monemvasia, meaning ‘one entrance’, segues to chic party island Mykonos, most seductive in late summer. Aegean meandering to the Dodecanese, Jason’s Volos and cosmopolitan Thessaloniki, before threading the Dardanelles to find Istanbul at dawn.
A Journey to Secret Lagoons & Greek Island Idylls
From: 4385.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 7.0
Nights / 7.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-06-21 - 2025-06-28
We surrender to an Athens sunset seeking dawn in Mykonos, a former haunt of Le Corbusier who said “unless you have seen the houses of Mykonos, you can't pretend to be an architect”. In Skiathos we seek its unique biotope, a walker’s paradise and life that is both cosmopolitan and old fashioned, full of Brits yet very Greek. Alongside jet-setters, sybarites and sophisticated connoisseurs, we slip into secretive sanctuaries in Kavala before setting a course through the narrows of Hellespont to enigmatic Istanbul.
A Journey to Cultural Cauldrons & Magnificent Mykonos
From: 4125.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 7.0
Nights / 7.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-08-16 - 2025-08-23
- 2025-05-24 - 2025-05-31
- 2025-07-19 - 2025-07-26
Sail to volcanic islands in a sky-blue sea and the sculpted shores of the Aegean into the Dardanelle Strait. Our first fire giant is Mykonos, where searing sunsets and nightlife sizzle until dawn. The fiery tempo continues in Patmos, once the exile isle of Saint John, now the ultimate vision of summertime ease, before the lyric of the sea carries us to Volvos to perfect the art of sipping tsipouradiko. In the lush light of dawn, Kavala glows like an amphitheatre rising from the sea where the Imaret Mohammed was born and Apostle Paul once preached.
An Extended Journey to Minoan Marvels, Minarets and Magnificent Mykonos
From: 9935.0
Embarkation: Fusina (Venice),
Italy
Duration: 16.0
Nights / 16.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-05-15 - 2025-05-31
Voyage the Adriatic from Venice to the breathtaking Bay of Kotor with its island churches via Istria, le Marche and Puglia. Spilling into the Aegean, Bronze Age palaces, temple ruins and beautiful island shores await, from the windmills, searing sunsets and sizzling nightlife on Mykonos to meandering the Dodecanese. We thread the Dardanelles, arriving in east-meets-west Istanbul at dawn.
An Extended Journey of Antiquities and Mediterranean Marvels
From: 8870.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 17.0
Nights / 17.0 days
Disembarkation:
Fusina (Venice), Italy
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-04-28 - 2025-05-15
Anchored by early-summer sojourns in Athens, Istanbul and Venice, this sailing is high on wish-list wonders. Along the way we’ll delight in Thessaloniki’s divinity and Volos’s mythical landscapes and clifftop monasteries; island hop from Mykonos' chic to Corelli’s Kefalonia; and trace the Turkish and Croatian Rivieras, until the vibrant colours of the Adriatic conjures us to its Queen.
An Extended Journey of Magical Greek Gifts and Turkish Treasures
From: 7670.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 14.0
Nights / 14.0 days
Disembarkation:
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-06-21 - 2025-07-05
We sail the Aegean from Athens at sunset to Macedonian kingdoms and the soaring minarets of Istanbul, via sybaritic Mykonos, the Sporades, Jason’s Volos and Thessaloniki. Ancient history, turquoise shores and modern glamour meld between the storied Bosphorus, the trendy summer playground of Bozcaada and Bodrum, before we Aegean-island hop back to Athens in a sweep of blues.
An Extended Journey of Cycladic Sunsets and Italian Isles
From: 8720.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 14.0
Nights / 14.0 days
Disembarkation:
Genoa, Italy
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-07-19 - 2025-08-02
Island-hop from cerulean Cyclades in Mykonos to dreamy Dodecanese before skimming mainland Grecian shores steeped in history and bathed in summer sunshine. Squeeze down the Dardanelles Strait to savour Istanbul’s exoticism before delving into Greek legends in Lesbos and Paros, then sip crisp volcanic whites in Sicily and Naples. From bounteous Porto Santo Stefano, heed the call of ageless Genoa.
An Extended Journey of Classical Wonders and Eye-Catching Canals
From: 10920.0
Embarkation: Istanbul,
Türkiye
Duration: 19.0
Nights / 19.0 days
Disembarkation:
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-05-05 - 2025-05-24
Journey through Mediterranean marvels from glorious Turkish baths to graceful Venetian waterways. We’ll swirl from the Aegean to the craggy coved allure of the Adriatic, discovering Istria, Croatian archipelagos, papal borderlands and Baroque palaces. Delight in Whirling Dervishes and monasteries in the shadow of Mount Olympus and kick back on picture-perfect beaches in a kaleidoscope of beautiful blue.
An Extended Journey of Forgotten Empires and Volcanic Visions
From: 9000.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 14.0
Nights / 14.0 days
Disembarkation:
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-09-12 - 2025-09-26
Athenian blessings accompany us to medieval Monemvasia and white-walled Mykonos, before the Aegean reveals the saintly shores of Patmos, legendary origins in Volos and ancient ruins in Thessaloniki. Black-sand beaches and cavernous calderas await in Santorini after the wheeling minarets of Constantinople, then we circle scattered islands and sublime shores in the Cyclades and Dodecanese as mighty Athens finally reappears.
An Extended Journey of Adriatic Sunsets and Eternal Isles
From: 10035.0
Embarkation: Fusina (Venice),
Italy
Duration: 14.0
Nights / 14.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-09-05 - 2025-09-19
The Venetian lagoon leads us into the Adriatic, from Rovinj to Ravenna and high-walled Dubrovnik. Brindisi serves Puglian charm and Baroque beauty blossoms in Lecce, while Lefkada’s cypress-scented hillsides overlook the milky blue Ionian. From Athens and medieval Monemvasia, we find lingering sunsets in Mykonos and lazy days in the Dodecanese, Volos and Thessaloniki before arriving in age-old Istanbul.
An Extended Journey to Mykonos Mystique and Timeless Constantinople
From: 8880.0
Embarkation: Fusina (Venice),
Italy
Duration: 14.0
Nights / 14.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-07-12 - 2025-07-26
- 2025-08-09 - 2025-08-23
Bid farewell to Venice and skim through the Adriatic to Emilia-Romagna, Dubrovnik and Brindisi, then drift into Ionian isles and Cycladic shores. From Athens, the odyssey continues to Mykonos, where tangerine sunsets backdrop summer nights, while Patmos and Volos ease into indolence and Thessaloniki promises earthly delights. From Kavala, the Dardanelles Strait leads to souks and spires in timeless Istanbul.
An Extended Journey of Adriatic Gems and Gorgeous Greek Isles
From: 8960.0
Embarkation: Fusina (Venice),
Italy
Duration: 14.0
Nights / 14.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-06-14 - 2025-06-28
Start by exploring Venice's inimitable treasures, then sail the Adriatic to Ravenna, Dubrovnik and Puglia's Brindisi, home to Italy’s best beaches. The journey continues to the clear waters of the Ionian Islands and onwards to impressive Santorini and historical Athens. Enjoy hedonistic Mykonos, verdant, pine-scented Skiathos and a trail of centaur burial sites, secret sanctuaries and clifftop Byzantine churches teasing us to Istanbul.
An Extended Journey of Aegean Shores & Greek Island Idylls
From: 8775.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 14.0
Nights / 14.0 days
Disembarkation:
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-05-24 - 2025-06-07
Sail volcanic islands in the sky-blue Aegean, circling Mykonos and Patmos in early summertime ease. Mainland Greece signals centaur burial sites and monasteries clinging to mountainsides before we thread past Constantinople to the Bosphorus. Follow Istanbulites onwards to Türkiye’s Turquoise Coast. We journey back to Greek island idylls, their relics laying a trail towards Athens.
An Extended Journey to Aegean Myths & Turkish Delights
From: 8840.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 13.0
Nights / 13.0 days
Disembarkation:
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-08-16 - 2025-08-29
A pantheon of Ancient Greek gods smiles over this journey into antiquity, from Mykonos’ fiery skies and Dodecanese dreamscapes to the sickle-shaped shores of the mainland. Thread the narrow Dardanelles Straight for Byzantine domes in Istanbul, then along the Turquoise Coast to Bodrum. Follow the sun god to Rhodes and find boho bliss in Paros, before Athens beckons.
A Journey through Aegean Cultural Gems & Timeless Legends
From: 5485.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 10.0
Nights / 10.0 days
Disembarkation:
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Ship: EXPLORA II
Dates:
- 2026-11-19 - 2026-11-29
From the city buzz of Athens, we embark on an awe-inspiring Aegean treasure hunt. Meander through the narrow streets and Cycladic architecture of Mykonos and step back in time in Kusadasi, where the ruins of Ephesus tell tales of historic splendour. Rhodes enchants with legendary charm, and an overnight stay in Istanbul offers a rich cultural fusion. Volos invites you to the myths of Mount Pelion, and Thessaloniki blends Byzantine beauty with spirited energy before your return to vibrant Athens.
A Journey of Mythical Landscapes & Blue Lagoons
From: 4485.0
Embarkation: Thessaloniki,
Greece
Duration: 7.0
Nights / 7.0 days
Disembarkation:
Fusina (Venice), Italy
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-05-08 - 2025-05-15
We find the divine in Thessaloniki, which sits in the long shadow of Mount Olympus, then climb mythical landscapes in Volos where monasteries tetter atop rocky promontories. We clasp the colours of Croatia—red tiles and blue lagoons too vivid to fathom—then jump with both feet into Ravenna’s divine cultural and culinary inspirations.
An Extended Journey through Ancient History and Stunning Scenery
From: 12750.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 21.0
Nights / 21.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-07-05 - 2025-07-26
Sail into classical antiquity from the Acropolis to Ancient Olympia, where echoes of history reveal their tales. Lured by Kefalonian sunsets and the clear waters of Istria, we glide to Venetian canals, then across the Adriatic, pausing to relax on scenic shores and explore enticing towns. When Greece’s spectacular landscape beckons, enjoy Mykonos’ nightlife, then retreat to Patmos, Volos and Thessaloniki. Kavala rises from the gentle waves, with Istanbul’s bustling hub beyond the Dardanelles.
An Extended Journey of Timeless Treasures and Coastal Glamour
From: 13275.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 21.0
Nights / 21.0 days
Disembarkation:
Fusina (Venice), Italy
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-06-21 - 2025-07-12
Cast away to explore astounding architecture in Mykonos, Skiathos’ lush beauty and the history-suffused vibrancy of Volos, Thessaloniki and Kavala. Across the Dardanelles, the sultry streets of Istanbul and serene vineyards of Bozcaada beckon. Meander through the Cyclades, pausing to hear ancient whispers in Athens and Olympia. Relax on the peaceful beaches of Kefalonia, then explore Puglia and Istria's hidden gems. Finally, we drift into the timeless elegance of La Serenissima.
An Extended Journey of Golden Canals, Breathtaking Beaches and Secret Sanctuaries
From: 13685.0
Embarkation: Fusina (Venice),
Italy
Duration: 21.0
Nights / 21.0 days
Disembarkation:
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-06-14 - 2025-07-05
Linger among golden canals, Byzantine mosaics, sparkling coastline and Roman relics. Unwind on the serene beaches of Lefkas, then weave between Cyclades and Dodecanese islands, taking in the dazzling whites and blues of Santorini’s streets and the electric buzz of Mykonos’ waterfront. Marvel at the Acropolis in Athens, relax in the island paradise of Skiathos and explore Kavala’s rich heritage. From the shores of the Bosporus, meander through Bozcaada and Bodrum’s colourful retreat.
An Extended Journey to Formidable Fortresses, Baroque Elegance and Ancient Mysteries
From: 14435.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 21.0
Nights / 21.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-06-07 - 2025-06-28
Bid farewell to the ancient Parthenon, head for Monemvasia’s cliffs and scale the majestic fortress walls that tower high over the Bay of Kotor. Discover ruins at Zadar, glide through iconic Venetian canals, sweep along the Dalmatian coast and revel in Brindisi's beauty. In Greece, the wonders of lively Mykonos and paradise-like Skiathos await you. Unravel the secrets of Kavala before exploring the mesmerising minarets and markets of Istanbul.
An Extended Journey of Golden Shores and Sun-kissed Glamour
From: 14080.0
Embarkation: Fusina (Venice),
Italy
Duration: 21.0
Nights / 21.0 days
Disembarkation:
Genoa, Italy
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-07-12 - 2025-08-02
From the Floating City, sweep across the Adriatic on an exploration of art and culture in Ravenna and Dalmatia. Discover medieval walls in Dubrovnik and Roman history in Brindisi, then admire the rugged peaks of Lefkas and Santorini. Drift from Acropolis history to relaxing Mykonos, spiritual Patmos and beautiful Thessaloniki, then sail the Dardanelles and revel in Istanbul. Absorb Mediterranean gems in Sicily and Naples before unearthing Argentario Genoa’s maritime marvels.
An Extended Journey of Whispered Legends, Picturesque Lagoons and Lively Island Culture
From: 14490.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 21.0
Nights / 21.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-08-29 - 2025-09-19
From Athens, we follow a trail of legends across the Aegean to mystique-filled shores and the site of the first ever Olympic Games. Step into Venetian influences and architecture in Kefalonia, Bari and Zadar, then embrace the beauty of La Serenissima herself. Onwards to the bright hills of Rovinj and Dubrovnik’s lemon-scented fortress city, Monemvasia’s Peloponnese finery, and vibrant Mykonos, Volos and Thessaloniki. Istanbul’s splendour shines on the horizon as you slip through the Dardanelles.
An Extended Journey Crisscrossing the Adriatic to Hidden Gems and Mythic Wonders
From: 15075.0
Embarkation: Fusina (Venice),
Italy
Duration: 21.0
Nights / 21.0 days
Disembarkation:
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-09-05 - 2025-09-26
Sail from serene Venetian lagoons to the medieval charm of Rovinj, the majesty of Dante’s Ravenna and the ancient walls of Dubrovnik. Lounge on the Brindisi waterfront and admire the hills of Lefkas. From Monemvasia’s spectacular views and narrow streets, celebrate late summer in Mykonos, meander through the Dodecanese and reach Istanbul’s sparkling sunrise. Head for Santorini’s black sand beaches and hop from island to island, discovering ruined temples and fascinating relics as you reach Athens, pearl of Greece.
An Extended Journey through Sparkling Waters to Historic Islands and Ancient Splendour
From: 12185.0
Embarkation: Fusina (Venice),
Italy
Duration: 20.0
Nights / 20.0 days
Disembarkation:
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-08-09 - 2025-08-29
Dab vivid colours on your artist’s palette as you brush through the cobalt waves, from the golden canals of Venice to the emeralds of Ravenna, Dubrovnik and Lefkas. Beyond lies the drama of the Aegean’s volcanic islands, showcasing nature’s beauty, as well as electric nightlife. Uncover the mysteries of Istanbul before dipping through the Dardanelles and tracing the Turquoise Coast to Bodrum and the medieval heritage of Rhodes. Relax on Paros’ beaches, then explore art and culture in Athens.
An Extended Journey to Renaissance Romance, Idyllic Greek Islands and Aromatic Markets
From: 13640.0
Embarkation: Genoa,
Italy
Duration: 21.0
Nights / 21.0 days
Disembarkation:
Istanbul, Türkiye
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-08-02 - 2025-08-23
Set sail from the heart of the Italian Riviera to the lofty landscapes of Rome, then discover Corfu and Kotor's photogenic coastline and absorb seductive views of Croatian islands to reach the magnificence of Venice. Slipping through the Adriatic, we take in Dalmatia and Brindisi, before catching our breath at Lefkas' bright marina. Athens rises from the waves to welcome us to an Aegean island odyssey. Our grand finale across the daring Dardanelles reveals the exuberant bazaars of Istanbul.
An Extended Journey to Azure Waters, Dramatic Landscapes and Paradise Islands
From: 13080.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 21.0
Nights / 21.0 days
Disembarkation:
Fusina (Venice), Italy
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-07-19 - 2025-08-09
Embrace the wonders of the Aegean and its dramatic, volcanic landscapes. The party begins in Mykonos, then on through the islands, sipping tsipouradiko and exploring Greek history. The Bosporus and Ottoman delights await us, then azure waters and idyllic views whisk us to spectacular Sicily, Naples, and Tuscan lagoons. Marvel at Genoa and Rome's magnificent architecture and the shores of Corfu, gateway to Poseidon's realm. The UNESCO sites of Kotor amaze before we drift into the liquid gold of Venice.
An Extended Journey of Ancient Myth, Bohemian Streets and Natural Beauty
From: 12000.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 20.0
Nights / 20.0 days
Disembarkation:
Fusina (Venice), Italy
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-08-16 - 2025-09-05
The timeless marvels of Athens guide us to buzzing Mykonos, spiritual Patmos and beyond, to the heritage of Volos, Thessaloniki and Kavala. Glide through the Dardanelles to Istanbul’s stunning architecture, then relax in charming Syros. Experience Bodrum’s allure, Rhodes’ medieval gems and Paros’ Cycladic beauty. Verdant vineyards and enigmatic ruins await us in Samos before we meander through the architectural treasures of Olympia, Kefalonia, Bari and Zadar, and reach the enchantment of Venice.
An Extended Journey to Island Enchantment, Cerulean Seas and Magnificent Architecture
From: 13875.0
Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens),
Greece
Duration: 21.0
Nights / 21.0 days
Disembarkation:
Fusina (Venice), Italy
Ship: EXPLORA I
Dates:
- 2025-05-24 - 2025-06-14
Volcanic islands dot the dazzling blue sun-kissed seas, stunning stepping stones on a glorious exploration of sizzling Mykonos, Patmos, Volvos and beyond. Peer into the beguiling heritage of Istanbul and sail the Turquoise Coast to golden beach idylls, verdant cliffs and ancient ruins. From Athens, trace the undulating shoreline through Monemvasia to Corfu, Kotor and Rovinj, with a sparkling grand finale among the iconic canals and ornate golden arches of Venice.