10 nights · Greece · Departs Piraeus-Athens (Greece) · Visiting Lavrion, Delos Island, Patmos Island, Samos Island, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Leros Island, Giardini Naxos-Taormina, Paros Island · Aboard Lindblad Expeditions on the National Geographic Orion
Image courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions ©
| Cruise line | Lindblad Expeditions |
|---|---|
| Ship | National Geographic Orion |
| Duration | 10 nights |
| Port calls | 10 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $12,500 per person |
| Year built | 2003 |
| Guests | 106 |
| Cabins | 53 |
| Crew | 75 |
| Length | 103 m |
| Beam | 14 m |
| Cruising speed | 15.0 kn |
Piraeus is Athens’ working harbour, not a resort port—and that is its appeal. From here, the capital’s ancient landmarks are within reach, while the waterfront keeps its own busy, distinctly Greek character. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, then linger over grilled fish in Mikrolimano, a small harbour lined with tavernas. Metro connections make central Athens straightforward. Or stay near the water and watch ferries depart for the islands.
Lavrion sits on Attica’s southeastern coast, about 60 kilometres from central Athens. Its ancient silver mines helped fund the Athenian fleet that defeated Persia at Salamis. Today, the harbor serves the Cyclades, while traces of mining history remain in town and at nearby archaeological sites. A short drive brings you to Cape Sounion, where the Temple of Poseidon commands a headland above the Aegean.
From Mykonos, a short boat ride brings you to Delos, one of the Aegean’s most important archaeological sites. Greek myth names it the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Delos later became a major religious sanctuary and commercial centre. Its ruins include the Terrace of the Lions, mosaic-lined houses and an ancient theatre above the sea. UNESCO-listed and uninhabited, Delos lets visitors explore the remains of an ancient city in its island setting.
Patmos, a small Dodecanese island, pairs a quiet harbour with a remarkable religious history. From Skala, a winding road climbs to Chora, where whitewashed lanes lead to the Monastery of Saint John. Nearby, the Cave of the Apocalypse recalls the tradition that John received the visions behind Revelation. These UNESCO-listed sites reward a visit; beaches and waterfront tavernas offer a gentler counterpoint.
On Samos, one of Greece’s easternmost Aegean islands, ancient history sits close to the sea. From the port, reach Pythagoreion, the birthplace of Pythagoras and a UNESCO-listed harbor town with a long trading history. Nearby, the monumental Heraion recalls the island’s importance in the ancient Greek world. Taste fragrant Samos Muscat, browse Vathy’s waterfront, or follow coastal roads to pebble coves and villages beneath Mount Kerkis.
Kuşadası puts the Aegean within reach, with a lively waterfront and one of Turkey’s most celebrated ancient cities nearby. Ephesus lies about 20 kilometres inland, where marble avenues lead to the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre. Back in town, browse the bazaar, then follow the causeway to Pigeon Island and its historic fortress. The harbour-facing promenade offers an easy place to linger over the Aegean light.
Bodrum brings the Aegean within reach: a handsome harbor, whitewashed houses and the Crusader-built Castle of St Peter. Its Museum of Underwater Archaeology displays finds recovered from ancient shipwrecks. Explore ancient Halicarnassus, whose Mausoleum was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then settle at a waterfront table for grilled fish and a view across the bay.
Leros rewards travellers who look beyond the beach, with a quieter Dodecanese character and a remarkable history. Lakki’s broad natural harbour is lined with striking Italian-era architecture. Climb to the castle above Platanos for island-wide views, then wander down through lanes toward Panteli’s fishing boats. Small beaches and clear coves invite a swim, while local tavernas make an unhurried lunch worthwhile.
Giardini Naxos sits on Sicily’s Ionian coast, beneath Mount Etna and a short drive from Taormina. Its waterfront pairs pebble beaches with cafés, gelaterie and views across the bay. Sicily’s first Greek colony was founded here in 734 BC. A nearby archaeological park preserves traces of its ancient streets and walls. Come for a seaside day, or use the port as a gateway to Taormina. There, the Greek Theatre commands sweeping views of Etna and the coast.
Your first glimpse of Paros is its whitewashed capital, Parikia, gathered around a sheltered harbour in the Cyclades. Walk to Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of Greece’s most important early Christian monuments. Then choose your pleasure: Naoussa’s fishing harbour and lanes, or a swim at an island beach. Paros is also known for the fine marble prized by sculptors across the ancient world.
Lavrion sits on Attica’s southeastern coast, about 60 kilometres from central Athens. Its ancient silver mines helped fund the Athenian fleet that defeated Persia at Salamis. Today, the harbor serves the Cyclades, while traces of mining history remain in town and at nearby archaeological sites. A short drive brings you to Cape Sounion, where the Temple of Poseidon commands a headland above the Aegean.
Piraeus is Athens’ working harbour, not a resort port—and that is its appeal. From here, the capital’s ancient landmarks are within reach, while the waterfront keeps its own busy, distinctly Greek character. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, then linger over grilled fish in Mikrolimano, a small harbour lined with tavernas. Metro connections make central Athens straightforward. Or stay near the water and watch ferries depart for the islands.
Published August 30, 2026
Last updated October 11, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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