Smithsonian Journeys Collaborates with MTS

MOUNTAIN TRAVEL SOBEK AND SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS ANNOUNCE NEW TRAVEL OFFERING – SMITHSONIAN ACTIVE JOURNEYS BY MOUNTAIN TRAVEL SOBEK A collection of 11 small group journeys developed with the active traveler in mind EMERYVILLE, CA, January 16, 2018 – Mountain Travel Sobek, a leading adventure travel company specializing in group and custom journeys, and Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, and a leader in authentic and enriching, small-group travel, have joined to offer Smithsonian Active Journeys by Mountain Travel Sobek. This first collection of history- and culturerich trips are specifically designed for Smithsonian Journeys travelers who want to explore the world in a more active way.

“Mountain Travel Sobek’s focus on providing active, life-enriching itineraries supports Smithsonian Journeys in its effort to offer customers a rewarding cultural travel experience,” said Kimberly Daley, President and CEO of Mountain Travel Sobek. “We are proud to be affiliated with an organization renowned for inspiring generations through learning and discovery.”

Travelers booking a Smithsonian Active Journey by Mountain Travel Sobek will work closely with a dedicated Active Journeys specialist who will help them find the right adventure to match their interests and pace. With no more than 18 participants, each trip will be intimate and enriching. For example, since cultural insight is key to Smithsonian Journeys, travelers will enjoy opportunities to get to know each destination in more depth through special arrangements with local experts.

“Our dedication to lifelong learning and passion for exploring the world drives us to continually develop authentic, enriching experiences for our travelers,” said Carol LeBlanc, Senior Vice President, Smithsonian Enterprises. “We are pleased to join with Mountain Travel Sobek to provide a new, highquality travel option for our intellectually curious, sophisticated, and adventurous Smithsonian travelers.”

The Smithsonian Active Journeys collection features a variety of ways to experience the world more actively. The new assortment includes: - A challenging high-altitude inn-to-inn trek in the Andes, allowing participants to experience breathtaking Machu Picchu and learn about the Inca culture - An ultimate challenge-of-a-lifetime with a hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro – the “roof of Africa” in Tanzania - A walk amid the vineyards and hillsides of Tuscany with gourmet meals along the way - A hike along the beautiful and rugged coastlines of Scotland’s Hebrides and Highlands, sipping fine Scotch whisky, and stopping to meet a weaver of Harris tweed.

Find detailed information about Smithsonian Active Journeys by Mountain Travel Sobek at Smithsonian Journeys.org (select “Active Journeys” in the Trip Finder). Then call our dedicated team of Active Journeys specialists at (833) 254-6678 Mon.– Fri. (from 10 am–8 pm EST).

About Mountain Travel Sobek Mountain Travel Sobek pioneered adventure travel nearly 50 years ago and continues to create exceptional 'bucket list' experiences in the world's most incredible places. The company’s founders led their first trek in the Himalayas in 1969, quickly followed by the first sailing cruise to the Galápagos Islands. Today, Mountain Travel Sobek offers more than 200 scheduled group and private custom adventures across all seven continents, with insider access made possible by a world-class team of travel experts and local guides.

Whether it's a trek to Machu Picchu, an epic safari in Botswana, a hiking tour of Mont Blanc, or a rafting journey on Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Mountain Travel Sobek continues to uphold its reputation for excellence, commitment to environmental preservation, and never-ending passion for sharing the marvels of the planet.

About the Smithsonian Since it’s founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 19 museums, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,500 Smithsonian employees and 6,300 volunteers. There were 30 million visits to the Smithsonian in 2016. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 154 million, of which 145 million are scientific specimens at the National Museum of Natural History. www.smithsonian.org About Smithsonian Journeys Smithsonian Journeys is an established leader in expert-led land and cruise travel, offering more than 350 annual journeys on all seven continents. Smithsonian Journeys delivers dynamic travel experiences that uncover the authentic culture of each destination, providing access unavailable to most travelers. A broad array of travel opportunities are available, including small-group land tours (many with air included), cultural stay programs, small-ship ocean cruises, comfortable river cruises, active journeys, family journeys, around the world by private jet journeys, and tailor-made journeys for the independent traveler. For more information visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org

### Media Contacts Heather Howard, Director of Communications, (510) 637-9490; heather@mtsobek.com Angela Ferragamo, VP, Marketing, Smithsonian Travel, 202-633-6028; ferragamoa@si.edu