Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced that following the Antarctic season in early 2016, the National Geographic Orion will set course for Europe where she will spend spring, summer and fall on a highly curated series of 22 one-week voyages.

The voyages will provide a unique take on a familiar geography, with itineraries that will explore Portugal, Spain, France, England, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, the Baltic Republics and Scandinavia.

“A ship like National Geographic Orion depends heavily on past guests, and a vast majority of her past guests have been to the Kimberley and the South Pacific.  We are committed to providing them the most compelling opportunities available on the Orion, and have listened to their feedback for new destinations,” stated Sven Lindblad, Founder & President of Lindblad Expeditions.

The voyages will be led by an team with a diverse scope of expertise about the countries being explored covering ancient and modern history, political science, art, viniculture and music, as well as leading active options such as hiking, biking and kayaking.

Special speakers will be drawn from the top tiers of journalism, science, and world affairs to add relevant insights as part of the ‘Global Perspectives Speakers’ program, and each voyage will feature a National Geographic photographer. The itineraries have been designed to afford guests the option to take consecutive voyages to discover a range of destinations.

Onboard dining will continue to be an integral part of the experience and will feature degustation menus by one of Australia’s renowned international chefs, Serge Dansereau, principal of Sydney’s The Bathers’ Pavilion. The cuisine will be influenced with the flavors of the region.