National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions launches European river range

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is set to debut its first collection of European expedition river cruises.

Beginning in April 2026, the brand will have two new eight-day itineraries along the Rhine, including sailings from Amsterdam to Brussels and Cologne to Basel, aboard the 120-passenger Connect, built in 2025.

The cruises are now open to past guests for early-access reservations; bookings open to the public from May 20.

Natalya Leahy, chief executive at Lindblad Expeditions, said: “These new itineraries are crafted with the same pioneering spirit that defines our expeditions around the world, delivering deeply immersive, authentic and all-inclusive experiences of these destinations.

“Guided by veteran expedition leaders and National Geographic experts, enriched by exclusive experiences ashore and aboard a brand-new, state-of-the-art river vessel, these voyages are proof that how you see it matters.”

The eight-day Rhine River: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights itinerary takes clients from Germany’s Mainz, Frankfurt and Heidelberg to Strasbourg and Colmar in France’s Alsace region.

Highlights include a reception hosted by the lord of Rheinstein Castle, several private wine tastings, and a tour of writer Goethe’s home in Frankfurt.

Also lasting eight days is the Holland and Belgium: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways cruise holiday.

It visits Amsterdam, Antwerp and Delft plus the gardens at Keukenhof.

The chartering of the new river long-ship Connect also marks a notable expansion 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 National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand.