National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions – Food & Wine
By Emily Matelan
I recently had the opportunity to travel with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions on one of their new Food & Wine Magazine collaboration itineraries. The sailing, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro, was a weeklong round-trip journey from Split, Croatia, filled with history, culture, adventure, and of course some truly memorable meals.
Arrival in Split
My trip began with an overnight in Split at the Briig Boutique Hotel, a sleek, modern property just a 10-minute walk from the old town. The design was fresh and contemporary, and despite being so close to the lively center, the hotel felt peaceful. I also stopped into the nearby Ambasador Hotel, a larger option with more amenities. Both are well-located, just in different directions from the old town, and make great bases for exploring the city.
After settling in, we enjoyed light bites on the Briig’s patio before heading into Split’s buzzing old town for an evening stroll. With several cruise ships in port, the main promenade was filled with travelers and locals alike. Restaurants lined the waterfront, their terraces full of energy. We ducked one street up, away from the crowds, and discovered a fantastic little cocktail bar where we lingered over drinks and people-watched until after the sun went down.
Exploring Diocletian’s Palace
The next morning, after a comfortable sleep and a hearty complimentary breakfast, we met our private guide from Adriatic Travel Collection for a tour of the Diocletian Palace. Starting early meant we had a magical window to wander through the palace before the crowds arrived. By mid-morning, large tour groups began filling the narrow streets, and I was grateful to have that quiet time first. A private guide also made a big difference. We could linger where we wanted, skip what didn’t interest us, and dive deeper into the stories behind the palace walls.
Boarding Lindblad
After the tour, we headed to the Lindblad hospitality suite at the Ambasador Hotel for check-in. The process was seamless (luggage handled, documents sorted) and then it was time to mingle with fellow guests over a generous spread of snacks and drinks before transferring to the ship together.
Stepping on board felt instantly welcoming. Crew members greeted us with big smiles, showed us to our cabins where our luggage was already waiting, and made sure we felt at home from the start. Our cabin was spacious and well-designed with a king-size bed, plenty of storage, and thoughtful touches that made settling in easy. Our cabin attendant, Arnold, quickly became one of my favorite people on board. Without ever needing to ask, he kept our fridge stocked with Diet Coke and Ginger Ale and always had the ice bucket ready. Small details, but they made the experience feel even more personal.
Life Onboard
The atmosphere on the ship was warm and friendly, with the crew playing a big role in creating that wonderful sense of community. At mealtimes, they encouraged guests to sit together, sparking conversations and new friendships. Soon, it felt like traveling with a big extended family rather than a ship full of strangers.
What sets Lindblad apart, though, is their expedition staff. Onboard naturalists, scientists, and National Geographic experts bring the destinations to life in a way few other cruise lines can match. Each evening at cocktail hour, the naturalists shared updates from their fieldwork. The underwater specialist dove daily with camera equipment, later sharing incredible footage of marine life most of us would never otherwise see. Lectures ranged from conservation and evolution to stories from National Geographic photographers who had witnessed and documented history firsthand. Listening to one photographer recount his experience covering the fall of Yugoslavia while we were sailing through the very region was particularly moving.
Another highlight was the photography program. Guests could join workshops on how to use their cameras or smartphones more effectively, and complimentary Olympus cameras were available to borrow. In Hvar, I joined a guided photography walk, where the instructor pointed out techniques and then let us practice on the colorful streets and seafront views. It was hands-on, fun, and left me with photos I’ll treasure forever!
Excursions Ashore
As an expedition-style cruise, each day brought active adventures: kayaking through turquoise waters, snorkeling in hidden coves, and hiking to spectacular spots like Krka Falls. But the Food & Wine theme added another layer of cultural immersion. We joined cooking classes, sampled wines at family-run vineyards, feasted at an oyster farm, and visited a small-scale cheesemaker whose hospitality and passion made the experience unforgettable. A wine tasting on board, hosted by the ship’s wine expert, was another favorite of mine.
Final Thoughts
For travelers who already love Lindblad but are craving a new type of itinerary, I can’t recommend the Food & Wine sailings enough. This route offered a deep dive into the Dalmatian Coast, with stops at charming islands that larger ships simply can’t access. It also struck a perfect balance: enough active excursions to feel adventurous, but with plenty of cultural and culinary highlights that celebrated the destination’s traditions.
For those new to Lindblad, this itinerary is a wonderful way to dip a toe into the expedition travel style. Unlike their polar or Galápagos expeditions, Croatia felt more approachable, adventurous, but not intimidating. By the end of the week, I not only had a deeper appreciation for the region but also a new circle of friends, countless photos, and a collection of food and wine memories that will stay with me for years.