Celestyal Cruises to the Adriatic with Curated National Geographic Tours

Celestyal Cruises to the Adriatic has unveiled an exciting new partnership with National Geographic, introducing seven distinctive day tours across Greece and Croatia. These carefully curated experiences offer travelers unique opportunities to delve deep into the cultural and natural heritage of some of the Mediterranean’s most captivating destinations.

Athens, Greece – Photo credit: Celestyal Cruises

Led by specially trained National Geographic guides, these one-and-a-half-day excursions go beyond traditional tourist routes, providing intimate access to local cultures, traditions and natural wonders. The tours, which align with Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria, combine National Geographic’s renowned storytelling expertise with exclusive access to sites and local experts.

In Athens, sports enthusiasts can trace the remarkable journey of the Olympic Games from ancient times to the modern era. This distinctive tour culminates in a rare opportunity to meet a former Olympic athlete while exploring the Olympic Sports Complex, offering personal insights into Greece’s athletic legacy.

Croatia’s historic Dubrovnik region is highlighted through three unique experiences. Culture enthusiasts can discover the art of Konvale embroidery, witnessing how local artisans preserve this traditional craft for future generations.

For food lovers, a cruise through Mali Ston Bay offers an intimate look at sustainable oyster farming, combining environmental education with culinary discovery.

Photography enthusiasts will enjoy a specialized tour led by a National Geographic photography guide, who takes participants through Dubrovnik’s most photogenic locations, from the imposing St. Lawrence Fortress to the historic Rector’s Palace.

There are three distinct adventures available on the island of Rhodes. Nature lovers can explore the island’s hidden corners in 4×4 vehicles, guided by locals sharing their knowledge of the region’s flora, fauna and culture.

At the Bee Museum of Rhodes, visitors learn about the crucial role of honeybees in our ecosystem, including a visit to an active apiary.

The “Blutopia” marine biology experience showcases local conservation efforts, highlighting how a family business works to retain young scientists while protecting the marine environment.

“These unmissable new shore excursions, offered through National Geographic Tours, are the perfect addition to Celestyal’s on-shore experiences,” said Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal. “Led by expert guides, they showcase the rich cultural and natural heritage of each destination, while also contributing to sustainable tourism practices worldwide.”

The initiative represents more than just tourism—it’s a commitment to sustainable and meaningful travel. Each booking supports the National Geographic Society’s global nonprofit work in exploration, research, and education. This partnership allows travelers to not only experience the Mediterranean’s rich heritage but also contribute to its preservation for future generations.

These exclusive National Geographic Day Tours are now available for booking across all Celestyal itineraries that include Athens, Dubrovnik and Rhodes. The program exemplifies how modern cruise tourism can combine entertainment with education, cultural preservation and environmental consciousness, offering travelers deeper, more meaningful ways to explore the Mediterranean’s most fascinating destinations on Celestyal Cruises to the Adriatic.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Authentic Experiences Ashore
Explore Greece, Italy, Montenegro and Croatia like a local with Celestyal Cruises to the Adriatic.

4 Countries in 7 Days

Help guests delve deeper into a land of ancient wonder, modern delights, historic sights and stunning seas and sands. Our authentic experiences scratch deeper beneath the surface to take guests closer to the heart of the Mediterranean. Expect the unexpected on our unique immersive experiences, with local people, homegrown flavors, and stories passed down through the generations, leaving guests with their own story to tell.

National Geographic Day Tours: The legacy of Dalmatia s Heritage Recipes – Split, Croatia

National Geographic travelers will enjoy an eco-conscious experience, including an olive oil tasting that celebrates the subtleties of sustainably grown olives. They’ll also get to tour the Olive Museum, to discover why olives are so important to the people of Dalmatia. During their time at the Stella Croatica estate, they will get an in-depth look into Dalmatia’s history and culture from their specialist guide. Watch the production of homemade jams, sugared almonds, honey, cookies or fig cake every day there’s something different being made in the factory

National Geographic Day Tours: The benefits and flavors of oyster farming – Dubrovnik, Croatia

Guests will cruise the pristine waters of Mali Ston Bay to a working oyster farm and oyster beds where they’ll experience the ecological benefits of oyster agriculture straight from the source. And learn how oysters are great purificators of the sea water and about their multiple roles in the marine ecosystem

National Geographic Day Tours: Tradition behind Konvale embroidery – Dubrovnik, Croatia

Guests will embark on a fascinating tour of Croatia s Konavle region, where the art of making traditional Konavle embroidery, a local art from that has been passed down for many centuries, is being kept alive for future generations.

Kotor hike and bike – Kotor, Montenegro

Instead of jumping on the bus, guests will be travelling under their own steam, with a 15km bike ride from Kotor towards the village of Donji Stoliv. This enjoyable ride along the coastal road is scenic and on flat terrain. Next they’ll hike until they reach Gornji Stoliv. where they will take in breathtaking views of Perast and Kotor Bay, visit the local church, and learn more about this small village and its history

Heavenly Adriatic
7 Nights on Celestyal Journey
2025 Sailings:Apr 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10; 
Oct 25; Nov 8
Athens – Kefalonia – Dubrovnik -Kotor – Bari – Corfu – Katakolo – Athens
From only $919 per person

Heavenly Adriatic with Venice
7 Nights on Celestyal Journey
2025 Sailings:Jul 26; Aug 9, 23
Athens – Kotor – Split – Venice Katakolo – Athens
 From only $849 per person