Greek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History and Cerulean Seas
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
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
National Geographic Photography Expert
Join Krista Rossow on the Jul. 1, 2026 departure
From
$7,735
/ per person
Was $9,100Save $1,365
Does not include any flights
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National Geographic Photography Expert
Join David Wright on the Jun. 10, 2026 departure
View our brochure for more details
Mediterranean: Food & Wine
From
$7,735
/ per person
Was $9,100Save $1,365
National Geographic Photography Expert
Join David Wright on the Jun. 10, 2026 departure
View our brochure for more details
Mediterranean: Food & Wine
From
$7,735
/ per person
Was $9,100Save $1,365
SPECIAL SAVINGS
National Geographic Photography Expert
Join David Wright on the Jun. 10, 2026 departure
View our brochure for more details
Mediterranean: Food & Wine
Itinerary
Expedition
Download ItineraryStarts atAthens, GreeceEnds 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 ShipArrive 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
MilosSpend 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
SifnosSifnos—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
SerifosOn 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
ParosIn 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
NaxosThis 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 / TinosThe 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 / AthensArrive 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.
Combine and Save
Back-to-Back Savings
Save 10%: Combine this expedition with Mediterranean Wonders: Sicily, Greece, Sardinia and Beyond or Ancient Mediterranean: Exploring Greece, Croatia and Albania, for a deeper dive into the region.
Ships
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.
Expedition Extensions
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.
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Mediterranean: Food & Wine