National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions Announces Debut Itineraries For 2027 European Christmas Market Voyages
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions today announced the debut holiday sailings for Evolve, a modern river vessel joining Lindblad’s European fleet in 2027.
Sailing alongside sister ship Connect, Evolve will operate a collection of Christmas Market itineraries that broaden the co-brand’s footprint on Europe’s rivers, effectively doubling its offerings in the region.
“Evolve gives us the ability to meet rising demand for our European river expeditions while staying true to our way of traveling — taking people to remarkable places and showing them how to see them in a truly authentic way,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “These new holiday voyages bring together what people are seeking right now: connection, tradition and shared discovery with the people who matter most. Evolve allows us to offer more of those moments to more guests, without ever changing the essence of what we do.”
Highlights of the holiday sailings include:
◉ Celebrate the most festive season along the Danube, exploring the magical Christmas markets of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and beyond on the Christmas Markets on the Danube. Guests will enjoy private access to top sites, from a private orchestral performance in Bratislava to an after-hours tour of Melk Abbey and a private visit to the medieval Clam Castle, plus Salzburg’s musical heritage and the storybook beauty of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On board, specially curated seasonal menus reflect the culinary traditions of each region, while a guided visit to Domäne Wachau, where hundreds of small vineyards unite to produce Austria’s most distinctive wines, allows opportunities for tasting wines both familiar and new.
◉ Celebrate both Christmas and New Year’s on the river during the Christmas and New Year’s on the Danube: A Holiday Voyage, celebrating the joy of Christmas and the promise of New Year’s against the enchanting backdrop of Europe adorned for the season in Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg or Český Krumlov. Guests will cherish memories of an organ concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Passau, an after-hours tour of Melk Abbey and a visit to historic Clam Castle, all while savoring the locally crafted wine of the Wachau Valley and immersing in the culinary traditions of each destination with festive traditional meals on board and ashore that reflect the storied flavors of the region.
As Lindblad Expeditions prepares to mark its 60th anniversary, these upcoming voyages promise to blend pioneering spirit with bold innovation, delivering truly unforgettable holiday experiences along Europe’s iconic rivers.
With Evolve set to debut in 2027, travelers can anticipate a reimagined way to explore Europe. Through its partnership with Transcend Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions is opening the door to rare access, intimate moments and the kind of holiday magic only river cruises can offer.
(National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions Announces Debut Itineraries For 2027 European Christmas Market Voyages)
