Cultural Stay Overview

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).

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.

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 pursueyour own interests. You’ll come away with a fresh, new perspective that will transform your travel experience. 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 to the guest speakers. It was our first time with Smithsonian and they definitely lived up to their reputation.

- Kathleen E., Kraków

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 •A Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director, who is dedicated to all on-site details to ensure a comfortable, stress-free journey •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) •Personal listening devices so you won’t miss a word •Authentic experiences to broaden your understanding of other cultures •Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corners, which offer informaldiscussions about daily highlights with fellow travelers and your

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

A Note on Activity Level

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.