The Life and Work of Van Gogh in France

7 days from $5,790

Oct. 4–10, 2023 & Apr. 24–30, May 29–June 4, Sept. 18–24, Oct. 9–15, 2024

Trace the artistic evolution and compelling life story of Vincent Van Gogh on a journey from Paris to the south of France. Among the cobbled lanes of Montmartre, discover how his acquaintance with the Impressionists changed the way he used light and paint. Visit the house of Dr. Gachet, who cared for him during his final days, and see his simple gravesite in Auvers-sur-Oise. Then head south to Arles and St.-Rémy-de-Provence, where he created some of his most iconic pieces amid his own internal turmoil, and experience firsthand the light and color that Van Gogh so vibrantly captured.

Highlights Include

Paris and Auvers-Sur-Oise: Immerse yourself in the great works of the Impressionists at the Musée d’Orsay, home to many works by Van Gogh including his room in Arles. Explore his haunts in hilltop Montmartre, where the artist lived with his brother Theo. Then journey to Auvers-Sur-Oise and visit the inn where he died and the home of Dr. Gachet.

Avignon and Arles: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Avignon, including the excellent Musée Angladon. Stay in central Arles and discover the city sites associated with Van Gogh. Meet a curator at the Fondation Van Gogh to discuss the artist’s influence on contemporary art. St.-Rémy-de-Provence: Stroll the Van Gogh Trail, seeing the very landscapes the artist immortalized during his year in the asylum of Saint Paul de Mausole. Visit the

Romanesque monastery where he lived and painted under the care of nuns and nurses.

Private Tours and Museum Visits: Enjoy private tours of world-renowned museums and specially arranged visits to acclaimed collections from the Auberge Ravoux in Auvers-sur-Oise to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

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

A River Cruise of Provence

Aboard the 140-guest Amadeus Provence

9 days from $5,090 / Includes $250 early booking savings

No Single Supplement / Special air rates available

May 3–11, Aug. 16–24, Sept. 13–21, Oct. 4–12, 2023 & May 1–9, Sept. 18–26, Oct. 23–31, 2024

Feel the essence of sun-drenched Provence and historic Burgundy as you cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers on a round-trip journey from Lyon. Trace the history of the Romans in southern France, hear stories of medieval popes, see many World Heritage sites, savor Burgundy and Beaujolais wines, and appreciate the landscapes and ambiance that drew famous artists.

Highlights Include

Historic Sites: In Arles, explore the magnificently restored Roman amphitheater, built in the first century B.C., and the Romanesque Cathédrale de St. Trophime. In Avignon, visit the 14th-century Palais des Papes, a World Heritage site. Choose to see other ancient sites such as the Pont du Gard aqueduct or the Roman theater and Triumphal Arch in Orange, and medieval sites such as Vieux Lyon. Plus, everyone explores the Benedictine Abbey of Cluny, once home to 10,000 monks, and the World Heritage site of Beaune with its 15th-century Hôtel Dieu.

Rhône and Saône Wines: Visit the historic wine regions of the Beaujolais and Mâconnais, which produce some of the finest wines in the world. Enjoy a morning tour through peaceful vineyards, followed by a wine tasting. Tour the Côte de Beaune region and its famed winegrowing villages, and drive the Route des Grands Crus (Road of Great Wines)—one of the oldest and most celebrated wine routes in France.

Memorable Landscapes: View the horses, pink flamingos, egrets, and herons that make their home in the marshy fields of the coastal Camargue, a nationally designated protected wetland, and visit the nearby coastal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Choose other nature excursions such as a tour to the Ardèche Gorges and a cycling tour along the Rhône River.

Port charges are an additional $395 per person. Space reserved for 35 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Learn more about the

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Vivien Green Fryd (May 3) and Janetta Benton (Aug.)–art historians. Joan Grimbert (Sept. 13)–professor and author with expertise in medieval French literature. Madeline Díaz (Oct. 4)–expert in art history and museum studies.

Treasures of the Alps

Swiss Trains and Italy’s Lake District

14 days from $7,492

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

June 22–July 5, Aug. 10–23, Sept. 9–22, Sept. 14–27, 2023 & May 27–June 9, June 20–July 3, Aug. 8–21, Aug. 29–Sept. 11, Sept. 12–25, 2024

With their multitude of craggy, snow-dusted peaks and sweeping valleys dotted with timeless villages, the Alps inspire a sense of awe and a sense of peace. Experience some of the gems of these legendary mountains as you travel by train, ferry, coach, and cable car to charming medieval towns, historic medieval resorts, and sky-high summits in Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. Ride the Glacier Express to Zermatt and cruise to isolated villages on the shores of Lake Lugano. Wind through the lovely Italian Lake District on a scenic drive, spend a morning exploring German World War II sites, and attend a concert in an ornate palace in Salzburg.

Highlights Include

Legendary Swiss Trains: Gaze upon extraordinary mountain views from the legendary Glacier Express and the Pilatus Railway. Riding along the Gornergrat Bahn, Europe’s highest open-air railway, take in dramatic vistas of 29 Alpine peaks, including the majestic Matterhorn.

Charming Swiss Towns: Stay in lakeside Lucerne, with its medieval old town and distinctive covered bridge, and the alpine retreat of Zermatt, gateway to the Matterhorn.

Ticino and the Italian Lake District: During three days on Lake Lugano, visit castles and gardens, cruise to remote villages, and set off on a scenic drive to Stresa and Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lake District.

Innsbruck and Salzburg, Austria: Enjoy a walking tour of charming Innsbruck, and take a cable car into the mountains for a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding Alps. Then travel through the stunning Tyrolean countryside to Salzburg and spend three nights in the hometown of Mozart. Explore the city’s historic sites, and attend a chamber music concert in the Marble Room of Mirabell Palace. Your final day features a trip to the clifftop Eagle’s Nest, the Nazi Party’s Bavarian retreat. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Christopher Brennan (Aug. 10)–historian. Peter Bobrowsky (Sept. 14)–archaeologist and geologist.

Europe’s Great Rivers

Featuring the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers

Aboard the 168-guest Amadeus Silver III

16 days from $6,790

Includes $250 early booking savings

No Single Supplement—Limited Availability

Special air rates & services available

Oct. 14–29, 2023 &

Oct. 15–30, 2024

Explore the cultural landscapes of five European countries and three legendary rivers on this cruise, featuring a choice of excursions and many World Heritage sites.

Highlights Include

Hungary: Begin your river voyage in Budapest as you discover the city’s highlights. See the city illuminated from the waters of the Danube as our ship sails this evening.

Slovakia: Learn about Slovakia’s history in Bratislava and then choose a tour featuring its musical heritage, medieval architecture, or local wines.

Austria: Enjoy a choice of activities in elegant Vienna. Cruise along the beautiful Wachau Valley and stop in Dürnstein before continuing to the Benedictine abbey at Melk.

Germany: Cruise along the Danube to lovely Passau and Regensburg. Dock in Nuremberg and visit the medieval towns of Bavarian Bamberg, Wurzburg, Miltenberg, and Cologne. Marvel at hilltop castles as you sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge and enjoy a guided walk through historic Koblenz.

The Netherlands: In Amsterdam, take in the impressive collection of Dutch art at the Rijksmuseum, or embark on a guided walking tour of the canal district. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bicycle tour among rural historic villages. Space reserved for 55 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Port charges are an additional $495 per person.

Smithsonian Journeys Expert

Carol Reynolds (Oct. 14)–expert in European art, music, and history.

Cruising the Rhine & Moselle

A Family Program Featuring a Voyage From Basel to Amsterdam Aboard the 162-guest

Amadeus Queen

12 days from $5,690

Includes $250 early booking savings

No Single Supplement and Special Children’s Pricing Available

Special air rates & services available

July 3–14, 2023

Create memories with your family as you enjoy a wide selection of family and adult excursions.

Highlights Include

Switzerland: From your base at the luxurious VictoriaJungfrau Grand Hotel Resort and Spa in Interlaken, discover the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps.

France: In Strasbourg, enjoy a canal cruise and walking tour of the Petite France district, a World Heritage site, or choose a historical walking tour or Alsatian culinary excursion.

Germany: Explore the medieval castle and town of Heidelberg, and in Rüdesheim, enjoy a wine tasting or visit a mechanical musical instrument museum. Be on deck as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, and visit Reichsburg Castle. Tour Cologne and explore the Chocolate Museum.

The Netherlands: Visit Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum; learn about the historic Jordaan district during a walking and culinary tour; or enjoy a family bike ride. Later, take a scenic canal cruise showcasing the city’s architecture and waterways.

Space reserved for 60 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Port charges are an additional $395 per person. Learn more about the Amadeus Queen on our website.

Smithsonian Journeys Expert

Carol Reynolds–expert in European art, music, and history. Youth directors provide onboard activities for young people.

A Danube River Cruise

From Prague to Sofia Aboard the 160-guest Amadeus Silver III, Riva, or Queen

15 days from $6,790

Includes $250 special savings

No single supplement—Limited availability / Special air rates available May 15–29, Aug. 19–Sept. 2, Aug. 28–Sept. 12,* 2023 & May 18–June 1, May 27–June 11,* Aug. 9–24,* Oct. 6–20, 2024

The fabled Danube River flows through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe—an evocative landscape of ancient capitals; lovely villages; and magnificent churches, palaces, and castles. This unique itinerary showcases eight countries and many World Heritage sites, plus features a choice of specialty excursions.

Highlights Include

Czech Republic: Your journey begins in Prague, the capital of Old World Europe. During a three-night hotel stay, you’ll enjoy tours of the Charles Bridge and the historic district; a choice of excursions, including Lobkowicz Palace, the Jewish Quarter, or Prague’s architectural treasures; and some time at leisure.

Germany and Austria: Travel to Passau, located at the confluence of three rivers—the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. Before boarding your ship, visit magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, among other sites. Then sail through the beautiful Wachau Valley, a World Heritage site, stopping at the Benedictine abbey at Melk and lovely Dürnstein. In Vienna, tour the lavish Imperial Apartments of the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, or Klosterneuburg Monastery; and enjoy an evening of Viennese waltz.

Slovakia and Hungary: In Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, view St. Michael’s Gate and the Primate’s Palace during a walking tour, bike along the storied Slovak-Austrian border, or explore sites associated with renowned composers. Cruise into the heart of Hungary’s Budapest, one of Europe’s most striking capitals, nestled along the banks of the Danube. Visit the Great Market Hall, tour the old Jewish Quarter, or explore both the Buda and the Pest sides of the Danube. Later, see Ottoman mosques in Pécs.

Croatia, Serbia, and Romania: Visit the small towns of Kopacevo, Osijek, and Vukovar, plus enjoy a wine tasting. In Belgrade, a choice of excursions features the Nikola

Tesla Museum, a culinary tour, or a highlights tour with a stop at Kalemegdan Park. Then sail through the Iron Gate Gorge, a remarkable passage just 530 feet wide along the Serbian-Romanian border.

Bulgaria: Visit a historic church in Vidin. Then continue to Sofia for a two-night hotel stay, where you’ll learn about the city’s history and culture during a tour featuring the Royal Palace and Battenberg Square.

Port charges are an additional $395 per person. Space reserved for 35 to 75 Smithsonian Journeys guests, depending on departure. Learn more about the ships on our website. *These departures will run in the reverse.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Benjamin Sutherland (May 15)–expert in European geopolitics, globalization, and conflict. Hugh Agnew (Aug. 19) and Christopher Brennan (Aug. 28)–historians with expertise in Europe.

New Year’s in Europe: Vienna, Prague, and Budapest by Deluxe Rail

With A Special New Year’s Eve Gala in Vienna

10 days from $13,995

Includes $1,000 special savings

Dec. 27, 2023–Jan. 5, 2024

Immerse yourself in the enchantment of rail travel, making your way through four Central European countries, and toast the new year at a gala event in magnificent Vienna.

Highlights Include

Travel by Private Train: Settle into your private cabin aboard the deluxe Golden Eagle Danube Express and journey in a loop through Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Budapest: Tour Buda and Pest, examining architectural marvels from the neo-Gothic Parliament to the opulent Opera House. Enjoy free time to explore the city’s Christmas markets.

Lake Balaton: Venture to lakeside Keszthely, a centuriesold summer retreat, and explore the magnificent Festetics Palace.

Vienna: Ring in the New Year in Viennese style at a champagne reception and a special New Year’s dinner at the city’s iconic Rathaus. Cap off the night with a balcony view of the city’s fireworks.

Historic Old Towns: Set off on guided walking tours of three Old Towns with exceptional architecture and Old World ambiance: Graz, Austria;ČČeský Krumlov, Czech Republic; and Slovakia’s Košice.

Prague: Explore the storied sites of this vibrant city’s Old Town, including Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Jewish Quarter; and attend a private concert. Limited to 32 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Expert Laurie Koloski–historian with expertise in modern Europe.

Across the Alps: A Deluxe Rail Journey

From Budapest to Venice aboard the Danube Express

12 days from $17,995

Includes $1,600 special savings

May 14–25, 2023

Surround yourself with extraordinary mountain vistas as you cross the Alps—and five countries—aboard the stunning Golden Eagle Danube Express on a rail journey from Budapest to Venice that includes stops in Innsbruck, Zürich, Lake Como, Lake Bled, and more.

Highlights Include

Travel by Deluxe Train: Settle into your private cabin and set off toward the Alps, taking in majestic mountain views. Budapest and Vienna: Explore the twin cities of Buda and Pest on a guided tour. In Vienna, venture into the bustling stalls of the historic Naschmarkt or tour Schönbrunn Palace before a private classical concert.

Austria and Switzerland: Take to the Austrian Alps on the World Heritage-listed Semmering Railway, and cruise Lake Achen. Then travel to Zürich and enjoy a tour of this Swiss-German speaking city.

Northern Italy: Make your way across northern Italy, stopping to cruise stunning Lake Como, enjoy a pizza tasting in Milan, discover Verona, and explore the legacy of the Byzantines in Trieste.

Slovenia and Venice: Travel to Slovenia’s iconic Lake Bled and visit the medieval castle perched high above the water. Admire Ljubljana’s enchanting mix of architectural styles, and end your journey in glorious Venice, enjoying a guided walking tour and a gondola ride.

Limited to 32 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Expert Alex Motyl–professor of political science.