Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Turkey

Arrive in Athens, Greece’s capital, and travel to Lavrio to board the National Geographic Orion in the afternoon. Get settled in your cabin and enjoy your first Aegean sunset at sea. Alternatively, extend your trip with a pre-voyage stay in Athens or Crete.

Delos is a key mythical and historical location in Greece, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to legend, it's the birthplace of the twin gods Artemis, the goddess of animals and hunting, and Apollo, the god of healing, music, and light. Explore the Terrace of the Lions and the remarkable Temple of Apollo, among other preserved ruins.

In 1999, UNESCO designated three landmarks on the Greek isle of Patmos as World Heritage sites: the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, the Cave of the Apocalypse, and the town of Chora—all for their significance in Christianity. Patmos is believed to be the island where Saint John the Theologian wrote the Book of Revelation, and the 11th-century monastery has been a pilgrimage site ever since. Tour the monastery and the cave, where Saint John dictated his gospel to his disciple, Prochoros. Later, there are options to explore the island’s whitewashed alleyways and lush courtyards, meet local artisans or simply relax while enjoying a coffee in a local cafe.

Chios has been a major exporter of mastic, a resin derived from plants, for centuries. Grown only on the island, it is used in liqueurs, cosmetics, and chewing gum. Once in high demand by pirates and smugglers, the island’s villages were fortified with walls and watchtowers to safeguard the valuable resin. These medieval villages are uniquely charming, and you’ll have the chance to visit Pyrgi, known as the “painted village” for its distinctive black-and-gray geometric designs on buildings.

Step back in time as you wander through UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ephesus, one of the world’s best preserved ancient cities and once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Peer up at the intricately carved ceiling of the iconic Library of Celsus, and marvel at the Temple of Hadrian, where the main keystone arch still holds in place nearly 2,000 years after its construction. Later, enjoy a performance of whirling dervishes—mystical Sufi dancers who spin themselves into a spiritual trance.  

Gracing Bodrum’s magnificent waterfront is the Castle of St. Peter, a 15th-century crusader fortress that now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology—an impressive collection of antiquities recovered from ancient shipwrecks along the Turkish coast. Explore the exhibits, then delve into the rituals and customs surrounding Türk kahvesi, or Turkish coffee. The tradition is steeped in history and recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Enjoy a cup, accompanied by a Turkish delight, a popular local confection.

The electric blue sea around Bodrum is a water lover’s paradise, with a crystalline quality that is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. Your Expedition Leader and captain will select one of the nearby islands (either Orak or Çatalada) to anchor off for a day of exploring above and beneath the water’s surface.

Laid-back Leros, one of the Dodecanese Islands, is dotted with picturesque windmills and medieval castles that make great photography subjects. Set out on a photo walk as the early sun rises above the hillcrests.

On the uninhabited island of Nea Kameni, hike to the crater or swim in the hot springs. In the afternoon, venture into the remarkable Santorini—an island archipelago formed from a single volcanic cone that erupted 2,600 years ago to bury the resident Minoan culture in ash. Sail directly into the caldera, then drive through windswept vineyards to visit the Archaeology Museum. Tour the museum and excavations at Akrotiri, an important Minoan town preserved under volcanic ash like Pompeii, with well-built houses, streets, waterworks, pottery and art.

This morning, choose to go on an early hike on Naxos, participate in an olive press tour and tasting, experience a walking tour of the Kastro or enjoy a hands on pottery experience. Spend the afternoon hiking, visiting a local winery or walking the land with a local farmer to hear how they make dry-land farming work. Afterward, taste the fruits of the bounty. The natural beauty, incredible food and less-touristy vibe of Paros and Naxos provide an authentic Greek experience.

Arrive in Lavrio this morning. Enjoy a farewell breakfast on board before disembarking and transferring to the Athens airport for your flight home or explore more on a post-voyage extension in Athens or Crete.