Explora Journeys Greek islands: 14 nights from Il Pireo with Explora II
Sep 6, 2027

Nafplion

Paros

Skiathos

Volos

Volos is a town located in the center of mainland Greece, about 326 km north of Athens and 215 km south of Thessaloniki, the second most important city. Built at the deepest point of the Pagasean Gulf and at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos is a large port city that enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with rather humid summers and mild winters.

Built at the deepest point of the Gulf of Pagaseo and at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos is located on the Pelion peninsula in central Greece.
The etymology of the name " Volos ", according to a historical version, is the result of the distortion of the name of the Mycenaean city of Iolkos, where Jason set off with his Argonauts and his ship Argo in search of the Golden Fleece.
Volos is one of the oldest port cities in Greece. Capital of the province of Magnesia, the city belongs to the central region of Thessaly, its only outlet to the sea. It is located on the inner part of the mouth of the Gulf of Pagaseo, at the foot of the mythical Mount Pelion, the legendary country of the centaurs, as mythology tells.
Volos represents the ideal base to discover not only the picturesque mountain villages but also the Sporades islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos, connected by ferries. The city owes its current economic boom and its development to maritime trade, to the industries established in the area, and to the increase in tourism.
Volos is a relatively new city, it began to develop in the mid-19th century in the place where a small Turkish village previously resided. After its annexation to Greece from the Ottoman Empire, in 1881, it grew very rapidly in the following 40 years. In the 1920s there was a large influx of refugees. Merchants, entrepreneurs, artisans, and sailors went to live in Volos and the surrounding areas.
The development of the city has been closely linked to the creation of industrial areas, the restructuring of the port and the increase in tourism thanks to its geographical position, near Mount Pelion, and the fabulous beaches of Magnesia, especially those located in the Sporades.
The city is also known for its variety of " mezedes ", mixed appetizer dishes based on fish or seafood, served with a traditional alcoholic beverage called "Tsipouro".

Kusadasi

Kusadasi is one of the main tourist centers of Turkey and offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday.

Located on the west coast of Turkey, 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the Aegean Sea, as it is close to important historical sites including Ephesus, Didima, Priene, Miletus and is ideal for tourists. Numerous beaches of fine sand with warm and clear waters, offer a peaceful atmosphere, allow a great variety of services in the water and on the beach. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, and beach volleyball are just some of the choices for lovers of dynamism. After the sun during the day, the city awaits superb sunsets. As the sun sets, the attractive cafes and restaurants across the palm-lined avenues fill with sounds and voices. It is a great pleasure to watch the comings and goings of boats and ships accompanied by the panoramic view of the sunset.

Istanbul

An incredible city, huge, vibrant like few others in the world. Where two continents meet, culture and diversity thrive in a unique architectural setting. Istanbul is hot,and we aren’t talking about the weather. These days there are more restaurants,bars,galleries and clubs around the city than Ottoman mosques(which is not a small feat).

 

The international fashion and design press has talked about Istanbul to the point of exhaustion; the sense of age that fell over the city once the Ottoman empire disappeared, has been replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the times of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Marmaris

Patmos

Syros

Built by the Venetians in the early 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio, Syro preserves a particularly medieval atmosphere. Countless passages between narrow streets and houses with colored doors lead to the top of the city. In addition to its urban and cultural life, Syro offers several beaches, such as those of Azolimnos and Galissas, made up of golden sand and transparent waters.

The small Siro is located in the central part of the Cyclades islands, in the waters of the Aegean Sea. It is characterized by the variety of its landscapes and Venetian architecture, the northern part is mountainous, while the interior alternates between low hills and cultivated fields. The coast is 87 km long and winds between headlands and large beaches, such as that of Ermopoli to the east and Finikas to the west. The architecture of Siro, although sharing the Cycladic characteristics, derives from the Venetian domination of the island and the rest of the Cyclades. During the Venetian occupation, the majority of the population converted to Catholicism, so Siro preserved, at the time, a significant percentage of Catholics compared to the rest of Greece, mostly Orthodox. During the Greek War of Independence in 1821, the island of Syro remained neutral under French protection, welcoming a large number of Greek refugees from all over the world to escape the horrors of the war. That mass of refugees managed to make the economy and culture of the island's capital flourish, becoming the commercial and cultural center of Greece. Today Ermopoli, queen of the Cyclades, is the capital and main port of Siro. The port rises on a natural amphitheater and is characterized by its neoclassical buildings and white houses. Among the most important buildings are: the imposing town hall (built in 1889 by Ernst Ziller) and the Apollo Municipal Theatre (in 1864), considered a miniature copy of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The island has 17 villages, all to be discovered. Also called the Manchester of Greece, the city has some important religious monuments such as the churches of Metamorfosis tou Sotiros, Agios Nikolaos, Ploussio and Kimisis tis Theotokou. Do not miss the Catholic community with the cathedral of San Jorge and the Vaporia district which highlights the large churches and neoclassical buildings. The Archaeological Museum and its Library has a remarkable collection of artifacts, containing numerous interesting and truly rare editions.

Mykonos

Mykonos is an extremely fun and fascinating place, where the frenetic mix of vacationers, fashionistas and celebrities is magically subdued to the cubist charm of the old town.

Mykonos is famous for being a cosmopolitan destination among the Greek islands and widely recognized as one of the meccas of great tourism. It is one of the most touristy islands in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos tends to be extremely crowded with visitors in July and August. The best time to visit Mykonos is mid-May through June (early in the season, accommodation is much cheaper and it's not that hot), or from September to mid-October.

Il Pireo

Explore Ancient Greece from Piraeus (Il Pireo)!

Embark on a legendary cruise from Piraeus, the historic port of Athens, Greece. This bustling gateway to the Aegean Sea offers immediate access to the ancient wonders of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and countless archaeological sites. Immerse yourself in the cradle of Western civilization before setting sail on a journey to the sun-drenched Greek Islands and beyond, promising a voyage rich in history, culture, and breathtaking beauty.