2023 SAVINGS: 20% OFF, WAIVE THE SOLO PREMIUM, AND MORE
Book select departures by June 30, 2023, to save 20% on cabin fare, waive the solo premium on solo cabins, and/or save 10% and enjoy shipboard amenities when you book back-to-back voyages
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Expertly crafted coastal European adventures
On Europe's coastlines, captivating seafronts hold little-known wonders, from ancient basalt sea caves to centuries-old monastic settlements and marine reserves teeming with life. Sailing these shores is an invitation to discover both the iconic and unfamiliar—and to gain unique perspectives on the threads that connect histories and cultures across this diverse continent. Step aboard one of our small ships and sail deftly among windswept archipelagos, through historic canals, and into open water, seeing Europe’s seascapes through the eyes of the explorers who came before and discovering new perspectives on timeless treasures.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jun
Jul
From
$17,770
Prices are per person
Special Offers (1)
Highlights
Europe & British Isles
Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland
Duration
16 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jun
Jul
From
$17,770
Top Highlights
Trace a maritime thread around the isles, exploring the wild and beautiful places where Celtic and Viking influences still thrive in local languages and customs
Sail around magical Skellig Michael, which is crowned with a seventh-century beehive monastery
See the stunning 12th-century Iona Abbey, and Zodiac into Fingal’s Cave in Scotland
Explore wild, windswept outer isles; search for whales, dolphins, and seals; and see vast, important seabird nesting sites
Extend your voyage: discover the seaport town of Bergen on a pre-voyage extension, and explore London or the Scottish Highlands on a post-voyage extension
Book back-to-back voyages and save. Receive 10% off when you combine the 2023 departure of North Sea Voyage with Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea and/or Ancient Isles: England, Ireland & Scotland. Plus enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and laundry on board. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, applicable on voyage fares only and is not valid on extensions or airfare. May not be combined with other offers.
New
Barcelona to Basque Country: Tracing History & Culture on the Iberian Peninsula
Duration
13 days
Apr
From
$22,701
Top Highlights
Encounter an array of architectural marvels, from the Alhambra in Granada to Lisbon’s 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery, and Frank Gehry’s titanium-clad Guggenheim in Bilbao, and capture your best photos alongside a National Geographic photography expert
Explore seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Seville’s Alcázar palace, Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the Tower of Belém in Lisbon, and Porto’s old city
Learn how cork oak is harvested in the orchards of the Algarve, and collect mussels with local fisherman in Galicia
Experience Basque country in the music and culture of northern Spain and the markets of southwest France
Discover the works of renowned artists including Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, and Richard Serra on a private tour of the Guggenheim in Bilbao
New
Coastal Powers of the North Sea: Medieval Capitals and Vibrant Cultures
Duration
11 days
Jul
From
$10,990
Top Highlights
Dive into the multi-layered pasts of countries bordering the North Sea: Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France—and learn how these independent nations have been linked over time through trade, economics, culture, and politics
Capture your best photographs alongside a National Geographic photography expert as you explore UNESCO-designated Old Towns including Bryggen, Speicherstadt, and Lübeck
Venture out of Amsterdam to the Delta Works project of Neeltje Jans to witness the incredible feat of engineering of the storm surge barrier protecting the Low Countries
With the knowledge of our historians, naturalists, and local experts, experience life in major cities and coastal towns, taste culinary specialties, and see some of this region’s biodiversity
New
Egypt, the Greek Isles, and the Suez Canal: Sailing Through Antiquity
Duration
12 days
Apr
From
$10,260
Top Highlights
Explore the greatest sights of antiquity: The Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings, the Bibliotheca Alexandria, and the Minoan city of Phaestos on Crete
Navigate the Suez Canal, an engineering marvel and major trade corridor cut through expansive desert landscapes
Discover the mesmerizing beauty of four Greek islands including stunning Santorini
Observe the exciting underwater realm of the Red Sea in Hurghada
Experience local culture as you explore fishing villages, souks, and wineries
New
Emerald Isle Expedition: Ireland’s Rugged Coastlines and Celtic Traditions
Duration
11 days
May
From
$12,825
Top Highlights
Experience the contrasts between cosmopolitan cities like Dublin and small villages like Killybegs as you visit the four traditional Irish provinces: Leinster, Ulster, Munster, and Connacht
Spot Ireland’s most critically endangered birds, corncrakes, on Tory Island as well as large populations of nesting seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and fulmars. On wild Rathlin island, encounter a colony of puffins among other seabirds
Spend a day on the Isle of Man, a Crown Dependency nicknamed the Gem of the Irish Sea and known for having the world’s longest-standing parliament
In Northern Ireland, learn about the Troubles while exploring the capital city of Belfast, and gain a deeper understanding of life on both sides of the north and south divide as you stroll Londonderry’s ancient city walls
Marvel at the natural beauty along the shores of the Emerald Isle—from the otherworldly landscape of Giant’s Causeway to the striking geology of the uninhabited Blasket Islands
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$10,577
Prices are per person
Special Offers (1)
Highlights
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
New
Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys & Inner Hebrides
Duration
10 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$10,577
Top Highlights
Peer into the past in the prehistoric homes of Skara Brae in the Orkney Islands and Jarlshof in the Shetland Islands
Ride Zodiacs for a close-up view of the unique geometric basalt columns of Staffa, a tiny island in the Inner Hebrides
Join our naturalists on excursions and aboard the ship to watch for puffins, gannets, fulmars, razorbills, kittiwakes, and more
Venture to the Aberdeenshire countryside to learn about Scottish Highland traditions, including a visit to a Highland cattle farm or local whiskey distillery
Capture your best photos alongside a National Geographic Photography Expert
Extend your voyage: choose to explore Dublin’s rich history on a pre-voyage extension, and discover the Scottish Highlands on a post-voyage extension
Book back-to-back voyages and save. Receive 10% off when you combine the 2023 departure of Navigating the Atlantic Coast with Culture & Cuisine from Porto to Basque Country and/or Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles. Plus enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and laundry on board. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, applicable on voyage fares only and is not valid on extensions or airfare. May not be combined with other offers.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$10,721
Prices are per person
Highlights
Atlantic Isles
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
New
Islands of the Azores: Fado Music to Fin Whales
Duration
10 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$10,721
Top Highlights
Aboard National Geographic Endurance, take advantage of the ship’s state-of the-art amenities, from wellness programs and spa treatments to gourmet dining options as we travel to the more secluded and seldom-visited islands of the Azores Archipelago
April is one of the best months to see the many whales that pass through these waters on their annual migrations. With the help of some of the best whale spotters in the world, search for fin, blue, sei, and pilot whales, just to name a few
Discover the varied past and the stories of explorers, whalers, and conquerors who all had a part in weaving the tapestry of island history
Experience the commitment the locals have to sustainable growth and protecting the natural beauty and ecosystems of the archipelago
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$10,268
Prices are per person
Special Offers (2)
Highlights
Europe & British Isles
New and Noteworthy
New
Navigating the Atlantic Coast: Brittany, Wales & England’s Channel Islands
Duration
10 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Apr
From
$10,268
Top Highlights
Sail along the picturesque and culturally rich coasts of Brittany, Cornwall, and Wales—each with their own unique essence, yet intertwined throughout history
Sample culinary specialties including freshly harvested oysters, Bordeaux’s world-famous wines, and Cognac’s renowned eau de vie
In Brittany, experience the historic harbor of Brest, and with a National Geographic Photography Expert by your side, explore charming Dinan, known for its medieval ramparts and half-timbered houses
Discover Land’s End, Cornwall’s peninsula known for its scenic headlands, artists’ community, and intriguing history
Delve into Welsh history at castles built by King Edward or take in the country’s spectacular natural beauty with a coastal walk on the Isle of Anglesey
Extend your voyage: discover Bordeaux and its surrounding wine country on a pre-voyage extension, and explore Dublin’s rich history on a post-voyage extension
Book by June 30, 2023, and we will waive the solo premium on solo cabins aboard select 2023 departures. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
COMBINE & SAVE 10% PLUS SHIPBOARD AMENITIES
Book back-to-back voyages and save. Receive 10% off when you combine the 2023 departure of Navigating the Atlantic Coast with Culture & Cuisine from Porto to Basque Country and/or Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles. Plus enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and laundry on board. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, applicable on voyage fares only and is not valid on extensions or airfare. May not be combined with other offers.
Book by June 30, 2023, and we will waive the solo premium on solo cabins aboard select 2023 departures. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
COMBINE & SAVE 10% PLUS SHIPBOARD AMENITIES
Book back-to-back voyages and save. Receive 10% off when you combine the 2023 departure of North Sea Voyage with Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea and/or Ancient Isles: England, Ireland & Scotland. Plus enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and laundry on board. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, applicable on voyage fares only and is not valid on extensions or airfare. May not be combined with other offers.
Glide beneath the dramatic cliffs of the second-largest fjord in Norway, Hardangerfjord
Explore the towering cliffs of Noss, a nature reserve that harbors thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes
Venture to the Aberdeenshire countryside to learn about Scottish Highland traditions, including a visit to a Highland cattle farm or local whiskey distillery
See the U.K.’s northernmost lighthouse, Muckle Flugga, at Unst
Extend your voyage: choose to discover the Scottish Highlands on a pre-voyage extension. On a post-voyage extension in Norway, discover the seaport town of Bergen or Norway’s stunning fjords
Explore your way, every day, using first-rate exploration tools such as kayaks and Zodiacs to see Europe’s shorelines up close and at water level. The special experience we arrange on shore with local experts foster authentic connections to the continent’s modern-day cultures, while the team at the helm of each expedition—from cultural experts to historians—offers expert insights into Europe’s past to help illuminate her present.
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Highlights
Exploring Europe Through Music
Music encodes the spirit of place, evoking powerful emotions and opening a doorway into the destinations we visit. In Europe, Jacob Edgar, our talented ethnomusicologist, curates exclusive, one-of-a-kind musical performances both on board and on land—from a stirring choral ensemble in Visby’s grand ruins to the Wellerman’s rhythmic sea shanty serenade en route to London. Enjoy a preview of these soulful European sounds.
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more
Follow Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic on Spotify or Apple Music to find Europe playlists specially curated by Jacob Edgar.
See, do and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades. Go with an expedition leader, naturalists, historians, and more.
Expedition Leader
Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Our naturalists, passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly), illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us.
Our cultural specialists are experts in their fields and further illuminate local life. They are chosen not just for their academic background, but for their ability to enable an authentic connection to the people our guests meet along their journey.
Our historians will share the stories, tumults, and triumphs of the people and places we explore. Their colorful personalities and passion for history, from the minutiae to the big picture, make them engaging travel tour guides and companions.
Travel and shoot with a bona fide National Geographic photography expert. These trop pros are at your side and at your service—providing advice, inspiration, tips, and slideshows. Access to photographers of this caliber will help you improve your skills and ensure you'll go home with incredible photos.
Every expedition aboard a ship in our National Geographic-flagged fleet offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings and the basics of composition, and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.
Greet the morning with a prebreakfast stretching session led by your wellness specialist on the stern deck. Or sleep in and take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio. Your wellness specialist will offer massage therapy and body treatments.
Undersea Specialist
Because the ocean is vital to the regions we visit, we help you explore it. Our exclusive undersea program is a pioneering expedition feature, designed to enrich your experience and aid your understanding of the region you’re exploring—given the importance of the ocean to life on the planet.
A center for commerce, art, and ideas, the Low Countries have been a critical European crossroads for centuries. Our new expedition shines a light on the often under-the-radar achievements and special places in Belgium and the Netherlands.
As a certified photo instructor, David Cothran knows how to get the shot. He just returned from expeditions in Europe and is newly energized by the continent and its richly varied offerings, which he believes are best viewed through the lens.
Exploring Past, Present, and Future on the Baltic Sea with NATO's Former Secretary General
Our Baltic Sea expedition introduces guests to the storied waterway that has linked empires and destinies. In 2023 we are honored to welcome aboard former NATO General Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who will offer deep insight into the places and geopolitics guests will encounter.
Embark on an Expertly Crafted Small Ship European Adventure
If you only focused your explorations in the heart of Europe in highly trafficked locales, you would be missing out on a host of extraordinary experiences. On the fringes of the continent, little-known wonders are waiting along captivating seafronts.
These seldom-seen islands in the archipelagos of Sweden, Finland, and Denmark offer enchanting views, centuries-old history, and rich culture. Learn more about Oland, Gotland, Bornholm and more.
Exploring Europe by Ship: Sail in the Wake of History
The thrill and romance of setting out for uncharted territory has been the making of heroes and the source of legends. Exploration is in our DNA—and Europe's coasts are ripe for exploring.
Discovering an entirely new angle to a favorite, or well-known, destination is a special highlight of travel. Each one of these five places holds a secret identity and the chance to discover two cultures in one stop.
Retrace the events of D-Day and visit some of World War II's most pivotal sites. These moments of connection and reflection, along with insight from our expert historian, will deepen your understanding of this defining period in modern history.
The remains of stone-built prehistoric monuments that pepper Europe’s landscapes were embroidered into folklore narratives and tales. To this day these same monuments are still imbued with mystery, an enduring legacy of our collective cultural past.
There’s no need to dress up; life aboard is casual all the way. There’s no assigned seating in the dining room. In fact, many tables accommodate uneven numbers, making for easy mingling and the fun of sharing breakfast, lunch, or dinner with different new friends, staff, or guest speakers.
We docked in Helsinki early in the morning. It was raining and the sky was gray, but we knew it was a matter of time. The weather forecast predicted sun a little later, and, indeed, the sky cleared up, helping us enjoy a fabulous day. Guests were divided into two groups. One group visited the second oldest city in Finland, Porvoo. The other visited the open-air museum located on the island of Seurasaari. The good thing about doing activities outside the city of Helsinki is that we were able to cross the entire city by bus. We had the chance to see firsthand all the most relevant monuments and buildings, such as the library and the train station. We took advantage of the afternoon to explore on our own. After dinner in the evening, a small group took a tour of the port and admired the icebreaker fleet docked nearby.
We spent half the day at sea as we made the long crossing from Riga, Latvia to Tallinn, Estonia. We passed the island of Saaremaa and the low Estonian coast. During the morning, Stephen Fisher gave an extensive overview of the military operations in the Baltic in World War II. Some of these were quite surprising – the awkward involvement of the Finnish leadership with Hitler’s regime, for instance, a careful balancing act between two aggressive superpowers which managed to secure Finnish independence. National Geographic photographer Sisse Grimberg followed with a fine exposition of her National Geographic assignment, portraying the history and practice of the Hanseatic League. It was very topical, as the cities we are visiting were at one time or another part of that intricate network of enterprising merchants. As always, Sisse’s images were highly personal, finding a view of practices that have survived through the ages and creating a direct link to the past. Then: Tallinn. On a gloriously clear and sunny day, the city presented itself from the sea with perky spires and medieval towers with bright red tile roofs – and with a whole lot of very recent architecture, testimony of the brilliant revival of Estonia from the drab Soviet occupation. National Geographic Explorer guests came prepared – not just by Stephen Fisher, but also after viewing The Singing Revolution , a moving documentary on the Estonian struggle for independence in the 1980s and 1990s. A long and winding walk through the old city brought historical and contemporary energies together. The upper city, Toompea, the seat of Estonia’s government, is a quiet and dignified maze of spruced up official buildings. The not-so-old Russian Orthodox cathedral towers over some of it, a token of older attempts to dominate Estonian culture. The ancient Maria Church is much more genuinely ‘Estonian’ in that respect. The gravestones are in German, and the walls are covered with elaborate coats of arms of the old German nobility, which ruled these lands for hundreds of years. We took a breather on the terrace that overlooks the lower city, once the domain for those busy merchants. We enjoyed a long stroll down Pikk Jalg, where nifty painters of cityscapes peddle their canvases, and headed into the bustling centre. ‘Spruced up’ is not saying enough. Since independence, Estonia has flourished, and everything here is testimony to that. Colourfully plastered gables offer ample indication that this is a very old city. We had a cup of coffee in an ancient merchant’s house that dates to the 14th century. On the same street: two old Guild Houses. This particular hall is the seat of the Tallinn Philharmonic. Boys and girls went in an out in what looked like school uniforms – but then again, not. They told me it was because they are involved in their end of term school presentations. One boy reluctantly told me he was to recite a poem later that evening. The others were to dance and sing. Like many 13-year-olds, they dreaded what was to come. After the tour ended, guests and staff had plenty of time to walk around this great old city and have a beer or two. Still, the day was not over. On the back deck of National Geographic Explorer , two Estonian musicians, masters of the ancient harpa, performed a highly unusual mix of traditional music and contemporary sounds with some of the most hilarious commentary we have ever witnessed, including songs about loneliness and cross-country skiing, for a start. All guests joined in a marvelous “flat-footed waltz.” Then it was time to cast off and sail to Helsinki.
Three days after starting our cultural expedition around the Baltic, we finally enjoyed a full day of sailing on board National Geographic Explorer today. Our comfortable and elegant ship allowed us to enjoy a magnificent navigation while we traveled to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Under a pleasant sun, our historians offered various lectures on the history of the Baltic to better understand the sociological and historical phenomena that have occurred over the centuries in this very special region. During the late afternoon, we crossed the bay of Riga and entered the estuary of the Daugava River whose banks are the berth place for dozens of merchant ships loading and unloading cargo. Once docked in the middle of the city, we were lucky to be welcomed by a traditional Latvian dance group. They performed during cocktail hour at sunset. We could not have asked for a more beautiful welcome!
The early morning light illuminated Gdańsk Bay as we made our way towards this historic city. We berthed at Westerplatte, where the opening naval salvoes of the Second World War were fired. It was natural that we started our day of exploration by learning about the significance of this peninsula, an outpost that was so resolutely defended by a small Polish detachment against overwhelming German forces for a whole seven days at the start of the war. A short coach ride took us into Gdańsk proper and to the European Solidarity Centre, a place that so brilliantly tells the story of the Solidarity movement. Through a number of evocative displays and artifacts and the knowledge of our excellent guides, we learned the story of Gdańsk’s shipyards and their resistance to the policies of the Communist Eastern Bloc in the latter part of the 20th century. After a delicious lunch in a restaurant accompanied by local craft beer, we split up for walking tours of the historic city centre. We explored the range of architectural styles used across the ages. The mix of buildings reflects the numerous different societies that have called the city their home over the centuries. Many had to be carefully restored after they were destroyed in the wars of the 20th century, which reflects Gdańsk’s hotly contested past. Some guests learned more about this at the Museum of the Second World War, which delicately tells the story of this conflict in a series of atmospheric and moving displays. On our return to the ship, we quickly got ready to set sail in preparation for our 24-hour voyage across the southeast Baltic, from Gdańsk Bay to Riga Bay tomorrow afternoon.
The first full day on our Baltic Sea voyage began with a calm, sunny Zodiac entrance into the Danish island of Bornholm. We disembarked in the colorful little town of Gudhjem, home to 700 people, a lovely ice cream shop, and the landing for the ferry to Christiansø, our afternoon destination (although we get to travel on a nicer ship). We didn’t stay in Gudhjem long, but instead took a coach ride across the island to the glorious hilltop ruins of Hammershus Castle, the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. After wandering through the remaining pieces of Hammershus’s mixed brick and stone walls and the impressive Mantle Tower, we carried on exploring two more monuments of medieval architecture: Bornholm’s round churches. These buildings, unique to the island, were built as both churches and fortresses. There are many theories as to why these whitewashed granite and limestone churches were built in a round shape, including inspiration from Jerusalem, ease of defense, and simple stylistic preference. Whatever the case, they are truly impressive structures, made with two concentric exterior walls filled with gravel and soil, an interior circular core, and two fortified upper floors accessible only via a narrow stone staircase. After our morning adventures, we reunited for lunch with the other guests, who had traveled to a nearby sea buckthorn plantation to sample the citrusy orange berries local to this area. Our afternoon began with a fascinating and timely presentation by special guest Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the former Prime Minister of Denmark and Secretary General of NATO. He spoke on the history of the Scandinavian and Baltic region and its current political situation. Guests asked incredible questions about the war in Ukraine and kept the conversation going until we had to depart for our second destination of the day, the tiny Danish islands of Christiansø and Fredericksø. Staff led photography, nature, history, and fast-paced walks exploring the islands, which are home to about 120 permanent residents but many daily tourists, who we just missed as the final ferry departed. We dressed up for the Captain’s welcome cocktails to meet Captain Peik Aalto, who gave a hilarious presentation to introduce himself, and then enjoyed our evening sailing to Poland for another busy day planned in Gdansk tomorrow.
When you arrive at climactic points along the way, you'll get there by the grandest of front doors—the sea. This is how people through history came and went, and consequently, Europe’s ports are hubs of vibrance and in many cases, remarkable beauty.
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