Just lately, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions introduced it might be launching European river expeditions in 2026. Now, the model has unveiled the itineraries that shall be on provide for the brand new enterprise. Starting April 2026, the model will debut two new eight-day itineraries crusing alongside the Rhine—together with sailings from Amsterdam to Brussels and Cologne to Basel—aboard the newly constructed 120-guest Connect.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is on a mission to reframe river cruising in the way in which solely the worldwide chief and pioneer of contemporary expedition cruising may with the launch of its first-ever European river expeditions.

Starting April 2026, the model will debut two new eight-day itineraries crusing alongside the Rhine—together with sailings from Amsterdam to Brussels and Cologne to Basel—aboard the newly constructed 120-guest Connect. Constructed in 2025, Join is a brand-new, state-of-the-art European river ship with cutting-edge expertise, luxurious facilities and wrap-around image home windows designed to sail by means of the guts of Europe’s storied locations.

“We’re delighted to carry Nationwide Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ daring new imaginative and prescient of European river expeditions to our company,” stated Natalya Leahy, CEO, Lindblad Expeditions. “These new itineraries are crafted with the identical pioneering spirit that defines our expeditions around the globe, delivering deeply immersive, genuine, and all-inclusive experiences of those locations. Guided by veteran expedition leaders and Nationwide Geographic consultants, enriched by unique experiences ashore and aboard a brand-new, state-of-the-art river vessel, these voyages are proof that ‘the way you see it issues.’”

2026 Rhine River: Castles, Tradition and Culinary Delights (Eight Days):
Sail alongside the enduring Rhine River, a spectacularly scenic route lined with stirring historical past, gorgeous landscapes and distinctive delicacies. Go by means of the dramatic Rhine Gorge with its rolling hills and luxurious vineyards earlier than calling on a medley of charming cities, from Germany’s Mainz, Frankfurt and Heidelberg to Strasbourg and Colmar in France’s Alsace area. Alongside the way in which, discover historic castles, stroll cobblestoned streets, and take pleasure in non-public wine tastings and conventional feasts.
Itinerary highlights embrace:
- Crusing by means of the majestic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage website and residential to the romantic Rheinstein Fort, the place company shall be invited to an unique reception hosted by the fort’s lord
- A wide range of non-public tastings all through the voyage, from Riesling tastings served by the resident nuns at St. Hildegard Abbey to quite a lot of wines on the historic Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg, residence to one of many world’s oldest wines
- In Frankfurt, touring the house of famed German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe on a personal go to
- Eating with college college students in Heidelberg, discovering what every day life is like at considered one of Germany’s oldest educational establishments

2026 Holland and Belgium: Medieval Historical past and Scenic Waterways (Eight Days):
Journey alongside the Rhine and different picturesque waterways of Holland and Belgium, the place centuries of wealthy tradition, artwork and historical past come to life amidst vibrant tulip fields, iconic windmills and fairytale cities. Journey down Amsterdam’s scenic canals, name on historic cities akin to Antwerp and Delft, and take within the serene Dutch countryside whereas delving into the area’s defining creative legacy, deep-rooted Jewish historical past and culinary delights.
Itinerary highlights embrace:
- Spring-time strolls by means of greater than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths at Keukenhof, often known as the “Backyard of Europe”
- Witnessing the works of masters like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer and extra with unique, after-hours excursions on the Kröller-Müller and Mauritshuis Museums
- Indulging in unbelievable culinary experiences all through the voyage, from a progressive meals tour of Belgian specialties in Antwerp to curated dinners onboard that includes native flavors
Every voyage shall be staffed by one of many model’s veteran Expedition Leaders, a number of educated Area Employees, and a minimum of one Nationwide Geographic Knowledgeable. Area Employees will information company on non-public excursions, unique tastings, and expertly curated experiences synonymous with the co-brand.

For greater than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has explored a few of the most iconic waterways—together with the Peruvian Amazon, the Nile in Egypt, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the USA’ Pacific Northwest—nonetheless, this launch will mark a historic first for the corporate, which has by no means provided river expeditions in Europe earlier than.

The chartering of the brand-new river long-ship Connect additionally marks a notable enlargement of Lindblad Expeditions’ expedition cruise portfolio; with this addition, the Lindblad Expeditions fleet now consists of 23 owned and chartered mission-built expedition ships that it operates on behalf of the Nationwide Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand.

To study extra about Nationwide Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ new European river expeditions and Join, go to www.expeditions.com/
About Nationwide Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions:
Nationwide Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions reveals the wonder and surprise of the world by means of expertly led, deeply immersive fashionable expedition cruises designed for discovery and created for curious vacationers looking for to expertise the world from a brand new perspective. With 100+ distinctive itineraries visiting 70+ nations and territories throughout six continents aboard 23 state-of-the-art owned and chartered vessels, Lindblad Expeditions operates the biggest, most numerous fleet of mission-built ships within the business on behalf of the co-brand.
The Nationwide Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand is the results of a decades-long strategic relationship between famend exploration and scientific discovery model Nationwide Geographic and the pioneer of contemporary expedition cruising Lindblad Expeditions.
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