National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions aims to redefine river cruising with the launch of its first-ever European river expedition season. Beginning in April 2026, the brand will debut two new eight-day itineraries along the Rhine—including routes from Amsterdam to Brussels and Cologne to Basel—aboard the newly built, 120-passenger Connect. Constructed in 2025, Connect is a state-of-the-art European riverboat equipped with cutting-edge technology, luxurious amenities, and panoramic windows designed to navigate the heart of Europe’s most iconic destinations.
“We are thrilled to present this bold and renewed vision for European river expeditions to our travelers,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “These new itineraries are designed with the same pioneering spirit that defines our expeditions around the world, offering authentic, immersive, and all-inclusive experiences. Led by veteran expedition leaders and National Geographic experts, and enhanced with exclusive experiences both onboard and ashore, these voyages prove that ‘how you see it matters.’”.
Rhine River 2026: Castles, Culture, and Culinary Delights (Eight Days) – Cruise the Rhine River, a spectacular route steeped in vibrant history, stunning scenery, and exceptional cuisine. Visit charming towns such as Mainz, Frankfurt, and Heidelberg in Germany, as well as Strasbourg and Colmar in the Alsace region of France. Explore ancient castles, stroll along cobblestone streets, and enjoy private wine tastings and traditional feasts.
Itinerary highlights:
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Sailing through the majestic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an exclusive reception at the romantic Rheinstein Castle, organized by the lord of the castle himself.
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Multiple private tastings during the tour: from Riesling tastings served by the nuns of the Monastery of Saint Hildegard, to wines in the historic Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg, home to one of the oldest wines in the world.
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Private visit to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's birthplace in Frankfurt.
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Dinner with university students in Heidelberg, to experience firsthand life in one of Germany's oldest academic institutions.
The Netherlands and Belgium 2026: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways (Eight Days) – Journey along the Rhine and other picturesque canals of the Netherlands and Belgium, where centuries of rich culture, art, and history come alive amidst tulip fields, windmills, and idyllic fairytale villages. Cruise the canals of Amsterdam, visit historic cities like Antwerp and Delft, and admire the serenity of the Dutch countryside as you immerse yourself in its artistic heritage, Jewish history, and traditional flavors.
Itinerary highlights:
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Springtime strolls among more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in the world-famous Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe”.
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Exclusive after-hours visits to the Kröller-Müller and Mauritshuis museums, to admire masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer and other great artists.
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Culinary delights throughout the journey, including a progressive gastronomic route of Belgian specialties in Antwerp and carefully crafted onboard dinners featuring local flavors.
Each expedition will feature a veteran Expedition Leader, several knowledgeable field staff members, and at least one National Geographic expert. These specialists will guide passengers on private tours, exclusive tastings, and experiences designed with the brand's signature quality.
For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has explored some of the world's most iconic waterways, but this launch marks a historic milestone for the company, as it is the first time it has offered river expeditions in Europe.
The addition of the new river cruise ship Connect also represents a significant expansion of Lindblad Expeditions' expedition cruise portfolio. With this addition, the company's fleet now comprises 23 expedition vessels, owned or chartered, operating under the joint National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions brand.
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