Rhine River cruising has not been part of the portfolio for Lindblad offerings … until now. For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has built its reputation by taking travelers to the planet’s most remote and extraordinary destinations, from the glaciers of Patagonia to the coral reefs of the South Pacific. Now, in a strategic expansion that marks a new chapter for the company, the expedition cruise pioneer is bringing its style of immersive, expert-led travel to Europe’s historic waterways.
This new venture aims to redefine the European river cruising experience, bringing the company’s signature focus on immersive, educational, and authentic exploration to the continent’s historic waterways. Starting next year the company will introduce two distinct eight-day itineraries along the Rhine River and other connecting waterways in Holland and Belgium. These voyages will take place aboard the Connect, a newly constructed, state-of-the-art 120-guest European river ship, specifically designed for navigating the heart of Europe’s celebrated destinations.
Rhine River Strategy
The move signals a deliberate strategy by the global leader to apply its half-century of expedition expertise to a popular segment of the travel market, promising a fresh perspective on well-trodden paths. Past guests of National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions will be granted early access to reservations for these inaugural river journeys, with bookings opening to the general public on May 20, 2025.
Natalya Leahy, Chief Executive Officer of Lindblad Expeditions, expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating that the company is delighted to bring its bold new vision of European river expeditions to its guests. She emphasized that these new itineraries are crafted with the same pioneering spirit that characterizes their expeditions across the globe.
“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,” said Leahy in a public statement about the new offering. “These voyages are proof that ‘how you see it matters.'”
Rhine River Itineraries
The first of the two new itineraries, titled “2026 Rhine River: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights,” is an eight-day journey designed to showcase the iconic Rhine River’s spectacular scenery, rich history, and exceptional cuisine. The route will take guests through the dramatic Rhine River Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its rolling hills and lush vineyards. Along the way, the expedition will call on a variety of charming towns in Germany, including Mainz, Frankfurt, and Heidelberg, as well as Strasbourg and Colmar in France’s Alsace region. Participants will have opportunities to explore ancient castles, wander along cobblestoned streets, and indulge in private wine tastings and traditional feasts.
Specific highlights of the Rhine River itinerary include a passage through the majestic Rhine Gorge, which is also home to the romantic Rheinstein Castle. Guests will be treated to an exclusive reception at the castle, hosted by the castle’s lord, offering a unique and personal connection to the region’s aristocratic past. The culinary aspect of the journey will be emphasized through a variety of private tastings. These experiences will range from sampling Riesling wines served by the resident nuns at St. Hildegard Abbey to tasting a variety of wines at the historic Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg, which notably houses one of the world’s oldest wines. In Frankfurt, a private visit to the home of the famed German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe will offer an intimate glimpse into the life of one of the country’s literary giants. Another distinctive experience will be the chance to dine with university students in Heidelberg, providing an opportunity to learn about daily life at one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions.
The second new cruise option, “2026 Holland and Belgium: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways,” also an eight-day expedition, will navigate the Rhine River and other picturesque waterways of Holland and Belgium. This itinerary is designed to bring centuries of rich culture, art, and history to life amidst a backdrop of flowing tulip fields, windmills, and fairytale towns. Travelers will journey down Amsterdam’s scenic canals, visit historic cities such as Antwerp and Delft, and immerse themselves in the serene Dutch countryside. The expedition will delve into the region’s defining artistic legacy, its deep-rooted Jewish history, and its diverse culinary delights.
Key experiences on the Holland and Belgium itinerary include springtime strolls through Keukenhof, famously known as the “Garden of Europe,” where guests can witness the breathtaking spectacle of more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in bloom. Art enthusiasts will be particularly drawn to the exclusive, after-hours tours at the Kröller-Müller and Mauritshuis Museums. These private viewings will allow for an uncrowded and intimate appreciation of works by masters such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Vermeer. Culinary experiences are also central to this itinerary, featuring a progressive food tour of Belgian specialties in Antwerp and carefully curated dinners onboard the Connect that will showcase local flavors and ingredients.
Connect on the Rhine River
The Connect, constructed in 2025, represents the latest in European river ship design. The vessel brings cutting-edge technology, luxurious amenities, and wrap-around picture windows, ensuring panoramic views as it sails through Europe’s storied landscapes. With a capacity for 120 guests, it offers an intimate and comfortable setting for exploration.
Rhine & Wine with Nat Geo
In keeping with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ established model, each voyage will be staffed by a highly experienced team. This includes one of the brand’s veteran Expedition Leaders, several knowledgeable Field Staff, and at least one National Geographic Expert, who could be a photographer, historian, or naturalist, depending on the specific focus of the itinerary. The Field Staff will guide guests on private tours and exclusive tastings, curating the expertly crafted experiences that have become synonymous with the co-branded expeditions. This dedicated team aims to provide context and depth to the destinations visited, fostering a richer understanding and appreciation among travelers.
While Lindblad Expeditions has a long and storied history of exploring some of the world’s most iconic waterways – including the Peruvian Amazon, the Nile in Egypt, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the United States’ Pacific Northwest – this launch marks a historic first for the company. It has never before offered river expeditions in Europe. The chartering of the brand-new river long-ship Connect also signifies a notable expansion of Lindblad Expeditions’ overall expedition cruise portfolio. With this addition, the Lindblad Expeditions fleet now consists of 23 owned and chartered mission-built expedition ships, which it operates on behalf of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand. This growth underscores the company’s commitment to providing diverse and high-quality expedition travel options to a discerning clientele.
The collaboration between National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions is built on a decades-long strategic relationship. It brings together National Geographic’s renowned legacy in exploration and scientific discovery with Lindblad Expeditions’ pioneering role in modern expedition cruising. The co-brand aims to reveal the beauty and wonder of the world through expertly led, deeply immersive modern expedition cruises. These are designed for discovery and created for curious travelers who seek to experience the world from a new and more engaged perspective. Currently, the partnership offers around 100 unique itineraries, visiting more than 70 countries and territories across six continents, utilizing the largest and most diverse fleet of mission-built ships in the industry.
The introduction of the Rhine River route and other European river itineraries positions Lindblad to attract both loyal past guests and new travelers eager to experience Europe through the distinctive lens of National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. The blend of cultural immersion, expert guidance, exclusive access, and the comfort of a brand-new vessel promises a compelling new option in the European river cruise market.
The focus on “how you see it matters” suggests enriching travel that goes beyond typical sightseeing, encouraging deeper connections with the places and people encountered along the way.
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