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Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Türkiye – Small Ship Cruise

Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Türkiye – Small Ship Cruise

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Description

Sail along the magnificent isles and rocky coastlines of Greece and Turkey, where a mélange of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences take us on a fascinating journey through history. Encounter glittering marble cities of the ancient world from Delos to Ephesus; stroll the timeless, whitewashed villages of the Cyclades; and soak up the rhythms of everyday life as you travel age-old trade routes along vibrant Aegean coastlines poised at the crossroads of the world.   

Trip Name
Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Türkiye - Small Ship Cruise
Days
11
Overview
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.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Athens, Greece / Embark Ship
 Arrive in Athens and transfer to Lavrio, where we embark National Geographic Orion in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin and take in your first Aegean sunset at sea.Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - DAY 2 Delos
 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 discovering the Terrace of the Lions and exquisite Temple of Apollo, two of the many incredible ruins preserved here.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - DAY 3 Patmos
 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 café.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - DAY 4 Chios
 For centuries, Chios has exported mastic—a type of plant resin—throughout the world. Cultivated exclusively on the island, the resin is used in liqueurs, beauty products, and chewing gum. The product was once highly sought after by pirates and smugglers, and island villages were fortified with walls and watchtowers to protect the supplies. These medieval villages are uniquely beautiful, and we will have the opportunity to visit Pyrgi, known as the painted village for the black and gray geometric patterns adorning its buildings.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - DAY 5 Ephesus, Türkiye
 Step back in time as we 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.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - DAY 6 Bodrum
 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.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - DAY 7 Island Exploration
 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.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - DAY 8 Leros, Greece
 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.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - DAY 9 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 and 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 10 - DAY 10 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 11 - DAY 11 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
Day 12 - Please note:
Routing may vary and stops may be subject to modification and/or permitting.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $16,427Category 01
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $18,482Category 02
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $24,648Category 03
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $27,388Category 04
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $28,758Category 05
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $31,499Category 06
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $0Category 3S
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $0Category 1S
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $16,427Category 1. From
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
18-07-202628-07-2026AUD $16,427Category 01
18-07-202628-07-2026AUD $18,482Category 02
18-07-202628-07-2026AUD $24,648Category 03
18-07-202628-07-2026AUD $27,388Category 04
18-07-202628-07-2026AUD $28,758Category 05
18-07-202628-07-2026AUD $31,499Category 06
18-07-202628-07-2026AUD $0Category 3S
18-07-202628-07-2026AUD $0Category 1S
18-07-202628-07-2026AUD $16,427Category 1. From
18-07-202628-07-2026AUD $0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
08-09-202618-09-2026AUD $19,955Category 01
08-09-202618-09-2026AUD $22,687Category 02
08-09-202618-09-2026AUD $30,851Category 03
08-09-202618-09-2026AUD $34,478Category 04
08-09-202618-09-2026AUD $36,284Category 05
08-09-202618-09-2026AUD $39,925Category 06
08-09-202618-09-2026AUD $0Category 3S
08-09-202618-09-2026AUD $0Category 1S
08-09-202618-09-2026AUD $19,955Category 1. From
08-09-202618-09-2026AUD $0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
18-09-202628-09-2026AUD $24,575Category 01
18-09-202628-09-2026AUD $27,927Category 02
18-09-202628-09-2026AUD $37,997Category 03
18-09-202628-09-2026AUD $42,448Category 04
18-09-202628-09-2026AUD $44,700Category 05
18-09-202628-09-2026AUD $49,167Category 06
18-09-202628-09-2026AUD $0Category 3S
18-09-202628-09-2026AUD $0Category 1S
18-09-202628-09-2026AUD $23,404Category 1. From
18-09-202628-09-2026AUD $0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
03-05-202713-05-2027AUD $19,403Category 01
03-05-202713-05-2027AUD $21,612Category 02
03-05-202713-05-2027AUD $28,224Category 03
03-05-202713-05-2027AUD $31,164Category 04
03-05-202713-05-2027AUD $32,642Category 05
03-05-202713-05-2027AUD $35,582Category 06
03-05-202713-05-2027AUD $0Category 3S
03-05-202713-05-2027AUD $0Category 1S
03-05-202713-05-2027AUD $19,403Category 1. From
03-05-202713-05-2027AUD $0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
27-05-202706-06-2027AUD $17,463Category 01
27-05-202706-06-2027AUD $19,451Category 02
27-05-202706-06-2027AUD $25,401Category 03
27-05-202706-06-2027AUD $28,048Category 04
27-05-202706-06-2027AUD $29,378Category 05
27-05-202706-06-2027AUD $32,024Category 06
27-05-202706-06-2027AUD $0Category 3S
27-05-202706-06-2027AUD $0Category 1S
27-05-202706-06-2027AUD $19,403Category 1. From
27-05-202706-06-2027AUD $0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $23,888Category 01
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $26,607Category 02
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $34,748Category 03
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $38,369Category 04
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $40,188Category 05
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $43,807Category 06
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $0Category 3S
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $0Category 1S
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $20,955Category 1. From

Inclusions

    • Approach Greece and Turkey’s iconic coastal villages from the sea, and swim, kayak, and paddleboard in the surrounding turquoise waters
    • Enjoy hiking in Paros and sample the culinary delights of Naxos during a cooking class and wine tasting
    • Explore Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the mythical birthplace of Artemis and Apollo
    • Sail the sapphire waters of Santorini's volcanic caldera, and go ashore to explore the enchanting village of Oía, with its sugar-cube buildings and world-famous sunsets
    • Receive exclusive guidance from both a National Geographic Photography Expert and Destination Expert on each departure

Map

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