Ancient Egypt and the Nile

Featuring Abu Simbel

14 days from $6,597

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Oct. 26–Nov. 8, Nov. 25–Dec. 8, Dec. 2–15, 2023 & Jan. 11–24, Jan. 13–26, Jan. 20–Feb. 2, Jan. 25–Feb. 7, Feb. 1–14, Feb. 3–16, Feb. 8–21, Feb. 15–28, Feb. 22–Mar. 6, Mar. 2–15, Mar. 9–22, Mar. 16–29, Mar. 23–Apr. 5, Apr. 6–19, Sept. 28–Oct. 11, Oct. 5–18, Oct. 12–25, Oct. 19–Nov. 1, Oct. 26–Nov. 8, Nov. 2–15, Nov. 9–23, Nov. 16–29, Nov. 23–Dec. 6, Nov. 30–Dec. 13, Dec. 7–20, 2024

From intricately carved temples to the legendary pyramids, the wonders of ancient Egypt have astonished visitors for millennia. Venture into a world of pharaohs and gods, discovering temples and tombs adorned with elaborate hieroglyphs and colossal statues that have stood the test of time. Unravel the mysteries of Egypt as you explore Cairo, Giza, and Abu Simbel and sail the mighty Nile from Aswan to Luxor.

Highlights Include

Cairo and Giza: See treasured artifacts from the tombs of the pharaohs at the Egyptian Museum and visit the famous mummies in their new home: the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. In Giza, encounter the Pyramids and the Sphinx, and see the intact Solar Boat of King Khufu excavated near the Great Pyramid. Explore Memphis, Egypt’s first capital; the step pyramid of Imhotep at Sakkara; and the lesser-known pyramids of Dahshur—precursors to those at Giza.

Aswan and Abu Simbel: At Abu Simbel, stand before the immense statues of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, who guard temples housing incredibly well-preserved murals. Visit the Aswan High Dam, considered a marvel of engineering when completed in 1965; tour the temples of Philae; and see the Unfinished Obelisk in the Aswan Quarry. Sail in a traditional felucca past Elephantine Island and the botanical gardens on Kitchener’s Island.

Nile River Cruise: Take in timeless scenes along the banks of the Nile during a three-night cruise. Visit Kom Ombo, with its unusual double temple, and Edfu, the largest temple dedicated to Horus.

Luxor: In the Valley of the Kings, visit royal tombs, the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Venture to the village of Deir-el-Medina, home to the artisans who worked on the pharaohs’ tombs. See the influence of generations of pharaohs at the extraordinary temple complex at Karnak, and tour the lovely Luxor Temple and the Luxor Museum.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests. See our website for information on a five-day extension to Jordan.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

David Price Williams (Nov. 25)–archaeologist. Jacquelyn

Williamson (Dec. 2), Solange Ashby (Mar. 23), and Rozenn

Bailleul-LeSuer (Sept.)–Egyptologists. Rafael Chacón (Mar. 2) and Annie Shanley (Nov. 2)–art historians. Debora Heard (Mar. 9)–anthropologist specializing in Nubian archaeology. Janet Duncan Jones (Nov. 30)–expert in the classics.

African Safari: A Wildlife Adventure

South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Victoria Falls

14 days from $9,184 / Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees Sept. 25–Oct. 8, Oct. 29–Nov. 11, 2023 & Mar. 31–Apr. 13, June 2–15, June 30–July 13, July 31–Aug. 13, Aug. 21–Sept. 3, Sept. 23–Oct. 6, Oct. 27–Nov. 9, 2024

Embark on thrilling wildlife drives in search of the “Big Five,” marvel at magnificent Victoria Falls, and trace the life of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg on one of our “Top 10” tours. Observe elephants and hippos on the banks of Botswana’s Chobe River, and explore a private game reserve known for its black rhino conservation program in Zimbabwe. Then head to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, an unspoiled wilderness that harbors one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife. You’ll stay in stylish boutique hotels and stunning safari lodges, and learn from local experts about the history, ecology, and culture that define southern Africa.

Highlights Include

Victoria Falls: Spend three days on the Zimbabwe side of this World Heritage site, taking in views of the thundering falls from different perspectives. Set out on wildlife drives in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, on the lookout for hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and the elusive black rhino. Learn about the region’s history as you stroll the catwalks of Victoria Falls Bridge, and cap off your stay with a “sundowner” dinner cruise on the Zambezi River.

Botswana’s Chobe National Park: During your three-day stay, take early morning game drives and boat safaris that provide abundant opportunities to view wildlife, including the world’s largest elephant population (120,000), along with zebras, lions, giraffes, impalas, and some of the park’s 450 species of birds.

South Luangwa National Park: Enjoy two days of exceptional wildlife viewing on open-vehicle drives and bushwalks. This remote park boasts one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife, from Cape buffalo and leopards to wild dogs and the endemic Crawshay’s zebra. Get acquainted with everyday life on a visit to the local community.

South Africa: Delve into South Africa’s turbulent 20th-century history during a special tour of Johannesburg’s Soweto district. See the home of revered peacemaker Desmond Tutu and visit Nelson Mandela’s home. At the Hector Pieterson Museum, learn about the pivotal Soweto youth uprising, and meet a local resident to hear stories of contemporary life in this township.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Grant Nel (both Sept./Mar./June 2)–naturalist. Robyn Keene-Young (June 30)–travel and nature writer on Southern Africa.

Safari in Kenya and Tanzania

From the Serengeti to the Masai Mara

16 days from $10,996

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Oct. 19–Nov. 3, 2023 & July 2–17, Aug. 6–21, Aug. 27–Sept. 11, Oct. 24–Nov. 8, 2024

Encounter a stunning diversity of wildlife and landscapes on safari in five national parks. In the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, discover the elephants of Amboseli. Beneath a dramatic escarpment in the Rift Valley, watch for tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara. Descend into the extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater for a chance to spot all of the “Big Five.” Then head for the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, one large contiguous region of vast plains teeming with wildlife. Throughout your journey, stay in deluxe lodges and tented camps that enhance your classic safari experience.

Highlights Include

The Serengeti and Masai Mara: Home to the annual wildebeest migration, Tanzania’s Serengeti and the adjacent Masai Mara in Kenya offer tens of thousands of square miles of diverse and pristine wildlife habitat—and some of the best safari experiences in Africa. Spend four days exploring these two iconic parks on game drives with knowledgeable wildlife guides.

Amboseli: In the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya’s Amboseli National Park is known for its dry plains and large elephant population. Meet a researcher at the Elephant Research Center to learn about these creatures, and observe their behavior on morning and afternoon wildlife drives. Then visit a nearby Maasai village to see everyday life up close, meeting with villagers and stopping by a school.

Lake Manyara: See abundant birdlife, tree-climbing lions, and hippos during game drives in one of Tanzania’s smallest and most diverse parks.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area: This World Heritage site is home to the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, measuring 100 square miles. On the crater’s floor is Africa in microcosm: grassland, swampland, lakes, forest, mountains, and unparalleled wildlife. Descend into the crater to see all of Africa’s “Big Five”—lion, elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo and leopard—in one place!

Nairobi: Tour the Karen Blixen Museum, former home of the author of Out of Africa (as Isak Dinesen) and see the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe at the Giraffe Centre.

Extension to Mount Kenya: During an optional three-day extension, spend a day at Mpala Research Centre, where Smithsonian fellows and research staff lead important studies. You’ll also visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Limited to 17 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Grant Nel (both Oct./July/Aug.)–naturalist. Robyn Keene-Young (Aug. 27)–travel and nature writer on Southern Africa.

Tanzania and Zanzibar

Featuring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

14 days from $8,697

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Sept. 24–Oct. 7, 2023 & Feb. 18–Mar. 2, Mar. 17–30, July 14–27, Sept. 22–Oct. 5, 2024

Journey to the depths of Ngorongoro Crater and the vast plains of the Serengeti, then to exotic Zanzibar. Experience the thrill of seeing wildlife up close, learn about the “Cradle of Humanity,” and encounter varied cultures.

Highlights Include

Arusha National Park: With a backdrop of snowcapped Mt. Kilimanjaro, take a game drive in search of leopards, zebras, and giraffes.

Ngorongoro Crater: Descend to the floor of the crater, home to some 25,000 mammals. Plus, visit a local Maasai village to learn about their traditional lifestyle.

Olduvai Gorge: Stop at one of the world’s most important prehistoric sites where in 1959, anthropologist Mary Leakey discovered the 1.8 million-year-old skull of Australopithecus boisei.

Serengeti National Park: Take exciting game drives through the Serengeti’s treeless plains teeming with Africa’s “Big Five” of lion, elephant, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhino.

Zanzibar: Fly to tropical Zanzibar and explore its ancient capital. Tour a spice plantation to learn about Zanzibar’s centuries-old reputation as the “Spice Island.”

Safari Comfort: Stay in deluxe Serena safari lodges that put you where the largest concentration of wildlife flourishes. Limited to 18 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Robyn Keene-Young (Sept. 24/July)–travel and nature writer. Mark Geraghty (Mar. 17/Sept. 22)–expert on African wildlife and history.

Treasures of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana

Featuring Rovos Rail

16 days from $10,290

Includes $250 early booking savings

Special air rates & services available Oct. 10–25, 2023 & Mar. 5–20, Aug. 13–28, Sept. 17–Oct. 2, 2024

This extraordinary adventure features the heritage of South Africa, a rail journey aboard the legendary Rovos Rail, safaris in three important parks, and a stay at dramatic Victoria Falls. Highlights Include

South Africa: Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Cape Town and a tour of Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela and other important leaders made strides in attaining equal rights. In Soweto township, visit other sites associated with the anti-apartheid movement.

Safari Adventures: Experience the thrill of seeing animals in the wild during safaris at three important parks. Spot the “Big Five” on game drives during a three-night stay at South Africa’s Kapama Southern Camp. Stop at Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and see the renowned elephant herds at Chobe National Park.

Rovos Rail: Savor the romance of the Golden Age of train travel during a three-night rail journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. Ride in vintage carriages restored to mint condition and take in sweeping landscapes and wildlife from the observation car. Find more details on our website.

Victoria Falls: Feel the power of Victoria Falls, a World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, during a two-night stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Space reserved for 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Robert Schrire (Oct./Mar.)–South African political analyst. Mark Geraghty (Aug.)–expert on African wildlife and history. Robyn Keene-Young (Sept.)–travel and nature writer.

Splendors of Morocco

From Imperial Cities to the Sahara

14 days from $6,679

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Sept. 22–Oct. 5, Oct. 8–21, Nov. 24–Dec. 7, 2023 & Feb. 2–15, Mar. 3–16, Mar. 31–Apr. 13, Apr. 14–27, Sept. 10–23, Sept. 29–Oct. 12, Oct. 13–26, Dec. 1–14, 2024

Morocco is a land of dramatic contrasts—desert dunes and snowcapped mountains, Roman ruins and sacred mosques, ancient adobe fortresses and spirited souks. Explore four imperial cities from Rabat to Marrakech, encountering incomparable Moroccan artistry in palaces and madrassas covered in intricate mosaics and stucco work. Step back in time in the enchanting alleyways of Fez’s medieval medina, where artisans ply their age-old crafts. Between your city stays, venture to red-rock gorges, fortified kasbahs, and oasis towns, and watch the sunset over the Saharan dunes.

Highlights Include

Imperial Capitals of Rabat, Meknes, and Fez: Explore Morocco’s ancient imperial capitals, each now a World Heritage site. Venture into the Kasbah of the Oudaias in Rabat and enjoy lunch in a family home. Visit the Bab el Mansour gateway and the imperial stables in Meknes, then admire mosaics at the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Spend two days in Fez, discovering artisans’ quarters and madrassas in the medina. Visit a 17th-century synagogue and the home of 12th-century Jewish scholar Maimonides in the old Jewish quarter.

High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert: Travel through the cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains to the edge of the Sahara in a single day. Ride a camel to watch the sunset over the dunes and stay in a kasbah-style hotel. Witness everyday life in Berber villages and palm oases as you make your way along the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs,” and explore dramatic Todra Gorge and the World Heritage–listed adobe village of Ait ben-Haddou.

Marrakech and Casablanca: Experience marvelous Marrakech and its architectural gems such as Koutoubia Mosque and El Bahia Palace. Stroll the lively square of Djemaa el-Fna, watching snake charmers, acrobats, and merchants vie for attention. Tour the Majorelle Garden and its excellent Berber Museum, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Conclude the trip in Casablanca with a tour featuring the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.

Cultural Experiences: Meet a family for dinner in their riad in Fez, and enjoy a discussion on Islam with an imam in Marrakech. Watch artisans craft pottery and attend a concert of enchanting gnaoua music. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Alia Kate (Sept. 22/Sept. 29)–expert in international relations. Wil Rollman (Nov.)–historian with expertise in northern African, Middle Eastern, and Islamic history. Carola Stearns (Mar. 31)–field geologist and geophysicist.

Ancient Civilizations by Sea: Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey

From Aqaba to Valletta Aboard the 184-guest Le Champlain

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

13 days from $10,920*

Apr. 2–14, 2024

Experience a vast sweep of history on a voyage from the Red Sea to Malta, encountering the palaces of the Bronze Age Minoans on Crete, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus. Explore the holy sites of three world religions in Jerusalem’s Old City, and discover the legacy of the knights of the Crusades in Rhodes. Along the way, float in the Dead Sea, sail the Suez Canal, and enjoy a delectable culinary adventure in the charming villages of Cyprus.

Highlights Include

The Holy Land: Explore the ancient mountaintop fortress of Masada, then descend to the Dead Sea for lunch and a swim. Or discover the archaeological site of King Solomon’s copper mines and see the marine life of the Red Sea at an underwater aquarium. Spend a day discovering the sacred sites of Jerusalem’s Old City.

Giza, Egypt and the Suez Canal: Encounter the extraordinary Pyramids and the Sphinx on a guided visit. Gain insights into ancient Egypt during a talk by a renowned professor, then see King Tut’s treasures— and much more—at the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum.

Cyprus: On a culinary tour of western Cyprus, learn how halloumi is made and knead your own Cypriot sourdough. Taste wine made from the island’s varietal grapes, and savor a traditional mezze lunch. In Paphos, discover the underground Tombs of the Kings and the stunning mosaics of the House of Dionysos.

Rhodes and Ephesus: Explore the legacy of ancient Greeks, Romans, and the knights of the Crusades as you visit the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Masters. Travel to beautiful Lindos to visit its hilltop Acropolis and its temples. Then sail to the Turkish coast for a visit to the World Heritage site of Ephesus.

Crete: Venture to the storied Palace of Knossos, the political center of Minoan civilization and legendary home of King Minos and the Minotaur. Then browse an impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts at the Archaeology Museum in Heraklion.

Add a three-night extension in Jordan or a one-night extension in Malta.

*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 journalist Adam Tanner and Gillian Hovell, an ancient historian and an archaeologist.