Greek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History, and Cerulean Seas - Orion
Join Food & Wine Magazine as legends come to life in the Greek Isles, where sun-drenched shores hold ancient relics and the rich cultural and culinary traditions of an illustrious civilization.
9.2*
ECO SCORE
102
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Greece: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Embark on an Aegean odyssey designed as part of an exclusive wine collaboration with the experts at Food & Wine magazine, and discover Cycladic islands both storied and secret, from dramatic Santorini to laid-back Naxos and Paros. Delve into the region’s legendary culinary delights—from silky cheeses and savory pies to spicy volcanic wines—and explore the mythology and archaeology that make these islands iconic. Bask in the beauty of whitewashed villages, and experience the Aegean's inviting turquoise waters while swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Nightly tastings guided by our onboard wine expert feature more than 40 bottles personally selected by Food & Wine magazine’s Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle.
- • Indulge in gourmet menus guided by the rhythms of the season, featuring sustainable ingredients primarily sourced from the Mediterranean.
• Swim, kayak, or paddleboard in the turquoise waters of the Cyclades, and take in classic Aegean sunsets from the beautiful open deck of National Geographic Orion.
• Receive exclusive guidance from both a National Geographic Photography Expert and Destination Expert on each departure.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Book by March 4, 2025 for a $500 expedition credit and 25% solo savings.
Rates:
From $8,993 per person
May through September is ideal for exploring the Greek Isles, with warm, sunny weather perfect for swimming in the Aegean, strolling ancient ruins, and enjoying outdoor cafes. Early and late in the season bring cooler temperatures and quieter sites, while midsummer offers lively local festivals and peak vibrancy in towns and villages.
Inquire for specific dates.
May – September;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Food
Sources all food and seafood sustainably and locally
Waste
100% free of single-use plastics!
Carbon
Offsets 100% of operations and is carbon neutral
Itinerary
Day 1: Athens, Greece / Embark Ship
Arrive in Athens and transfer to Lavrio, where we embark our ship in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin and take in your first Aegean sunset at sea.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Serifos
Remote Serifos is a hidden gem of the Cyclades known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean and, in Greek mythology, as the place where the infamous Medusa lost her head. The island is dotted with white-washed buildings splashed with brilliantly colored doorways and domes. Join our local guides as we explore an ancient fortress and a trio of windmills crowning a hill with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Choose to sit on the stone throne at the entrance to the supposed cave of Cyclops; swim, kayak, or paddleboard; or stop at a traditional kafeneia—or café—to sample local culinary specialties, like the almond amigdalota cookies or revithada (baked chickpeas).
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 3: Sifnos
Sifnos—a local favorite—is a peaceful, rugged island known for its sandy beaches, plethora of churches, and trendy food scene. Go ashore for an early-morning hike before slowing down to enjoy the views from a scenic chora—or village—with a quaint harbor that invites discovery. 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 4: Milos
On the charming, volcanic island of Milos, see the ancient city of Phylakopi, a Bronze Age settlement and famous archaeological site. Capture stunning photos of Papafragas, a unique beach cove surrounded by towering white walls and natural caves. 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. Enjoy an afternoon on the water to swim, kayak, or paddleboard.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 5: Santorini
Venture to remarkable Santorini—an island archipelago formed from a single volcanic cone that erupted 3,600 years ago, burying the resident Minoan culture in ash. Sail directly into the caldera, then drive through windswept vineyards to reach the spectacular hilltop town of Oía. Tour the Archaeology Museum and excavations at Akrotiri, an important Minoan town preserved under volcanic ash much like Pompeii, with remarkably intact houses, streets, pottery, and more.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 6: Paros / Naxos
Spend the morning hiking to the lighthouse on the laid-back island of Paros, followed by water activities in the bordering turquoise sea. This afternoon, venture to Naxos and choose from several activities, including a cooking class, wine tasting, a walking tour of the citadel, or a pottery demonstration. The natural beauty, incredible food, and relaxed vibe of Paros and Naxos provide an authentic Greek experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 7: Delos / Syros
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 a morning surveying the Terrace of the Lions and exquisite Temple of Apollo, two of the many incredible ruins preserved here. Experience the town of Hermoupolis as the afternoon sunlight highlights its neo-Classical architecture. A walking tour takes you by the customs house, the main square, and stops at the Apollon Theatre and St. Nikolas Church on the hill.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 8: Athens / Disembark Ship
Arrive in Athens this morning. Enjoy a farewell breakfast on board before disembarking and transferring to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
National Geographic Orion
Built in Germany by the Cassens shipyard, the 102-guest National Geographic Orion was created with a high-ice class to be able to venture safely into polar regions. A ship of her size is seldom built with such ice-cutting ability, which makes her a rarity. She is yacht-scale, yet rugged enough to venture far afield, making her a perfect addition to the Lindblad fleet, which she joined in 2013. Her size and nimbleness offer the perfect combination of safety and liberty to voyage untrammeled locations. In fact, Orion currently holds the distinction of having sailed further south than any other of this operator's vessels.
Orion is gracious and intimate, with a rewarding, almost clubby feeling. Of her many amenities and features, the most appealing is her outside deck space which beckons in the balmy reaches of the Pacific and offers a range of panoramic viewing options for up-close marine life encounters.
ACHIEVEMENTS
2023 ”Best Cruise Ships in the World" Conde Nast Traveler Gold List
2023 "Best Expedition Ships" Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards
2022 "World's Best Cruise Line" World Cruise Awards
2022 "GOLD: Best Expedition Line" Reader's Choice Awards, Recommend Magazine
"The Orion is a lovely expedition ship with huge cabins and hotel-quality soft furnishings and amenities. She is operated by a world class expedition team and joined by highly credentialed experts in many disciplines to offer you an adventure that seems right out of National Geographic Magazine. Her public areas are spacious and attractive and her expedition equipment like an underwater viewing device and splash camera will bring the undersea world to life while you enjoy the comfort of the ship."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
CATEGORY 1
#316, 318-321 — Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds that can be converted to a queen and a shower.
From in USD:
$8,993pp
CATEGORY 4
#511, 515 — These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas with a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable.
From in USD:
$14,493pp
CATEGORY 1S
#301, 322, 323 — These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed.
From in USD:
$12,290pp
CATEGORY 2
#302-312, 314, 315, 317 — Cabins feature an oval window, two single beds that can be converted to a queen and shower.
From in USD:
$9,943pp
CATEGORY 5
#501, 503-506, 508 — These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable.
From in USD:
$15,193pp
CATEGORY 3S
#512 — This solo suite features two single beds and two large windows, two armchairs and a small table and a shower.
From in USD:
$19,640pp
CATEGORY 3
#401-412, 414-419 — These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa—except slightly smaller #401 & #402 and beds are configurable.
From in USD:
$11,693pp
CATEGORY 6
#502, 507, 509*, 510 — Features French balcony, save #509 which has double windows, separate living area with sofa, shower except #502 has tub.
From in USD:
$16,593pp
This operator is partnering with Food & Wine Magazine to combine some of the world’s most outstanding guiding in the ancient world with a fantastically in-depth exploration of the cuisine at this cultural crossroads. If you're a foodie who loves the history and stories behind the ingredients, or if you’re looking for a comprehensive Greek Isles adventure, this trip is for you.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in itinerary; Kayaks, Zodiac cruises, stand-up paddle boards, full complement of snorkeling gear, glass-bottom boat rides, where relevant; Guidance and expertise of expedition staff; All meals as indicated in itinerary; Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and snacks; Cocktails and spirits on select ships; Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes; 24-hour access to shared spaces, such as the lounges and fitness centers; Complimentary WiFi
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers; Travel protection plan, passport, visa, and immigration fees; Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving and phone services (except when indicated as included)
