National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Reveals European River Itineraries

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions have revealed the itineraries for its first-ever European river cruises, with one itinerary on the Rhine River and the other doing springtime Tulip Season in the Netherlands and Belgium. Bookings open on May 20, 2025 to the public, with an earlier booking window for past guests from 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, Lindblad Expeditions.

“Even though some people don’t associate us with culture and history and Europe, we actually have a long history in Europe and we have a lot of connections,” added Trey Byus, chief expedition officer at Lindblad, who talked to TMR about some of the excusive opportunities that will be available.

Nat Geo-Lindblad on the Rhine River

This eight-day itinerary will operate between Cologne and Basel, sailing through the Rhine Gorge and calling at Mainz, Frankfurt, Heidelburg, Strasbourg, and Colmar.

Lindblad exclusive experiences will include a visit to Rheinstein Castle, where guests will be invited to an special reception hosted by the castle’s lord; private wine tasting with the resident nuns at St. Hildegard Abbey; private wine tasting at the Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg, home to one of the world’s oldest wines; a private visit to the hoe of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe; and a special brewery dinner with university students in Heidelburg.  

Nat Geo-Lindblad in the Netherlands and Belgium

Also eight days, this itinerary touches several rivers as it travels between Amsterdam and Brussels, stopping in Antwerp and Delft, among several other ports of call.

Lindblad exclusive experiences will include a visit to Keukenhof with a naturalist; a tour of Amsterdam and the Holocaust Museum with either a Holocaust survivor or the family of a survivor; afterhours tours at the Kröller-Müller and Mauritshuis Museums; and a progressive food tour in Antwerp.

The exclusive past guest booking window starts today through May 19, open to the public beginning May 20.

Every departure of both itineraries will be staffed by one of the brand’s veteran Expedition Leaders, several knowledgeable Field Staff, and at least one National Geographic Expert for a total of about six people, including a National Geographic photographer.

Field Staff will guide guests on private tours and exclusive tastings. Onboard, the team will provide daily recaps and presentations covering the history, culture, and natural world of the destinations visited.

“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,” Leahy said. “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.'”

National Geographic Connect

Both sailings will be on the all-new 120-guest Connect. Staterooms onboard the ship start at 210 square feet and all rooms can be connected. Other highlights include a spa and gym, and a two-level auditorium.

“Within the envelope of river cruising you have a certain style of ship and you can only do so much within that envelope,” Byus told TMR. “The people that are building the ship right now… they wanted to create something unique, something like the rivers have not seen before and I think that they have absolutely hit it out of the park.”