Embark on an immersive journey offered in collaboration with the experts at Food & Wine, blending coastal discovery with memorable culinary experiences across the Cyclades and beyond. As you sail between storied islands and along ancient coastlines, you’ll encounter whitewashed villages, medieval walled cities and landscapes shaped by mythology and maritime history. Regional flavors and traditions come to life through local dishes ashore and curated culinary moments aboard. Throughout the voyage, an onboard wine expert leads tastings of wines personally selected by Food & Wine’s Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle, while a team of naturalists—including specialists in history and culture—adds depth and context to everything you experience.
Arrive in Athens, the capital city of Greece, and transfer to Lavrio, where you'll embark the ship in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin and take in your first Aegean sunset at sea as you pass the Temple of Poseidon. Or explore more on a pre-voyage extension in Athens.
Spend the morning exploring the sea caves at Kleftiko, and if conditions allow, get in the water. This afternoon, on the charming volcanic island of Milos, view the Ancient Theater and enjoy an island tour, including a visit to the stunning Sarakiniko, a majestic other-worldly beach cove surrounded by large white volcanic stones. In the small town of Trypiti, visit the 1820 excavation site of ‘Venus de Milo,’ one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture, now exhibited in the Louvre. This evening, enjoy dinner on board or explore Adamantas on your own. Be sure to stop by the famous ice cream shops.
Sifnos—a local favorite—is a peaceful, rugged island known for its sandy beaches, plethora of churches and trendy food scene. With a scenic upper chora (village) that invites exploration, visit quaint little churches that sit precariously on the edge of the sea. This morning, go on a scenic hike and then join a walking tour of the Kastro, with an optional cooking class at a local farm. Our Sifnos visit also offers an optional hands-on pottery experience. Spend the afternoon on board or enjoying the water at a local beach. Whatever your pace, this is the ideal place to explore on foot, whether it’s a brisk walk or a lazy stroll along the beach.
On Serifos, one of the smaller Cycladic islands, visit the Chora for views across the Aegean Sea. Enjoy a stop at the Mineralogy and Petrology Museum, the Monastery of Taxiarches or spend time in the water enjoying a local beach or kayaking.
In Paros, explore the charming Kastro, visit a winery or join an optional excursion with a local farmer to hear how they make dry-land farming work. Afterward, taste the fruits of their bounty. Visit charming villages along the harbor like Parikia and Naoussa that offer a maze of streets and alleyways to explore.
This morning, choose to go on an early hike on Naxos. Visit an olive press museum and meet the fifth-generation owners while sampling cake, oil and marmalades, or enjoy a self-guided tour of the Kastro. This afternoon, choose to explore on your own, or join an optional cooking class or optional cheese making activity.
The island of Delos is one of the most important mythical and historical sites in Greece and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. In myth, it’s the birthplace of the twin immortals Artemis, goddess of animals and the hunt, and Apollo, god of healing, music and light. Spend the morning surveying the Terrace of the Lions and exquisite Temple of Apollo, two of the many incredible ruins preserved here.
This afternoon, go ashore in Tinos, a smaller and less-visited Cycladic island, for a hike. Visit the artistic heart of Tinos, Pyrgos Village, the Tinos Marble Museum or take part in a basket-weaving activity. Explore the small towns and artisan crafts that make this island so unique.
Arrive in Lavrio and, after breakfast on board, transfer to Athens. Explore the city on a guided tour, then sit down to lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, return to the ship in Lavrio and settle back into your cabin. Enjoy the Aegean sunset as you sail toward the Adriatic.
Enjoy breakfast on deck as the ship navigates the historic Corinth Canal, slipping between the 300-foot limestone walls that tower above both sides of the vessel. Built in the late 19th century, the canal is too small for most modern-day ships, but the National Geographic Orion is perfectly sized for the transit to the Gulf of Corinth and Ionian Sea.
Later, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi, the center of the ancient Greek world. The ruins here are home to the Temple of Apollo—Greece’s most important shrine—where the Oracle of Delphi delivered divine prophecies. Your onboard local guides will share the city’s storied past as you explore the temple and other important sites.
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Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
With just 53 cabins, National Geographic Orion offers an intimate and refined platform for exploring some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich regions—from the Pacific Islands and Asia to Antarctica and the Mediterranean. Purpose-built for expedition travel, she boasts an ice-class hull for navigating polar waters and exceptional manoeuvrability that enables access to secluded bays, narrow inlets and winding rivers—places far beyond the reach of larger cruise ships.
Life aboard Orion is designed to immerse guests in the natural world, with panoramic deck spaces, a whirlpool hot tub, and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Her public areas include two relaxed dining venues, a lounge with bar, an observation library, fitness centre and spa, as well as the OM System Photo Gear Locker to support photography at all levels. Open-Bridge access allows guests to connect with the ship’s officers and learn about navigation first-hand. Whether sailing through polar pack ice or anchoring off a tropical atoll, Orion delivers a seamless blend of adventure and comfort.







Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.
Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are based on 2007 fares and are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements.
Note: Complete pre-journey information, including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading, will be sent after your reservation is confirmed 4-6 months prior to departure.