Our Travel Styles

A World of Possibilities

Discover a journey that speaks to your aspirations and interests! All Smithsonian Journeys feature a unique blend of enriching insights, exceptional quality, engaging experts and travel companions, and personal attention.

Narrow your search—from 130 different itineraries— by using our online Trip Finder. You can discover your perfect trip in just seconds by filtering your interests by travel style (featured on these pages), interests, activity level, destination, dates, and trip duration.

Classic Land Journeys

Our Classic Land Journeys are exciting forays into the history, culture, and natural world of a single country or region. Meticulously planned to include iconic sites and hidden gems, these 10- to 23-day trips often include airfare for even more value. You may travel the full breadth of a country or just one region, but you’ll always see the highlights up close with an intimate group of 12 to 24 travelers.

Cultural Stays

Our Cultural Stays allow you to unpack once and enjoy time to discover a destination’s unique sense of place in more depth. Choose from a single cultural capital or a smaller town that showcases the intrinsic character of the region. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy an insightful experience that features both highlights and lesser-known sites, and opportunities to meet with local people.

Special Interest Tours

Join travelers who share your interest in art to astronomy or military history. Become a student at Oxford, delve into the life and work of Van Gogh, or explore prehistoric cave art in Europe. You can also stargaze with astronomers and witness the total solar eclipse of 2024! Whatever your interest, Smithsonian Journeys ensures a unique and top-notch learning experience.

Small-Ship Cruises—Ocean and River

Unpack once and wake up to a brand-new world every day on an ocean or river voyage aboard a fleet of ideal ships that range from a river boat of just 36 guests to small vessels that accommodate up to 264 guests. All of our small upscale cruises share the same hallmark qualities of superb amenities, excellent cuisine, an informal ambiance, and top-notch Smithsonian Journeys Experts who travel with you. Read more about our alliance with PONANT on the next page.

We loved being in one city for a week, getting a real feel for it, being able to see a number of its sights, and having the opportunity to walk around in the evenings. – Ronald P., Barcelona: A One-Week Stay in Spain

Train Journeys

There’s a magical quality to traveling by train as you watch your destination unfold from the comfort of your train car. Whether you are a true train buff or simply enjoy the “romance of the rails,” you will find several fascinating train trips to fulfill your dreams.

Tailor-Made Journeys

Now you can experience the world your way on a Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey, custom designed just for you and your favorite traveling companion(s)—your spouse, your family, or a group of close friends. You decide where and when you want to go, and with whom, and we’ll work with you to build your ideal journey. Read more about our Tailor-Made Journeys on pages 114–115.

Private Jet Journeys

For the ultimate trip of a lifetime, join one of our spectacular Private Jet Journeys. You can visit an incredible array of destinations in one itinerary and in style, made possible by the convenience and comfort of a custom-configured jet. Our knowledgeable experts share their insights during action-packed days filled with iconic sites and engaging activities that allow you to experience firsthand the people, customs, and natural world of each destination. See our Private Jet Journeys on page 106–107.