Even though you've probably come here to see the "glory that was Greece," perhaps best symbolized by the Parthenon and the superb statues and vases in the National Archaeological Museum, allow some time to make haste slowly in Athens. Your best moments may come sitting at a small cafe, sipping a tiny cup of the sweet sludge that the Greeks call coffee, or getting hopelessly lost in the Plaka -- only to find yourself in the shady courtyard of an old church, or suddenly face to face with an ancient monument you never knew existed. With only a little advance planning, you can find a good hotel here, eat well in convivial restaurants, enjoy local customs such as the refreshing afternoon siesta and the leisurely evening volta (promenade or stroll) -- and leave Athens planning to return, as the Greeks say, tou chronou (next year).
Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in New Zealand, Australia, French Polynesia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Mediterranean to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. National Geographic Orion's elevated maneuverability allows for navigation of inshore waters, secluded bays, and sinuous rivers–practically anywhere accessible by sea.
Jun 13, 2027 - Athens
Even though you've probably come here to see the "glory that was Greece," perhaps best symbolized by the Parthenon and the superb statues and vases in the National Archaeological Museum, allow some time to make haste slowly in Athens. Your best moments may come sitting at a small cafe, sipping a tiny cup of the sweet sludge that the Greeks call coffee, or getting hopelessly lost in the Plaka -- only to find yourself in the shady courtyard of an old church, or suddenly face to face with an ancient monument you never knew existed. With only a little advance planning, you can find a good hotel here, eat well in convivial restaurants, enjoy local customs such as the refreshing afternoon siesta and the leisurely evening volta (promenade or stroll) -- and leave Athens planning to return, as the Greeks say, tou chronou (next year).
Jun 13, 2027 - Athens (Lavrion) (Lavrio) (Laurium)
Jun 14, 2027 - Corinth Canal
Sail between steep rock walls, with mere feet to spare, to save sailing around the Peloponnese.
Jun 14, 2027 - Delphi
Itea is the port for Delphi, one of the ancient wonders of classical Greece. A short drive there reveals the Sacred Way and the famed Shrine of Delphi, where the mythological Oracle was said to foretell the future. An amazing bronze charioteer is among the many treasures in the Delphi Museum.
Jun 15, 2027 - Cephalonia, Greek Isle
The largest island in the Ionian, Cephalonia is a land of contrasts. Don't miss the view from the castle at Assos. On the left lies the enchanting turquoise bay of Myrtos renowned for its afternoon sun and soft white sand. Visitors can swim in the crystal clear water of Poros. The top of Mt. Enos is 1,628 meters above sea level, and its slopes are covered with tall, cedar-like fir trees that grow nowhere else in the world. On other parts of the island are groves, breathtaking golden beaches and deep coves, rugged rocky shores or famous caves. The cave at Melissani is actually a partially covered subterranean lake. Drogorari is known for its unusual stalactites. In the area of Lassi, are the famous Katavothres (swallow-holes), a rare geological phenomenon where sea water "disappears" in rock openings to cross the island and finally emerge at Melissani. Of the old, immensely attractive city of Argostoli very little remains; one or two houses, the arched bridge stretching across the lagoon and the obelisk at its center. Visit its interesting museums and swim at the famous nearby beaches.
Jun 16, 2027 - Corfu
Corfu's unique scenery, with gentle green hills and luxuriant southern flora, makes it one of the most beautiful of all Greek islands. Many beautiful buildings can be seen in Corfu Town. Corfu is a popular holiday destination for vacationers from all walks of life who come to enjoy mild climate, calm blue-green water, rugged mountains, hidden coves and miles of sandy beaches. A number of historical sights range from old fortresses and mansions to cathedrals and palaces. Corfu Town is surrounded by arcaded Venetian buildings. The Spianada is considered to be the largest square in Greece. Explore the narrow streets of Old Town. See Town Hall and the 300-year-old Church of Saint Spyrídon; a silver sarcophagus contains the remains of the town's patron saint. The Royal Palace - a neo-classical mansion - holds on its upper floor the Museum of Byzantine and East Asian Art. The Archaeological Museum has displays of artifacts discovered on Corfu. The Old Fortress, an impressive 14th-century Venetian structure, is now used as a popular venue for concerts.
Jun 17, 2027 - At Sea
Jun 18, 2027 - Siracusa
Sicilia is the favorite island of Gods in traditional poetry. The most powerful and biggest ancient city in Sicilia is Siracusa. Its name may come from the native word "Siraco", which means "marsh", due to the bogs which surrounded the city. Or it may derive from a Phenician etymology signifying the presence of seagulls on its rocky shores. Few cities of the ancient world had the importance Syracuse had in Magna Grecia, the ancient Greek settlements in Italy. The most spectacular monuments in the archeological area surrounded by colorful Mediterranean vegetation are the Greek amphitheatre and the Orecchio di Dionisio (Dionysius' Ear). Besides touring the Archeological Museum that contains beautiful objects, Ortigia Island, the heart of the old Greek city, is worth a visit. Outside the city limits is Eurialo Castle, an incredible structure built to protect the city from the Cathaginians, and Pantalica, the great rocky necropolis in Anapo Valley.
Jun 19, 2027 - Taormina
The east coast of Sicily is considered by many to be its most magnificent. Lovely Taormina was called "the greatest work of art and nature" by Goethe in his Italian Journey. Situated above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as a spectacular backdrop, this storybook town of sculpted gardens, stately palaces and ancient monuments is easily one of Sicily’s most striking sites. There is much to see and do here; the main attractions in Taormina are seen on foot. Incredible vistas are available from Taormina's Public Gardens which are filled with exotic flowers and plants. In Giardini-Naxos, close to the pier, the Bourbon fort contains a fine museum, Museo Archaeologico. The entrance is via a garden bisected by an ancient lava flow.
Jun 20, 2027 - At Sea
Jun 20, 2027 - Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands—Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli and the relatively undeveloped Alicudi and Filicudi—lie off the north coast of Sicily, 80 mi/130 km northeast of Palermo.
These seven volcanic islands were known to the ancient Greeks as the home of Aeolus, god of the winds; they are characterized by rugged coastlines, often-turbulent seas and rich color.
The area offers a plethora of watersports, from scuba diving and snorkeling to sailboarding. You'll want to choose the islands you visit based on your personal interests: Each has its own character.
The most popular attraction is the active volcano on Stromboli: The molten lava is spectacular at night. The hike to the top takes three hours, and you're advised not to get too close—in fact, visitors are strongly encouraged and sometimes required to take a guide. There's a boat tour for those who don't want to hike.
Alicudi is for nature lovers—there are no roads, no cars and no nightlife—just a coffee bar, a smattering of hotel rooms and a restaurant. Filicudi is also quiet, though more populated and thus a bit livelier.
Lipari and Panarea are for those more interested in la dolce vita (the sweet life): Car-free Panarea is the smallest and most spectacular of the seven islands, with stylish restaurants and hotels. Lipari, the most developed, has chic restaurants, discos, shops and a castle.
On green, fertile Salina, where part of the Oscar-winning film Il Postino was shot, try malvasia, a golden Aeolian wine the locals call "God's nectar." Take a dip in the sulfur pools (yes, they smell like rotten eggs) on the island of Vulcano or hike to the top of its volcano to see the hot-air vents, whose edges seem embroidered with sulfur crystals.
Ferries and hydrofoils to the islands leave year-round from the Sicilian towns of Milazzo, Messina and Naples; Reggio di Calabria, Palermo and Cefalu offer summer-only ferries.
Jun 21, 2027 - Golfo Aranci
Golfo di Aranci is referred to as the "Gulf of Oranges" or the "Gulf of Crabs". Aranci means "Orange" and it's thought that the city's name came from a shipwreck carrying oranges. Others believe the name came from "Granci" which means "crabs" which are plentiful in the region. Either way, it's home to stunning beaches and crystalline waters.
Jun 22, 2027 - Bonifacio
Corsica's picturesque southernmost town Bonifacio gazes across the blue Mediterranean to Sardinia. In its narrow cobbled alleys lingers a strangely medieval mood and the ancient stone houses of the fortress-like, once much-besieged community cling to one of the island's most striking sites - a towering promontory of sheer limestone rock jutting out improbably into the sea 200ft below. Founded about AD 828 as a defence against pirates, the town was taken from Pisa at the end of the 12th century by the Genoese and remained under the influence of Genoa until modern times.
Jun 23, 2027 - Bonifacio
Corsica's picturesque southernmost town Bonifacio gazes across the blue Mediterranean to Sardinia. In its narrow cobbled alleys lingers a strangely medieval mood and the ancient stone houses of the fortress-like, once much-besieged community cling to one of the island's most striking sites - a towering promontory of sheer limestone rock jutting out improbably into the sea 200ft below. Founded about AD 828 as a defence against pirates, the town was taken from Pisa at the end of the 12th century by the Genoese and remained under the influence of Genoa until modern times.
Jun 23, 2027 - At Sea
Jun 24, 2027 - Ciutadella de Menorca
Ciutadella de Menorca (Ciudadela) is a resort town on Menorca Island. Nearly half of the island residents live here, which makes for amazing dining and nightlife. There are two museums, a sailing club, and a scuba diving school for those interested in heading for the beach. The Club de Golf, Son Parc golf course, is situated at the opposite end of Menorca Island, in the Capital Mahon. It was designed by Dave Thomas close to the sea, and is surrounded by pine trees and peacocks.
Jun 25, 2027 - Barcelona
Barcelona, the self-confident and progressive capital of Spain, is a tremendous place to be. Though it boasts outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, and some great museums – most notably those dedicated to Picasso and Catalan art – it is above all a place where there's enjoyment simply in walking the streets, stopping in at bars and cafés, drinking in the atmosphere. A thriving port and the most prosperous commercial centre in Spain, it has a sophistication and cultural dynamism way ahead of the rest of the country. In part this reflects the city's proximity to France, whose influence is apparent in the elegant boulevards and imaginative cooking. But Barcelona has also evolved an individual and eclectic cultural identity, most perfectly and eccentrically expressed in the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Scattered as Barcelona's main sights may be, the greatest concentration of interest is around the old town (La Ciutat Vella). These cramped streets above the harbor are easily manageable, and far more enjoyable, on foot. Start, as everyone else does, with the Ramblas.