Mediterranean Wonders: Sicily, Greece, Sardinia & 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

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. 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.

Wake up to the sunrise over the layered cliffs of Bonifacio, 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, enjoy a hike or travel to a charming mountain village. This afternoon, enjoy some time relaxing onboard or exploring at your own pace. Later, enjoy a musical performance at a majestic church in town. In the evening, depart Corsica and head to the shores of Italy.

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. Venture into the mountains to visit the archeological discoveries, including tombs and village remains. Or explore the village of San Pantaleo, visiting local artisan shops that showcase the handicrafts of painters, goldsmiths, sculptors and potters.

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.

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 lunch at a nineteenth-century estate at the foot of Monte Serra in Viagrande.

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 join a walking tour of the adjacent island of Ortigia, where a stunning cathedral was built on the columns of the 6th-century Temple of Athena. Spend the following day at sea, relaxing aboard the National Geographic Orion as she makes her way toward Greece.

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.

Start the day with an early morning hike in Kefalonia. Later on, visit the natural marvels of Melissani Lake and Drogarati cave. Enjoy lunch onboard before transferring overland to a nearby beach for a sun-filled afternoon. Soak in the vivid blue waters—a true photographer’s delight. Stroll along the shoreline, or swim, kayak or paddleboard in the beautiful sea (weather permitting).

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.

Disembark in Athens and transfer to the airport for flights home, or explore more on a post-voyage extension in Crete. Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m. local time. Departure City: Athens, Greece