In a bold expansion of its expedition-style travel, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is setting sail on Europe’s rivers for the first time. Two new itineraries are now known to us and even on sale! One route is along the Rhine River and another celebrating Tulip Season in the Netherlands and Belgium. Both new trips will debut in 2026. River cruise bookings opening to the public on May 20, 2025. Lindblad past guests get early access starting today through May 19.
“We’re delighted to bring National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ bold new vision of European river expeditions to our guests,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. The European river routes builds upon Lindblad’s success in the Amazon, Mekong and Snake Rivers
A New Kind of River Cruise Ship
Both itineraries will be operated aboard the Connect, a brand-new, 120-guest river vessel built in partnership with Transcend Cruises. Designed to reflect Lindblad’s expedition heritage, the ship offers a more intimate and immersive experience than traditional river cruises.
Key features of the Connect include:
- 60 staterooms, all starting at 210 square feet, with options for 420-square-foot suites
- All rooms are connectable, ideal for families or groups
- A spa and fitness center, plus a yoga studio for wellness on the water
- A two-level auditorium for expert-led talks, daily recaps, and cultural programming
- Multiple dining venues, including a main restaurant and a top-deck grill
- Outdoor cinema for evening entertainment under the stars
- Bicycles available for independent exploration at select ports
With a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:2, the ship will be staffed by 54 crew members, including National Geographic Experts, Expedition Leaders, and Field Staff who will guide private tours and onboard enrichment sessions. Lindblad will focus on small groups, making sure you are never on a big bus being shuttled to and from over crowded sites.
Lindblad River Cruise Routes
Lindblad is starting in the heart of Europe taking guests to familiar destinations for cultural experiences and interactions. Bringing a new look to river cruising in 2026. The average per day cost are approximately $1,000, with the inclusive pricing for both itineraries starting at $6,450 per person. Costs include many extras such as private museum openings, special culinary experiences and local musical performance.
Rhine River: Castles, Wine, and Culture
The eight-day Rhine itinerary sails between Cologne and Basel, winding through the scenic Rhine Gorge and stopping in Mainz, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Colmar. For those who love castles and wine, this is an awesome way to see interior Europe. There will be eight, eight day departures in 2026.
Lindblad-exclusive experiences include:
- A private reception at Rheinstein Castle
- Wine tasting with the resident nuns at St. Hildegard Abbey
- A visit to the Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg
- A private tour of Goethe’s home
- A brewery dinner with university students in Heidelberg
The one thing that I love about this is the private tours and receptions. One of the only other river cruise company does comes close to this is 5 star Scenic River Cruises. Speaking of which, if you are looking to book a Scenic River Cruise, I also have up to 75% off select sailings. Contact me for more information.
Netherlands & Belgium: Tulips, Art, and History
The second trip by Lindblad will also eight days river cruise. This springtime voyage sails between Amsterdam and Brussels, with stops in Antwerp, Delft, and more.
Highlights include:
- A guided visit to Keukenhof Gardens with a naturalist
- A tour of Amsterdam and the Holocaust Museum with a survivor or their family
- After-hours access to the Kröller-Müller and Mauritshuis Museums
- A progressive food tour in Antwerp
Once again Lindblad is bringing private tours and after all visits to make sure that guests have the best experience when visiting Europe by river. For those who love the Lindblad experience, but want to go beyond the polar expeditions. This is an excellent luxury option coming to Europe’s most popular river in 2026.
Bottom Line
If you’re a seasoned traveler looking for a deeper, more enriching river cruise experience, these new itineraries from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offer a compelling blend of luxury, learning, and cultural immersion. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is launching its first European river cruises in 2026, with itineraries on the Rhine and through the Netherlands and Belgium. The voyages will feature exclusive cultural experiences and be led by expert guides aboard the new 120-guest ship, Connect. Bookings open to the public on May 20, 2025, with early access for past guests now through May 19. If you are interested, please consider booking via myself at Scott & Thomas Travel. You can email me for pricing and dates
