Exclusive Mediterranean Immersions

• Begin in Istanbul, a city as enchanting as it is intriguing.
• Dine on authentic Ottoman cuisine before a restful night's sleep at the luxurious Hilton Istanbul.
• The next day, fly to Cappadocia to explore captivating caves, Byzantine frescoes and underground cities.
• Stay two nights at the one-of-a-kind Yunak Evleri cave hotel, before returning to Istanbul to board EXPLORA I.

Arrive at Istanbul International Airport and, be accompanied to your hotel. Check in, then enjoy the freedom of exploration as you navigate this mesmerising city, from the vibrant flavours of the Grand Bazaar to the reverence of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Admire the surrounding heritage before a sumptuous dinner in the heart of the Old City, a culinary exploration of authentic Ottoman cuisine.

After breakfast, a transfer to the airport and flight to Cappadocia starts an unforgettable journey into Türkiye’s mystical heart. On arrival, marvel at Çavuşin village with its rock-cut dwellings and stone houses .

Before a picturesque drive to Pigeon Valley and its Underground City, a settlement of 100 tunnels.

Here, witness the intricacies of hand-weaving Turkish carpets before retreating to a unique cave hotel, Yunak Evleri. Carved into the mountainside, it dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries. A traditional dance show accompanies dinner and drinks in a local cave restaurant.

As morning breaks, opt to soar high above Cappadocia’s spires and rock formations with the optional addition of a local hot-air balloon ride before returning to Yunak Evleri for breakfast.

The rest of the day takes you to a Martian landscape in the Devrent (Imaginary) Valley, and the dreamlike ‘fairy chimneys’ of Paşabağ, carved by nature over thousands of years.

In Avanos,  visit a ceramic centre to see artisans in action and try your hand at pottery. Lunch is followed by a trip to UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where Byzantine art ignites imagination. 

Awaken with a sense of gratitude for having delved more deeply into mystical, alluring Türkiye—and anticipation for the journey to come. After breakfast, check out and be transferred to the airport for a flight to Istanbul.

On landing, a driver takes you to the port, drawing ever closer to your Ocean State of Mind as you embark on your ocean journey.