Ancient Mediterranean Odyssey: Exploring Greece, Croatia & Albania
Aboard 102-guest Nat Geo Orion, sail between Greece, Albania and Croatia, delving into ancient empires and their archaeological treasures, and visiting fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Delphi to Dubrovnik. Along the way, enjoy wine tastings selected by Food & Wine magazine, with an onboard wine expert.
The Dalmatian Coast enchants, with sun-soaked beaches, charming port towns and a rich maritime history that dates to the Venetian Empire. On these special departures in partnership with Food & Wine magazine, sail between Greece, Albania and Croatia, delving into ancient empires and their archaeological treasures, and visiting fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Delphi to Dubrovnik. Soak in the Ionian Sea’s idyllic turquoise waters and encounter the region’s lesser-known gems, including outlying Croatian isles and vestiges of antiquity in Albania.
Check off a list of musts in this enchanting region. Navigate the iconic Corinth Canal, a spectacularly scenic cut that is inaccessible to larger ships. Immerse yourself in Delphi, the center of ancient Greek civilization, once home to the famed Oracle of Delphi. Explore Dubrovnik—the pearl of the Adriatic—while strolling atop its ancient walls, trying your hand at oystering, or participating in a cooking or silk embroidery class.
Discover the mesmerizing tapestry of ancient ruins at Albania’s Butrint National Park. Go birding in Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, home to over 200 avian species. Wander through Corfu’s enchanting Old Town and discover its maze of streets and shady town squares. Experience the lesser-visited island of Vis, uncovering its sea caves, historic tunnels and charming town centers.
The 102-guest Nat Geo Orion acts as floating basecamp. This small expedition ship is technologically advanced and equipped with a full set of exploration tools, including an ROV and enough kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time. Additionally, select cabins offer private balconies for special moments taking in classic Mediterranean sunsets. The National Geographic Orion features a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, ensuring that your trip to paradise comes with attentive service.
Food & Wine magazine sets sail with National Geographic Orion, curating an unforgettable culinary adventure at sea. Food & Wine magazine’s wine experts have curated an extensive wine list featuring over 40 regional varietals, perfectly complementing the journey with nightly onboard tastings. Plus receive exclusive guidance from both a National Geographic Photography Expert and Destination Expert on each departure.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Greece small ship cruises, Croatia small ship cruises, Mediterranean small ship cruises and Mediterranean trips.
Northbound Ancient Mediterranean: Exploring Greece, Croatia & Albania Itinerary
The northbound Ancient Mediterranean cruise sails from Lavrio, Greece to Zadar, Croatia, stopping in Albania along the way. Begin with an overland transfer from Athens to embark in Lavrio, then disembark in Zadar followed by an overland transfer to end in Split.
Arrive in Athens and transfer to Lavrio, where you embark the ship in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin and take in an Aegean sunset at sea.
Enjoy breakfast on deck as the ship navigates the historic Corinth Canal, slipping between the 300-foot limestone walls that tower above both sides of your vessel. Built in the late 19th century, the canal is too small for most modern-day ships, but your ship is perfectly sized for the transit to the Gulf of Corinth and Ionian Sea.
Later, 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. Your onboard local guides will share the city’s storied past as you explore the temple and other important sites.
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.
Sandwiched between two fortresses, Corfu’s World Heritage-listed Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage center, begs to be explored. Choose to wander the maze of Venetian lanes and shaded town squares, or enjoy a walking tour of the 6th-century Old Fortress of Corfu. This afternoon, cross into Albania and arrive at Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was first settled by the Greeks in the 7th century BC and is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins. This mesmerizing tapestry of ancient ruins is a wonderful representation of Albania’s lush landscapes.
After docking in Durrës, drive to Albania’s ancient capital of Krujë, just north of its modern-day capital of Tirana. Wander the stalls of the medieval bazaar, visit the Ethnographic Museum, and tour the museum dedicated to Albania’s larger-than-life national hero, Skanderbeg—the warrior who led a 15th-century rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. Cap off the day with a stirring folkloric performance. Or, if you’re interested in birding, visit the lagoons of Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, home to over 200 avian species, including the greater flamingo, Kentish plover and the extremely rare dalmatian pelican.
Wake up anchored off the ancient walls of Dubrovnik’s Old City—a UNESCO World Heritage site that is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world. Choose from several experiences to customize your day. Participate in a guided walk of the fortified walls, go oystering and enjoy a seafood lunch in the neighboring town of Ston, take part in an interactive cooking class in a quaint rural home, or learn about traditional silk embroidery at a local workshop.
One of the outermost Croatian islands, Vis was ruled successively by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians and Italians. It became a central Yugoslav military base during World War II, and only opened to tourists in the 1990s, making it less developed and less populated than many of its neighbors. Spend the morning exploring one of the island’s sea caves and the fjord at Stivina Bay, and enjoy a swim in the crystalline waters (conditions permitting).
Arrive in Komiža after lunch and embark on your choice of several optional experiences, including a hike to the headquarters of Yugoslav resistance leader Josip Broz Tito, where he hid troops and weapons in extensive underground tunnels at the end of World War II and into the Cold War. Venture to hillside barracks and hidden bunkers, or spend the morning enjoying the charming downtown.
Arrive in Zadar this morning. Enjoy a farewell breakfast on board before disembarking and transferring to the airport in Split for your flight home.
Included
Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leader, historian, naturalist staff and expert guides; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.
Exclusions
Immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The northbound Ancient Mediterranean cruise begins in Athens, Greece (ATH), and ends in Split, Croatia (SPU). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Embarkation is in Lavrio on the afternoon of Day 1, following an overland transfer from Athens. Disembarkation in Zadar is after breakfast on the final day of the outlined itinerary, followed by an overland transfer to the airport in Split. Your Adventure Specialist can provide flight arrival and departure guidance for Day 8 during the booking process. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include oystering, a cooking class, a tasting, a folkdance performance, Zodiac and small craft cruises, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, yoga and stretching, hiking, historical site visits, city tours, museum tours and guided walks.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.
Families & Children
See the Deals section of this trip for any applicable child discounts. There is no special kids programming on this itinerary.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.
Southbound Ancient Mediterranean: Exploring Greece, Croatia & Albania Itinerary
The southbound Ancient Mediterranean cruise sails from Zadar, Croatia, to Lavrio, Greece, stopping in Albania along the way. Begin with an overland transfer from Split to embark in Zadar, then disembark in Lavrio, followed by an overland transfer to end in Athens.
Arrive in Split, the largest city on the Dalmatian coast, and transfer to Zadar to embark the ship. Settle into your cabin, enjoying your first Dalmatian sunset as you set sail.
One of the outermost Croatian islands, Vis was ruled successively by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians and Italians. It became a central Yugoslav military base during World War II, and only opened to tourists in the 1990s, making it less developed and less populated than many of its neighbors. Spend the morning exploring one of the island’s sea caves and the fjord at Stivina Bay, and enjoy a swim in the crystalline waters (conditions permitting).
Arrive in Komiža after lunch and embark on your choice of several optional experiences, including a hike to the headquarters of Yugoslav resistance leader Josip Broz Tito, where he hid troops and weapons in extensive underground tunnels at the end of World War II and into the Cold War. Venture to hillside barracks and hidden bunkers, or spend the morning enjoying the charming downtown.
Wake up anchored off the ancient walls of Dubrovnik’s Old City—a UNESCO World Heritage site that is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world. Choose from several experiences to customize your day. Participate in a guided walk of the fortified walls, go oystering and enjoy a seafood lunch in the neighboring town of Ston, take part in an interactive cooking class in a quaint rural home, or learn about traditional silk embroidery at a local workshop.
After docking in Durrës, drive to Albania’s ancient capital of Krujë, just north of its modern-day capital of Tirana. Wander the stalls of the medieval bazaar, visit the Ethnographic Museum, and tour the museum dedicated to Albania’s larger-than-life national hero, Skanderbeg—the warrior who led a 15th-century rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. Cap off the day with a stirring folkloric performance. Or, if you’re interested in birding, visit the lagoons of Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, home to over 200 avian species, including the greater flamingo, Kentish plover and the extremely rare dalmatian pelican.
Arrive at Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was first settled by the Greeks in the 7th century BC and is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins. This mesmerizing tapestry of ancient ruins is a wonderful representation of Albania’s lush landscapes. In the afternoon, cross into Greece. Sandwiched between two fortresses, Corfu’s World Heritage-listed Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage center, begs to be explored. Choose to wander the maze of Venetian lanes and shaded town squares, or enjoy a walking tour of the 6th-century Old Fortress of Corfu.
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. Your onboard local guides will share the city’s storied past as you 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 your vessel. Built in the late 19th century, the canal is too small for most modern-day ships, but your ship is perfectly sized for the transit to the Gulf of Corinth and Ionian Sea.
Arrive in Lavrio this morning. Enjoy a farewell breakfast on board before disembarking and transferring to the Athens airport for your flight home.
Included
Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leader, historian, naturalist staff and expert guides; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.
Exclusions
Immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The southbound Ancient Mediterranean cruise begins in Split, Croatia (SPU), and ends in Athens, Greece (ATH). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Embarkation is in Zadar on the afternoon of Day 1, following an overland transfer from Split. Disembarkation in Lavrio is after breakfast on the final day of the outlined itinerary, followed by an overland transfer to Athens. Your Adventure Specialist can provide flight arrival and departure guidance during the booking process. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include oystering, a cooking class, a tasting, a folkdance performance, Zodiac and small craft cruises, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, yoga and stretching, hiking, historical site visits, city tours, museum tours and guided walks.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.
Families & Children
See the Deals section of this trip for any applicable child discounts. There is no special kids programming on this itinerary.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.
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National Geographic Orion is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, designed to safely explore the remote regions of the planet. Orion carries 102 guests in 53 cabins, nine of them with balconies. She is equipped with a full complement of tools to explore the environment, including kayaks, Zodiacs, an ROV and the capacity to accommodate scuba divers. Her size and nimbleness offer the perfect combination of safety and the ability to go to the out-of-the-way islands and other places where large cruise ships cannot go.
National Geographic Orion Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ National Geographic Orion review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard the Orion firsthand. Please read our National Geographic Orion review below then contact our experts to compare the National Geographic Orion with other with other small cruise ships, expedition ships offering Antarctica cruises, Greece small ship cruises, Mediterranean small ship cruises, Italy small ship cruises and Patagonia Cruises.
Designed and purpose-built in Germany in 2003 specifically for expedition travel, Orion is a modern, elegant ship with an intimate ambiance. In 2013, expedition cruise pioneers National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions purchased Orion Expeditions and rechristened the Orion as the National Geographic Orion. The ship itself remained the same with new cabin categories and the added benefit of onboard experts from National Geographic. The National Geographic Orion has since maintained the high standards of quality and service that the vessel has always been known for, while adding a special focus on education. Food & Wine magazine sets sail with National Geographic Orion, curating an unforgettable culinary adventure at sea. Food & Wine magazine's wine experts have curated an extensive wine list featuring over 40 regional varietals, perfectly complementing the journey with nightly onboard tastings. Choose the National Geographic Orion if you are seeking an upscale exploration with outstanding service and programs.
Design & Technology Aboard National Geographic Orion
National Geographic Orion was created from the outset to explore the far corners of the Earth in complete self-sufficiency. Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. Ten Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration. National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the onboard waste management systems meet the stringent polar operational standards enabling travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.
Common Areas Aboard National Geographic Orion
Orion's public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge/cocktail bar and library, as well as an observation lounge perched at the very top of the ship. The spacious lounge is the heart of the vessel's expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and the nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated state-of-the-art theater with surround sound provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows.
While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet and public-area WiFi make packing and traveling more convenient. In addition there is an outdoor bar; a mud room; a glass elevator; a sundeck with padded chairs and a Jacuzzi spa; a gym with a step machine, treadmill, cross trainer, two bicycles, free weights and exercise mats; and a health spa with a unisex dry sauna.
In the library, a wide range of books run the gamut from fiction to regional guides and reference books on the wildlife and region you’re exploring, as well as board games and cards. A laptop with internet access is available. An onboard Wellness Program offers everything from early morning guided yoga to massages and body treatments.
Dining Aboard National Geographic Orion
Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, the dining room menu is also available on the outside deck.
After your day exploring, unwind in Orion's Galaxy or Leda Lounge. Share stories with fellow adventurers over a curated wine tasting, a classic cocktail, or a refreshing drink. Then, settle in for another evening of exquisite dining.
Seating is open, allowing you to choose where to dine, and table sizes range from 2 to 12. More than opportunities to eat well, mealtimes are also opportunities to engage in the diversity of the expedition community—to join or be joined by naturalists, guest speakers, ship’s officers and fellow guests for stimulating and entertaining conversation.
Breakfasts are designed to set you up for a day of physical and mental activity: hearty and healthy, with a seasonal selection of fruit and yogurts, freshly baked breads and pastries, cheeses, cold cuts, and freshly made omelets to order. An early riser continental breakfast is served as well, and many guests choose to take their coffee and morning pastries out on deck. Lunch is a favorite on-deck experience, perhaps accompanied by a beer or glass of wine, perfect for a more relaxed afternoon, and is usually served buffet-style on the outside deck (weather permitting), with salads and both hot and cold buffet choices available. Depending on the day’s activities, an afternoon tea with cookies, cakes or pastries, is served buffet-style in the lounge.
With the entire expedition team dedicated to delivering the best expedition possible, meal times are always flexible. If a pod of dolphins is sighted shortly before lunch, the crew is adept at quickly changing meal times so you don’t miss a moment, and the quality of lunch is uncompromised.
Activities Aboard National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is purpose-built for exploration, outfitted with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and a fleet of Zodiacs. Additionally, this ship features a custom-designed swim and kayak launch platform, secured between two Zodiac boats, to create a stable base for swimmers and kayakers. Outside of polar regions, Nat Geo Orion's on-shore activities are limited to group sizes of 15 guests or less.
Crew & Guides Aboard National Geographic Orion
Accompanying every departure is an undersea specialist, a National Geographic-Lindblad-certified photography instructor, a National Geographic Photography Expert, a wellness specialist and a full-time medical professional.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard National Geographic Orion
All accommodations have external doors and most cabins feature oversized picture windows. Double occupancy cabins come in a variety of configurations. Soothingly decorated in elegant tones, National Geographic Orion’s spacious cabins all offer beds cossetted in duvets and crisp cotton sheeting; an armchair; reading lamps; generous desk space; Ethernet jacks for in-cabin Internet access; personal safe; mini-refrigerator; individual climate controls; ample room to hang parkas and plenty of drawers, hooks and under-bed storage space; a public address system; and a flat-screen TV with several channels for movies, documentaries, lounge presentations, the Crow's Nest camera and the ship's electronic chart system displaying the ship’s current position. Generously sized marble bathrooms feature a spacious shower stall with a glass door and are stocked with environmentally inspired bath products and shower gel, hair dryer, cotton towels and cozy white robes.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
National Geographic Orion is one of the most sophisticated vessel in its class. Small ship cruises aboard the Orion offer a luxurious exploration of Antarctica, Patagonia, the Mediterranean and beyond.
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Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
In conjunction with this cruise, the following tours are available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with National Geographic guides and fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing.
Athens History & Culture is a 3-day pre- or post-cruise exploration of the heart of ancient Athens. Explore Athens’s Acropolis and Cape Sounion, famed for the tragic myth of King Aegeus. Visit the “Panathenian,” the site of the first modern Olympic Games, and the Temple of Poseidon, one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens.
Crete is a 4-day pre- or post-cruise immersion into the island’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Discover the palace of King Minos, the treasures of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the mythical birthplace of Zeus, and the rustic charm of Arolithos. Plus, indulge in a cooking class and olive oil tasting.
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