Solar Eclipse 2024: Astronomy and Nature in the Texas Hill Country

Featuring a Deluxe Retreat

5 days from $5,395 Apr. 5–9, 2024

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur over Texas—the first to be seen in North America since 2017. We invite you to join us in the path of totality to experience this rare celestial event on a five-day sojourn in Texas Hill Country. From your base at a Tuscan villa-style retreat near Austin, delve into the region’s natural bounty and its local culture. Immerse yourself in fields of wildflowers on the famous Bluebonnet Trail, and learn about native flora and fauna at an inspiring Hill Country ranch. Enjoy a stargazing party with astronomers and learn about the latest research during a visit to the Department of Astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin. Taste the flavors of Texas during a hands-on taco-making workshop and celebratory barbecue, and experience the total eclipse during a winetasting lunch in a beautiful vineyard.

Highlights Include

Total Solar Eclipse: Witness the eclipse amid the vineyards of a renowned Hill Country winery located in the path of totality. Take an exclusive tasting tour, enjoy panoramic views of Texas Hill Country, then enjoy a private watch party and lunch among the vines as the total eclipse darkens the sky.

Wildflowers: Travel Texas’ Bluebonnet Trail in the peak of the season and learn about the importance of native habitat conservation from the president and founder of Wildseed Farms, the nation’s largest wildflower farm. Surround yourself with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and other blooms on a guided tour and catered lunch at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Discovery Center in Austin, and learn about efforts to conserve native species. Texas Hill Country: Explore the inspiring Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve, where a major habitat restoration project transformed barren ranch land into a haven of native flora and fauna. Encounter innovations designed to enhance the ranch’s sustainability, from a manmade bat cave to a rain machine.

Astronomy: Discuss the importance of preserving our nation’s dark skies at a private star party with astronomers. During an afternoon at the University of Texas at Austin, learn about cutting-edge research on a visit to the Department of Astronomy and join the museum directors for a tour of the paleontology collection at the newly renovated Texas Memorial Museum of Science and Natural History.

Smithsonian Journeys guests will be divided into groups of no more than 40 travelers.

Bryce, Zion, and the Grand Canyon

11 days from $5,395

Oct. 4–14, 2023 & Apr. 21–May 1, May 15–25, Sept. 4–14, Oct. 6–16, 2024

Experience the majesty of Arizona and Utah’s canyon country on a journey to three iconic national parks— Bryce, Zion, and the Grand Canyon—and enjoy outdoor adventures in Sedona and Lake Powell.

Highlights Include

Sedona: Venture off road on a jeep excursion, traveling into the red-rock landscapes of Sedona. Take in panoramic views of rock towers and arches, and visit the Honanki Heritage Site, a 700-year-old Sinagua cliff dwelling.

Grand Canyon National Park: Spend a full day in this awe-inspiring park, learning about the canyon’s cultural and geological history on a guided hike/walk, and enjoying free time for hikes or walks on the South Rim.

Lake Powell and Upper Antelope Canyon: Explore the canyons of Lake Powell by motorized raft and walk between the sinuous, red walls of Upper Antelope Canyon.

Bryce Canyon National Park: Encounter thousands of red, orange, and pink dramatically sculpted stone spires. Learn about Bryce Canyon’s unusual geology at the visitor center, then visit scenic overlooks or hike into the canyon during a day at leisure in the park.

Zion National Park: Discover the diverse landscapes of this wondrous park, from river valleys to natural arches. Go on a guided hike among colorful sandstone cliffs, then enjoy ample free time to experience Zion as you wish.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Howard Topoff and Carol Simon (Apr.)–biologists. Allen Glazner (Oct. 6)–geologist.

Treasures of Yosemite

7 days from $4,995

May 11–17, June 1–7, Oct. 5–11, 2024

Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most magnificent scenery in the American West. During leisurely hikes, discover imposing sequoia trees, towering cliffs, expansive vistas, and cascading waterfalls that comprise this World Heritage site, located in northern California.

Highlights Include

Classic Sites: Walk amid the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, home to some 500 giant trees hundreds of feet tall. Then travel into the heart of Yosemite to witness the classic features of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Sentinel Peak. For many, Half Dome is the park’s signature landmark, with walls etched by vertical joints and the trails of past glaciers. Take off on the best hikes based on weather and trail conditions, which may include Bridalveil Fall and Lower Yosemite Fall.

John Muir and Ansel Adams: Learn about the legacies of the important naturalist and photographer and their roles in preserving California’s Sierra Nevada. Plus, hear about conservation efforts to protect the park’s majestic character and visit the Pioneer History Museum.

Yosemite’s High Country: Drive over Tioga Pass Road and take easy hikes with incredible views of the valley below or explore Hetch Hetchy Valley. Depending on weather, highlights could include Mono Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and Olmsted Point. Hike to Wapama Falls along a quiet trail leading to the 1,000-foot two-part cascade.

Historic Lodges: Stay at the National Historic Landmark Wawona Hotel and Yosemite Valley Lodge, both located within the park. Plus, enjoy a tour of the historic Ahwahnee hotel, followed by a festive farewell dinner in the dining room.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Expert

Visit our website for the expert on this tour.

Yellowstone in Winter

6 days from $5,295

Jan. 3–8, Jan. 24–29, Feb. 19–24, 2024

When winter comes, Yellowstone National Park is transformed into a snowy wonderland. Wildlife is easier to spot and the park is open only to vehicles that can travel on snow, keeping the crowds at bay. Discover this national treasure from the comfort of heated snow coaches, and explore by snowshoe and on foot.

Highlights Include

Mammoth Hot Springs: Stay in the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, and take walks among Mammoth’s travertine terraces edged in snow and ice. Enjoy the opportunity to photograph this ethereal site without the daytime crowds.

Wildlife: Spend a day with naturalists in the wild expanse of the Lamar Valley, watching for bison, elk, pronghorns, and perhaps wolves; and learn about the effort to reintroduce wolves to the valley. Meet with wildlife photographers Dan and Cindy Hartman to hear their tales from many years of exploring Yellowstone and photographing its creatures.

Geysers, Waterfalls, Mud Pots, and Mineral Pools: Take in extraordinary views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the ice created by its waterfall. Watch Old Faithful erupt, spraying the landscape with frozen mist, and explore the surrounding wilderness by cross-country ski or snowshoe.

Montana’s Paradise Valley: Immerse yourself in the splendor of Montana’s Paradise Valley on a scenic drive along the Yellowstone River, and soak in the therapeutic waters of Chico Hot Springs.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Expert

Visit our website for the expert on this tour.

Yellowstone and the Tetons

7 days from $6,250

July 6–12, Aug. 31–Sept. 6, Sept. 16–22, 2024

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is the cornerstone of America’s national park system. Discover the wonders of Wyoming’s historic Yellowstone and the nearby Grand Teton National Park. Enjoy leisurely walks or more strenuous hikes in both parks; learn about geology; and observe plentiful wildlife, including wolves, coyotes, grizzly and black bears, moose, bison, and more.

Highlights Include

Yellowstone National Park: Watch for bears, bison, bald eagles, coyotes, and elusive wolf packs in the wildliferich Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley, often called the “American Serengeti.” Learn about geology as you marvel at the awesome Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; and walk around the geysers, hot pools, and mud pots at Norris Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, and Mammoth Hot Springs. You’ll also visit with renowned landscape and nature photographer Dan Hartman at his home studio.

Grand Teton National Park: Enjoy a calm-water float trip along the Snake River, offering spectacular vistas and wildlife viewing. Take a boat ride across jewel-like Jenny Lake and visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Plus, enjoy the lively town of Jackson during your two-night stay.

Lodgings: Spend two nights at a hotel located on the banks of the Yellowstone River in Gardiner; two nights at a lodge within Yellowstone National Park; and two nights at an upscale boutique property just a short walk from the heart of downtown Jackson.

Limited to 18 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Expert Visit our website for the expert on this tour.

Cruising the Caribbean’s Windward Islands

Round-trip from St. Lucia Aboard the 184-guest Le Bellot

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT 9 days from $5,790* Jan. 28–Feb. 5, 2024

From the lush rainforests of Dominica to the World Heritage-listed architecture of Barbados, discover history, culture, and natural wonders as we make our way across the eastern Caribbean. Sail by catamaran to remote islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and enjoy plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel or dive amid colorful reefs and rich marine life.

Highlights Include

Dominica: Experience the lush beauty of the Caribbean’s “Nature Island” on a hike to spectacular viewpoints; a boat ride through enchanting, tangled forests; or a tour and tasting at a family-owned chocolate factory.

Les Saintes: In this mostly uninhabited French archipelago, go island-hopping in a local boat, watching for wildlife and swimming and snorkeling. Or visit a historic French fortress with incredible island views.

Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: On a jeep tour, explore the lively town of Port Elizabeth, enjoying views of Admiralty Bay from the 18thcentury Hamilton Fort; and visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary to hear about efforts to raise and release endangered hawksbill turtles. Or set off on a catamaran cruise around Bequia and its neighboring isles, and drop anchor off a tiny island to snorkel the reefs and swim.

Grenada: Dubbed the “Spice Island,” visit this hilly island of unspoiled beauty and the southernmost isle of the Lesser Antilles. Grenada is home to Grand Etang National Park, which you may choose to visit.

Mayreau and Tobago Cays Marine Park: During a day on tiny Mayreau, stroll along the beach, go swimming and snorkeling, and enjoy a beach barbecue. Then head for the turquoise lagoons of Tobago Cays Marine Park for excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

World Heritage sites: Experience two very different World Heritage sites—the dramatic, jungle-clad peaks of St. Lucia’s Pitons and the colonial architecture of Bridgetown in Barbados.

Add a two-night extension in St. Lucia.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise include Franklin Knight, a professor and lecturer with expertise in the Caribbean, and Ed Smith, a former biologist at the Smithsonian National Zoo.

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea

From Colón to Puntarenas Aboard the 184-guest Dumont-d’Urville

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $6,525* Feb. 10–17, 2024

Discover the rare tropical ecosystems of Panama and Costa Rica on a voyage that features a full daylight transit of the Panama Canal. Venture to Panama’s pristine Caribbean islands, then cross the historic canal to the Pacific Coast. Gain insight from today’s scientists on an exclusive visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center. Visit Darién National Park, and cruise to Costa Rica to explore the tropical habitats of Quepos.

Highlights Include

San Blas Islands: Go snorkeling among coral reefs, walk white-sand beaches, and meet the indigenous Kuna people in this remote archipelago.

Panama Canal: Make a full daylight transit of the Panama Canal, one of the greatest wonders of engineering in history. Delve into the dramatic history of its construction and engineering as you pass through three levels of locks.

Darién National Park: Within this World Heritagelisted park, ride Zodiacs to a traditional village of the indigenous Emberà people, who have maintained their timeless lifestyle. Learn about their rich culture, from their excellent craftwork to their music and dance traditions.

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Panama City: On a specially arranged tour of the Smithsonian’s Punta Culebra Nature Center guided by scientists, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest. Then take a guided tour of the Biomuseo, designed by architect Frank Gehry. The museum’s interactive biodiversity exhibitions were created by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama. Enjoy lunch and a walking tour in the charming colonial center of Casco Antiguo.

Costa Rica: Dock in Quepos and choose from a guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, a wildlife cruise through the thick mangroves, or a rafting adventure on the Savegre River.

Add a three-night extension in Costa Rica.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise are Steven Paton, director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s physical monitoring program, and Ralph Nurnberger, an expert in international relations.