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Library of Celsus in the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Izmir, Turkey
Beautiful Oia town on Santorini island, Greece
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.
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sunset and whirling at the sea, sufi. sufi whirling (Turkish: Semazen) is a form of Sama or physically active meditation which originated among Sufis.
Library of Celsus in the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Izmir, Turkey
ExpeditionsCrossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Turkey | Lindblad Expeditions

Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Turkey

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National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and Food & Wine magazine have combined their expertise to deliver a satiating culinary voyage at the crossroads of the world. 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 and cuisine. Encounter glittering marble cities of the ancient past, 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. A dedicated wine expert joins each voyage to offer insights as we explore the region’s rich terroirs through nightly onboard wine tastings.  

Highlights

Marina and harbor on the Greek Island of Paros
  • Approach Greece and Turkey’s iconic coastal villages from the sea, and swim, kayak, and paddleboard in the surrounding turquoise waters

  • Taste more than 40 of the region’s best wines, sampling bottles personally selected by Food & Wine magazine’s Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle

  • Experience Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated as one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities, followed by a mesmerizing performance by whirling dervishes

  • Sample the culinary delights of the Cyclades during a cooking class and wine tasting, and delve into the intricate rituals surrounding Turkish coffee in Bodrum and Kusadasi

  • 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

From

$11,103

/ per person

Does not include any flights

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

View our brochure for more details

The Mediterranean Aboard National Geographic Orion 2025-26

Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348

From

$11,103

/ per person

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

View our brochure for more details

The Mediterranean Aboard National Geographic Orion 2025-26

From

$11,103

/ per person

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

View our brochure for more details

The Mediterranean Aboard National Geographic Orion 2025-26

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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

$2,690

/ 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
Post-Voyage

Athens History and Culture Post-Voyage Extension

Duration3 Days

Starting from

$1,990

/ 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

$1,990

/ per person

Explore

Expedition Team

Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.

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

The Mediterranean Aboard National Geographic Orion 2025-26