Smithsonian Journeys Cultural Stays 2022 by Smithsonian Enterprises

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Cultural Stays 2022 SETTLE IN A N D E X P L O R E I N D E P T H

New Flexible Payment Terms Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your next journey

SmithsonianJourneys.org / 877.338.8687

See our website for details

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Our Cultural Stay Collection Special Savings included! See more inside and on our website!

4 8 Reasons to travel with Smithsonian Journeys 6 Cultural Stay Overview 8 At Home in the World – Hotels 10 Our Experts Italy 12 Italy’s Apulia 14 Italy’s Lake District 16 Palermo & Taormina 18 Italy’s Amalfi Coast Spain 20 Spain’s Andalusia 22 Segovia 24 France & Spain’s Basque Region 26 Barcelona

France 28 Normandy 30 Paris: The African American Experience Central Europe

32 Kraków Ireland 34 County Clare “Living In” Journeys 36 “Living In” Overview 38 Living in Italy – Three-Week Stay 40 Living in France – Three-Week Stay 42 Trip Finder 42 FlexAir Program 43 More Ways to Travel

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8 Reasons to travel with

Smithsonian Journeys 1. The Smithsonian Difference

5. Small Groups, Big Experiences

Our trips reflect the vast knowledge and experience Smithsonian has gathered since its founding in 1846. All of our itineraries are carefully crafted to provide a deep, authentic, and unique experience, and many also provide special access to Smithsonian research, people, and facilities.

Now more than ever, the idea of traveling with a small group of fellow travelers is reassuring. You’ll experience the world in a bigger way, getting up close to renowned sites and taking the path less traveled. And with small-group travel, you’ll meet the local people, participate in cultural traditions, and get to know your fellow travelers and trip leaders.

2. A Name You Can Trust Over the past 175 years, Smithsonian has worked to earn its reputation as one of America’s most trusted institutions. And, as you would expect from Smithsonian, our journeys are known for top-notch service, engaging experts, and some of the most experienced trip leaders and local guides. And when you travel with Smithsonian, you know that your safety and well-being are always a top priority.

6. Great Value Once you add up the extras that we include—experts, enrichment, most meals, excursions, transfers, most gratuities, and even solo traveler savings on select trips—you’ll find that many of our trips are a very good value in addition to being an exceptional experience.

3. Travel with Our Experts

7. Supporting the Smithsonian Mission

Our travelers tell us one of their favorite aspects of our journeys is the fun and engaging learning at the core of every trip. Our world-class experts bring meaningful enrichment and insider perspectives to hundreds of departures on all seven continents. You’ll find that some of your best times with your Smithsonian Journeys Expert take place during informal conversations, at meals, and while exploring sites in more depth. In addition to traveling with a Smithsonian Journeys Expert, you’ll be accompanied by a top professional trip leader and local guides who are the best in the industry. They know their destination and itinerary intimately and can make adjustments on a moment’s notice.

When you travel with Smithsonian Journeys, your participation benefits the work of the Institution, supporting our educational mission to preserve our heritage, discover new knowledge, and share our resources with the world. And, you have the comfort of knowing that you are traveling with an organization that is committed to sustaining the character and biodiversity of the places we visit by selecting partners and suppliers who meet our standards for responsible travel and supporting regional economies through our use of distinctive local guides and accommodations.

4. The Smithsonian Community On any given trip, you’ll travel with intellectually curious, worldly, and adventurous 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 other travelers who share your passion for deeper learning and exploration.

8. Peace of Mind To assure your peace of mind during these times, we’ve made our payment terms more flexible. Reserve your journey before December 31, 2021, and you may cancel up to 95 days before the departure date and receive a full refund.* And we are implementing new protocols to ensure that all of our trips meet the health and safety guidelines established by the U.S. Travel Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

*Offer valid for new 2022 bookings received before December 31, 2021. At 95 days before departure, funds paid are no longer refundable. This offer is not available for transferred bookings with payment made prior to April 2, 2020, or on Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Cruises, Private Jet, or Tailor-Made Journeys.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

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Poulnabrone Dolmen, The Burren, County Clare, Ireland

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

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Discover a journey that lasts a lifetime Cultural Stay Programs Choose a one-week stay from among several unique destinations and explore a locale in depth. Discover cosmopolitan Barcelona, Kraków, or Paris; get to know vibrant cities, like Palermo, Segovia, or Antequera; or discover magnificent landscapes in Italy’s Lake District, Ireland’s west coast, or Italy’s Apulia region. Whatever your choice, you’ll enjoy the place and its environs, meet with local people, and stay in delightful centrally located accommodations. Or delve deeper with an immersive three-week “Living In” stay in Aix-en-Provence or Florence (see page 36).

”

Our trip to Kraków with Smithsonian Journeys exceeded my expectations in every way. From our tour director to the itinerary to the hotel and food

Each journey brings you closer to iconic sites, takes you off the beaten track to hidden gems, and introduces you to the locale’s unique character through specially arranged cultural encounters. Enjoy a Calvados tasting in Normandy to sample the region’s famous apple brandy, see a traditional performance by Irish dancers and musicians, or visit a family-owned olive farm in Sicily to learn how olive oil is made.

to the guest speakers. It was our

Well-rounded programs are a hallmark of Smithsonian Journeys, recognized for signature touches, such as culinary demonstrations, special excursions, engaging presentations, and lively discussions. Experience the camaraderie of traveling with a group, but also take advantage of ample free time to pursue your own interests. You’ll come away with a fresh, new perspective that will transform your travel experience.

reputation.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

first time with Smithsonian and they definitely lived up to their - Kathleen E., Kraków

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Cultural Stay Programs include: • A Smithsonian Journeys Expert, who will enrich your travel experience with in-depth talks that offer a deeper understanding of the places visited

• Personal listening devices so you won’t miss a word

• A Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director, who is dedicated to all on-site details to ensure a comfortable, stress-free journey

• Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corners, which offer informal discussions about daily highlights with fellow travelers and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert

• Our FlexAir program to provide you with flexibility and choice to personalize your air travel (see page 42 for details) • No single supplement charges for solo travelers on select programs (limited availability) • Accommodations in distinctive lodgings that offer the best combination of quality, ambiance, and location (see pages 8-9) • Most meals, including all breakfasts (B) and many lunches (L) and dinners (D), plus welcome and farewell receptions (R)

• Authentic experiences to broaden your understanding of other cultures

A Note on Activity Level

• Most gratuities including your Travel Director, local guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff, and more • Pre-departure planning documents, including packing and travel suggestions, and a comprehensive, annotated reading list

Our cultural stays are full immersive programs. They are ideal for travelers in good health with overall good mobility, and who are comfortable participating in at least three hours of group activity per day. Many excursions require walking for extended periods of time during museum and city tours. If you have any concerns about your ability to participate in a tour, one of our Cultural Travel Specialists will be happy to assist you.

• Complimentary airport transfers for FlexAir travelers and those able to meet at a scheduled departure time • Luggage handling for one bag per guest

Cloister of the Palace of Carlos V in the Alhambra of Granada, Spain

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At home in the world Let the journey begin Your accommodations enhance your overall experience and are integral to a memorable trip. With Smithsonian Journeys, you can be assured of distinctive properties that reflect the character and ambiance of the local culture and meet the high standards you expect. We have traveled the world to ensure that you will stay in quality, well-located properties filled with charm and style. You’ll return each evening to a well-appointed room with the comforts and amenities you expect. At many of these hotels, you will enjoy convenient features such as room service, restaurants, fitness facilities, and wellness centers. These first-class hotels, often a distinctive boutique property or a family-owned hotel, offer satisfying comforts at the end of an exciting day when you might watch a sunset from the hotel’s rooftop or sip a local vintage on a sun-splashed terrace. The apartment-style properties on our “Living In” programs allow you to live in another country like a local as you become a regular at the corner café and prepare a homemade meal in your fully equipped kitchenette.

GRAND HOTEL PIAZZA BORSA | PALERMO, ITALY

HOTEL COVO DEI SARACENI | POLIGNANO A MARE, ITALY

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”

Smithsonian offered a once-in-alifetime experience…. The hotel was perfect for a long stay, the tour director was exceptional, provided meals were very good, and excursions were hosted by knowledgeable tour directors. I will be going on another Smithsonian tour! – Deborah W., Living in France

EUROSTARS MONTE TAURO | TAORMINA, ITALY

EUROSTARS CONVENTO CAPUCHINOS | SEGOVIA, SPAIN

HOTEL UNICUS PALACE | KRAKÓW, POLAND

LES JARDINS DU MARAIS | PARIS, FRANCE

PARADOR DE HONDARRIBIA | HONDARRIBIA, SPAIN

OLD GROUND HOTEL | ENNIS, IRELAND

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Gain in-depth understanding and a sense of wonder Our Experts One feature that makes our programs uniquely special is our world-class Smithsonian Journeys Experts. Among the experts who accompany you on your journey are scholars from around the world—with in-depth understanding of history, culture, politics, the natural world, or the fine arts. We select experts whose area of expertise fits with the destination and who are eager to share their passion, knowledge, and insights about the places you visit. Our travelers continue to tell us that our experts are a major reason they come back to Smithsonian Journeys again and again. Meet some of our experts and read about the tours they will lead in the pages that follow. And go online to read more about them and see the accolades shared by our travelers.

1 Rafael Chacon Rafael, director of the Montana Museum of Art and Culture and an art history professor at the University of Montana-Missoula, is a Renaissance and baroque art expert. His interests also include revival-style architecture in the U.S. northwest. Spain’s Andalusia (page 20). Segovia (page 22). France & Spain’s Basque Country (page 24).

2 Ana Afzali A professor of Spanish culture, literature, and language at Citrus College in Southern California, Ana is an expert in the medieval literature and history of Spain and Portugal. She also has a special interest in the Iberian Renaissance. Barcelona (page 26).

3 Laurie Koloski An associate professor of history at Virginia’s College of William & Mary in Virginia, Laurie lectures on modern Europe, world history, and material culture. Her research focuses on the social and cultural history of post-war Kraków. Kraków (page 32).

4 Gail Cornell As an architectural historian, Gail’s work has taken her throughout Europe and North Africa. She currently is an adjunct faculty member at New York University and a lecturer at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Italy’s Lake District (page 14). Italy’s Amalﬁ Coast (page 18).

”

Smithsonian knocks it out of the park. Their experts, tour directors, and local guides make all the difference… and the food is incredible too! - Linda C.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

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5 5 Robert Dalessandro A historian, author, and retired U.S. Army colonel, Robert is acting secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission. He is an expert in three centuries of the lifeways of the U.S. soldier. He also leads battleﬁeld tours in Europe and the U.S. Normandy (page 28).

6 David Gies

David is a professor emeritus of Spanish at the University of Virginia, where he formerly chaired the department. A widely published author, he also edits a journal about the Spanish Enlightenment. He received a Spanish knighthood in 2007. Spain’s Andalusia (page 20). France & Spain’s Basque Region (page 24).

7 Margaret Monnier An expert on the Iberian peninsula, Margaret is a frequent educational travel and university lecturer. In addition to her focus on the region’s medieval period, she also has an interest in the Basque Country, Portuguese history, and the Camino de Santiago. Spain’s Andalusia (page 20). France & Spain’s Basque Region (page 24).

8 Gary Radke

Gary is one of the world’s leading experts on Italian medieval and Renaissance art. A former humanities and art history professor at Syracuse University, Gary has served as a guest curator at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art since 2001.

Palermo & Taormina (page 16). Italy’s Amalﬁ Coast (page 18).

Learn more about our Experts at SmithsonianJourneys.org/Experts 11

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No Single Supplement Limited Availability

Cave homes of Matera

Itinerary Day 1 | In Transit

Italy’s Apulia

Depart for Bari, Italy.

Day 2 | Bari, Italy | Polignano a Mare |

A One-Week Stay in Polignano a Mare

Arrive in Bari and transfer to Polignano a Mare. Check in to the Hotel Covo dei Saraceni. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3 | Bari | Polignano a Mare |

Italy’s southeastern Apulia (or Puglia) is a magical landscape of ancient towns with unique architecture, diverse cultural sites, and outstanding culinary traditions. Explore this region during a one-week stay in Polignano a Mare. Stroll through picturesque villages, some inhabited as far back as the 13th century B.C. and later influenced by the Greeks and Romans. Savor regional specialties and learn about culinary traditions at a family olive mill and local vineyard.

Highlights Include

Excursion: Bari. In the historic port of Bari, wander the tangle of medieval streets in the city’s Old Town. Admire the carved portal of the 11thcentury Basilica di San Nicola, which has a striking mosaic floor. Walk along the seafront promenade, and stroll through the Murat quarter, the modern heart of the city. Trulli, Alberobello

Cuisine: Savor delicious Apulian specialties. The sundrenched, fertile soil produces bright red tomatoes, flavorful olives, and juicy citrus fruit, while the sea offers the fresh, plump seafood. Visit a family-owned olive mill for a taste of liquid gold.

Polignano a Mare: Stay in a charming boutique hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy peaceful mornings and watch the sun peek above the horizon each morning.

Trani: Stroll through this charming fishing town. Admire the postcard setting of the harbor where the medieval cathedral stands guard. Trace the footsteps of the Knights Templar who once occupied the town during the Crusades.

Unique Architecture: Discover the unique whitewashed homes with fieldstone conical roofs and marvel at the astonishing cave homes in Matera.

Lecce and Ostuni: Marvel at the intricate baroque style that is unique to the pretty town of Lecce. In Ostuni, explore the labyrinth of narrow lanes that wind through the Old Town.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Enjoy a delicious lunch in Bari. Excursion: Polignano a Mare. Discover why this vibrant fishing village makes the ideal base for exploration of the region. Pass through the Porta Vecchia gate to stroll the cobbled streets of Old Town, fragrant with flowering plants and freshly baked goods. Along the way, peek inside the workshops of local artisans, and experience the warm hospitality of local residents. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 4 | Locorotondo | Alberobello | Excursion: The Heart of Apulia and Trulli Fascinating Alberobello. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Apulian countryside to Locorotondo. Take in the scenic charm of this beautiful medieval town during

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Right: Polignano a Mare Below right: Whitewashed Ostuni

a walking tour. Continue to a family-owned winery and linger for a tour, wine tasting, and a light snack. Then, visit Alberobello, where you will find more than one thousand mysterious dwellings known as trulli. Found nowhere else in the world, these white limestone structures are pieced together without mortar, their pointed fieldstone roofs painted with primitive Christian and pagan symbols. Educational Focus: Slow Food. Discuss the Slow Food movement, which began in Italy in the late 1980s, with a local expert. Discover how this movement to provide quality food and promote clean production applies to the world-famous Mediterranean diet.

Day 5 | Lecce | Ostuni | Excursion: Lecce and Ostuni. Witness Lecce’s florid baroque architecture carved by 17th-century architects. Admire the carvings of voluptuous caryatids, whimsical garlands, and lyrical scrolls. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Sant’ Oronzo, the Roman Column, and a Roman amphitheater. Enjoy time for lunch on your own. Then continue to Ostuni, a hill town of gleaming, whitewashed buildings overlooking the sea. Get lost in the labyrinthine passages of the Old Town, visit the magnificent cathedral, and walk atop the ancient city walls for wonderful vistas of olive groves and the sea.

HOTEL COVO DEI SARACENI | POLIGNANO A MARE Overnight Featured Site

Adriatic Sea Trani Bari

ITALY

Apulia

Polignano a Mare

Alberobello Locorotondo Matera

Egnazia Ostuni

Basilicata

Lecce

Ionian Sea

This evening, gather with fellow travelers for dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 6 | Egnazia | Excursion: Egnazia. Visit the ruins of Egnazia, an ancient town founded in the 13th century B.C. See remnants from its Roman period, including sections of Via Traiana, the ancient Roman road; an amphitheater; a forum; and two basilicas. Visit the museum to see artifacts unearthed at this site.

Day 7 | Matera | Excursion: Matera. Visit the Sassi districts of Matera. Initially gouged out by troglodytic nomads, these rock-hewn cave dwellings were carved into limestone tufa, and some showcase intricate, ornate facades. The people of Matera lived in the caves until the 1950s, when they forced to relocate. People began returning in the 1980s, and the Sassi became a World Heritage site in 1993. Enjoy fresh southern Italian flavors during a group lunch, followed by time for a stroll on your own. Educational Focus: Contemporary Italy. A local expert discusses Italy’s economy, politics, and role in the European Union.

With breathtaking views of Polignano a Mare’s Cala Porto cove, the Hotel Covo dei Saraceni sits in an enchanting location. At this cozy boutique hotel, enjoy an intimate atmosphere while dining at its seaview restaurant or enjoying an aperitivo at the bar. All guest rooms are comfortable and well appointed, offering a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring. The hotel features a spa and Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Adam Tanner | April (See our website)

Day 8 | Trani | Biscegli | Excursion: Trani. Known for its Moscato di Trani wine and plump figs, this fishing town is home to a 13th-century fort and a cathedral nestled in the harbor. Take note of the Norman houses, a typically English Romanesque style of architecture, and explore the medieval Jewish quarter.

Rebecca Schindler | May (See our website) John Dobbins | September (See our website) David Price Williams | October 5 (See our website) Charles Ingaro | October 26 (See our website) For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices

Local Flavor: Visit a family-run olive mill in Bisceglie and learn about the cultivation process of olive oil. Following lunch at the mill, gather with employees for an open-forum discussion about their life in Italy.

April 20-28, 2022 May 25 – June 2, 2022 September 14-22, 2022 October 5-13, 2022 October 26 – November 3, 2022

Tonight, gather for a farewell reception and a festive dinner to celebrate your weeklong journey in Apulia and to share your favorite moments in this enchanting region of Italy.

Tour Price

Day 9 | Depart Polignano a Mare for the U.S. | Transfer to the Bari airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

$4,490

VAT is included. Price includes $250 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details! All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single supplement waived for solo travelers! This offer is limited, capacity-controlled and tends to sell out quickly. Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. A Flights provided for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

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Borromean Islands, Lake Maggiore

Itinerary

Italy’s Lake District

Day 1 | In Transit Depart for Milan, Italy.

Day 2 | Milan, Italy | Stresa | Arrive in Milan. Transfer to Stresa and check in to the Hotel La Palma.

A One-Week Stay in Stresa Italy’s Lake District is a picturesque panorama of pristine Alpine beauty and elegant lakeside towns. Stay in Stresa by Lake Maggiore, where craggy peaks and the brilliant blue lake fill the horizon. Each day, explore colorful towns around the lakes, and admire the grand villas adorning the shores. Visit the dynamic city of Milan, Italy’s economic and fashion capital. From romantic villas and lush gardens to an ancient basilica and legendary opera house, immerse yourself in la dolce vita!

Highlights Include Lake Maggiore: Cruise on a private boat to Isola Madre to tour its lush English-style gardens. Visit Isola dei Pescatori, the fishermen’s island, and Isola Bella to see its baroque villa, outstanding art collection, and exquisite gardens. Lake Orta: Stroll along the lovely streets of picture-perfect Orta San Giulio. Then, sail to the enchanting Isola San Giulio to see its Romanesque basilica. 14

Get to know the area around your hotel as you join your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director for an orientation walk. This evening, join your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 3 | Borromean Islands | Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta

Lake Como: Discover Bellagio with its lavish villas and pretty pastel houses. Admire stunning views during a private boat ride to Como, where you can explore the town on a walking tour. Milan: See world-famous treasures, including the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a World Heritage site and home to Leonardo’s The Last Supper. Visit the Duomo and the museum at La Scala, Milan’s famous opera house. Italian Cuisine: Roll up your sleeves and learn the delicious secrets of the Italian kitchen during a cooking lesson at a restaurant in Stresa. After your lesson, sit down to enjoy the authentic flavors you have created.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Educational Focus: Lake Maggiore’s Gardens. Be immersed in fascinating history and learn about the powerful Borromeo family as a local expert shares knowledge of Lake Maggiore. Excursion: Borromean Islands. Begin with a cruise on Lake Maggiore aboard a private motorboat. Arrive at Isola Madre and enjoy a guided visit of the island’s botanical gardens, where you may see the resident peacocks, pheasants, and parrots. Embrace the rustic charm of Isola dei Pescatori, a peaceful fishing village. Have lunch at a restaurant on the island before continuing to Isola Bella, the “Beautiful Island.” Explore its 17th-century baroque palace and summer house. Admire the hanging gardens, listen for the song of rare birds, and marvel at the Greek and Roman statuary. Educational Focus: The Development of the Lake

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Left: Bellagio Below: The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci

District. Learn about the history of the famous Lake District, home to chic villas and manicured gardens.

Day 4 | Orta | Excursion: Lake Orta. Enjoy a scenic drive to Orta San Giulio. During a walking tour, see the central piazza and absorb the charms of idyllic lakeside life. Board a boat to visit Isola San Giulio, an enchanted island in the lake, and appreciate the beauty of the island’s Romanesque basilica with its medieval frescoes, wooden sculptures, and 11th-century great bell tower. Enjoy leisure time for lunch and make your own discoveries. Drink in the lake’s stillness from a waterfront locale or admire views from the Chiesa dell’ Assunta, a coral-hued parish church perched on a small hill. Educational Focus: Contemporary Italy. Discuss Italy’s economy, politics, and role in the European Union with a local expert. Gather with the group for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5 | Bellagio | Como | Excursion: Bellagio. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Como to Bellagio. Often considered to be the most beautiful town in Italy, Bellagio flaunts a promenade lined with lime trees and oleanders, a city center of cobblestone streets and picturesque alleyways, and charming buildings painted in shades of cream, peach, and butterscotch. Explore this enchanting village and pass by villas built by the region’s noble families. Enjoy a group lunch at a lakeside restaurant in Bellagio before some free time to explore this charming town on your own. Excursion: Cruising Lake Como. Take a private boat across Lake Como from Bellagio to the town of Como. Admire the opulent villas, colorful villages, and the Alpine background. Vistas of stunning gardens, hidden waterfalls, and cypress groves will captivate your senses. After the cruise, gather for a short walking tour of Como.

Day 6 | Stresa |

The Alps Lake Como Bellagio

Lake Maggiore Isola Bella Lake Orta Isola San Giulio

Isola Madre

Stresa

Como

Italian Lake District

HOTEL LA PALMA | STRESA Milan

Overnight Featured Site

ITALY

Day 7 | Milan | Excursion: Milan. Witness one of Leonardo’s masterpieces, The Last Supper, at the Renaissance Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This iconic painting took Leonardo two years to complete. Next, admire Milan’s Duomo, a 14th-century cathedral. More than 2,200 marble saints and 100 intimidating gargoyles defend the church. Then, step inside the world of opera at the museum of La Scala, Italy’s opulent opera house. Enjoy time to have lunch on your own at a café or restaurant in Milan and spend some time exploring on your own.

Local Flavor: Learn the delicious secrets of traditional Italian cuisine during an interactive cooking lesson at a restaurant in Stresa. After the lesson, sit down with your fellow travelers to delight in a delicious lunch.

Day 8 | Stresa |

Independent Exploration: The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. You may wish to visit one of the other lakeside towns, such as Baveno and Pallanza, to take in their architecture and museums, or explore the gardens of one of the nearby villas.

Day 9 | Depart Stresa for the U.S. |

Enjoy the morning and afternoon independently. Stroll through town or take in the view from the hotel’s rooftop lounge. Tonight, attend a farewell reception and dinner.

Transfer to the Milan airport for the return flights to your gateway city. Note: The order of scheduled events may differ from what is published here. A detailed itinerary will be provided with your pre-departure materials.

The Hotel La Palma is in a quiet, centrally located neighborhood on the banks of Lake Maggiore. The hotel has a stylish restaurant, a private beach, and a lakeside pool with superb views of the Borromean Islands. Guests can revel in spectacular sunsets from the stunning rooftop lounge. Each well-appointed guest room features a private terrace or balcony. Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Gail Cornell | May (See page 11) Allan Langdale | June (See our website) Pedar Foss | October (See our website) The Smithsonian Journeys Expert for the September departure will be announced soon. For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices May 7-15, 2022 June 18-26, 2022 September 8-16, 2022 October 15-23, 2022 Garden View Lake View (limited availability)

$5,090 $5,490

VAT is included. Price includes $250 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details! All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $895 for Garden View and $1,190 for Lake View (limited availability). Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. A Flights provided for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

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Greek theater, Taormina

Itinerary

Palermo & Taormina

Day 1 | In Transit Depart for Palermo, Italy.

Day 2 | Palermo, Italy | Arrive in Palermo and transfer to the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa.

A Stay in Sicily

Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner. Discover the depth of Sicily’s history and heritage with stays in two very different cities. Begin in Palermo, a city pulsing with a fascinating blend of cultural influences. Its streets are a showcase of Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture. Continue to beautiful Taormina, where Mount Etna dominates the view. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina has been influenced by its Greek, Roman, and Norman past. Over the centuries, these remarkably diverse regions have witnessed the ebb and flow of foreign armies and occupiers, including many who stayed to imprint their culture on the island.

Highlights Include Palermo and Environs: Admire Islamic and Byzantine mosaics in Palermo’s Palatine Chapel and Monreale’s cathedral. In Erice, see ancient Phoenician walls and the Castle of Venus. Discover the beautiful Romanesque cathedral in the picturesque seaside village of Cefalù. 16

Day 3 | Monreale | Palermo |

Palermo

Taormina and Environs: Take in the view of Mount Etna from the medieval town of Taormina. In the ancient Greek town of Syracuse, once a strong rival of Athens, tour the Old Town of Ortygia and the archaeological park. Greek and Roman Sicily: Explore the Valley of the Temples, and see some of the best mosaics from the Roman world at an ancient villa. Sicilian Cuisine: Learn about prize-winning virgin olive oil during lunch at a family farm, and work up an appetite during a pizza-making lesson.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Excursion: Monreale and Palermo. Discover the influences of the various peoples who settled in Sicily, a great cultural crossroads. Visit Monreale’s Santa Maria la Nuova, a cathedral with splendid mosaics, and admire views of the Conca d’Oro, the Golden Basin. Return to Palermo and experience a lively neighborhood market, where locals select their fresh produce and fish just plucked from the sea. Then, visit Palermo’s cathedral, a blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Norman architecture. Step inside the Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace to admire unusual mosaics that contain both Christian and Islamic motifs. See the Arab-Norman domes of St. John of the Hermits and the Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest theater. Indulge in local specialties during a group lunch. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Palermo. Discover the passeggiata, the evening stroll. This age-old custom is a time for catching up on the latest news and socializing before dinner.

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Right: Cefalu Far right: Erice | Lower right: Taormina

Day 4 | Segesta | Erice | Excursion: Ancient Segesta. In Segesta, see a spectacular Doric temple and admire a theater carved into the side of Mount Barbaro. Local Flavor: Visit an award-winning, familyowned olive farm for lunch. Enjoy a tasting and learn about the process of making olive oil. Excursion: Erice. Visit the lovely town of Erice, perched high above Trapani harbor. See two medieval castles and walls that date from the Phoenician era, and marvel at the Romanesque architecture of the Norman Duomo. Stroll the village’s winding lanes and take in the aroma of sweets baking in Erice’s many pasticcerie. Educational Focus: Mafia—Past and Present. In Sicily, the Mafia is known as Cosa Nostra. Gather with a local expert to examine the legacy of the Cosa Nostra and its effect on Sicilian society.

GRAND HOTEL PIAZZA BORSA | PALERMO

Day 5 | Cefalù | Excursion: Cefalù. The highlights of this pretty fishing village include a 12th-century cathedral, regarded as one of southern Europe’s greatest churches, and a Duomo with beautiful mosaics. Dine on traditional cuisine during dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 6 | Agrigento | Piazza Armerina | Taormina | Excursion: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. Founded in the sixth century B.C., Agrigento has an exceptional collection of well-preserved Greek ruins. Visit the Valley of the Temples, and see sanctuaries dedicated to Hercules, Concordia, and Jupiter. Enjoy lunch in Agrigento. Excursion: Sicily’s Mosaics. Visit Piazza Armerina and the Villa Romana del Casale. In this ancient Roman country house, witness a display of mosaics that depict everything from scenes of daily life to flowers and plants. This visual delight is one of the best examples of Roman mosaics remaining in the world. Continue to Taormina and check in to the Eurostars Monte Tauro.

Day 7 | Taormina | Excursion: Taormina. Explore the city of Taormina, situated on the side of Monte Tauro. Stroll past the shops and sidewalk eateries along Corso Umberto, the main shopping street, and visit the ancient Greek theater, still used today due to its fantastic acoustics. Local Flavor: Visit a family-owned restaurant for a pizza-making lesson, followed by lunch.

Erice Segesta

ITALY

Palermo

Monreale

Cefalù

Taormina

Sicily Agrigento

Piazza Armerina

Catania

EUROSTARS MONTE TAURO | TAORMINA

Syracuse

Mediterranean Sea

Overnight Featured Site

Enjoy an evening to explore Taormina and have dinner on your own.

Day 8 | Syracuse | Excursion: Magnificent Syracuse. In historic Syracuse, visit the Archaeological Park to see the city’s great ancient ruins, including the Teatro Greco and the Roman amphitheater. In the Old Town on the island of Ortygia, stroll in the elegant Piazza del Duomo; visit the Duomo, built over the Temple of Athena; and see the Fonte Aretusa. Enjoy free time in Syracuse for lunch and exploring on your own.

Day 9 | Taormina |

Ideally located in the heart of the city, the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa is near restaurants, shops, and popular street markets. Overlooking the ocean, the Eurostars Monte Tauro is a restful retreat after a day of sightseeing. Both first-class hotels have complimentary Wi-Fi.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Sheri Shaneyfelt | April (See our website) Gary Radke | May (See page 11) Glenn Bugh | September (See our website) Trudy Harrington Becker & Andrew Becker | October (See our website) For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices April 20-29, 2022 May 11-20, 2022 September 7-16, 2022 October 26 – November 4, 2022

The day is free to pursue your individual interests. Enjoy more of Taormina, or perhaps you would like to take a day trip to Catania or Messina to explore their historic city centers.

Tour Price

Gather for a farewell reception and dinner.

Day 10 | Depart Taormina for the U.S. |

All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $1,295 (limited availability).

Transfer to the Catania airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. A Flights provided for FlexAir participants.

$5,590

VAT is included. Price includes $250 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details!

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

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Positano, Amalfi Coast

Itinerary Day 1 | In Transit

Italy’s Amalﬁ Coast

Depart for Naples, Italy.

Day 2 | Naples, Italy | Vietri sul Mare | Arrive in Naples. Transfer to Vietri sul Mare and check in to the Hotel Raito.

A One-Week Stay in Vietri sul Mare With breathtaking natural beauty, the region of Campania beguiles you from the start. Craggy mountains tower over the shoreline along the deep-blue Mediterranean Sea, and the sun warms the colorful villages clinging to the hillsides above sandy coves. The old-world charm and laidback, yet elegant, ambiance of Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri, and Positano entice you to explore and then linger. Visit ancient Roman cities, where glorious ruins transport you to an illustrious past. It doesn’t take long to understand what composer Giuseppe Verdi meant when he said, “You may have the universe if I may have Italy.”

Highlights Include The Amalfi Coast: Admire the views during a drive along the dramatic curves of the Amalfi Coast. Take in stunning seascapes during a private boat ride to Positano, built along seaside cliffs, and enjoy free time in lemon-scented Sorrento. Visit gorgeous Ravello. Archaeological Sites: Tour three of the world’s best-preserved Greek temples. Explore the ancient 18

Get acquainted with your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner this evening.

Day 3 | Amalfi Coast |

Ruins at Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, destroyed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Naples: Study the remarkable art and artifacts of daily Roman life unearthed in Herculaneum and Pompeii at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. See other Neapolitan highlights. Capri: Explore the captivating Isle of Capri, a chic resort area since Roman times. Campania’s Cuisine: Savor Campania’s vibrant culinary scene, where sun-kissed produce, fresh seafood, and a bevy of heirloom recipes will tempt your palate.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Excursion: The Charming Amalfi Coast. Delight in a drive along the curvy Amalfi Coast, one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in all of Europe. Stop in the beautiful town of Ravello to tour Villa Rufolo, an elegant mansion originally built in the 13th century. Renaissance writer Boccaccio mentioned the villa in his most famous work, Decameron. The villa features lovely gardens and offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. Continue to charming Amalfi, heart of this scenic coast, for a brief tour and free time. Next, visit Positano, where you can have lunch on your own at a waterfront restaurant and explore the narrow lanes lined by pastel-hued homes and shops. Gather with the group for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Vietri sul Mare.

Day 4 | Paestum | Excursion: Paestum. Visit ancient Paestum, a site featuring defensive walls, the remains of three major Doric-style temples, and a variety of impressive ruins.

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Right: Amalfi Far right: Villa Rufolo, Ravello

Educational Focus: Meet the People. Dine on local specialties at a restaurant with a view of Paestum’s Temple of Hera. Speak with the restaurant’s owners and employees to learn about life in Campania. Educational Focus: The Wonders of Naples’ National Museum. A local expert shares details about the renowned museum’s collection of art and artifacts before tomorrow’s visit.

Day 5 | Naples | Excursion: Naples and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. Naples welcomes you with its vivacious spirit. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. With its collection of objects from Herculaneum and Pompeii, it is often cited as one of the world’s most important archaeological museums. Then, embark on a panoramic tour of the city, starting at the top of Posillipo Hill for a sprawling view of the city and the entire Bay of Naples. Enjoy the sights of Castel Nuovo, San Francesco di Paola, Teatro di San Carlo, and Piazza del Plebiscito. Local Flavor: Try authentic Neapolitan pizza. Educational Focus: Contemporary Italy. A local expert shares insight into Italian society, life in Campania, and the current situations in Italy.

Naples

Bay of Naples

Tonight, enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7 | Sorrento | Excursion: Sorrento. Visit Sorrento, one of southern Italy's most beloved towns. Homer used this dramatic cliffside city as the backdrop for Odysseus’ struggle against the sirens in the epic poem, The Odyssey. It was here that Odysseus bound himself to the mast of his ship to resist the sirens’ tempting song. See whether you can resist the seduction of Sorrento’s bevy of gardens, cafés, and pretty squares. Enjoy time on your own after a brief orientation tour. Local Flavor: Venture to the countryside to visit a farm to learn about the local cultivation of olives and the oil-making process. Also, discover how fior di latte cheeese is made and enjoy a tasting of this delicious soft cheese and other local foods.

ITALY

Pompeii

Sorrento Positano

Amalfi

Vietri sul Mare

Amalfi Coast Isle of Capri

Day 6 | Capri | Excursion: The Isle of Capri. Delight in a visit to the stunning island of Capri. Embark on a ferry ride to the island, where a private boat awaits to take you on a cruise around the island. Admire the sapphire-blue waters and the craggy coastline before returning to the island for a leisurely lunch on your own and free time to explore.

HOTEL RAITO | VIETRI SUL MARE Herculaneum

Tyrrhenian Sea

Paestum

Overnight Featured Site

Greet each morning and the gorgeous Amalfi Coast from your sea-view guest room at the Hotel Raito. This comfortable, contemporary hotel overlooks the Gulf of Salerno and the town of Vietri sul Mare. Relax in the beautiful pool area, unwind in the spa, or head to town to delight in the shops, cafés, and scenes of daily life. After a day of sightseeing, settle in with friends at the on-site restaurant or soak up Italian sunshine on the property’s sprawling terraces. Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Sara James | April (See our website)

Day 8 | Herculaneum | Pompeii |

Gary Radke | May (See page 11)

Excursion: Herculaneum and Pompeii. Spend a full day exploring these ancient Roman cities that met with a tragic fate. The small town of Herculaneum was preserved by mudflows while Pompeii, the larger of the two cities, was covered by ash. The preservation of the cities is unlike anything else in the world. Today, they are famous as excavation sites and outdoor museums that reveal how the people of these ancient Roman settlements lived 2,000 years ago.

Ashley Elston | September (See our website) Gail Cornell | October (See page 11) For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices April 20-28, 2022 May 4-12, 2022 September 7-15, 2022 October 19-27, 2022

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Vietri sul Mare.

Tour Price

This evening, celebrate your Amalfi adventure at a farewell reception and dinner.

Price includes $250 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details!

Day 9 | Depart Vietri sul Mare for the U.S. | Transfer to the Naples airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

$4,890

VAT is included.

transfers included for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

STHSON_Catalog22_SS_fin.qxp_Layout 1 9/25/21 6:58 PM Page 20

No Single Supplement Limited Availability

Antequera

Itinerary

Spain’s Andalusia

Day 1 | In Transit Depart for Málaga, Spain.

Day 2 | Málaga, Spain | Antequera | Arrive in Málaga and transfer to the Parador de Antequera.

A One-Week Stay in Antequera Andalusia, Spain’s historic southern region, owes its name and much of its heritage to eight centuries of Moorish rule. Stemming from the Arabic name Al-Andalus, Andalusia is just one of thousands of Spanish words with Arabic roots. Explore the influence of Moorish culture, along with Christian and Jewish influences, on Spanish culture during that time. Examine the legacies of these great cultures through Andalusia’s art, architecture, and cuisine while appreciating the region’s contemporary culture. From the Alhambra and the stunning mosque in Córdoba, to the charming town of Ronda and the cultural center of Seville, embrace the best of Andalusia.

Highlights Include Antequera: Stay in this classic Andalusian town, crowned by its Alcazaba, a 14th-century Moorish fortress built atop Roman ruins. In the centuries following the Reconquest, Antequera became known for its many churches. Europe’s largest megalithic tombs are nearby. 20

This evening, gather with fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers at the parador for a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 3 | Antequera |

Flamenco dancer

Art and Architecture: Explore Granada’s Alhambra, a Moorish fortress with magnificent buildings, fountains, and courtyards. Admire the beautiful tile work at Seville’s Plaza de España, and visit the Alcázar and the immense Gothic cathedral. In Córdoba, step inside La Mezquita, the great mosque-turned-cathedral. In Málaga, take in the life and work of native son Pablo Picasso at the Museo Picasso Málaga. Cultural Traditions: Feel the passion of flamenco music and dancing at a special performance, visit a vineyard for a wine tasting, and learn about the traditions of bullfighting.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Excursion: Ancient Antequera. Witness Europe’s most striking megalithic monuments, the Menga and Viera dolmens, a World Heritage site. Learn about the incredible labor and skill required to build these enormous stone burial chambers. Then, take a guided walk in Antequera. Begin at the Alcazaba, the Moorish fortress, and admire sweeping vistas of Antequera. Visit the Iglesia del Carmen, the Church of El Carmen, which has an exquisitely carved altar, and see other historic landmarks in the old town. Enjoy a savory lunch of Spanish cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 4 | Granada | Excursion: Granada. Explore the stunning Alhambra. This Moorish fortress and palace, a World Heritage site, was built in the 13th and 14th centuries by the rulers of the Nasrid dynasty who sought to create their own paradise on earth.

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Right: Alhambra, Granada Lower left: Ronda Lower right: La Mezquita, Córdoba

In the Palacios Nazaríes, see the breathtaking courtyards and fountains, intricately carved arches and colorful ceramics. Visit the Alcazaba, the castle that guarded the palace, and stroll through the manicured gardens of the Generalife. Local Flavor: Relax over lunch at the restaurant of the Parador de Granada inside the Alhambra. Enjoy a delicious meal in a memorable and historic location.

Day 5 | Seville | Excursion: Seville. See the centuries-old bullring and Torre del Oro, the 13th-century defensive watchtower over the river. Visit the splendid Real Alcázar, a 10th-century Moorish palace and see the grand cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic building and a World Heritage site. Walk through the charming narrow lanes of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, where bright pink bougainvillea drapes over the balconies. Find a nice spot to soak up the local ambiance and have lunch on your own before continuing to the Plaza de España, where colorful ceramic displays represent each Spanish province. This iconic city landmark was built for 1929’s Ibero-American Exposition.

Overnight Featured Site

Cordoba Seville

SPAIN

Enjoy a delicious dinner of authentic Spanish cuisine tonight at a restaurant in Antequera.

Antequera

Day 6 | Ronda | Excursion: Ronda. Spectacularly set on the edge of El Tajo Gorge high above the open countryside, Ronda is a showstopper and the largest of the region’s pueblos blancos, or white towns. Stand in the famed Plaza de Toros, a bullfighting ring inaugurated in 1785. Delight in an unforgettable view over El Tajo from the terrace of Casa de San Juan Bosco. Visit the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor, a church commissioned by Ferdinand and Isabella, the 15th-century monarchs who unified Spain and wrested control of the country from the Moors. Local Flavor: Take in the scenic countryside at an organic winery. Enjoy a tasting of the bodega’s wines and lunch before returning to Antequera.

Day 7 | Córdoba | Excursion: Córdoba. Explore the great mosque, La Mezquita, containing the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Spain. After the city was recaptured by the Spanish, a cathedral was built inside the complex walls in the 16th century. La Mezquita’s most spellbinding feature is the superb hall with 856 columns made from marble, granite, jasper, and onyx connected by striped arches. See the enduring Roman bridge and take a stroll in the historic Jewish quarter.

Ronda

Granada

Malaga

Mediterranean Sea Atlantic Ocean

Immerse yourself in the charm of Córdoba as you enjoy some free time and lunch on your own. Tonight, gather for a group dinner in Antequera.

Day 8 | Málaga | Educational Focus: Contemporary Spain. Discuss the current issues affecting life in Spain. Excursion: Málaga. Study the captivating art of Pablo Picasso in the city of his birth at the Museo Picasso Málaga. Donated by family members, the selections on display are ones that Picasso kept for himself or created for loved ones, which adds a special intimacy to the collection. Enjoy some free time to visit the cathedral on your own. Celebrate your time together in Spain at a farewell reception and dinner in the parador. Feel the passion of flamenco, Spain’s famed dance form, during a special performance.

Day 9 | Depart Antequera for the U.S. | Transfer to the Málaga airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

PARADOR DE ANTEQUERA | ANTEQUERA Savor the tranquil setting of the Parador de Antequera. This charming town is ideally located for exploring Andalusia. After a day of sightseeing, relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. Dine on expertly prepared regional cuisine at the restaurant. Enjoy sleek guest rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts David Gies | April (See page 11) Allen James Fromherz | May (See our website) Rafael Chacón | September (See page 10) Margaret Monnier | October (See page 11) For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices April 28 – May 6, 2022 May 12-20, 2022 September 15-23, 2022 October 20-28, 2022 Tour Price

$4,290

transfers included for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

STHSON_Catalog22_SS_fin.qxp_Layout 1 9/25/21 6:58 PM Page 22

No Single Supplement Limited Availability

Segovia

Itinerary

Segovia

Day 1 | In Transit

A One-Week Stay in the Heart of Spain

Day 2 | Madrid, Spain | Segovia |

Depart for Madrid, Spain.

Arrive in Madrid and transfer to the Eurostars Convento Capuchinos in Segovia. Tonight, meet your fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.

Discover the roots of Spain’s rich heritage during an exciting journey through the high plains of the Spanish heartland. Explore the historic region of Castile and Leon, birthplace of Queen Isabella. Travel through neighboring CastillaLa Mancha, where windmills and the windswept countryside inspired the tale of Don Quixote. During your Spanish adventure, amble along the narrow streets of enchanting medieval cities, stroll through elegant gardens, and immerse yourself in Madrid’s lively scene.

Highlights Include Segovia: Stay in Segovia, which abounds in Spanish spirit, flavor, and soul. Admire Segovia’s aqueduct, an imposing reminder of the city’s Roman past, the 13th-century Alcázar, and La Granja de San Ildefonso, an 18th-century palace. Art: Surround yourself with artistic masterpieces, including paintings by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, in Madrid’s Museo del Prado. 22

Day 3 | Segovia | Excursion: Segovia. Get to know Segovia, your home for the next week. See the lively Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, and Roman aqueduct, a World Heritage destination. Then visit the fairy-tale Alcazar, the fortified palace of the Castilian kings. Museo del Prado, Madrid

Toledo: Discover Toledo, where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities from centuries ago have contributed to the city’s unique character. Ávila: Step inside the walls of medieval Ávila, a picture-perfect fortified city with 88 towers and more than 2,500 turrets. Salamanca: Delight in a visit to the home of Spain’s oldest university city and crossroads of ancient Spanish cities. Spanish Cuisine: Savor the flavors of central Spain, including Duero wines and jamón iberico, a delicious cured ham.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Enjoy a lunch of traditional Segovian specialties at a local restaurant. Gather for a group dinner at a local restaurant. Educational Focus: Contemporary Spain. Discuss the current issues affecting life in Spain.

Day 4 | Salamanca | Excursion: Salamanca. Discover Salamanca, the beautiful World Heritage city known for its 800-year-old university. Visit this storied institution of higher learning and the old and new cathedrals. See the Plaza Mayor and the Casa de las Conchas. Local Flavor: Travel to a Duero Valley hacienda to learn about Spanish wines. Tour the winery, sample some of the local wines, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

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Left: Salamanca Lower left: Wine tasting, Duoro Valley Below: Walled city of Ávila

Day 5 | Madrid | Excursion: Madrid and Spanish Art. Travel to Madrid to spend the day in the Spanish capital. Visit the world-class Museo del Prado to see paintings by vaunted artists, including Spanish Golden Age masters El Greco and Velázquez; Spanish Romantic painter Goya; and Hieronymus Bosch, or El Bosco, as he is known in Spain. Continue on a panoramic tour of the city and see the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real. Then, walk to the stately Palacio Santoña, one of the city’s few surviving palace houses, for a tour of its opulent neoclassical and baroque interior. Taste a variety of delectable Spanish specialties at a tapas dinner this evening.

Day 6 | Ávila | Get to know Ávila, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Spain, if not all of Europe. Educational Focus: The History of Castile. With a local expert leading the discussion, learn about the events and people, including Isabel, Ferdinand and Columbus, that forged Castile’s history and identity. Enjoy lunch at the Parador de Ávila afterward. Excursion: Ávila. Embark on a walking tour of this World Heritage city. Encircled by a wellpreserved, 11th-century medieval wall with 88 towers, Ávila and its picturesque old town exude a romantic ambiance. The medieval city was also the birthplace of Teresa de Ávila, known as St. Teresa, one of the Catholic Church’s great mystics and reformers. Visit the famous Cathedral. Built into the city walls, it offers a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. Afterward, enjoy some time to explore Ávila on your own.

Day 7 | Toledo | Excursion: Toledo. Explore Toledo, one of Spain’s greatest cultural gems. This city, a former capital under Charles V, was built with influences from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures. Toledo’s rich array of architecture includes churches, synagogues, and mosques, but the secular buildings also reflect these three cultures. See the Puerta de la Bisagra, Toledo’s most impressive city gate, and visit the Gothic cathedral and Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue. At the Church of Santo Tomé, take in the details in the masterful work of El Greco in his painting, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

Atlantic Ocean Salamanca

Segovia Madrid

Avila

Toledo

SPAIN

Overnight Featured Site

Mediterranean Sea

EUROSTARS CONVENTO CAPUCHINOS | SEGOVIA Enjoy the unique character of the Eurostars Convento Capuchinos, a 400-year-old convent that has been converted into a welcoming hotel in the heart of the city. The Plaza Mayor, along with cafés and shops, is just a five-minute walk away. During your stay here, you may wish to pamper yourself at the spa or enjoy a meal in the elegant restaurant. The modern guest rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts halls and elegant, manicured gardens. Born at Versailles, Philip V of Spain was inspired by his birthplace when building this estate for his retirement after abdicating the throne. Philip also hired a landscape architect who was a protegé of the designer of the Versailles gardens to design the gardens of La Granja, which encompass more than 360 acres and feature 26 fountains. Spend a final afternoon at leisure in Segovia. Explore museums, visit historic monuments, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in the Plaza Mayor and other city squares.

Sample some of the local cuisine during lunch at the Parador de Toledo.

Tonight, celebrate your week in the Spanish heartland with your new friends at a farewell reception and dinner.

Day 8 | San Ildefonso | Segovia |

Day 9 | Depart Segovia for the U.S. |

Excursion: La Granja de San Ildefonso. Travel just outside Segovia to this beautiful palace with gilded

Transfer to the Madrid airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

Rafael Chacón | April (See page 10) Francisco García-Serrano | May (See our website) Charles Ingrao | September (See our website) For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices April 19-27, 2022 May 17-25, 2022 September 6-14, 2022 Tour Price

$4,490

VAT is included. Price includes $250 or $500 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details! All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single supplement waived for solo travelers! Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Flights and

transfers included for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

STHSON_Catalog22_SS_fin.qxp_Layout 1 9/25/21 6:58 PM Page 24

Hondarribia

Itinerary Day 1 | In Transit

France &Spain’s Basque Region

Depart for Bilbao, Spain.

Day 2 | Bilbao, Spain | Hondarribia | Arrive in Bilbao and transfer to the Parador de Hondarribia.

A Stay in Hondarribia

Join your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.

Delve into the wide-ranging soul of the Basque region in both France and Spain. Settle in and explore the cultural traditions of sophisticated resorts and art havens as well as gem-like villages dotting the Bay of Biscay and nestled amid the Pyrenees. Reside in the seaside village of Hondarribia, with its charming fortified old town known as a Basque mecca for foodies, and be fully immersed in quintessential Spanish Basque culture.

Highlights Include Hondarribia: Stay in charming Hondarribia, ideally located to explore destinations on both sides of the French and Spanish border. French and Spanish Basque Country: Get to know cities and towns in both French and Spanish Basque Country, including San Sebastián, Bayonne, Biarritz, and many more. Basque Cuisine: Relish the many opportunties to immerse yourself in the delicious culinary heritage of Basque country. From cider houses 24

Day 3 | Hondarribia | San Sebastián |

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

to pinxtos bars and dining clubs to fine-dining restaurants, Basque restaurants are known for their blend of tradition and creativity. In addition to the included culinary events, take advantage of ample free time to try local favorites, Michelin-starred restaurants, and more. Vineyard Visit: Visit a Irouléguy winery to try regionally produced wine and local cheeses. Bilbao: Tour vibrant Bilbao and the worldfamous Guggenheim Museum. Pamplona: Discover Pamplona, which has one of Spain’s most charming historic districts.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Excursion: Hondarribia. Get to know this pretty town that will be your home during your stay. Stroll through the Plaza de Armas and explore the old town’s coloful lanes. Conclude your tour at the Santuario de Guadalupe, originally built in the 16th century. Admire the sweeping views of the countryside and Txingudi Bay. Have lunch at a restaurant near Hondarribia on your way to San Sebastián. Excursion: San Sebastián. This seaside town, called Donostia in Basque, was a 2016 European Capital of Culture. See its old town, including the Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro. Stroll along Paseo de la Concha, a promenade that hugs the shoreline, for a beautiful view of the bay.

Day 4 | Bayonne, France | Biarritz | Excursion: Bayonne. Bayonne sits at the confluence of the Adour and Nive rivers and is the capital of France’s Basque region. Visit Sainte-Marie Cathedral during a tour of the old town.

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Left: San Sebastian Lower left: St-Jean-de-luz Below: Pepper farmer, Espelette

Local Flavor: Sip cider and savor Basque cuisine during lunch at a traditional cider house. Excursion: Biarritz. A former whaling town, Biarritz is now a chic seaside resort on the Bay of Biscay. Walk along the waterfront promenade for a sweeping view of the coast. Make your way to the Rocher de la Vierge, an outcrop connected to the shore by a bridge built by Gustave Eiffel. See the medieval Atalaye watch tower, where fishermen kept an eye out for whales. Local Flavor: Enjoy special access to a txoko, a Basque gastronomic society, for dinner. These renowned members-only clubs preserve Basque culinary traditions through private dinners. Taste Basque specialties prepared in a unique venue that most travelers are not able to experience.

Day 5 | Bilbao | Excursion: Bilbao. Visit the Guggenheim Bilbao, which itself is a beautiful piece of art designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Filled with exciting works of modern art, the museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Overnight Featured Site

Bay of Biscay

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Bilbao.

Excursion: Basque Traditions. Visit Maison Ortillopitz, a 16th-century Basque country home in the French Basque region, to learn about Basque life and traditions. Stop in the charming town of Espelette, where strands of the eponymous red peppers adorn whitewashed homes in the traditional method of drying the peppers. Savor a delicious lunch in Espelette. Excursion: St-Jean-de-Luz. This pretty town has a swashbuckling past. In the 17th and 18th centuries, fishermen traded their nets for swords and cannons to become feared corsairs. See the St-Jean-Baptiste Church and stroll through Place Louis XIV, the main square. Educational Focus: Hemingway’s Spain. Discover writer Ernest Hemingway’s passion for Spain and its culture with a local expert.

Day 7 | Pamplona, Spain | Excursion: Pamplona. Explore Pamplona and its deep ties to Ernest Hemingway. See Castle Square, the Gothic cathedral, and famous bullfighting ring. Enjoy free time for lunch as you wander along the 16th-century streets. Upon your return to Hondarribia, enjoy time at leisure to explore more of the town and stroll along the waterfront. Tonight, join the txikiteo,

Bayonne Biarritz St-Jean-de-Luz Espelette

Hondarribia

Tonight, have dinner in Hondarribia.

Day 6 | Espelette, France | St-Jean-de-Luz |

FRANCE

Bilbao

San Sebastian

SPAIN

St-Jean-Piedde-Port Pyrenees

Pamplona

a favorite evening activity that involves visiting a few bars to enjoy a txikito, a small glass of wine, and pintxos, Basque cuisine’s acclaimed small plates. This custom is as much a culinary quest as it is a social activity because each bar has its own specialty pintxo.

Day 8 | Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France | Excursion: Art and Wine of French Basque Country. Travel to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where many pilgrims once began their journey to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest corner of Spain. Explore this walled town in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, and learn about its history. Continue to an Irouléguy wine cellar on the outskirts of town. Sip this regional wine and savor a selection of accompanying pintxos. Tonight, celebrate your week in Basque Country at a festive farewell reception and dinner.

Day 9 | Depart Hondarribia for the U.S. | Transfer to the Bilbao airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

PARADOR DE HONDARRIBIA | HONDARRIBIA Feel the romance of medieval Spain while staying at the Parador de Hondarribia, a 10th-century fortress also called the Castle of Charles V. Bask in the cozy, modern ambiance created by the vaulted ceilings, arched doorways, and tapestries on the walls. Located in the center of the historic quarter, enjoy being near Hondarribia’s restaurants and shops. Enjoy excellent service and comfortable, well-appointed guest rooms. Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Margaret Monnier | April (See page 11) Nathanael Greene | May (See our website) David Gies | September 10 (See page 11) Rafael Chacón | September 24 (See page 10) For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices April 23 – May 1, 2022 May 14-22, 2022 September 10-18, 2022 September 24 – October 2, 2022 Tour Price

$4,790

VAT is included. Price includes $250 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details! All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $795 (limited availability). Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Flights and

transfers included for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

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Parc Güell

Itinerary Day 1 | In Transit

Barcelona

Depart for Barcelona, Spain.

Day 2 | Barcelona | Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to the Renaissance Barcelona Hotel.

A One-Week Stay in Spain Cosmopolitan and enchanting, Barcelona is the jewel of Spain’s Mediterranean coast, founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. Over the centuries, Barcelona’s creative citizens have been on the leading edge of innovations in architecture and art, creating a spectacular, surprising cityscape that’s a feast for the eyes. Walk through the Barri Gòtic, where the narrow warren of streets will transport you to medieval Barcelona. In the Eixample district, marvel at the fanciful modernist masterpieces of architect Antoni Gaudí. Discover the real Barcelona, unforgettable and exhilarating, as you immerse yourself in the Catalonian capital on this unique journey.

Highlights Include History and Culture: Stroll through the Barri Gòtic, one of the most complete Gothic quarters in Europe. Tour Palau de la Música Catalana, a modernist concert hall and World Heritage site, and visit the El Born district, site of medieval trade guilds and jousting matches. 26

Join your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 3 | Barcelona | Excursion: The Music Palace. Visit the Palau de la Música Catalana, a gorgeous modernist concert hall created by art nouveau architect Lluís Doménich i Montaner.

Cathedral, Gothic Quarter

Antoni Gaudí: Appreciate this architect’s distinctive style and vision during visits to La Sagrada Família and Parc Güell, together recognized as a World Heritage site. Pablo Picasso: Visit sites connected to Picasso’s formative years in Barcelona, and tour the Picasso Museum, which houses a rich collection of the artist’s earliest works. Beyond Barcelona: Visit Girona, a beautiful medieval city, and marvel at Salvador Dalí’s whimsical artwork in Figueres. Journey to the Benedictine monastery at Montserrat, and sip sparkling cava in the Penedès wine region.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Local Flavor: Roll up your sleeves and learn how to make Catalán cuisine, including traditional appetizers and paella. Then, enjoy the delicious food you’ve prepared! Educational Focus: The History of Catalonia and Barcelona. Proud of its own identity and language, Catalonia is also one of Spain’s most independentminded regions. Gain insights about its history, spanning the overthrow of the Romans to the conquest of the Mediterranean Coast.

Day 4 | Barcelona | Educational Focus: Modernism and the Architecture of Gaudí. Antoni Gaudí is one of the most famous figures of Catalán culture and world architecture. A local expert discusses how his love of God and nature inspired his creations.

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Left: Girona Lower leftt: Detail, Palau de la Música Catalana Below: Montserrat

Excursion: Gaudí’s Barcelona. Seven Gaudí buildings in and around Barcelona, recognized together as a World Heritage site, attest to his modernist architectural contributions. Visit Parc Güell, a captivating public park with colorful, undulating mosaic benches, shady trees, and Mediterranean views. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties at a local restaurant. Continue to Sant Pau Recinte Modernista, a beautiful art nouveau building designed by Lluís Doménich i Montaner. Then, head to La Sagrada Família, and appreciate Gaudí’s bold use of light, color, and form.

Day 5 | Girona | Figueres | Excursion: Girona and Dali’s Figueres. Journey to the town of Girona, built by the Romans 2,000 years ago. It became an important Catalonian town during the Middle Ages. On a walking tour, discover the Call, the medieval maze of narrow streets that was home to the town’s Jewish community. Travel to Figueres, the hometown of surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Visit the Dalí Theater-Museum, designed by the artist himself. The colorful building topped with giant eggs is as whimsical and dramatic as the artwork inside. Sample local cuisine during lunch in Girona.

Day 6 | Barcelona | Excursion: Barcelona Through the Eyes of Picasso. Pablo Picasso drew creative inspiration from Barcelona and embraced its progressive attitudes about art. Visit the Picasso Museum to see one of the largest collections of his early works. Follow in his footsteps as you explore the neighborhood where he and other artists congregated.

Parque Güell La Sagrada Familia Palau de Hotel la Musica Catalana Picasso Gothic Museum Quarter

City Of Barcelona

Figueres

RENAISSANCE BARCELONA HOTEL | BARCELONA

Girona

SPAIN

Montserrat

Barcelona Overnight Featured Site

Located in the heart of the Catalonian capital, the Renaissance Barcelona Hotel blends traditional and modern high-rise design. La Sagrada Família, La Rambla, and the chic shops of Passeig de Gràcia are nearby. After a full day of sightseeing, settle in the lounge with a drink, or re-energize at the fitness center and Mayan-inspired spa. The bright, modern guest rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi.

Enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant. Excursion: The Gothic Quarter. Walk through the Barri Gòtic, the heart of medieval Barcelona. Visit Plaça St. Jaume, where civic leaders have run the city since Roman times. See the Plaça del Rei, the Gothic cathedral and the Roman walls.

Day 7 | Montserrat | Penedès | Excursion: The Monastery of Montserrat and Penedès Wine Region. Visit the ninth-century Benedictine monastery of Montserrat, built along a sandstone mountain and surrounded by towering pillar formations. Explore the monastery grounds and basilica, and see the statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, the patroness of Catalonia. Later, admire the pretty scenery of the Penedès wine region, known for its cava, a sparkling wine.

a separate nation from Spain. Learn about their continued efforts for greater independence. Personalize Your Journey | Choose one of the following excursions. •Casa Amatller. See Barcelona’s best examples of Modernist architecture during a walk along the Passeig de Gràcia. Visit Casa Amatller, designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. •Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter. Beginning in the Middle Ages, explore the rich history and culture Barcelona’s Jewish residents. Visit Casa Adret. •Las Ramblas. Walk down Barcelona’s famous boulevard as you learn about the avenue’s history and place in everyday Barcelona life. Spend your final afternoon at leisure.

Relax over a country-style lunch, complemented by refreshing cava, at a winery.

Tonight, celebrate your time together in this enchanting city at a farewell reception and dinner.

Day 8 | Barcelona |

Day 9 | Depart Barcelona for the U.S. |

Educational Focus: Contemporary Catalonia. Many Catalonians think of their region as

Transfer to the airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Beebe Bahrami | April (See our website) Michael Ryan | May (See our website) Ana Afzali | October (See page 10) For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices April 23 – May 1, 2022 May 14-22, 2022 October 8-16, 2022 Tour Price

$4,590

VAT is included. Price includes $250 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details! All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $1,145 (limited availability). Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Flights and

transfers included for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

STHSON_Catalog22_SS_fin.qxp_Layout 1 9/25/21 6:58 PM Page 28

Mont St. Michel

Itinerary

Normandy

Day 1 | In Transit Depart for Paris, France.

A One-Week Stay in France

Day 2 | Paris, France | Honfleur Arrive in Paris and transfer to Honfleur and the Mercure Honfleur Hotel. Tonight, meet your fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.

Delve into Normandy’s heritage from your base in Honfleur, a charming resort town that began as a fishing village. Journey back to the Middle Ages through the intricate Bayeux Tapestry. Discover the famed island abbey of Mont St. Michel. Explore 20th-century history at key sites of the Allied forces’ D-Day invasion. Consider the impact of World War II during a poignant visit to the Normandy American Cemetery. Throughout your journey, admire centuries of architecture and indulge in delicious regional fare.

Highlights Include Battle of Normandy: Reflect upon the bravery of Allied soldiers who fought in the epic D-Day battle. Explore Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, sites whose names will be forever etched in history. At Arromanches, see the remains of a British mulberry harbor peeking through the water, listen to the waves crash onto shore near the Normandy American Cemetery, and visit Caen Memorial Museum. 28

Day 3 | Honfleur |

The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves, Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer

Artistic Legacy: Surround yourself with the same views that inspired Monet and other great Impressionist painters. At Honfleur’s Old Harbor, admire the sun reflecting off the water and the colorful townhouses built here centuries ago. View the embroidered story of William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The Bayeux Tapestry, a length of linen nearly 230 feet long, offers historians insight into the battle as well as the weapons, clothing, food, and other details of daily life in that age. Mont St. Michel: An imposing abbey and ancient church crown, this mesmerizing tidal island is one of France’s most memorable locales and a World Heritage site.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Excursion: Honfleur. This charming port town has captivated artists for centuries. Soak up the maritime ambiance of the 17th-century Vieux Bassin, or old harbor. Stroll along side streets to see landmarks like the wooden Church of SainteCathérine, crafted by 15th-century shipbuilders. Excursion: Cider and Cheese. Normandy is known for its lush countryside and regional products. Visit a farm to learn about local cheeses and cider, made from the bountiful apples harvested each fall, and enjoy a tasting of both.

Day 4 | Arromanches | Omaha Beach | Normandy American Cemetery | Pointe du Hoc | Educational Focus: D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. During an insightful talk, learn about this pivotal World War II battle and the role of Normandy as the setting of this crucial event. Excursion: D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. In Arromanches, see the offshore remains of the

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Far left: Honfleur Left: Château du Bec Below: Étretat

mulberry harbors, and visit a D-Day museum. These artificial harbors enabled the Allies to funnel troops, equipment, and vehicles into France. Walk along Omaha Beach, contemplating the extraordinary bravery of the Allied landing troops who valiantly advanced across the heavily fortified shoreline. At the Normandy American Cemetery, pay respects to the U.S. soldiers who died in the invasion and subsequent battles. Then, visit Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Army Rangers courageously scaled 100-foot cliffs, and view the German fortifications breached by the Rangers.

Day 5 | Étretat | Château du Bec | Le Havre |

Étretat

English Channel Omaha Beach

Bayeux

Le Havre Arromanches Caen

Honfleur Seine River

Paris Mont St. Michel

FRANCE

Excursion: Étretat, Château du Bec, and La Havre.

Cross the Pont de Normandie, the famous bridge over the Seine River estuary. When it opened in 1995, it was the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge, and it remains the longest bridge in France. Then, stroll along Étretat’s white cliffs, which have inspired painters such as Monet and Matisse, among others. See the Porte d’Aval arch and L’Aguille, the spike of rock jutting out of the water next to it. Continue to the Château du Bec, a lovely castle on a 35-acre Norman estate with woods, ponds, a menagerie, and a thousand years of history. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by a chef who will serve traditional Norman dishes inspired by the cookbooks of Claude Monet, who lived nearby at Giverny. Next, visit the Musée Malraux of Modern Art in La Havre. MUMA, as it is known, exhibits an impressive collection of Impressionist paintings.

Day 6 | Mont St. Michel | Excursion: Mont St. Michel. With one glimpse of Mont St. Michel’s singular silhouette rising above the surrounding flat sands, you’ll know why it is a wonder of the Western world. Explore this fascinating island, and visit the serene abbey and church that have drawn pilgrims for centuries. Discover its unique history as not only a church and monastery, but also a fortress and a prison.

Overnight Featured Site

World War II, the D-Day landings, the Battle of Normandy, and the Cold War through an array of informative exhibits, photos, and video footage. Local Flavor: Normandy’s apple cider brandy is among the world’s finest brandies. Visit an estate that distills Calvados from the apples grown in its orchards, and learn about the process. Relax over lunch and a glass of smooth Calvados on the farm. Excursion: Bayeux. View the celebrated Bayeux Tapestry, an intricately embroidered masterpiece nearly 230 feet long. The compilation of 50 scenes tell the epic story of the Norman conquest of England with a needle and thread. Later, admire Bayeux’s Notre Dame cathedral. Educational Focus: The French Resistance. With a local expert, delve into the history of the World War II Resistance: its origins, its leaders, and the heroic efforts of the French patriots who fought to liberate their country.

Day 8 | Honfleur | Spend a day at leisure exploring on your own.

Enjoy free time for lunch and time on your own.

Tonight, cap off your time in Normandy at a farewell reception and dinner.

Day 7 | Caen | Bayeux |

Day 9 | Depart Honfleur for the U.S. |

Excursion: Le Mémorial de Caen. Visit the awardwinning Caen Memorial Museum and learn about

Transfer to the Paris airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

MERCURE HONFLEUR HOTEL | HONFLEUR Stay in the heart of Honfleur at the Mercure Honfleur Hotel, and enjoy shops, restaurants, and the Vieux Bassin, or the Old Port, just steps away. Enjoy modern decor and warm hospitality. In the evenings, gather at the bar to sip cocktails created with the local cider and apple brandy. At the end of each day, relax in the comfort of your well-appointed room. Wi-Fi is complementary.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Robert Dalessandro | June, September & October (See page 11) The Smithsonian Journeys Expert for the April departure will be announced soon. For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices April 23 – May 1, 2022 June 11-19, 2022 September 3-11, 2022 October 15-23, 2022 Tour Price

$4,790

transfers included for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

STHSON_Catalog22_SS_fin.qxp_Layout 1 9/25/21 6:59 PM Page 30

Seine River

Itinerary

Paris: The African American Experience

Day 1 | In Transit Depart for Paris, France.

Day 2 | Paris, France | Arrive in Paris and transfer to the Les Jardins du Marais. In the company of your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director, take an orientation walk of the hotel’s neighborhood. Attend a welcome reception and dinner this evening.

In the years after World War I, Paris became a beacon for African Americans who enjoyed the warm welcome bestowed upon them after the war. Jazz musicians introduced this new genre of music to the city and found adoring fans, and writers and painters enjoyed appreciation of their thoughts and art. From jazz-club owners to scholars, African Americans found themselves greatly influencing Paris’ cultural trends in the first half of the 20th century. Trace the footsteps of these luminaries, walk through legendary neighborhoods, and immerse yourself in the culture created by a community who built a home away from home in the City of Light.

Day 3 | Paris | U.S. Army’s 369th Infantry Regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters, in Paris

the neighborhoods that fostered the success of the early 20th-century African American community. Watch a screening of a documentary about this period and meet with the filmmakers. Speak with an award-winning writer and current member of Paris’ African American community. An Evening of Jazz: Enjoy a concert and discover the history of Paris’ love affair with jazz.

Highlights Include

National Museum of the History of Immigration: Examine France’s history of immigration, starting with its colonial past and how that has influenced immigration today.

Cultural Insights: Learn how African American expatriates indelibly influenced the musical, art, and intellectual communities of Paris. Explore

Classic Paris and Beyond: Treat your tastebuds on a culinary tour of Paris, visit the Palace at Versailles, cruise on the Seine, and much more!

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Excursion: Paris’ African American History. African Americans have long found an acceptance in Paris that they did not find in the United States. The city also has welcomed large Afro-Caribbean and African communities. Today, see the haunts of Langston Hughes, W.E.B. DuBois, James Baldwin, and others as you explore the Champs Elysées and Latin Quarter. Visit a monument to singer Josephine Baker and a memorial for writer Alexandre Dumas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Excursion: Paris by Boat. Cruise the Seine River for a different perspective of Paris. See Notre-Dame Cathedral, Île St. Louis, the Louvre Museum, and the French Institute.

Day 4 | Paris | Educational Focus: Paris Noir. Watch Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light, a 2016 documentary that follows the relationship between

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Left: Latin Quarter Lower left: Jazz musicians Below: Versailles

African American expatriates and Paris in the years after World War I, followed by a question-andanswer session with the filmmakers. Excursion: Harlem in Paris. The soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 369th Infanty Regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters, introduced jazz to France during World War I. Before the soldiers returned home with medals for valor pinned to their chests, they left the French hungry for American jazz. As the Harlem Renaissance blossomed in New York, a similar movement took root in Paris. Parisians fell in love with the scene created by African American club owners and entertainers. See the places in Montmartre associated with Eugene Bullard, Bricktop, and other legends. Learn how African American culture influenced European culture. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Montmartre. Excursion: Musée du Montmartre. This building once was the meeting place of the neighborhood’s famous artists. Today, it is a museum displaying art that tells the story of Montmarte. Excursion: An Evening of Jazz. Tour St-Germaindes-Prés and the Latin Quarter to learn the story of French jazz. African American jazz musicians played to adoring audiences at the clubs here after World War II. Enjoy dinner and a concert.

Marne River

Versailles

Paris

FRANCE

LES JARDINS DU MARAIS | PARIS

Seine River

Day 5 | Paris | Local Flavor: With an expert leading the way, taste your way through France’s culinary heritage. Sample several delicious artisan-made foods. Excursion: National Museum of the History of Immigration. Explore France’s history as a colonial power and the nation’s reach around the world as well as the contemporary issue of immigration.

Hotel

Tour Eiffel

Louvre Le Marais Notre Dame Rodin Museum Seine River

Overnight Featured Site

City Of Paris

Located in the heart of the historic Marais quarter, Les Jardin du Marais lives up to its name and is, indeed, a garden oasis and pause from the bustle of Paris. Enjoy the hotel’s garden and relax in the beautifully landscaped courtyard. Each welcoming guest room evokes the late art deco style of the 1930s. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, spa, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Excursion: Versailles. Visit France’s grandest palace on a guided tour. The baroque château was the political capital and seat of the royal court from 1682-1789. Trace the footsteps of kings, queens, and courtiers. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was signed in the famous Hall of Mirrors.

the Pantheon and the Sorbonne nurtured France’s Négritude movement. Discover the genesis of the Présence Africaine bookstore, named after the pan-African quarterly journal founded in Paris in the early 1940s. Learn about the First International Congress of Black Writers and Artists in 1956, which featured speakers such as Richard Wright, Léopold Senghor, Aimé Césaire, and Frantz Fanon. The tour concludes in front of Wright’s former home.

Enjoy free time for lunch and exploring.

Enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant.

April 23 – May 1, 2022 August 27 – September 4, 2022

Day 8 | Paris |

Tour Price

Day 6 | Versailles |

Day 7 | Paris | Educational Focus: An African American Writer in Paris Today. Award-winning writer Jake Lamar, a Bronx transplant in Paris, discusses his experiences in the city, where he has lived for several years. A former writer for Time magazine, Lamar also has written six novels, several short stories, and a play. Excursion: The Left Bank. Explore the Left Bank’s Latin Quarter, home of the great writers and thinkers of Paris’ African diaspora. Learn how

Spend the day enjoying the Parisian lifestyle. Revel in local life at a sidewalk café, venture through a market, or visit one of the city’s many world-class museums. Gather for a farewell reception and dinner.

Day 9 | Depart Paris for the U.S. | Transfer to the airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Thomas Doughton | April (See our website) The Smithsonian Journeys Expert for the August departure will be announced soon. For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices

$4,890

VAT is included. Price includes $250 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details! All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $1,290 (limited availability). Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Flights and

transfers included for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

STHSON_Catalog22_SS_fin.qxp_Layout 1 9/25/21 6:59 PM Page 32

Market Square, Kraków

Itinerary Day 1 | In Transit

Kraków

Depart for Kraków, Poland.

Day 2 | Kraków |

A One-Week Stay in Poland

Arrive in Kraków and transfer to the Hotel Unicus Palace. Enjoy a guided walk with your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director to explore the hotel’s surroundings.

A medieval gem with a World Heritage historic quarter, Kraków is one of Europe’s most delightful cities. It was the ancient seat of the Polish kingdom for nearly 500 years and it remains Poland’s center of cultural and academic life. As you uncover Kraków’s history and witness fascinating sites, experience the mythical atmosphere permeating the city’s historic buildings, city streets, and medieval squares. Along the way, hear legends of heroes, war, and survival; spend a day in the capital city of Warsaw; and immerse yourself in a wealth of cultural riches.

Highlights Include Kraków: Explore the old town, Wawel Castle courtyard, Royal Cathedral, the Market Square and its 15th-century Cloth Hall, and the Gothic Basilica of the Virgin Mary. Ojcow National Park: Spend time at a scenic national park. See the unusual rock formations and tour Pieskowa Skala Castle. Wieliczka Salt Mine: Marvel at the intricate 32

Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception, followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 3 | Kraków |

Wieliczka Salt Mine

salt carvings, underground lakes, and unique chapel in Europe’s oldest salt mine, a World Heritage site. World War II Sites or Nowa Huta: Choose between two excursions to personalize your journey. Visit Auschwitz and Birkenau to commemorate the many lives lost here during World War II, or explore Nowa Huta, a model Communist community during the Soviet years. Warsaw: Journey by train to Poland’s capital city. See the Chopin Memorial, the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial, Madame Curie’s house, the Royal Castle, and St. Anne’s Church in the old town, a World Heritage site.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Educational Focus: History of Kraków. This delightful city was the royal capital of Poland for more than five centuries. Join a local expert and learn about its turbulent past and present-day role as a living museum of historic architecture. Excursion: Highlights of Kraków. Climb Wawel Hill to view the Renaissance castle’s arcaded courtyard and step inside Wawel Cathedral. Cross Market Square and listen for the hourly bugle call. Browse through the stalls of the medieval Cloth Hall, and trace the footsteps of Copernicus with a visit to Collegium Maius, the oldest building of Jagiellonian University. After lunch, see the 14thcentury St. Mary’s Basilica that houses an exquisite 42-foot-tall altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss. Try local specialties during lunch in the old town.

Day 4 | Wieliczka | Excursion: Wieliczka Salt Mine. Descend into a vast labyrinth of tunnels in the Wieliczka Salt Mine,

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Left: Wawel Castle, Kraków Below: Warsaw Ghetto Monument

a World Heritage site. View statues, monuments, and altarpieces that have been sculpted from salt blocks, and witness the sparkle from salt-hewn chandeliers illuminating the Chapel of St. Kinga.

Warsaw

Overnight Featured Site

Enjoy a traditional Polish dinner and a folk music and dance performance.

Day 5 | Ojcow National Park | Excursion: Ojcow National Park. Relish the beauty of Ojcow National Park. Poland’s smallest park spans woodlands, gorges, and lush meadows peppered with castle ruins and quaint villages. See the park’s limestone formations including the 80-foot-tall wonder of nature known as Hercules’ Club. At the park’s northern end, visit the 14th-century Pieskowa Skala Castle. Enjoy a group lunch at a restaurant on the castle’s grounds. Educational Focus: Poles, Citizens of the World. With a local expert, discover the cultural contributions of Poland’s most famous residents and their impact on the world beyond their home country’s borders.

Day 6 | Auschwitz or Nowa Huta | Personalize Your Journey | Choose one of the following excursions. •Auschwitz. Pass through the gateway inscribed with “Work Makes Freedom.” Witness powerful exhibits and prisoners’ stark quarters. Continue to Birkenau, a site that once held one hundred thousand prisoners. •Nowa Huta. This neighborhood was designed as the ideal Communist community. See the iconic architecture of the area and visit a Communiststyle apartment. Lunch at local restaurants are included with both excursions.

Day 7 | Warsaw | Excursion: Wonders of Warsaw. Journey by train to the capital city. Travel along old town’s Royal Route and admire the elegant facade of St. Anne’s Church. See the bronze Chopin statue and the

POLAND Ojcow National Park Auschwitz

Krakow

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Warsaw Ghetto Monument. Pass by the splendid Royal Castle, rebuilt from the original castle remains. After free time for lunch on your own, visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which traces the tragic history of the Nazi occupation of the city and the residents’ ensuing fight to liberate their city. View inspirational and emotional presentations, photographs, and exhibits to learn about the brave Polish Home Army and gain insight into the struggles of daily life in Warsaw as well as the major events of World War II.

Day 8 | Kraków | Excursion: Kraków’s Jewish Quarter. The storied Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz features many scenes from Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. Step into Wolnica Square and stroll through this historic neighborhood. In the district of Zablocie, visit Oskar Schindler’s factory, now turned into a museum that chronicles life in Kraków before and around World War II. Your final afternoon in Kraków is at leisure. Spend some time in the Cloth Hall, explore the museums near Market Square, or join the locals for stroll through Planty Park, where you can find remnants of Kraków’s old city walls. This evening, gather with fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers for a farewell reception and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 9 | Depart Kraków for the U.S. | Transfer to the airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

HOTEL UNICUS PALACE | KRAKÓW The Hotel Unicus Palace offers luxurious accommodations near many of Kraków’s historic sites, including Cloth Hall and St. Florian’s Gate. Two dining options feature the exceptional flavors of Polish and international cuisine, and guests may enjoy the property’s sun terrace, relaxing sauna, and comfortably appointed rooms with air-conditioning and a minibar. Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Laurie Koloski | June & August (See page 11) For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices June 5-13, 2022 August 21-29, 2022 Tour Price

$4,690

VAT is included. Price includes $250 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details! All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $920 (limited availability). Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Flights and transfers included for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

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No Single Supplement Limited Availability

Cliffs of Moher

Itinerary

County Clare

Day 1 | In Transit

A One-Week Stay in Western Ireland

Day 2 | Shannon, Ireland | Ennis |

Depart for Shannon, Ireland.

Arrive in Shannon and transfer to the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis. Excursion: Ennis. Discover Ennis’ history on a guided walk. From tales of banshees to the famous local witch, hear how this area is steeped in legend, folklore, and mythology. You’ll also learn how some of Ireland’s most influential political figures were connected to Ennis.

Embrace the wealth of Irish culture and history of southwest Ireland during a weeklong stay in the charming city of Ennis. Meet with locals and see why many say the Irish are natural storytellers, then enjoy exclusive excursions to castles, towns, and other historic sites. Breathe in ocean air as you explore the western coast of Ireland, renowned for its rugged beauty. Along the way, enjoy music, warm hospitality, delicious Irish food, and the best that Ireland has to offer.

Highlights Include Ennis: Stay in the charming city of Ennis, capital of County Clare. Stroll through the city-center streets, lined with colorful storefronts and inviting restaurants. In the evenings, live music and lively banter are sure to draw you into one of the many friendly neighborhood pubs. 34

Birr Castle

Wild Atlantic Way: Behold the breathtaking beauty of Ireland’s western coast, known as the Wild Atlantic Way. From the Cliffs of Moher to the Loop Head Peninsula, marvel at rugged shores and rock formations created by wind, waves, and time. Irish Cuisine: Savor the best of Ireland’s traditional fare and farm-to-table cuisine during visits to local restaurants, a country-house resort, and area pubs. Music: Clap your hands and tap your toes to the infectious sounds of Irish music. Watch a show of music and dance, plus visit Doolin, a town recognized for its concentration of musicians versed in the traditional style.

BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687

Gather for a welcome reception and dinner, followed by a lively Irish music and dancing show.

Day 3 | The Burren | Cliffs of Moher | Excursion: The Burren and Cliffs of Moher. Witness the stark beauty of Ireland’s west coast during a visit to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, which form a UNESCO Global Geopark. At the Burren, marvel at the limestone slabs, worn by Ice Age glaciers. Your expert guide shares the natural and human history of the Burren during a walk of the area. After lunch at a family-owned pub, learn about the field game of hurling, played for thousands of years in Ireland, at a museum in the former home of Michael Cusack, the founder of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Continue with a visit to a portal tomb that dates from 2500– 2000 B.C. Witness the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, 700 feet at their highest point, that plunge into

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Left: Adare Manor Lower left: Traditional Irish music, Ennis | Below: Inis Mor

the Atlantic Ocean below. More than 300 million years ago, these awe-inspiring sea cliffs formed a river delta. The ancient river and years of erosion have revealed layers of rock that tell the stories of life in the region since prehistoric times.

Day 4 | Loop Head Peninsula | Educational Focus: Irish History and Genealogy. Listen to the story of Irish emigration to the United States from a local expert at the Clare Heritage and Genealogy Center. Hear tips for researching your own family tree. Excursion: Loop Head Peninsula. Gaze in awe at the rugged cliffside scenery as you head to the tip of this headland that juts out between the Atlantic Ocean and the Shannon estuary. Relax over lunch before touring the Loop Head Lighthouse. Hear the powerful crash of the waves, feel the ocean breezes and take in expansive panoramic views from this excellent vantage point.

Day 5 | Adare | Excursion: Adare Manor. Journey to Adare Manor, the former seat of the Earls of Dunraven and now a luxury hotel and golf resort. Over three decades beginning in the 1830s, the second Earl of Dunraven and his wife ambitiously transformed their mansion into an architectural showplace to rival the great houses of Europe. Enjoy a three-course artisanal lunch inside this neo-Gothic masterpiece and a leisurely walk through the beautifully landscaped grounds. Later, visit the village of Adare, founded in the 13th century and filled with thatched-roof homes, lively pubs, and independent shops, for a brief tour and free time.

Overnight Featured Site

OLD GROUND HOTEL | ENNIS

Atlantic Ocean

IRELAND The Burren/ Aran Islands Cliffs of Moher Birr Ennis Bunratty Castle Loop Head Adare Lighthouse

Irish Sea

Day 6 | Birr | Killaloe | Excursion: Birr Castle and Lough Derg Cruise. Visit Birr Castle Gardens & Science Center for a look at state-of-the-art, 19th-century technology. This 400-year-old castle was a hub of scientific activity at that time because the castle’s occupant built a telescope that was the world’s largest from 1845–1914. He and his family received visitors who came from around the world to peer at stars and galaxies through his telescope. Learn about this telescope and other scientific discoveries made here. After lunch in Killaloe, embark on a cruise of Lough Derg and the River Shannon. Enjoy views of counties Clare and Tipperary! Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Ennis.

Day 7 | Inis Mór | Doolin | Excursion: Inis Mór. Take a scenic drive to Doolin and ferry to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Learn about life on the island and meet a family who harvests seaweed, an oftenoverlooked ancient food source, to reintroduce

Experience traditional Irish hospitality, warm and inviting, at the Old Ground Hotel. Built originally in the 18th century as a private home, the Old Ground was turned into a hotel in the late 19th century. Savor delicious meals or evening drinks at the casual bistro, traditional pub, and formal restaurant on the premises. Relax in your inviting guest room, which features complimentary Wi-Fi.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts it to the younger generations. Next, explore cliffside Dún Aonghasa, an impressive prehistoric fortress. Excursion: Doolin. Soulful Irish music is beloved around the world. In Ireland, the village of Doolin is synonymous with music because of the number of musicians who live in the area. Visit the home of a local musician and sip a glass of wine while listening to traditional songs and musical lore.

Day 8 | Bunratty | Excursion: Bunratty Castle. Visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for a look at 19th-century village life. The buildings, representing all walks of life, are typical of an Irish main street from that period. The castle has been restored to its former glory. This evening, celebrate your Irish adventure at a farewell reception and dinner.

Day 9 | Depart Ennis for the U.S. | Transfer to the Shannon airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

Christopher Griffin | June (See our website) Miriam Davis | September 3 (See our website) Katherine Forsyth | September 17

(See our website)

For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.

Tour Dates & Prices June 11-19, 2022 September 3-11, 2022 September 17-25, 2022 Tour Price

$4,690

transfers included for FlexAir participants.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

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Living In… EXPLORE AIX-EN-PROVENCE OR FLORENCE DURING AN IMMERSIVE THREE-WEEK STAY

A memorable opportunity awaits solo travelers, couples, and friends eager to live the famously relaxed and graceful lifestyles of Provence or Tuscany while delving deeper into the culture, history, and language. With these well-balanced programs you’ll explore many of the must-see sites as well as off-the-beaten-path treasures with a local expert, yet also enjoy time independently (or with new friends!) to pursue personal interests. A choice of special enrichment tracks plus ideal apartment accommodations provide further opportunities for a semi-independent experience. Fulfill your dream of living abroad during a three-week immersion program where you can customize your stay with scheduled activities and personal interests. (See pages 38-41 for more details). Each departure is limited to 36 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Florence, Italy >

36 36

”

A vacation of a lifetime, integrating travelers into Italian daily life. Kind and generous tour staff, very knowledgeable in their areas of expertise. – Lynne T.

LIVING IN JOURNEYS | IMMERSIVE THREE-WEEK STAYS

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Program Features • A team of local experts who provide insightful presentations on art, history, and culture and join you on excursions to local sites • An engaging and resourceful Resident Director, who handles logistics and helps you plan your free time • Many included meals, plus a kitchenette in your Apart/Hotel to prepare meals on your own • The opportunity to personalize your experience with special enrichment tracks (at an additional cost) • Language Lessons: Sign up for an immersive language course tailored to your skill level • Cuisine: Discover the region’s culinary traditions through interactive cooking demonstrations, hands-on classes, and shopping excursions • Art: Visit additional sites of artistic significance accompanied by an expert • In addition to group activities, you’ll enjoy the camaraderie of convivial gatherings of Smithsonian Journeys travelers as well as many group meals throughout the program. Yet you’ll also enjoy the independence of heading off to explore or dine with a smaller group of new-found friends. • Day trips to nearby historic towns • Accommodations in a modern, spacious Apart/Hotel, featuring Wi-Fi, TV, a well-equipped kitchenette, and laundry service, plus a friendly, helpful staff

Top: Tuscany | Above: Provence

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Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

Itinerary Day 1 | In Transit

Living in Italy

Depart for Florence, Italy.

Day 2 | Florence

A Three-Week Stay in Florence

Arrive in Florence and transfer

to PopArtment.

Gather for a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 3 | Florence

Awaken to the sounds of an ancient city that is as vibrant as ever. Feast your eyes on vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-filled valleys. Dine on hand-cut pasta dishes paired with celebrated Italian wines. Step inside centuries-old churches, where the scent of candle wax lingers long after prayers have been said. During your three-week adventure, discover how Florence and the Tuscan countryside engage all your senses. Surround yourself in the region’s rich heritage and embrace the quintessential moments that define life in Italy.

Michelangelo’s David, Accademia Gallery

Highlights Include

Optional Enrichment Tracks: Personalize your experience based on your interests. Participate in one, two, or all three optional enrichment tracks (at an additional cost): Italian Language, Art & Architecture, and Italian Cuisine.

Excursions, Day Trips, and Presentations: Tour the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, and see Florence’s architectural highlights. Go beyond Florence on day trips throughout Tuscany to the enchanting towns of Lucca, Siena, Colle di Val d’Elsa, and Cortona. Enjoy a Chianti wine tasting at the vineyard. Join local experts for talks about Renaissance art and contemporary life.

La Dolce Vita: There is ample free time to live like a local, and savor “the sweet life.” Become a regular at your local café, ordering a cappuccino to start your day. In the evening, join the rest of the neighborhood in la passeggiata, the pre-dinner stroll through the piazza. Linger over al fresco meals, savoring the food, and catching up with friends as you recharge for your next adventure!

38 38

LIVING IN JOURNEYS | IMMERSIVE THREE-WEEK STAYS

Get to know the layout and highlights of your home away from home with a glorious morning spent exploring the Cradle of the Renaissance. Your guided tour begins at the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, whose red dome is a symbol of Florence. Marvel at the bronze doors of the Baptistery, which Michelangelo called the Gates of Paradise. Walk along the Ponte Vecchio, the incredible bridge over the Arno River. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, and admire the Palazzo Vecchio. Enjoy a delectable lunch of local cuisine.

Days 4-8 | Florence | Colle di Val d’Elsa | Siena Each week, immerse yourself in Florence during included excursions. Optional enrichment tracks expose you to different facets of Italian life. Plus, enjoy time at leisure for individual pursuits. On Monday, Language lessons begin and continue through Thursday. Today, a local speaker introduces the entire group to the Renaissance period, its artists, and their work. Tonight, dine together at a nearby restaurant. On Tuesday, step inside the Cathedral of Santa

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Left: Ponte Vecchio, Florence | Lower left: Uffizi Gallery, Florence Below: Piazza del Anfiteatro, Lucca

Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery during the first meeting of the Art & Architecture track. At the first Italian Cuisine session on Wednesday, a professional chef takes you to a market to buy fresh ingredients before returning to the kitchen to make appetizers. Gather with the entire group for lunch on Thursday. Then, visit the Accademia Gallery together to see Michelangelo’s David and other great works by celebrated Renaissance artists. On Friday, journey with your fellow travelers to Colle di Val d’Elsa. Join a local chef for a culinary demonstration crafted around popular Tuscan dishes, followed by a delicious lunch. Continue to charming Siena to admire its Gothic architecture, and stroll through the renowned medieval square, Piazza del Campo.

Days 9-10 | Florence | Cortona Learn about Italy’s coffee traditions at one of Florence’s oldest cafés. This evening, join the group for a drink before savoring a wonderful dinner. On Sunday, travel as a group to Cortona, a lovely town clinging to a hill covered with olive groves. Visit a museum devoted to the town’s Etruscan history. Relax over lunch in Cortona.

Days 11-15 | Florence | Chianti | San Gimignano

ITALY Adriatic Sea Lucca

Ligurian Sea

San Gimignano Siena

Tuscany Colle di Val d’Elsa Cortona

Monday through Thursday, resume your Language classes. Monday’s Art & Architecture session introduces the basilica of Santa Maria Novella, one of Florence’s most important Gothic churches. On Tuesday, discuss the current issues affecting Italy today with a local expert, and meet for a group dinner tonight. In the second Cuisine class on Wednesday, learn how to make homemade pasta and three sauces. On Thursday, discover the incredible treasures of the Uffizi Gallery on an included excursion. Later, sample Florentine pizza at a group dinner. Friday, travel with your group to charming San Gimignano, a World Heritage site known for its wealth of medieval towers, palaces, and fountains. Following a cooking demonstration and lunch of regional favorites, visit Castello di Monsanto, a top producer of world-famous Chianti wine, for a tasting of local wines made from handpicked Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and other grapes.

Day 16-17 | Florence Today, Art & Architecture participants head just outside Florence to the delightful town of Fiesole, which has an excellent collection of Etruscan and Roman monuments. Spend a relaxing Sunday at your leisure.

POPARTMENT | FLORENCE

Florence

Overnight Featured Site

Days 18-22 | Florence | Lucca Language classes continue Monday through Thursday. Monday afternoon, the entire group heads to Lucca on an included excursion. Walk along the tree-lined town walls, visit the Romanesque cathedral and conclude with dinner in town. On Tuesday, savor the simple pleasures of Italian cuisine at lunch with the group. Today, Art & Architecture participants explore the Pitti Palace, residence of the Medici, Lorraine, and Savoy families, and explore Boboli Gardens. Wednesday’s agenda includes an Italian Cuisine session, in which students learn to prepare a traditional meal, featuring an appetizer, primo (first course), secondi (second course), and dessert. On the final evening, celebrate your adventures with your fellow travelers at a festive farewell reception and dinner.

Day 23 | Depart Florence for the U.S. Transfer to the airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

Perfect for a long stay, the modern PopArtment is located in a residential neighborhood, just a 25-minute walk or a short tram ride from Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Use your complimentary tram passes for easy travel to the historic center. Each furnished studio or one-bedroom apartment features a refrigerator, dishwasher, coffee/tea maker, stovetop, microwave, dining set, cookware, dishes, and utensils. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi and convenient self-service laundry facilities.

Tour Dates & Prices October 28 – November 19, 2022 Studio One Bedroom

$5,890 $6,090

VAT is included. Price includes $250 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details! All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $1,990 for Studio and $2,290 for One Bedroom (limited availability).

Optional Enrichment Tracks Italian Language Italian Cuisine Art & Architecture

$940 per person $620 per person $550 per person

Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Flights and transfers included for FlexAir participants.

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Fountain at La Rotonde, Aix-en-Provence

Itinerary Day 1 | In Transit

Living in France

Depart for Marseille, France.

Day 2 | Marseille | Aix-en-Provence

A Three-Week Stay in Provence

Arrive in Marseille and transfer to the Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre. This afternoon, participate in a group briefing to learn about the town’s essentials and highlights.

Feel the warmth of the dazzling sunlight that enraptured Cézanne, Chagall, van Gogh, and scores of other artists on a unique and personal journey in Provence. Experience the South of France as a local while living in vibrant Aix-enProvence, the quintessential Provençal town. Immerse yourself in the region’s relaxed lifestyle, and explore the picturesque countryside at your own pace. Stroll cobblestone streets, marvel at Roman ruins, linger in medieval hilltop villages, and sip wine in the rolling vineyards. You will come away with new friends and memories of a lifetime.

Highlights Include Day Trips: Learn about the region’s history as you explore greater Provence during excursions to Avignon and the Pont du Gard, Marseille, and the Luberon Valley. Art of Provence: Join a discussion with a local expert about Provence’s artistic history. 40 40

Get to know your fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers at a welcome reception and dinner at a restaurant in town.

Day 3 | Aix-en-Provence Join a local speaker to learn about the history of Provence, explore Aix during a walking tour, and discover savory regional flavors over lunch. Roussillon, Luberon Valley, Provence

Days 4-5 | Aix-en-Provence | Luberon

Optional Enrichment Tracks: Personalize your experience based on your interests. Participate in one, two, or all three optional enrichment tracks (at an additional cost): French Language, Art & Culture, and French Cuisine.

Experience Aix through included excursions, optional enrichment tracks, and leisure time. Weekends offer opportunities to visit nearby villages or simply take in the ambiance and pace of life in southern France.

Living in Provence: Join in the fun of living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Shop in the daily markets for fresh vegetables, fruit, and flowers. Chat with your neighborhood butcher or barista. Claim a spot at a café down the block, take an evening stroll through the square, and appreciate every moment of the time you live in Provence.

Begin discovering Aix on Saturday with a day to pursue your own interests. French Cuisine students browse local markets for produce and relish locally grown flavors during a picnic.

LIVING IN JOURNEYS | IMMERSIVE THREE-WEEK STAYS

All travelers join a Luberon Valley excursion on Sunday. Visit the famous antique market in L’Islesur-la-Sorgue, marvel at the red-ocher village of Roussillon, and admire the countryside views.

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Left; Palace of the Popes, Avignon | Lower left: Pont du Gard

Days 6-10 | Aix-en-Provence

Below: Arles

Monday launches the thrills of new discoveries as Language students begin their French language immersion. All travelers delight in regional cuisine during a group dinner at an Aix restaurant. On Tuesday, Language students hone their skills, and all travelers dine together for lunch. In the afternoon, Art & Culture participants visit the Musée Granet, which hosts works by Cézanne, Jean-Baptiste Corot, Camoin, and other masters. Wednesday offers an opportunity for Art & Culture participants to explore Provence’s castles, abbeys, and other intriguing sites. Following Thursday’s French lessons for Language students, all Smithsonian Journeys travelers gather with an expert for an enlightening lecture about Provence’s artistic heritage. After the lecture, savor traditional cuisine at a group dinner. Friday is at your leisure to explore, and Language students finish the first week of French classes. French Cuisine students enjoy dinner and learn about the history of French cuisine and its influence on Provencal cooking Provence

Days 11-12 | Aix-en-Provence | Avignon | Pont du Gard

FRANCE

Discover Aix at your leisure on Saturday. Art & Culture participants follow in the footsteps of Cézanne at his studio. Tonight, gather with fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers for dinner, and discuss your favorite Aix experiences so far. On Sunday, journey to Avignon to explore the grand Palace of the Popes. After an included lunch, see the Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct.

Avignon

Pont du Gard

Arles

Roussillon

Aix-en-Provence Marseille

Mediterranean Sea

Overnight Featured Site

Days 13-17 | Aix-en-Provence

Days 20-21 | Aix-en-Provence

Another week of experiences begins on Monday. Language students practice speaking in everyday situations. All travelers enjoy a Provençal lunch.

Monday offers opportunities for learning and leisure. Language students practice their language fluency, and Art & Culture students take a look at Aix’s array of fountains gracing its courtyards and streets. These fontaines are not only part of Aix’s charm, but they are elements of the city’s long and interesting heritage.

On Tuesday, participants of the French Language track continue their practice. Cuisine students learn the secrets of French cuisine and sit down to a dinner prepared with the freshest ingredients. Art & Culture participants travel to Arles on Wednesday to visit ancient monuments, Roman ruins, and the interesting Musée d’Arles Antiques. Classes continue for Language students on Thursday. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for dinner. Language students complete their second week of French immersion classes on Friday.

Days 18-19 | Aix-en-Provence | Marseille After a relaxing Saturday at leisure, spend Sunday exploring Marseille. Admire the city’s many highlights and enjoy panoramic views from NotreDame de la Garde. Enjoy a lunch of local flavors.

On Tuesday, Language participants gather for their final language lesson. French Cuisine students spend their final class learning the basics of wine and cheese pairings and sample an assortment of delightful combinations.

Day 22 | Aix-en-Provence On your final day at leisure, visit your favorite locales and celebrate your French adventure at a farewell reception and dinner.

Day 23 | Depart Aix-en-Provence for the U.S. Transfer to the Marseille airport for the return flights to your gateway city.

APARTHOTEL ADAGIO AIX-EN-PROVENCE CENTRE | AIX-EN-PROVENCE Your modern apartment-style accommodation is in the heart of Aix near groceries, a pharmacy, shops, and restaurants. Well-equipped studios and apartments have satellite TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Enjoy the convenience of a kitchen with a cooktop, microwave oven, coffee maker, dishwasher, and tableware. A self-service laundry and dry cleaning service is available.

Tour Dates & Prices April 20 – May 12, 2022 May 11 – June 2, 2022 August 10 – September 1, 2022 August 31 – September 22, 2022 Studio One Bedroom

$5,290 $5,690

VAT is included. Price includes $250 special savings – Limited time offer. See website for details! All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $2,190 for Studio and $2,590 for One Bedroom (limited availability).

Optional Enrichment Tracks French Language French Cuisine Art & Culture

$1,250 per person $650 per person $930 per person

Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Flights and transfers included for FlexAir participants.

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Find Your Journey of a Lifetime Visit SmithsonianJourneys.org for more!

Find your trip of a lifetime by using our online Trip Finder. You’ll also find information on our experts, tour details, special offers, and newly announced tours not featured in this catalog. Be the first to know by signing up for our emails at SmithsonianJourneys.org/Subscribe!

Let us arrange your flights FlexAir offers flexibility and choice FlexAir is designed to provide the flexibility and choice you need to personalize your air travel experience. Explore a wide range of flight options in consultation with our experienced travel professionals to select the flights, routing, class of service, and dates of travel that most fit your needs. FlexAir has negotiated contracts with a wide variety of carriers, so flight reservations can be held and tickets can be issued close to departure without additional fees. This protects you from the need to purchase published-fare tickets, which must be ticketed within 24 hours of purchase. FlexAir reservations provide the flexibility to adjust reservations without penalty and to accommodate extensions and upgrades right up until ticketing time, usually around 45 days before departure. We look forward to providing you with more choice and the best possible itinerary for your air travel plans.

We have everything covered.

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FlexAir includes additional valuable benefits to ease the stress of travel: • Guaranteed transfers between the airport and your overseas accommodations upon arrival and departure (in most cases). We will provide you with all of the details you need to guarantee your transfer. • Air schedule change and delay assistance. Book FlexAir to ensure assistance should schedule changes or delays impact your air travel plans. • Flight insurance worth up to $250,000, subject to policy terms, is automatically included. • Confirmed airline seat assignments at time of booking (in most cases).

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Go online to learn more about these and other exceptional tours! Singapore, Thailand, and Angkor Wat featuring the Eastern & Oriental Express February 4-17, 2022 October 10-23, 2022 from $9,290 – Price includes $250 special savings Experience an enthralling passage through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia, wondrous countries imbued with the riches that come with long histories and diverse cultures. Begin in Singapore, and explore its fascinating medley of Chinese, Indian, and Malay architecture and cuisine. Then stamp your ticket to reﬁnement as you board the opulent Eastern & Oriental Express train and wind through landscapes of emerald rice paddies and virgin forests. In Bangkok, cruise bustling canals and ride in a tuk tuk to see gilded wats and treasured temples, including the spectacular ruins of Ayutthaya. Continue to Cambodia to meander the impressive ruins of Angkor Wat.

Treasures of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana featuring Rovos Rail March 15-30, 2022 September 6-21, 2022 October 4-19, 2022 from $9,790 – Price includes $250 special savings From Cape Dutch houses and Robben Island in Cape Town to thundering Victoria Falls, surround yourself with the rich cultural and natural heritage of southern Africa. Get to know laid-back Cape Town, vibrant Johannesburg, and Soweto, where the former front line in the war on apartheid now offers hope for a better future. No journey to southern Africa would be complete without a safari. Experience thrilling up-close encounters, maybe lions lazing in the grass after a kill or an elephant quenching its thirst at a watering hole. Travel in restored vintage carriages on Rovos Rail through Hwange Game Reserve to Victoria Falls.

NEW FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS / Our risk-free, limited-time offer provides confidence and peace of mind as you plan your 2022 journey

STHSON_Catalog22_SS_fin.qxp_Layout 1 9/25/21 7:00 PM Page 44

Special Savings Included! See more inside and on our website!

Let the Journey Begin SmithsonianJourneys.org / 877.338.8687 Cover: Positano, Italy | Back cover: Doolin, County Clare, Ireland

Smithsonian Journeys Cultural Stays 2022

Articles inside

France & Spain’s Basque Region

Our Experts

8 Reasons to travel with Smithsonian Journeys

Cultural Stay Overview