Mediterranean and Adriatic Exploration: Greece, Croatia and Beyond

Day 1

Athens, Greece / Lavrio / Embark Ship 

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.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Corinth Canal / Delphi 

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 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.   

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Kefalonia

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Corfu / Butrint, Albania 

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Krujë / Divjakë-Karavasta National Park

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Dubrovnik, Croatia 

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Komiža, Vis Island

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 (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 explore the charming downtown.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Zadar

Arrive in Zadar and transfer to the hospitality space at the Westin Zadar (or similar). Explore Zadar at your own pace before joining the group for lunch. In the early evening, transfer to the Gaženica port and reembark the ship to settle back into your cabin.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Šibenik / Krka National Park

This morning, the National Geographic Orion tucks into a narrow cut of St. Anthony’s Channel and sails past the UNESCO World Heritage site of St. Nicolas Fortress en route to Šibenik, a labyrinth of steep backstreets and alleys waiting to be explored. Join local guides on an excursion to Krka National Park and walk along the boardwalk trail to visit Skradinski Buk falls, which cascade through the countryside. Go birding at Vransko Lake or hike along St. Anthony’s Channel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Mljet National Park / Korčula

With one-third of its land designated a national park, the island of Mljet is one of the most heavily forested isles in the Adriatic—and the perfect place to experience Croatia’s rich shades of blue and green. This morning, go for a swim in the Great Lake, stretch your legs on a hike or take a boat trip to the monastery on St. Marija Island. After lunch, experience all that the nearby island of Korčula has to offer, from wine tasting to a walking tour. Later, take in a Moreska sword dance performance, a celebrated Korčula tradition that dates to the 15th century.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Kotor, Montenegro

Tucked into a bay in the shadow of craggy mountains lies the Montenegrin city of Kotor. Wrapped in medieval walls and dotted with Venetian palaces, churches and red-tiled roofs, Kotor is widely considered one of the most beautiful ports in the Adriatic. Spend the day visiting Our Lady of the Rocks or hiking along the old city walls in search of the perfect photo op.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Wake up at 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

Komiža / Hvar

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. On arrival in Komiža, a beautiful coastal town that weaves history and natural wonders, embark on your choice of several optional experiences, including a tour of 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.   

This afternoon, visit the vibrant town of Hvar—the region’s most prosperous port at the height of Venetian rule. See the area as you wish: enjoy an island tour or choose from several incredible hiking options.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14

Zadar / Plitvice Lakes National Park

The old town center of Zadar is the perfect jumping off spot to explore what this region has to offer. Enjoy a full-day excursion to the stunning waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park or visit the village of Pag for a walking tour and stop at the lace workshop and museum that showcases some remarkably intricate designs. Alternatively, join a mountain guide and hit the trails of Paklenica National Park. Or simply soak in Zadar’s many charms. After a day of exploring, enjoy the captain’s farewell dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

Zadar / Disembark Ship

Enjoy a farewell breakfast on board before disembarking in Zadar and transferring to the Zadar airport for your flight home.

Note: A transfer will be offered from Gaženica port in Zadar to the Split airport, arriving at Split airport at 10:30am.

Meals Included: Breakfast