Itinerary

Day 1 Barcelona, Spain

Upon arrival, enjoy a seamless private transfer to your Barcelona accommodation. 

In Barcelona, you can wander the lively streets of Las Ramblas, admire Gaudi's masterpieces like the Sagrada Família and Park Guell, and soak up the sun along the city's Mediterranean beaches.

Day 2 Barcelona, Spain

Explore Barcelona at your own pace, or ask our consultants for day tour recommendations.

Day 3 Barcelona, Spain

Today, after breakfast, enjoy a worry-free private transfer to the Barcelona Port for embarkation, where your luxury journey aboard Explora I begins. 

Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafes, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind. Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you're serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.

Day 4 Ibiza, Spain

Experience the magnetic vibes of Ibiza. Relax as you feel the gentle pull of vibrant island life. Experience Las Salinas salt flats, eat paella, sip sangria, meditate, shop boutiques - do whatever you please. Hidden away are fincas, pine valleys, orange groves, almond trees and lush orchards. Retreat to renowned spas for wellbeing, yoga, massage and healing. Soothe in warm waters at private beach affairs. As darkness falls, cavort in bars and clubs where the world's finest DJ's thrill. Warm and easy-going, nature's elements blend beautifully with island life. It's little wonder that Ibiza has drawn artists, writers, gurus and beatniks for years. Some have never left.

Day 5 Ibiza, Spain

Experience the magnetic vibes of Ibiza. Relax as you feel the gentle pull of vibrant island life. Experience Las Salinas salt flats, eat paella, sip sangria, meditate, shop boutiques - do whatever you please. Hidden away are fincas, pine valleys, orange groves, almond trees and lush orchards. Retreat to renowned spas for wellbeing, yoga, massage and healing. Soothe in warm waters at private beach affairs. As darkness falls, cavort in bars and clubs where the world's finest DJ's thrill. Warm and easy-going, nature's elements blend beautifully with island life. It's little wonder that Ibiza has drawn artists, writers, gurus and beatniks for years. Some have never left.

Day 6 La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia

Whitewashed buildings have welcomed seafarers to Tunis, gateway to North Africa, since time immemorial. Elegant mosaics carved wooden doorways and intricately tiled courtyards lurk around every corner of the ancient medina (old town), a warren of labyrinthine souks, white-domed mosques and beautiful madrassas (Islamic schools) with their iconic black and white archways and cool arcades. French influence is palpable in the Ville Nouveau, where wide boulevards lined with eucalyptus lead to the monumental expanse of St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral. Don't miss the ancient Phoenician ruins and astonishing mosaics of Carthage near the pretty oceanfront town of Sidi Bou Said, muse of artists and poets.

Day 7 La Valleta, Malta

Unearth the Med's master of restoration and renovation behind honey-hued Valetta's fortified walls. Strewn with a mass of well-preserved history - head back in time to hand-carved shelters, a maze of subterranean tombs and stone-age temples. Discover war secrets beneath the limestone streets, skim the Grand Harbour aboard a dghajsa, step into state history and get your fill of art and Fat Ladies in museums. But it's not all ancient history - watch buzzing bars spill out onto limestone alleys, treat yourself to Michelin-starred Maltese cuisine, neighbourhood watch and dive over wrecks. Malta may be Europe's tiniest capital, but she packs a might punch.

Day 8 Taormina (Sicily), Italy

A medieval hilltop town spilling across the slopes of Etna; an ancient Greco-Roman amphitheatre carved into the cliffs; the tiny paradisical Isola Bella rising out of the Ionian Sea. Any one of these treasures would cast a spell; Taormina holds them all. Explore the pretty bays, grottoes and beautiful pebble beaches below. Stroll amongst historic palazzi, churches and piazzas; shop ceramics and chic boutiques; eat Sicilian caponata, pasta alla norma or pasta alici paired with Sicilian white wine. Or head up the slopes of Mount Etna, through rolling hills of olive groves, vines and apricot trees until the landscape becomes barren, lunar-like, otherworldly.

Day 9 Amalfi, Italy

A paradise of fairytales, flower-festooned footpaths, and cliff-hugging towns, Amalfi - and its eponymously named coast - rises vertically between impossibly blue sea and sky upon one of Italy's most romantic coasts. Amalfi town delivers with its dramatic Duomo, an 11th century marvel, stunning Emerald Grotto, and hand-painted ceramics. High in the hills awaits tiny Ravello, with lofty aristocrat dreams of enchanting gardens in Villa Rufolo and knock-out-views on the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone. Positively perfect Positano is a UNESCO-protected masterpiece where steep streets are lined with boutiques and chic terraces perfect for sipping limoncello and pastel-hued houses tumble down the cliffside stretch beside Spiaggia Grande beach.

Day 10 Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - Istanbul, Turkey

After disembarkation, enjoy a worry-free private transfer to Rome Airport for your departure flight to Istanbul, where another magical journey starts in Turkey.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, enjoy a seamless travel to your Istanbul accommodation.

Overnight in Istanbul

Day 11 Istanbul - Cappadocia, Turkey

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Istanbul airport to catch your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you'll be picked up from the terminal to start your green tour. The first stop in this tour is Kaymakli Underground City. It is the first and most popular underground city in Cappadocia. After Kaymakli you will drive to Goreme for panaromic tour and you will learn about the geological formation of Cappadocia. After departing Goreme, we will drive further south to the magnificent verdant Ihlara Valley. We will walk alongside the Melendiz River for about 1 hour which winds its way through the Ihlara gorge, stopping for lunch in a restaurant on the river in the village of Belisirma. Then, after we will drive for another panoramic tour to Yaprakhisar and we will see the lovely Pigeon Valley. After the tour you will be drop-off to your hotel. 

Unique Stay: Cave Hotel in Cappadocia 
Tafoni Houses Cave Hotel or similar

Day 12 Cappadocia, Turkey

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up from the hotel to start your Red Tour. Our first real encounter with Cappadocia's almost Martian landscape is in the Dervent valley, where the rock formations are amazing. A walk through the Zelve Open Air Museum is a journey into the past, with its troglodyte houses. This is one of the earliest inhabited and latest abandoned monastic settlements in Cappadocia. After Zelve, we visit Pasabag's "fairy chimneys", where the voice of the wind harmonises with the songs of the fairies. We stop at the Esentepe vista viewpoint, located between Uchisar and Goreme. This stunning panorama provides breathtaking views of the town of Esentepe and the surrounding landscape of fairy chimneys. After lunch, we will drive to a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. After the tour, you will be drop-off to your hotel. 

Unique Stay: Cave Hotel in Cappadocia 
Tafoni Houses Cave Hotel or similar

Day 13 Cappadocia, Turkey

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. The day is yours to relax or explore independently. In the late afternoon, prepare for an exciting Cappadocia Jeep Safari Adventure, offering thrilling off-road experiences and stunning views of the unique landscape. In the evening, immerse yourself in local culture with a Traditional Turkish Night. Enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by folk dances, belly dancing, and traditional music. After the evening's entertainment, you'll be dropped back at your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Unique Stay: Cave Hotel in Cappadocia 
Tafoni Houses Cave Hotel or similar

Day 14 Cappadocia - Istanbul, Turkey

Early in the morning, enjoy your one-hour balloon ride at sunrise. After the balloon flight, return to your hotel for breakfast. Following breakfast, transfer to NevÅŸehir Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will then embark on a half-day walking tour through Istanbul's historic Old City, Istanbul's historic Old City, visiting up to three iconic sites such as Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern. This tour offers a rich cultural experience, allowing you to explore some of the city's most significant landmarks at a comfortable pace. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul

Day 15 Istanbul, Turkey

After breakfast and hotel check-out, you will be transferred to Istanbul airport for your departure flight home. End of your unforgettable journey.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as of 06 January 2026 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Oceanview and Balcony cabins may have obstructed views, please check with your consultant. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Seasonal and flight routing surcharges may apply. Airfares are based on the lowest available fare, which comes with strict conditions i.e., non-refundable, or non-changeable. Please ask your consultant for pricing on flexible fare options that allow cancellations and/or amendments at a fee. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. Any guests who make a new booking with Explora Journeys between 5th January 2026 at 06:01 GMT and 29th January 2026 at 06:00 GMT on select Journeys*. Ocean Terrace Suite (OT2) at the fare of the lower category (Ocean Terrace Suite – OT1)​, Reserve a Deluxe Penthouse (DP) at the fare of the lower category (Penthouse – PH)​. Suite categories not included in the above upgrade list will receive up to 30% savings on the Journey fare. All eligible bookings benefit from a 10% Reduced Deposit. Turkey tour: Non-refundable deposit required. Minimum 2 guests required for the tour to operate. Hot air balloon is subject to weather conditions.We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.