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An Invitation to Discover the World Request your 108-page Catalog Now!

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Curating the world

through travel to enrich and transform lives Smithsonian Journeys travelers enjoy a festive dinner at the Cannes Film Festival

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Celebrating 50 years Since 1846 people have placed their trust in the Smithsonian’s mission of the “increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Fifty years ago, Smithsonian Journeys was born, to bring this mission of education to life in experience-rich travel. When you join our community of curious travelers, you’ll engage with the world through the Smithsonian lens, enjoying a memorable, immersive, and transformative experience. And, importantly, your participation benefits the work of the Smithsonian, helping to make the world a better place by preserving and celebrating what we cherish from our common past, present, and future.

Why choose Smithsonian Journeys?

The Smithsonian lens Simply put, our trips mirror the reputation, varied collections, and research of the Institution. And just as our curators and scientists hone in on the details of a topic, our journeys bring you up close to the culture and natural world of your destination, providing a deep, authentic, and unique perspective. Some trips also provide special access to Smithsonian research, people, and facilities. For example, you can meet Smithsonian scientists at a research station in Kenya or Panama, observe astrophysicists at work at Smithsonian observatories, or find yourself on a behindthe-scenes tour of a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum.

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Our Experts — Providing in-depth understanding and a sense of wonder Among the experts who accompany you on your journey are scholars from around the world—with in-depth understanding of history, culture, the natural world, or the fine arts—who have been selected for their special knowledge and ability to connect with people. Go online to read their bios and insightful interviews!

Michelle Thaller—astrophysicist

Cassandra Potts Hannahs—historian with expertise in the British Isles and France

Grant Nel—naturalist with expertise in biodiversity and conservation

Stephen Clancy—historian with expertise in Europe

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Paula Swart—art historian with expertise in Asian art, culture, and history

More reasons to travel with Smithsonian Journeys 1. Educational Emphasis Travelers return again and again to Smithsonian Journeys due to the fun and engaged learning at the core of every tour and cruise. Our world-class, insightful, and charismatic Smithsonian Journeys Experts bring meaningful enrichment and insider perspectives to more than 300 departures on all seven continents.

5. Superb and Insightful Itineraries With 50 years of experience creating insightful and exciting itineraries the world over, you’re certain to enjoy the best travel has to offer. You’ll get up close and experience the world’s renowned sites as well as places off the beaten path, meet the people of your destination, participate in local cultural traditions, and savor local cuisine.

2. A Fun and Quality Experience Smithsonian Journeys is renowned for topnotch service, engaging experts, and some of the most experienced travel directors and local guides, all of whom revel in the opportunity to share their insights with our curious travelers. You’ll find that you have plenty of time for conversation with your Smithsonian Journeys Expert, exploring sites in more depth, and developing a special camaraderie with other group members.

6. Small Groups Whether you’ve selected a hiking trip for no more than 18 travelers, a Classic Land Journey with only 16 to 24 cohorts, or an immersive Academic Stay program with 30 to 90 lifelong learners, each journey is curated for the optimum number of travelers, making for the very best experience. And should you like cruising, our ships range from 18 to 220 guests, with the Smithsonian group often sharing a ship with other cultural and educational institutions, which adds to the excitement and energy of the experience.

3. Breadth of Travel Styles and Destinations Just as the Smithsonian showcases a wide breadth of collections and research, Smithsonian Journeys features a broad range of travel styles to destinations worldwide. This means that the choice of travel opportunities for lifelong learners is endless.

4. The Smithsonian Community On any given trip, you’ll travel with intellectually curious, worldly, adventurous, and fun fellow lifelong learners. And the enthusiasm lingers long after the trip is over.

Often some of the most lasting elements of a journey are the friendships that develop with others who share your passion for deeper learning and exploration.

7. Distinctive Properties and Small Ships Wherever you travel with Smithsonian Journeys, your accommodations or cruise ship enhance your overall experience and are integral to a memorable trip. You can be assured of distinctive properties that reflect the character and ambiance of the local culture and small ships that feature an upscale, yet informal and refined ambiance.

8. Travel with Confidence Explore the world with confidence, enjoying the benefits that only Smithsonian can provide.

I trust and love the Smithsonian “brand”. I just knew, after lots of comparison shopping, that the quality of the overall experience would be much richer with the Smithsonian. I was right! – Mary S.

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Go online for more exceptional Classic Land Journeys!

Classic Land Journeys Spin the globe and chances are you’ll hit on a destination featured on one of our many Classic Land Journeys—exciting forays into the history, culture, and natural world of a single country or region. Meticulously planned to include iconic sites and hidden gems, these 10 to 23-day programs are comprehensive but never rushed. You may travel the full breadth of a country or in just one region, but you’ll always see the highlights up close with an intimate group of newfound friends—generally just 16 to 24 travelers. You’ll stay in a variety of accommodations that reflect the cultural traditions of your destination—and most of these tours include airfare for even more value! Many of our Classic Land Journeys are popular itineraries that we’ve offered for years, simply because they’ve been honed to perfection! (See four of them here.)

Highlights of Italy 16 days from $5,674 / Includes airfare, taxes & all fees Experience the best of Italy’s famed cities—Rome, Florence, and Venice—on this exciting tour. From the dramatic landscapes of the Amalfi Coast to the captivating St. Mark’s Square in Venice, our comprehensive Classic Land Journey showcases ancient sites, priceless art, and smaller towns off the beaten path.

African Safari

South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Victoria Falls 14 days from $8,384 / Includes airfare, taxes & all fees Our exceptional African Safari is truly the trip of a lifetime! Enjoy thrilling game drives in search of the “Big Five,” marvel at magnificent Victoria Falls, and discover Lower Zambezi National Park by guided canoe and sunset river cruises. Plus, stays in deluxe lodges add to your safari experience.

Machu Picchu and the Galápagos 16 days from $8,793 / Includes airfare, taxes & all fees South America is home to many unique and amazing sites, and this inspiring journey features two of its most important cultural and natural treasures—the World Heritage sites of Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands.

Eternal Japan 13 days from $6,984 / Includes airfare, taxes & all fees Discover the essence of Japan! From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, Kanazawa, and Kyoto, explore a land of sublime art, unsurpassed natural beauty, and fascinating traditions, plus bustling commerce and modernity. You’ll meet local people, stay in a genuine ryokan (inn), and experience age-old cultural traditions.

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Go online for more exceptional Small-Ship Ocean Cruises!

msterdam Canal

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Small-Ship Ocean Cruises With the mindset of explorers and the goal of fresh experiences, Smithsonian Journeys travelers ply the oceans around the world. Unpack once and enjoy an informal, relaxed ambiance aboard our ideal small ships—often aboard the elegant French Ponant fleet, accommodating just 180 to 220 guests—where casual clothes and attitudes, mixed with curious travelers and engaging conversation, combine for an exceptional experience. You’ll easily become acquainted with fellow travelers and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert. Yet you’ll also feel free to slip off to read a book or, depending on the ship, enjoy a soothing spa treatment. Plus, our ships feature a chic décor with all-suite cabins, upscale amenities, an open bar, and excellent cuisine. And staff members are known for their friendly and efficient demeanor. (See four of our many Ocean Cruises here!)

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords

A Cruise from Glasgow to Bergen Aboard the 180-guest Le Champlain 9 days from $5,295 / Includes $1,000 early booking savings Voyage in the wake of Viking seafarers and experience the rugged beauty of remote islands and dramatic coastlines forever linked by their heritage. Cruise into ports in Scotland’s rarely visited Orkney and Shetland Islands and through some of Norway’s magnificent fjords, visit World Heritage sites, and enjoy plentiful sea birds and spring flowers.

A Cruise to Ancient Greece

Aboard the 180-guest Le Bougainville 9 days from approximately $4,795 / Includes $1,000 early booking savings Discover gems of the Greek islands, plus the Peloponnese and Meteora, on this exceptional cruise of the Aegean. Be immersed in the classical world, see important World Heritage sites, and experience the breathtaking islands of Santorini, Delos, Mykonos, Patmos, and Rhodes, when the weather is mild and sites are less crowded.

A Cruise of the Panama Canal and Costa Rica

From Puerto Caldera to Colón Aboard the 180-guest Le Dumont d’Urville 9 days from $4,995 / Includes $1,000 early booking savings Join us for a spectacular cruise featuring the rain forests of Costa Rica and a full daylight transit of the historic Panama Canal. A special highlight features an excursion to meet the scholars and scientists of the highly respected Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), who will take you beyond the visual world to the science of ecology, biology, botany, and more.

Solar Eclipse 2021: Antarctica and the Path of Totality

A Round-trip Cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina Aboard the 200-guest L’Austral 14 days from $12,995 / Includes $1,000 early booking savings Witness Earth’s most wondrous cosmic event—a total solar eclipse—in pristine Antarctica when your five-star, ice-class ship is positioned in the Path of Totality. During your voyage, you’ll also witness fantastically shaped icebergs, sparkling turquoise glaciers, bustling penguin rookeries, and awe-inspiring whales. All combined, this is a voyage to Antarctica unlike any other!

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Special Interest Journeys Pursue your passion in depth on one of our Special Interest Journeys that are truly “Smithsonianunique”! Drawing upon the research and collections of the Institution, these journeys reflect the interests of both the Smithsonian and our travelers. You’re certain to have an extraordinary and top-notch learning experience on any of these curated themed tours.

Science and Astronomy

These trips reflect the Smithsonian’s research in astronomy and the sciences. Popular astronomy tours featuring Smithsonian facilities include Astronomy in Arizona and Astronomy and Natural Wonders of Hawaii. Upcoming new tours include In the Footsteps of Galileo (2020) and Solar Eclipse 2021: Antarctica and the Path of Totality. You can also go behind the scenes at the CERN facility on Art Meets Science in Switzerland and learn about America’s space program in depth at the renowned U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, a Smithsonian Affiliate, on Smithsonian at Space Academy.

Academic Stays

Intellectual curiosity and a deep and unbridled love of learning is at the core of the Smithsonian.

Our immersive academic stays at Oxford and Chautauqua have been popular for nearly 40 years, and we’ve created newer academic programs at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, as well as three-week stays in Florence and Provence.

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Go online for more exceptional Special Interest Journeys!

Military History

Reflecting the Institution’s department of Military History, Smithsonian Journeys continues to feature a behind-the-scenes tour focused on D-Day, from England to the Normandy beaches, and in 2020, we spotlight the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Additional Special Interest Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys always offers myriad tours that showcase important aspects of the American experience and which reflect the varied interests of our curious travelers.

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C elebrate Smithsonian is our annual opportunity to see the Institution behind the scenes; meet with curators, scholars, and scientists; and enjoy candlelit dinners in museums.

P aris: The African American Experience focuses the Smithsonian lens on Paris from an important perspective.

A variety of Smithsonian museums focus on the topic of film. And each year Smithsonian Journeys travelers enjoy special access at the Cannes and Toronto International Film Festivals.

T he automobile is a vital feature of American history and spirit. So each year we showcase a destination where travelers can visit private car collections, factories, and museums in the company of an automotive expert.

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River Cruises Experience leisurely river cruising throughout the world aboard deluxe riverboats and sail into the heart of your destinations. Small enough to dock in renowned towns and cities, our ships are large enough to provide upscale amenities and fascinating shore excursions. Return each day to a sophisticated home away from home and enjoy a convivial ambiance with other lifelong learners. You’ll often find yourself aboard the deluxe Amadeus or CroisiEurope river fleets in Europe and American Cruise Lines in the U.S., accommodating 100 to 185 guests, and smaller specialty ships such as the Zafiro on the Amazon. All riverboats are stylishly appointed with modern amenities and meals are prepared by superior chefs. (See four of our many River Cruises here!)

A Danube River Cruise

From Germany to Bulgaria Aboard the 160-guest Amadeus Star 16 days from $5,790 / Includes $250 early booking savings / No Single Supplement!

The fabled Danube River flows through the heartland of Central and Eastern Europe—an evocative landscape of ancient capitals, lovely villages, and magnificent churches, palaces, and castles. After exploring Prague, enjoy a Danube River cruise featuring eight countries. You’ll visit many World Heritage sites, plus enjoy a choice of specialty excursions in many cities.

Waterways of Holland and Belgium

A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp Aboard the 160-guest Amadeus Star 9 days from $3,390 / Includes $250 early booking savings / No Single Supplement!

Our popular cruise of Holland and Belgium showcases magnificent art and architecture, spellbinding gardens, and enchanting medieval villages. Observe windmills, fields of flowers, and other cultural traditions of the Low Countries as you cruise along delightful canals and rivers from Amsterdam to Antwerp and enjoy a choice of included excursions.

Amazon River Cruise

Round-trip from Lima Aboard the 36-guest Zafiro 9 days from $5,295 / Includes $1,000 early booking savings Exploring the mysterious Amazon River Basin—one of Earth’s most exotic natural realms and our planet’s largest rain forest ecosystem—is an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Witness a spectacular variety of flora and fauna by excursion boat and nature walks in the Peruvian Amazon and learn about critical global issues of biodiversity and sustainability.

Art Along the Hudson

A Fall Foliage Cruise Round-trip from New York City Aboard the 100-guest American Star 9 days from $6,890 / Includes $250 early booking savings Experience the blazing fall colors of the Hudson River Valley, often the subject of paintings

by Hudson River School artists, during this popular and unique cruise. You’ll tour museums featuring superb art collections and historic homes of artists and political figures, including the Rockefeller’s Kykuit, Storm King Art Center, Frederic Church’s Olana, and Hyde Park.

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Go online for more exceptional River Cruises!

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Go online for more exceptional Cultural Stay Journeys!

Cultural Stay Journeys Our shorter Cultural Stay Journeys allow you to unpack once and discover a destination’s unique sense of place in more depth. Choose from a single European cultural capital such as London, Paris, or Berlin, or a smaller city that showcases the intrinsic flavor of the region.

Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy an insightful experience that features both highlights and lesser known sites along with opportunities to meet with local people. Plus, centrally located accommodations that reflect the culture of your destination make it all the more delightful! Or choose an immersive three-week “Living In” stay for a well-balanced program of themed activities and independent exploration. (See four of our popular Cultural Stay Journeys here!)

Sorrento 9 days from $4,290 / Includes $250 early booking savings From sunny Sorrento, experience Italy’s southern Campania region—renowned for the Amalfi Coast, World Heritage archaeological sites, sophisticated resorts, and distinctive cuisine— during your one-week stay at the centrally located Hotel Plaza Sorrento.

County Mayo 9 days from $4,190 / Includes $250 early booking savings / No Single Supplement!

Experience the essence of Irish culture in Westport, County Mayo, where you’ll view Ireland through the eyes of its people. During this charming stay program, enjoy day trips to iconic landscapes and historic sites from Sligo to Galway, always returning to your intimate small town and the comfortable Westport Plaza Hotel.

Spain’s Andalusia 9 days from $3,990 / Includes $250 early booking savings / No Single Supplement!

Explore the influence of Moorish, Christian, and Jewish cultures in Andalusia—as reflected in its art and architecture, cuisine, and culture—during this one-week stay in Antequera. Located in the heart of Andalusia, this lovely white hill town and the Parador de Antequera are truly ideal for exploring Granada, Seville, Ronda, and Cordoba.

Living in France A Three-Week Stay in Provence 23 days from $4,790 / Includes $250 early booking savings A memorable opportunity awaits solo travelers, couples, and friends eager to live the relaxed lifestyle of Provence while becoming immersed in its culture, history, and language. As you reside in Aix-en-Provence, explore many of the must-see sites as well as off-the-beaten-path treasures with a local expert, and enjoy time on your own (or with new friends) to pursue personal interests. A choice of special enrichment tracks (language, cuisine, the arts), plus ideal apart/hotel accommodations help you establish a semi-independent experience.

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Go online for more exceptional Active Journeys!

Active Journeys Be engaged, energized, and inspired in an entirely new way! Experience the world up close while hiking, rafting, cycling, or trekking. With a small group of only 18 travelers, you’ll develop a strong sense of camaraderie quickly, go off the beaten path, get to know the local people, and stay in lodgings that reflect the culture of your destination. In association with MT Sobek, top adventure travel specialists for 50 years, we’re providing the best in Active Journeys. (See four of them here.)

Hiking Scotland’s Hebrides and Highlands 10 days from $5,895 Embrace invigorating mountain hikes and leisurely coastal walks in the Hebrides and Highlands amid landscapes that evoke poignant stories and clan history. Each day brings new discoveries as you experience the country’s rugged beauty up close, meet the people, and learn about its traditions and culture.

Hiking and History Along El Camino de Santiago 11 days from $5,995 For over a thousand years, pilgrims have hiked the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain. Whether you’re on a spiritual journey yourself or simply want the thrill of hiking this famous pilgrimage route, join us on this new Active Journey from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela and Cabo Finisterre.

Hiking Through Patagonia 14 days from $7,495 Join us for an exciting hiking trip in world-renowned Patagonia. Hiking the dramatic mountainous landscapes of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks, both World Heritage sites, you’ll witness breathtaking views of snowcapped peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and dramatic glaciers, and learn about the natural world from a paleontologist and other local experts.

Vietnam Cycling Adventure 11 days from $4,395 Explore the beauty and rich cultural heritage of Vietnam by foot and bike! During bicycle trips through the lush countryside, stop in small villages to meet local people in their homes and visit their museums and temples. From ancient tombs, delightful gardens, and imperial citadels to modern cities and World Heritage sites, you’ll gain a deeper insight into the sites and people of Vietnam at a slower, more deliberate pace.

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Tailor-Made Journeys Tailor-made travel means experiencing the world your way—when and how you want, with whom you want, and nothing more.

How does it work? To begin, you will be paired with a country specialist with extensive firsthand knowledge of their region. With their guidance and insider knowledge, you will work together to curate a day-by-day itinerary with seamless transfers, excellent guides, immersive excursions, and ideal accommodations, all hand-selected to match your interests and preferences. Our country specialists can create amazing individualized journeys in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Australia and the Pacific!

For trip inspiration, see some of our suggested itineraries online at SmithsonianJourneys.org/ Tailor-Made. Then speak with a country specialist to create your own dream trip!

Our tailor-made trip to Australia was a fantastic experience! The guidance from our Country Specialist throughout the planning process was great and very thorough. – Richard S. 18

Let the Journey Begin Request a FREE 108-page catalog at SmithsonianJourneys.org/Begin This catalog is your entry point to Smithsonian Journeys! You’ll also want to go online to find detailed information on more than 300 departures, plus bios and interviews with experts, special offers, ship and hotel information, and activity levels. Check out our online Trip Finder, which helps you discover your perfect journey in just seconds through our specialized search filters. Plus, sign up for our emails at SmithsonianJourneys.org/Begin. Then you’ll be the very first to know about special offers, newly announced tours, and more!

Discover other travel styles in our catalog and online, including: Around-the-World Journeys by Private Jet For the ultimate trip of a lifetime, join our spectacular Around-the-World Journey and witness the wonders of the world that have long captured the imagination.

Train Journeys Whether you are a true train buff or simply enjoy the “romance of the rails,” you’ll find many fascinating worldwide train trips to fulfill your dreams.

Family Journeys Enjoy a memorable time exploring the world with your family from a selection of thoughtfully planned journeys aimed at inspiring and enriching travelers of all ages!

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Let the Journey Begin

Smithsonian Institution P.O. Box 23182 Washington, DC 20026