National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is gearing up to launch of its first-ever European river expeditions.
Beginning April 2026, the brand will debut two new eight-day itineraries sailing along the Rhine, including sailings from Amsterdam to Brussels and Cologne to Basel, aboard the newly built 120-guest Connect.
Constructed in 2025, Connect is a brand-new European river ship.
“We’re delighted to bring National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ bold new vision of European river expeditions to our guests,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO, Lindblad Expeditions.
Rhine River: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights (Eight Days)
Sailing the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the romantic Rheinstein Castle, where guests will be invited to an exclusive reception hosted by the castle’s lord. It includes a variety of private tastings throughout the voyage, from Riesling served by the resident nuns at St. Hildegard Abbey to a variety of wines at the historic Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg. In Frankfurt, there is a private tour of the home of famed German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Dining with university students in Heidelburg, guests can learn about daily life at one of Germany’s oldest academic institutions
Holland and Belgium: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways (Eight Days)
The cruise includes strolls through more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths at Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe” and viewing works of masters like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer and more with exclusive, after-hours tours at the Kröller-Müller and Mauritshuis Museums. Culinary experiences include a progressive food tour of Belgian specialties in Antwerp.
Each voyage will be staffed by one of the brand’s expedition leaders, field staff, and at least one National Geographic expert.
Field staff will guide guests on private tours and exclusive tastings.
The chartering of the brand-new river long-ship Connect marks a notable expansion of Lindblad Expeditions’ cruise portfolio; offering European river itineraries for the first time.
