Marina and harbor on the Greek Island of Paros
Ancient Greek antiquities among the ruins of the Unesco heritage site. This is an open-air site on a remote, deserted island near Mykonos. Artifacts that can be carried away are taken to the separate archaeological museum, also on the island, where they are housed. This picture is one of several monuments in the ruins which has not been taken to a museum.
Beef dish prepared by National Geographic Orion Chef Mikael Sjöberg in Indonesia

Beef Dish: Waguy Ribeye Steak, Clove and papaya seed crusted prime beef, baked kasava, snakebeen peas, sweet potato crisps, beef jus and chervil.
Food and Wine logo for med orion expedition carousel
License InProcess contact sheet submitted - these are not marked public yet.
Marina and harbor on the Greek Island of Paros
ExpeditionsGreek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History and Cerulean Seas

Greek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History and Cerulean Seas

Skip to


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. 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 historic Delos to laid-back Naxos and Paros. Delve into the region’s legendary culinary delights—from unique sweets and delicious olive oils to spicy volcanic wines—and explore the mythology and archaeology that make these islands iconic. Bask in the beauty of whitewashed villages, and go for a swim in the Aegean's inviting turquoise waters. Nightly tastings guided by our onboard wine expert highlight more than 40 bottles personally selected by Food & Wine magazine’s Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle.

Highlights

Papafragas beach with crystal clear turquoise water and tunnel rock formations in Milos island, Greece
  • 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

  • Indulge in gourmet menus guided by the rhythms of the season, featuring sustainable ingredients primarily sourced from the Mediterranean

  • Walk in the footsteps of gods and goddesses on Delos

  • On Milos, visit the Ancient Theater and the farm where the famed Greek sculpture of Venus de Milo was evacuated

  • Stroll the quaint harbors and scenic villages of Sifnos–a local favorite known for its rich flavors, picturesque beaches, many churches, and poetic charm

From

$7,735

/ per person

Was $9,100Save $1,365

Does not include any flights

duration
8 Days
starts at
Athens, Greece
ends at
Athens, Greece
See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Mediterranean: Food & Wine

Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348

From

$7,735

/ per person

Was $9,100Save $1,365

duration
8 Days
starts at
Athens, Greece
ends at
Athens, Greece

View our brochure for more details

Mediterranean: Food & Wine

From

$7,735

/ per person

Was $9,100Save $1,365

duration
8 Days
starts at
Athens, Greece
ends at
Athens, Greece
See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Mediterranean: Food & Wine

Itinerary


Starts atAthens, Greece
Ends atAthens, Greece

Day 1

Athens, Greece / Lavrio / Embark Ship

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.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1

Athens, Greece / Lavrio / Embark Ship

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.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Milos

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Milos

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Serifos

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Serifos

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Paros

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Paros

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Naxos

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Naxos

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Delos / Tinos

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Delos / Tinos

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Lavrio / Disembark Ship / Athens

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 Crete.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8

Lavrio / Disembark Ship / Athens

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 Crete.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Itinerary note: Routing may vary and stops may be subject to modification and/or permitting. Activities are included in your voyage price; however, some departures may offer optional premium excursions at an additional cost.

Ships

With the sun setting and casting a spectrum of warm hues across the sky, the ship National Geographic Orion sits anchored in the calm waters of the Java Sea.

National Geographic Orion

GUESTS 102

CABINS 53

DECKS 6

An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Asia, the Mediterranean, and beyond.

VIEW SHIP

Expedition Extensions

Knossos Palace ruins in Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Extension
Post-Voyage

Crete Post-Voyage Extension

Duration4 Days

Starting from

$2,960

/ per person

Explore
the temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the peak of its power. It was completed in 438 BC although decoration of the building continued until 432 BC.
Extension
Pre-Voyage

Athens History and Culture Pre-Voyage Extension

Duration3 Days

Starting from

$2,190

/ per person

Explore

Expedition Team

Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

Special Offers

Take advantage of our additional offers

View our brochure for more details

Mediterranean: Food & Wine

Newsletter

Sign Up and Get the Latest Stories, Special Offers and Inspiration

* Required field