National Geographic-Lindblad Debuts Itineraries for First Europe River Cruises

National Geographic-Lindblad Is Taking on European Rivers—And, Yes, There Will Be Wine

After half a century spent poking around some of the planet’s most remote, rugged, and rain-sodden corners—from the Amazon to the Nile and everything in between—National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has finally turned its seasoned gaze toward Europe. And not just Europe in general, but Europe by river, that stately, meandering form of travel most commonly associated with classical music, well-behaved tourists, and afternoon cheese plates.

But, in classic Lindblad fashion, they’re not just hopping aboard any old riverboat with lace curtains and shuffleboard. No, they’re chartering a brand-new ship called Connect (which sounds pleasingly sci-fi), built in 2025 and capable of carrying 120 people in absurdly comfortable surroundings. This is not your average floating hotel—this is a floating expedition base, equipped with wraparound windows, sleek design, and enough technology to make your smartwatch feel inadequate.

Starting in April 2026, the company will launch its first-ever European river expeditions, kicking off with two eight-day voyages that are clearly designed to make even the most jaded traveler giddy: one sailing Amsterdam to Brussels, the other Cologne to Basel. Both itineraries aim to offer the kind of deeply immersive, story-soaked experience that’s come to define the brand—think National Geographic-level expertise, seasoned expedition leaders, and insider access that gives you bragging rights for years.

Itinerary One: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights (Rhine River)

This trip is essentially Europe’s Greatest Hits, with a special emphasis on the culinary and cultural bits that make travel so enjoyable. You’ll glide through the majestic Rhine Gorge, where the hills are as steep as the local wine is sweet, and stop off in places like Mainz, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Colmar—all those places you promised yourself you’d visit “someday.”

Along the way, there are exclusive receptions in ancient castles (hosted by actual lords, no less), private wine tastings at historic abbeys (served by nuns!), and a private tour of Goethe’s house in Frankfurt, which may very well inspire you to take up poetry or at least buy a notebook. One dinner involves sharing a table with university students in Heidelberg, which is about as immersive as it gets without enrolling.

Itinerary Two: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways (Holland & Belgium)

The second itinerary is for lovers of flowers, fine art, and fairytale towns—and let’s be honest, who isn’t? You’ll wander through Keukenhof, the Garden of Europe, during tulip season—imagine seven million flowers blooming at once—and float past windmills, sleepy canals, and lively market towns that seem to have been lifted directly from a Flemish painting.

You'll enjoy after-hours museum visits (because who doesn’t want Rembrandt all to themselves?), and Belgian culinary safaris that include everything from cheese to chocolate, not to mention curated dinners on board that promise to be both local and ludicrously delicious.

Each journey is supported by a crack team of expedition veterans, field experts, and, of course, at least one National Geographic luminary who can casually drop fascinating facts about medieval engineering, river ecosystems, or why Belgian beer is basically a religion.

A New Chapter in River Cruising

This European foray is a big deal for Lindblad, which until now had confined its expeditionary zeal to more far-flung locales. But by taking on Europe’s rivers with the same spirit of discovery they brought to the Amazon, they’re hoping to redefine what river cruising can be—more boots-on-the-ground exploring, fewer passive coach tours. More story, less scenery.

As CEO Natalya Leahy puts it, “How you see it matters.” And judging by the look of these itineraries, they’re planning to show us Europe in a way we’ve never quite seen it before—curated, connected, and occasionally narrated by a nun pouring Riesling.