Mediterranean Wonders: Sicily, Greece, Sardinia and Beyond

Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to the hospitality suite, which is centrally located. This afternoon, explore the city at your own pace enjoying its architectural masterpieces, the energetic street rhythms coming from Las Ramblas or the beautiful views atop Montjuic. Embark National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon and set a course east for the island of Menorca.

Arrival time: Arrive before 1:30 p.m. local time. 
Arrival City: Barcelona, Spain

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city’s Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square’s perimeter.

The Vandals, the Moors and the British Empire have ruled over this stunning little island where prehistoric civilizations left intriguing rock mounds and megalithic monuments dating back some 4,000 years. This afternoon, explore this history while traveling overland to the southeast of Menorca. Walk through the Bronze Age village of Torralba d’en Salord and see the characteristic T-shaped stone monuments left by the Talayotic peoples. This evening, set a course east toward the shores of Corsica.

Enjoy the National Geographic Orion’s amenities during this day at sea. Listen to talks by your onboard experts, get photo tips from a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor or spend some time on the bridge with officers who are happy to answer questions. A massage from the wellness specialist is an inviting option or relax with a book in the observation lounge. Arrive in Bonifacio this evening.

Located in the South of Corsica, Bonifacio is one of the island’s most beautiful destinations. From its breathtaking views and sandy white islands to its historic citadel, the city is a must visit for anyone travelling to the island.

Wake up to the sunrise over the layered cliffs of Bonifacio. Enter the narrow harbor to dock and enjoy the day in one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful towns. Begin with a walking orientation to the citadel, established by the powerful margraves of Tuscany in the ninth century. The rest of the morning is devoted to enjoying this lovely destination.

Located in the South of Corsica, Bonifacio is one of the island’s most beautiful destinations. From its breathtaking views and sandy white islands to its historic citadel, the city is a must visit for anyone travelling to the island.

Step ashore on Sardinia’s east coast, known for its stunning and remote landscapes, including grottos and mountain peaks. Populated since pre-historic times, the landscape is dotted with Roman village ruins and monasteries from the Middle Ages. Spend the morning in San Pantaleo, visiting local artisan shops that showcase the handicrafts of painters, goldsmiths, sculptors and potters. Or venture into the mountains to visit the archeological discoveries, including tombs and village remains.

Enjoy the day at sea as you sail toward the Aeolian Islands—not only famous for the winds of the god Aeolus, but also for some of the most well-known classical volcanoes. With a bit of luck, you will witness the pyrotechnics of the active volcanic island of Stromboli. Pass through the narrow Strait of Messina overnight, the purported location of Homer’s monsters Scylla and Charybdis: the rock and the hard place through which Odysseus had to sail.

Stromboli is an active volcanic island in the Aeolian archipelago off the north coast of Sicily, Italy. As of April 2026, the volcano remains in a state of continuous eruptive activity, with recent reports from April 13, 2026, confirming ongoing "strombolian" explosions and lava flows down the Sciara del Fuoco

This morning, drive up to the beautiful town of Taormina, perched 250 meters above the sea. With Mount Etna dominating to the south, this medieval town boasts the pedestrian-friendly Corso Umberto, lined with exquisite buildings and one of the world’s most interesting cultural sites: the Greco-Roman Theater. This remarkable theater was built right into the cliffside, overlooking the vast sea below, in the third century B.C. Enjoy a special lunch at a privately owned castle, the Castello degli Schiavi. This impressive 18th-century home was the setting for many scenes in The Godfather films, and you'll meet members of the family that owns it and explore the extensive buildings and grounds.

The medieval cliff-hanging town of Taormina is overrun with tourists, yet its natural beauty is still hard to dispute. The view of the sea and Mt. Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is as close to perfection as a panorama can get—especially on clear days, when the snowcapped volcano's white puffs of smoke rise against the blue sky. Writers have extolled Taormina's beauty almost since it was founded in the 6th century BC by Greeks from nearby Naxos; Goethe and D. H. Lawrence were among its well-known enthusiasts. The town's boutique-lined main streets get old pretty quickly, but the many hiking paths that wind through the beautiful hills surrounding Taormina promise a timeless alternative. A trip up to stunning Castelmola (whether on foot or by car) should also be on your itinerary.

Head ashore at Siracusa, one of the most powerful cities in the classical world. Explore the archaeological park where a well-preserved Greek amphitheater with carved limestone seats is still used today. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone, and is the site of the curious Ear of Dionysius—a huge cave with incredible acoustics. Make the most of your time in port: explore the city's excellent market or the adjacent island of Ortigia, where a stunning cathedral was built on the columns of the 6th-century Temple of Athena. Alternatively, take an evening stroll through the city's piazzas. Spend the following day at sea, relaxing aboard the National Geographic Orion as she makes her way toward Greece.

Siracusa, known to English speakers as Syracuse, is a wonder to behold. One of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization, the city was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and soon grew to rival, and even surpass, Athens in splendor and power. It became the largest, wealthiest city-state in the West and a bulwark of Greek civilization. Although Siracusa lived under tyranny, rulers such as Dionysius filled their courts with Greeks of the highest cultural stature—among them the playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides, and the philosopher Plato. The Athenians, who didn't welcome Siracusa's rise, set out to conquer Sicily, but the natives outsmarted them in what was one of the greatest military campaigns in ancient history (413 BC). The city continued to prosper until it was conquered two centuries later by the Romans.Present-day Siracusa still has some of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture; dramatic Greek and Roman ruins; and a Duomo that's the stuff of legend—a microcosm of the city's entire history in one building. The modern city also has a wonderful, lively, Baroque old town worthy of extensive exploration, as well as pleasant piazzas, outdoor cafés and bars, and a wide assortment of excellent seafood. There are essentially two areas to explore in Siracusa: the Parco Archeologico (Archaeological Zone), on the mainland; and the island of Ortygia, the ancient city first inhabited by the Greeks, which juts out into the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by two small bridges. Ortygia is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, and is starting to lose its old-fashioned charm in favor of modern boutiques.Siracusa's old nucleus of Ortygia, a compact area, is a pleasure to amble around without getting unduly tired. In contrast, mainland Siracusa is a grid of wider avenues. At the northern end of Corso Gelone, above Viale Paolo Orsi, the orderly grid gives way to the ancient quarter of Neapolis, where the sprawling Parco Archeologico is accessible from Viale Teracati (an extension of Corso Gelone). East of Viale Teracati, about a 10-minute walk from the Parco Archeologico, the district of Tyche holds the archaeological museum and the church and catacombs of San Giovanni, both off Viale Teocrito (drive or take a taxi or city bus from Ortygia). Coming from the train station, it's a 15-minute trudge to Ortygia along Via Francesco Crispi and Corso Umberto. If you're not up for that, take one of the free electric buses leaving every 10 minutes from the bus station around the corner.

The sea stretched endlessly in all directions, meeting the sky at a distant horizon. Gentle waves rolled beneath the vessel, creating a soothing rhythm as it moved across the water. The cool breeze carried the scent of salt, and the sunlight sparkled on the surface like countless diamonds. Seabirds occasionally glided overhead, adding life to the vast blue expanse. Surrounded by open water, the scene felt both peaceful and awe-inspiring.

Known for its strong cultural heritage, Corfu is home to many of the country’s firsts: the first university, theatre and opera. Learn about the island’s history, including its triumphant defense against the Ottoman empire, and spend time around Spianada, the old city’s main square—and the largest one in Greece—built in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Venetians. Discover the island’s most iconic landmarks and signs of foreign influences. Or meander through the old town’s charming city streets tasting local delicacies such as kumquats and olive oil. Alternatively, spend the day taking in the stunning landscapes of Greece’s greenest island exploring the countryside and mountain trails.

Corfu town today is a vivid tapestry of cultures—a sophisticated weave, where charm, history, and natural beauty blend. Located about midway along the island's east coast, this spectacularly lively capital is the cultural heart of Corfu and has a remarkable historic center that UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site in 2007. All ships and planes dock or land near Corfu town, which occupies a small peninsula jutting into the Ionian Sea.Whether arriving by ferry from mainland Greece or Italy, from another island, or directly by plane, catch your breath by first relaxing with a coffee or a gelato in Corfu town's shaded Liston Arcade, then stroll the narrow lanes of its pedestrians-only quarter. For an overview of the immediate area, and a quick tour of Mon Repos palace, hop on the little tourist train that runs from May to September. Corfu town has a different feel at night, so book a table at one of its famed tavernas to savor the island's unique cuisine.The best way to get around Corfu town is on foot. The town is small enough so that you can easily walk to every sight. There are local buses, but they do not thread their way into the streets (many now car-free) of the historic center. If you are arriving by ferry or plane, it's best to take a taxi to your hotel. Expect to pay about €10 from the airport or ferry terminal to a hotel in Corfu town. If there are no taxis waiting, you can call for one.

Your Expedition Leader and local guides will choose one of the many picturesque beaches on the island of Kefalonia, bordered by the idyllic Ionian Sea. Soak in the vivid blue waters—a true photographer’s delight. Stroll along the shoreline, or swim, kayak or paddleboard in the beautiful sea.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi, the center of the ancient Greek world. The ruins here are home to the Temple of Apollo—Greece’s most important shrine—where the Oracle of Delphi delivered divine prophecies. Learn about the city’s storied past and explore the temple and other important sites. Later, navigate the historic Corinth Canal, slipping between the 300-foot limestone walls that tower above both sides of the vessel. Built in the late 19th century, the canal is too small for most modern-day ships, but the National Geographic Orion is perfectly sized for the transit to the Gulf of Corinth and Ionian Sea.

Delphi is one of the most famous ancient sites in Greece and was once considered the center of the ancient world. It was home to the Temple of Apollo and the renowned Oracle of Delphi, where people sought guidance and prophecies. Surrounded by mountains, the site offers breathtaking views and impressive ruins. Visitors can explore ancient monuments, theaters, and temples that reflect Greece's rich history. Today, Delphi remains a major cultural and archaeological attraction.

The Corinth Canal is a narrow waterway in Greece that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. It cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Built in the late 19th century, it dramatically shortens sea travel around the peninsula. The canal is known for its steep limestone walls and striking views from bridges above. Today, it is used mainly by small ships and is a popular tourist attraction.

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.