Explore Greece and Croatia with Curated National Geographic Tours by Celestyal Cruises

Athens, Greece – Photo credit: Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Cruises 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.

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.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.