Sailing Europe with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is an invitation to discover both the iconic and unfamiliar—and to gain new perspectives on the threads that connect histories and cultures across the continent. Step aboard our small ships and sail deftly between grand medieval cities, rugged and remote islands, and seaside villages steeped in tradition, exploring them your way. Kayak cerulean seas in the Mediterranean, cruise picturesque harbor towns by Zodiac, or take a photo walk amid ancient Roman ruins. You’ll experience Europe’s shorelines in an authentic, time-honored way, seeing them through the eyes of the explorers who came before and the modern-day communities that carry on their customs.
“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.”
Why National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Our Trips in Europe
Our Ships in Europe
National Geographic Orion
- Guests
- 102
- Cabins
- 53
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Asia, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
National Geographic Endurance
- Guests
- 138
- Cabins
- 76
The most advanced ice-class expedition ship afloat, offering unprecedented access to polar regions.
National Geographic Explorer
- Guests
- 148
- Cabins
- 81
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-engineered for blue water and polar exploration
National Geographic Resolution
- Guests
- 138
- Cabins
- 76
Our second new polar build, National Geographic Resolution, is named to honor the second voyage of the legendary Captain James Cook.
Sea Cloud
- Guests
- 58
- Cabins
- 30
Traveling aboard Sea Cloud, a historic four-masted barque, is an overall multisensory experience of the rarest kind—and this is true wherever you choose to explore.
Sea Cloud II
- Guests
- 88
- Cabins
- 44
Sea Cloud II is an alluring sailing vessel perfectly suited to travel the scenic shores of the Mediterranean, exploring little-seen archipelagos and anchoring in small coves.
Lord of the Glens
- Guests
- 48
- Cabins
- 25
Lord of the Glens was built for one purpose—to fit through the network of locks and canals that cut through the heart of the Scottish highlands.
Our Team in Europe
Every member of our team—from our cultural specialists and photographers to our expedition leaders—is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Many are veteran and locally based guides chosen for their extensive knowledge of subjects like archaeology and history. The special experiences we arrange on shore with local experts offer even deeper insights into the continent’s timeless treasures. Exploring in small groups, you’ll hear different perspectives every day, and because there are no group assignments, you can gravitate toward experts who share your interests and inspire your curiosity.
Our knowledgeable and passionate expedition team is complemented by our dedicated hotel team who strives to ensure that your time on board is as comfortable and rewarding as your time on shore.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from Europe
Orkney Island, Scotland
Guests visiting Skara Brae, a Neolithic settlement located in the Mainland Orkney Islands, Scotland
Photograph: David Cothran
Embark on an Expertly Crafted Small Ship European Adventure
Explorers have long found inspiration on the shorelines of Europe, from the Vikings who launched their longships from Norwegian fjords to the navigators who set sail from Portugal’s golden sands. Today, coastal Europe still holds the promise of discovery for expedition travelers.
Latest Video
Expedition Spotlight: A Spectacular Day on Staffa Island
- Sep 2023
Puffins are the star of Staffa Island, but they’re not the only thing that makes this destination so special. Experience towering basalt columns formed over hundreds of thousands of years, and venture inside the famed Fingal’s Cave on an unforgettable Zodiac cruise. Naturalist Jim Wilson expounds on the geologic marvels and fascinating wildlife of this idyllic, uninhabited island off the coast of Scotland.
View our brochures for more details
Breathtaking photos and details on expeditions
—view online or by mail for free
