Introducing Smithsonian Active Journeys

We are pleased to present our new Active Journeys: small-group trips that seek out the road less traveled and offer engaging adventures in the great outdoors. While these journeys are designed around activities such as hiking, walking, and biking, they bear all the hallmarks of a Smithsonian Journeys travel experience: outstanding local guides, unique enrichment opportunities, and an in-depth exploration of nature and cultural history.

Active Pursuits That Are Energizing, Not Exhausting

From the Alps to the Andes, we’ve selected routes for their spectacular scenery that both occasional and seasoned outdoors people will enjoy. Most hikes and walks range from three to seven miles per day, with low to moderate elevation changes. Some trips also include opportunities to canoe, or bike ride. On certain itineraries, you’ll have the option to take an easier or more challenging route if you wish. After each exhilarating day, you will return to comfortable accommodations chosen for their sense of place and their unbeatable location—an agriturismo in Italy’s Chianti Hills, for instance, or a historic inn overlooking Loch Ness in Scotland.

A Local Approach to Small-Group Travel

Our Active Journeys are designed for just 12 to 18 travelers, and the small group size allows us to choose local businesses for many activities and meals. You’ll get acquainted with the people and their traditions, and support the economy in a sustainable way, visiting an organic coffee farm in Costa Rica or a family-owned restaurant in Iceland.

Choose the Activity Level That Fits Your Pace

To help you select a journey that suits your pace and ability, we have designated four activity levels: Light, Moderate, Energetic, and Strenuous. For each of these activity levels, the itinerary may also include biking on mostly flat routes and kayaking or canoeing. And on certain trips, you’ll have the option to take longer or shorter hikes.

Enrichment Every Step of the Way

You may find yourself searching for mountain gorillas with a knowledgeable park guide in Rwanda or hiking through history on picturesque segments of Spain’s El Camino pilgrimage route. Wherever our Active Journeys take you, you’ll gain insights into cuisine and music, wildlife and geology, and travel with a local trip leader who knows the area inside and out. You’ll meet with experts in the field and get a closer look at the region’s culture through cooking classes, and traditional music or dance performances.

Active Journeys for 2024:

• Irish Walks: From Dublin to Dingle – see page 68

• Costa Rica Treetops and Trails – see page 87

• Gorillas of Rwanda – see page 97

• Tuscany and the Cinque Terre – see website

• Walking the Camino de Santiago – see website

• Glaciers and Waterfalls: Iceland – see website

• Tour du Mont Blanc – see website

• Scotland by Trail – see website

• Walking and Hiking Inca Trails – see website

• Patagonia Hiking Adventure – see website

Each active journey includes:

• Knowledgeable local guides

• Small group size of 12 to 18 travelers

• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure

• Daily activities and excursions

• Internal flights where applicable

• Most meals, including all breakfasts and welcome and farewell dinners

• Gratuities

Learn more about our new Smithsonian Active Journeys online!

SmithsonianJourneys.org/Active

Europe

There were so many moments to treasure on our journey. The people in our tour were all smart, friendly, great to get to know—we all shared the joy of new experiences and learned so much!

– Suzanne Z., Southern Italy and Sicily

Inside Sicily

12 days from $5,674

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Apr. 7–18, Apr. 25–May 6, Sept. 8–19, Oct. 10–21, 2024

Blanketed in orchards and scattered with vestiges from antiquity, Sicily is home to seven World Heritage sites and one of Europe’s largest active volcanos. Explore the island’s north, south, east, and west, discovering the legacies of the many cultures that ruled here, from the ancient Greeks to the Normans. Encounter unique cuisine and architecture in Palermo, and meander among Doric ruins in the Valley of the Temples. See the breathtaking frescos of the Villa Romana del Casale and cruise the Ionian Sea, admiring views of Ortigia. Sample wines at a family farm on Mount Etna before ending your sojourn in enchanting Taormina.

Palermo: Take guided tours of the World Heritage-listed palaces and cathedrals of Palermo, known for their unique Arab-Norman architectural style, and admire gold-drenched mosaics in the cathedral in Monreale. Visit local markets to experience Palermo’s famous street food scene and enjoy a lunch of local specialties.

Erice and Trapani: Explore the delightful hilltop town of Erice, taking in sweeping views of the coast and the sea beyond. Then descend to the salt pans of Trapani to learn how salt is still harvested using centuries-old techniques.

Agrigento and Villa Romana del Casale: Enjoy a wine tasting and a home-cooked meal at a farm on the way to the World Heritage site of Agrigento. Take an in-depth tour of the legendary Valley of the Temples and cap off the visit at the Museum of Agrigento. Then journey to Villa Romana del Casale to see the stunning decor of this well-preserved 4th-century home.

Syracuse and Ortigia: Discover layers of history at the World Heritage site of Ancient Syracuse, home to both a Greek and a Roman theater as well as the gem-like isle of Ortigia, laden with monuments from antiquity. Set sail on the Ionian Sea, cruising along the tiny islands and caves that dot Sicily’s western coast and taking in views of Ortigia from the sea.

Mount Etna and Taormina: Ascend Mount Etna to see its simmering crater and the evocative lava formations on its slopes. Stop on the way down to enjoy a meal at a family farm accompanied by excellent Sicilian wines. Continue to Taormina for a city tour and free time to explore on your own.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Gary Radke (Apr. 7), Sara James (Sept.), and Lawrence Butler (Oct. 10)––art historians. Allan Langdale (Apr. 25)–art and architectural historian.