What stood out most about the whole journey was how easy it was to explore. Each stop — Rhodes Town, Kusadasi, Milos, and Chania — was effortlessly accessible, with a range of options to explore the towns and cities on your own or with guided excursions. If the ship docked a little further away from the centre, Explora Journeys made it easy with a coach service to get you right to the heart of the action. Something that comes in handy when the heat is beaming and you’re keen to explore a little deeper.

Whether you choose to do your own thing or book an excursion, it’s all about ease and convenience. Explora Journeys focus is on making your experience as stress-free as possible, which is a huge plus for those who want to avoid the usual hassle of ports and shuttles.

A day trip to Saklikent Gorge is well worth a visit too. It’s a stunning natural canyon where you can hike and cool off in the icy waters—the perfect way to balance out all the relaxing. The ancient Lycian rock tombs of Telmessos are also on my list—there’s something about wandering through history that always adds a bit of magic to a trip. And, of course, I’d be tempted by island hopping along the coast—whether on a traditional gulet or a private boat, cruising those turquoise bays and hidden beaches looks like an unbeatable way to spend a day.