Email Print

iCruise Cruises >
Cruise Lines >
Lindblad Expedition Cruises >
National Geographic Orion >
National Geographic Orion Itineraries >

10 Night Crossroads of the Ancient World Exploring Greece and Turkey Cruise

Next >

National Geographic Orion

Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)

Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.

This cruise has already sailed

10 Night Crossroads of the Ancient World Exploring Greece and Turkey Cruise from Athens (Port of Piraeus)

Ship: National Geographic Orion

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Saturday, Jul 18, 2026 from Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece

Ended: Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Jul 18, 2026 departure of the National Geographic Orion. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

Want to book National Geographic Orion
95 Departures. Starting from $999999

Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Saturday - Jul 18, 2026

Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece

Bus Travel

Cruise Begins

Lavrion, Greece

Arrive in Athens, the capital city of Greece, and transfer to Lavrio, where you'll embark National Geographic Orion in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin and take in your first Aegean sunset at sea. Or explore more on a pre-voyage extension in Athens.

Day 2 - Sunday - Jul 19, 2026

Delos, Greece

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.

Day 3 - Monday - Jul 20, 2026

Patmos, Greece

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.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Jul 21, 2026

Samos, Greece

Samos is the home of the Temple of Hera (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the birthplace of ancient philosopher Pythagoras, and the remarkable Eupalinos Tunnel, an ancient engineering marvel. Spend the morning visiting ancient sites with an optional wine excursion in the afternoon.

Day 5 - Wednesday - Jul 22, 2026

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Bus Travel

Ephesus, Turkey

Bus Travel

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

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. After lunch at a weaving center, partake in a Turkish coffee experience. Later, enjoy a performance of whirling dervishes-mystical Sufi dancers who spin themselves into a spiritual trance.

Day 6 - Thursday - Jul 23, 2026

Didim, Turkey

Didyma is home to the renowned Sanctuary of Apollo and Miletus-a significant hub of commerce, culture, and innovation from the Bronze Age through the Roman era. Or visit Priene, one of the most charming ancient sites in the Mediterranean that offers stunning vistas overlooking the Meander delta.

Day 7 - Friday - Jul 24, 2026

Bodrum, Turkey

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. In the afternoon, set sail on a traditional Turkish wooden gulet to discover the area's tranquil, hidden bays. Take time to relax and enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear, blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

Day 8 - Saturday - Jul 25, 2026

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.

Day 9 - Sunday - Jul 26, 2026

Giardini Naxos, Italy

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.

Day 10 - Monday - Jul 27, 2026

Paros, Greece

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.

Day 11 - Tuesday - Jul 28, 2026

Lavrion, Greece

Cruise Ends

Bus Travel

Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece

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

Save

Other Sail Dates and Itineraries on National Geographic Orion

Sail Date	Itinerary Name	Inside From	Outside From	Balcony From	Suite From	Details
Jul 28, 2026(Tuesday)	7 Night Greek Isles Odyssey Mythology History and Cerulean Seas Departing from Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece Special Promotions Suite Exclusives Package Up to 15% Savings The Signature Collection - Exclusive Amenities	Call For Price	Call For Price	Call For Price	Call For Price	View
Jul 28, 2026(Tuesday)	7 Night Greek Isles Odyssey Mythology History and Cerulean Seas Departing from Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece Special Promotions Suite Exclusives Package Up to 15% Savings The Signature Collection - Exclusive Amenities	Call For Price	Call For Price	Call For Price	Call For Price	View
Jul 28, 2026(Tuesday)	14 Night Crossroads of the Adriatic and Aegean Greece Croatia and Albania Departing from Lavrion, Greece Special Promotions Up to 15% Savings	Call For Price	Call For Price	Call For Price	Call For Price	View
Jul 28, 2026(Tuesday)	14 Night Crossroads of the Adriatic and Aegean Greece Croatia and Albania Departing from Lavrion, Greece Special Promotions Up to 15% Savings	Call For Price	Call For Price	Call For Price	Call For Price	View
Aug 4, 2026(Tuesday)	7 Night Ancient Mediterranean Exploring Greece Croatia and Albania Departing from Lavrion, Greece Special Promotions Suite Exclusives Package Up to 15% Savings The Signature Collection - Exclusive Amenities	Call For Price	Call For Price	Call For Price	Call For Price	View

Overlay Title