The newly built 120-passenger Connect ship will operate the cruises between Amsterdam and Brussels and Cologne and Basel. 

Both Rhine River: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights and Holland and Belgium: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways will be staffed by one expedition leader, several knowledgeable field staff and at least one National Geographic expert. The sailings go on sale on 20 May. 

Field staff will also take guests on private tours and exclusive tastings. 

The line, which announced plans to enter the river cruise market last week, said Connect is "a brand-new, state-of-the-art European river ship with cutting-edge technology, luxurious amenities and wrap-around picture windows designed to sail through the heart of Europe’s storied destinations".

Lindblad Expeditions chief executive Natalya Leahy said: “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. 

"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."

On 6 May, Lindblad announced it had signed a multi-year contract with charter-only luxury line Transcend Cruises to expand its portfolio and start offering European river products. 

Under the agreement, which will run until at least 2028, the expedition line will use Transcend vessels to operate the river cruises.