Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece and Turkey

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 or Crete.

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, known as the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization. It has a rich history that dates back thousands of years and is home to many ancient landmarks. The city is famous for the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which attract visitors from around the world. Alongside its historical treasures, Athens is a vibrant modern city with lively neighborhoods, museums, and cultural events. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Greece.

On the southeastern tip of the Attica Peninsula - reaching out temptingly toward the scattered islands of the Aegean - Lavrion marks the start of many great adventures. Lavrion’s ideal location for exploring Athens’ immense culture and history means it’s often overlooked - but in doing so, visitors miss one of Greece’s oldest and largest ancient amphitheaters - Thorikos, which dates to 500 BC. Just 20 minutes away, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion also stands as an icon of classical Greece - its marble columns glowing in the sunlight above sweeping Aegean views. There’s a sense of anticipation in the air, and the marina connects you to the treasures of the Greek isles. The town may be a key sailing hub for some of the world’s most relaxing and chic getaways, but the island experience can begin even sooner, with several beautiful beaches rolling out close by. An authentic destination that’s seen a boom in recent years, Lavrion is home to charming seafood tavernas grilling up fresh sardines. If time allows, delve into the area’s rich mining history - the Mineralogical Museum showcases 800 specimens from the region. These mines funded Athens’ wealth, and the city waits just 35 miles away.

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.

The uninhabited island of Delos in the Cyclades archipelago is dedicated solely as a UNESCO archaeological site with ties to ancient Greek mythology as the birth site of the sun god Apollo. It is the only island in the world entirely comprised of ruins. The stark white Doric temples against the deep blue backdrop of the Aegean create an image straight out of myth. Filled with monuments from the Classical, Hellenistic and Archaic periods of Greek art, this legendary destination gives you the impression that it will hold value for all time.

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.

For better or worse, it can be difficult to reach Patmos—for many travelers, this lack of access is definitely for the better, since the island retains the air of an unspoiled retreat. Rocky and barren, the small, 34-square-km (21-square-mi) island lies beyond the islands of Kalymnos and Leros, northwest of Kos. Here on a hillside is the Monastery of the Apocalypse, which enshrines the cave where St. John received the Revelation in AD 95. Scattered evidence of Mycenaean presence remains on Patmos, and walls of the classical period indicate the existence of a town near Skala. Most of the island's approximately 2,800 people live in three villages: Skala, medieval Chora, and the small rural settlement of Kambos. The island is popular among the faithful making pilgrimages to the monastery as well as with vacationing Athenians and a newly growing community of international trendsetters—designers, artists, poets, and “taste gurus” (to quote Vogue’s July 2011 write-up of the island)—who have bought homes in Chora. These stylemeisters followed in the footsteps of Alexandrian John Stefanidis and the English artist Teddy Millington-Drake who, in the early ’60s, set about creating what eventually became hailed as one of the most gorgeous island homes in the world. The word soon spread thanks to their many guests (who included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis) but, happily, administrators have carefully contained development, and as a result, Patmos retains its charm and natural beauty—even in the busy month of August.

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 you will have the opportunity to visit Pyrgi, known as the painted village for the black and gray geometric patterns adorning its buildings.

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.

Travel to the eastern shores of Lake Bafa, where the ancient city of Herakleia rests at the foot of Mt. Lamos. Once a thriving Carian port, the site is home to atmospheric ruins, including the Temple of Athena and the Roman Agora. The lake also offers a chance to enjoy birdwatching in its serene natural setting or a hike on the same paths used by 8th century hermits and Byzantine monks.

After lunch onboard, continue to Didyma, home to the renowned Sanctuary of Apollo, followed by a visit to Miletus—a significant hub of commerce, culture and innovation from the Bronze Age through the Roman era.

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 sailing 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.

The white houses act as a blank canvas for splashes of color provided by the climbing purple bougainvillea, subtropical gardens, and front doors that come in every shade of blue to match the sea. Bodrum is Turkey's coast at its most vibrant. Located at the junction of the Mediterranean and the Aegean, Bodrum is all about the sea. It boasts a world-class marina, a favorite of super yachts, fine dining restaurants and bars. Set sail from here on one of the many boats heading out to the peninsular. Relax, soak up the sun and coastal scenery whilst drifting through the turquoise water. For a totally authentic experience, choose a 'gulet', a beautiful two-masted, wooden sailing boat traditional to Bodrum. Once ashore, dip into the history of Bodrum or Halicarnassus as it was once known. Still visible are remains of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum of Mausolus, once an impressive 46 meters high. In the 15th century, some of the stones of the ruined Mausoleum were reused by the Knights Hospitallers of St John to build the Castle of St. Peter which still dominates the seafront today. As much as the foundations of the castle are steeped in history, so are its exhibits today as home to the Underwater Archaeology Museum. Looking for a souvenir or a chance to people watch, head to the large bazaar by the castle. Set out as shops rather than stalls you can find almost anything from spices, fruit, and vegetables to textiles and local pottery. You won't be able to leave empty-handed.

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.

This morning, hike to the crater on the uninhabited island of Nea Kameni and swim in the hot springs of Palea Kameni, or choose to visit a Santorini farm for a tour and tasting.

After lunch, go ashore to the main island of remarkable Santorini—an island archipelago formed from a single volcanic cone that erupted 3,600 years ago, burying the resident Minoan culture in ash. Plan your day with a visit to the Archaeology Museum or visit the stunning excavations at Akrotiri, an important Minoan town preserved under volcanic ash much like Pompeii, with remarkably intact houses, streets, pottery and more. This evening, have dinner ashore, taking in the breathtaking sunset.

Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.

Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.

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. Alternatively, join a local artisan for a marble carving experience.

Over lunch, the ship repositions to Paros, where you can spend the afternoon exploring the charming Kastro, visiting a winery or walking the land with a local farmer to hear how they make dry-land farming work. Afterward, taste the fruits of their bounty. The natural beauty, incredible food and less-touristy vibe of Naxos and Paros provide an authentic Greek experience.

Páros (Paros) is a central island in the Cyclades and a popular port of call for Mediterranean cruises, rather than a starting or ending point for long itineraries. It is known as a quieter, unspoiled alternative to islands like Mykonos and Santorini. The cruise experience on Páros is typically centered around day trips to the neighboring islands of Antiparos and Despotikó, water sports, and exploring the island's picturesque villages and historical sites.

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 Athens or Crete.

On the southeastern tip of the Attica Peninsula - reaching out temptingly toward the scattered islands of the Aegean - Lavrion marks the start of many great adventures. Lavrion’s ideal location for exploring Athens’ immense culture and history means it’s often overlooked - but in doing so, visitors miss one of Greece’s oldest and largest ancient amphitheaters - Thorikos, which dates to 500 BC. Just 20 minutes away, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion also stands as an icon of classical Greece - its marble columns glowing in the sunlight above sweeping Aegean views. There’s a sense of anticipation in the air, and the marina connects you to the treasures of the Greek isles. The town may be a key sailing hub for some of the world’s most relaxing and chic getaways, but the island experience can begin even sooner, with several beautiful beaches rolling out close by. An authentic destination that’s seen a boom in recent years, Lavrion is home to charming seafood tavernas grilling up fresh sardines. If time allows, delve into the area’s rich mining history - the Mineralogical Museum showcases 800 specimens from the region. These mines funded Athens’ wealth, and the city waits just 35 miles away.

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, known as the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization. It has a rich history that dates back thousands of years and is home to many ancient landmarks. The city is famous for the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which attract visitors from around the world. Alongside its historical treasures, Athens is a vibrant modern city with lively neighborhoods, museums, and cultural events. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Greece.