Smithsonian at Oxford

Featuring Five Courses of Study

8 days from $5,850 Book early—course capacity is limited!

Sept. 16–23, 2023 & June 29–July 6, Sept. 14–21, 2024

Join fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers who share a deep and unbridled love of learning and wish to study a subject in depth. Immerse yourself in the intellectual and cultural environment of Oxford University—one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, where Smithsonian Journeys travelers have congregated since 1979.

We return to Merton College—a renowned academic institution that has produced multiple Nobel laureates and cultural giants such as J.R.R. Tolkien and T.S. Eliot. Here, you’ll explore the libraries and grounds, dine in the college hall, sample life as an Oxford student, and study with Oxford tutors after choosing a course from five fascinating themes.

Highlights Include

Courses of Study: Stimulate your mind in pursuit of knowledge as you spend your mornings learning from an Oxford tutor. September 2023 course selections include The Monarchy and the British Constitution, Archaeology of Britain, The Jewel in the Crown: The British Raj in India, and Jane Austen. Visit our website for 2024 course selections.

Excursions: During a tour of Oxford, learn about this historic city, the British educational system, and the connection between James Smithson (founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution) and the university, which he attended as a student. Plus, take an excursion tailored to your specific course. Find details on our website.

Optional Activities: Tour staff will help arrange alternative afternoon outings, including punting, a guided tour to the Ashmolean Art Museum, and a walking tour based on the popular British drama, Inspector Morse.

Lifestyle: Stay at historic Merton College, featuring the university’s oldest quadrangle, and sample life as an Oxford student. Live in a dormitory room (with en suite bathroom), dine in the college hall (including High Table, a privileged tradition), and use Merton’s common rooms and gardens. Explore the charming town of Oxford, take tea at local eateries, and enjoy Evensong at Christ Church College. The average course size is 14 to 16 guests. Book early to ensure your preferred choice. See our website for information on a four-day extension in London.

Oxford Tutors

Historians, authors, and heritage professionals from the Oxford community will serve as Smithsonian faculty. See our website for more information.

County Clare

A One-Week Stay in Western Ireland

9 days from $4,790

Includes $250 special savings

No single supplement

Special air rates available

Sept. 2–10, Sept. 16–24, 2023 & June 8–16, Sept. 7–15, Sept. 21–29, 2024

Experience the essence of Irish culture in Ennis, County Clare, where you’ll view Ireland through the eyes of its people. The Old Ground Hotel, situated in the heart of Ennis, provides the perfect base for your discoveries.

Highlights Include

Music: Listen to live music throughout your stay in Ennis, a stronghold of traditional Irish music. Enjoy exclusive performances and more informal gatherings in charming local pubs. Plus, meet a musician in his home to hear more about Irish musical history.

Other Cultural Traditions: Gain insight into the Irish game of hurling, dating back 2,000 years, and learn about Irish history and genealogy from a local expert.

Dramatic Landscapes: Enjoy walking along the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, special areas of outstanding geology and beauty. You’ll also drive along the Wild Atlantic Way and the scenic Loop Head Peninsula.

Aran Islands: Travel to Inis Mór, inhabited since ancient times and a center for the Irish language. Learn about its history and meet a family who are modern purveyors of culinary seaweed.

Castles and Gardens: Learn about Irish castles, gardens, history, and science at Birr Castle and Bunratty Folk Park.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Hilary Lennon (Sept. 2, June, Sept. 7) and Christopher Griffin (Sept. 21)–experts in Irish literature.

England’s Lake District

A One-Week Stay in Historic Cumbria

9 days from $5,790

Includes $250 special savings

Special air rates available

Aug. 22–30, Sept. 19–27, 2023 & June 4–12, July 9–17, Aug. 6–14, Sept. 10–18, Sept. 18–24, 2024

On excursions by foot, boat, and road, experience the evocative beauty of England’s Lake District. Visit castles, ancient ruins, and timeless villages; and explore Hadrian’s Wall and the Yorkshire Dales.

Highlights Include

Bowness-on-Windermere: Explore the Lake District from your base at a lovely waterfront hotel in this village.

Northern Lake District: Take a driving tour, visiting a 5,000-year-old stone circle and stopping for a tasting tour at a renowned whisky distillery. Cruise beautiful Derwentwater, one of the region’s largest lakes.

Hadrian’s Wall: Enjoy a full-day excursion to the World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall, an ancient Roman fortification that stretches 73 miles from coast to coast.

Castles and Gardens: Tour Muncaster Castle, a 14th-century family home, and visit its Hawk and Owl Centre. Later, choose to hike along the shores of Lake Windermere to Wray Castle.

Lake District Literary Tour: Set out to discover the haunts of the writers who settled here, including William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, and Beatrix Potter.

Yorkshire Dales: Encounter waterfalls and expansive moors on a morning excursion to the Yorkshire Dales, and sample local cheeses at a creamery. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Cassandra Potts Hannahs (Aug. 22) and Carol Ann Lloyd (Sept. 19)–historians.

Heart of Scotland

A One-Week Stay Featuring the Edinburgh Military Tattoo

9 days from $4,990 Includes $250 special savings

No single supplement / Special air rates available

July 31–Aug. 8, Aug. 7–15, Aug. 14–22, 2023

Immerse yourself in the ancient heart of Scotland, getting acquainted with its history, natural beauty, and contemporary culture during a weeklong stay. From your base in the medieval old town of Stirling, discover the legacy of Scottish heroes King Robert the Bruce and Sir William Wallace, the subjects of the movie Braveheart. Explore the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and tour the majestic cathedral ruins in seaside St Andrews. During a full day in Edinburgh, experience the enchanting Military Tattoo, staged on the castle grounds. Enjoy a wide variety of activities, from a distillery visit to a cruise on Loch Lomond, as well as free time to explore Scotland’s enchanting towns and cities.

Highlights Include

Stirling: Stay in a Victorian landmark within the medieval walls of Stirling, and explore the history of this royal town and its region— where both William Wallace and Robert the Bruce defeated the English in the wars for Scottish independence. Venture to famous battlefields, and take a guided tour of the town’s castle, once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo: On a full-day excursion to this World Heritage-listed city, take a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile as well as the Georgian New Town. Experience the Military Tattoo, a thrilling annual spectacle of military bands from around the world and traditional Highland dancing set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park: discovering this vast and wild landscape of lochs and Munros, or mountains over 3,000 feet. Set out on a scenic cruise on Loch Lomond and enjoy a lakeshore lunch in charming Luss. Admire the stunning views on a drive through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

St Andrews: Take a day trip to seaside St Andrews, a pilgrimage destination and Scotland’s oldest university town. Meander among the evocative ruins of the town’s castle and its 12th-century cathedral, once one of the most magnificent buildings in the country; and enjoy time to explore the town further.

Perth and Crieff: Visit the opulent Scone Palace, set on the site where Scottish kings were crowned. Then head to Glenturret Distillery, the oldest working distillery in Scotland, for a tour and a tasting single malt whisky.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Jeffrey Williams (July)–expert in British history. (Aug. 7)–ethnomusicologist. Katherine Forsyth

Celtic languages, literature, and art.

Scotland’s Treasures

Featuring the Royal Military Tattoo*

12 days from $6,896

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Aug. 26–Sept. 6, 2023 & May 27–June 7, July 27–Aug. 7,* Aug. 10–21,* Aug. 31–Sept. 11, 2024

Experience the enduring appeal of Scotland on a journey from the sweeping Highlands to Edinburgh’s storied Royal Mile. Delve into history and architecture in the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Hear the tales of the Highlands clans in Glencoe and Culloden, and visit important castles and battlefields. Soak up the mystique of the Isle of Skye, then make your way east to seaside St Andrews. Delve deeper into Scottish culture, getting a firsthand view of traditions such as falconry, whisky distilling, and sheepdog training.

Highlights Include

Glasgow: Discover Glasgow’s distinctive architectural style and visit the remarkable Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Enjoy a curator-led tour of Pollok House, home of the Maxwell clan, and see the Riverside Museum, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

The Highlands: Take a scenic cruise on Loch Lomond and see historic Glencoe and Glenfinnan Monument. Follow the shores of fabled Loch Ness and explore the ruins of the 13th-century Urquhart Castle. Visit Culloden Moor, site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising; discover prehistoric sites along the Pictish Trail; then witness a falconry demonstration on a tour of Dunrobin Castle and Gardens.

Isle of Skye: Set off on a full-day excursion to the Isle of Skye, known for its strong Gaelic influence. Enjoy a traditional pub lunch in Portree and explore the mystical Black Cuillin mountains.

Kincraig, Pitlochry, and St Andrews: Cross Scotland, gaining insight into local traditions. Watch a sheepdog demonstration in Kincraig; sample handcrafted single malt at a 150-year-old distillery in Pitlochry; and explore St Andrews, renowned for Scotland’s oldest university and as the birthplace of golf.

Edinburgh: Explore the “Old Town” on a castle visit and a walk along the Royal Mile to Holyrood House. Then tour the 18th-century Georgian “New Town.” Meet an ambassador from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for a private whisky tasting.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo:* On select departures in July and August, attend an evening performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacular annual pageant set in the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Expert Rab Houston (July/Aug. 31)–expert in modern Scottish history.

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage From Bergen to

Glasgow

Aboard the 184-guest Le Dumont-d’Urville or Le Champlain

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $6,440*

May 27–June 3, 2023† & June 8–15, June 15–22,† 2024

Follow in the wake of ancient seafarers on a voyage from Norway’s spectacular coast to the far-flung archipelagos of Scotland. Experience the Norwegian fjords by train and cable car, encountering glaciers, traditional fishing villages, and breathtaking vistas. Then sail to the Shetland and Orkney Islands to explore prehistoric sites and the legacy of the Vikings, and observe vast colonies of breeding seabirds. Learn local legends on the mystical Isle of Skye, and end your journey in the Scottish Highlands.

Highlights Include

Norwegian Fjords and Glaciers: Embark on a thrilling—and spectacular—train journey aboard the Flåm Railway. From the fjordside village of Olden, encounter continental Europe’s largest ice cap by exploring the edge of a glacier or riding a cable car for a panoramic view of the ice.

Shetland Islands: At the crossroads where Scotland meets Scandinavia, discover the extraordinary settlement of Jarlshof, inhabited for 5,000 years; trace history and local culture on an in-depth tour of Lerwick; or go hiking on the Island of Mousa to encounter seabirds and marine life.

Orkney Islands: Visit the World Heritage-listed settlement of Skara Brae, and see the Neolithic Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. In lively Kirkwall, venture into a Viking-built cathedral.

Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands: Visit Eilean Donan Castle and Armadale Castle; or discover the rugged Isle of Skye from the Trotternish Peninsula to Dunvegan Castle. From Fort William, take a scenic drive into the Scottish Highlands, tour Fort Augustus, and cruise fabled Loch Ness.

Add a one-night extension in Bergen and/or a two-night extension in Edinburgh. *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 May 27, 2023 and June 15, 2024 departures run in the reverse and follow a slightly modified itinerary. Visit our website for details.

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 the May 2023 departure include Miriam Davis, an expert in medieval history and archaeology. Visit our website for the additional expert.

Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea

From London to Glasgow Aboard the 184-guest Le Dumont-d’Urville

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

9 days from $6,460*

May 5–13, 2023 & May 21–29, 2024

Delve into a realm of legends and lore among the historic sites and breathtaking landscapes of the British Isles and Ireland. Walk atop the White Cliffs of Dover, and spot seabirds and rare plants on the Isles of Scilly. Experience the charming port of Kinsale and effervescent Cork; then get acquainted with timeless Welsh culture in North Wales. Tour the intriguing sites of Belfast or the natural wonders of North Ireland’s coast, and cap off the voyage in the magical Scottish Hebrides.

Highlights Include

Dover: Admire the iconic White Cliffs of Dover from above on a cliff-top walk or explore Dover Castle, which played an important role in the rescue of soldiers from Dunkirk during World War II.

Isles of Scilly and Wight: Venture to Queen Victoria’s summer residence on the Isle of Wight, and spot seabirds on a wildlife cruise in the Isles of Scilly.

Ireland: Soak up the lively spirit of Cork, visiting its fortress or its historic old town.

Wales: Experience North Wales, where old traditions linger and Welsh remains the mother tongue. Tour the 13th-century Caernarfon Castle, or meander through a stunning collection of rare plants from around the world at Bodnant Garden.

Northern Ireland: Sail to Belfast to explore the Titanic Belfast Museum; or travel along Northern Ireland’s coast to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Giant’s Causeway, and Dunluce Castle.

Scotland’s Hebrides: On tiny Iona, tour the early Christian monastery and its Celtic crosses. See the vividly painted houses of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, and delve into the intriguing history of the Clan MacLean at Duart Castle.

Add a two-night extension in the Scottish Highlands.

*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

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 the 2023 departure are Miriam Davis, an expert in early British history, and Hugh Neighbour, a former diplomat with expertise in history, culture, and current affairs.

Rock of Cashel

13 days from $6,892

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

July 13–25, Aug. 13–25, Sept. 7–19, Sept. 28–Oct. 10, 2023 & May 12–24, June 16–28, July 7–19, Aug. 11–23, Sept. 8–20, 2024

From the lively streets of Dublin to the windswept Aran Islands, Ireland is a land where prehistoric and medieval monuments seem to appear around every corner and age-old traditions mingle with a vibrant contemporary culture. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Emerald Isle, exploring the interplay of past and present in the captivating cities of Dublin, Killarney, and Kilkenny. Experience ethereal landscapes rich in legend as you explore Connemara, Inishmore, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry; and venture into castles and abbeys that tell the dramatic tales of Ireland’s history.

Highlights Include

Dublin: During a day in Dublin, take a guided tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and visit the library at Trinity College to view the medieval illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Kells. Later, visit the interactive EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum.

Aran Islands and Galway: Enjoy a personal perspective on the Aran Islands, exploring local life in traditional Ireland on a tour of Inishmore with an islander. In the artistic hub of Galway, sit down to dinner accompanied by spirited Irish music.

Natural Wonders: Explore the enchanting boglands and mountains of Connemara and visit its stunning Kylemore Abbey. View the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and visit a prehistoric dolmen on your way through the Burren’s craggy lunar landscape. Then spend a day discovering the spectacular Ring of Kerry, including a stop at the Kerry Bog Village, where thatched homes and traditional farming equipment show everyday life in 19th-century Ireland.

Killarney: Explore the vibrant town and Ross Castle by traditional jaunting car, and watch traditional weavers and

Galway potters at work on a tour of fascinating Muckross House. Witness a sheepdog demonstration and enjoy a dinner in a family-run guesthouse.

Blarney, Cashel, and Kilkenny: Visit well-known castles and historic sites such as Blarney and the Rock of Cashel, once home to the High Kings of Munster. In medieval Kilkenny, explore the 12th-century castle on a walking tour and enjoy time at leisure to discover the town. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Miriam Davis (July 13)–expert in history and archaeology. Christopher Griffin (Aug. 13)–expert in Irish literature. Cassandra Potts Hannahs (Sept. 28)–historian with expertise in Great Britain.

Waterways of Holland and Belgium

From Amsterdam to Antwerp

Aboard the 160-guest Amadeus Queen or Riva

9 days from $3,890

Includes $250 special savings

No single supplement

Special air rates available

Apr. 6–14, Apr. 10–18, Apr. 13–21,* Apr. 17–25,* 2024

Our popular cruise from Holland to Belgium showcases magnificent art and architecture, spellbinding gardens, and enchanting medieval villages. Cruise along delightful canals and rivers from Amsterdam to Antwerp, observing windmills, fields of spring flowers, and local traditions while you enjoy a choice of included excursions.

Highlights Include

Amsterdam: Take a private cruise along Amsterdam’s historic canals, lined with 16th- and 17th-century gabled row houses, which have been designated a World Heritage site. Stroll through the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens, where more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowers are expected to be in bloom.

Kampen: Rich in history, Kampen is known for its former prominence as a Hanseatic town. Enjoy a walking tour to see its towering Gothic church and other historic stone buildings.

The Hague, Delft, or Gouda: Choose from three compelling excursions. In The Hague, see sites associated with the seat of Dutch government during a city tour, then visit the Mauritshuis museum to view paintings by Vermeer and other Dutch Masters. Or travel to the charming town of Delft to stroll through Market Square and visit the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory. Alternatively, stroll through Gouda’s Market Square; visit Sint Jan Church, the longest church of the Netherlands; and enjoy a cheese tasting.

Zeeland Coast: Come to understand the country’s continuous battle with the sea at the educational Delta Expo, then visit one of the storm surge barriers.

Bruges and Antwerp: The World Heritage site of Bruges features treasured 15th-century architecture, picturesque canals, and arched footbridges. Following a walking tour, choose from three excursions that focus on Flemish art, Belgian chocolate, or Belgian beer. Your cruise concludes in Antwerp with a walking tour of this medieval city. Port charges are an additional $395 per person. Space reserved for up to 75 Smithsonian Journeys guests, depending on departure. Visit our website for information on both ships.

*These departures will run in the reverse.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Mary O’Neill (Apr. 13) and Valerie Lundquist (Apr. 17)–art historians.

A Stay in Holland

9 days from $4,990 Includes $250 Special savings / Special air rates available May 9–17, 2023 – Very Limited Availability!

From your base in the picturesque city center of Hals’s native Haarlem, immerse yourself in the world of Dutch fine arts, beginning with a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of Vermeer’s masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum. Explore the Hague, Delft, Rotterdam, and Gouda on full-day excursions; discover an enormous collection of Van Goghs; and enjoy presentations on art by your Smithsonian Journeys Expert. Highlights Include

Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum: Enjoy two opportunities to view the largest exhibition ever of the works of Johannes Vermeer, open only from February through June 2023. Savor his works on a guided tour, from lesser-known paintings to iconic pieces like The Milkmaid, on loan from museums around the world.

Haarlem: Settle into the rhythms of everyday life in Haarlem, a picturesque Dutch town of gabled houses, windmills, and timeless cobbled streets. Just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, Haarlem is an ideal base to discover the cultural hubs of the Netherlands.

The Hague and Delft: On a day trip, take a guided tour of the Mauritshuis, home to one of the largest collections of Dutch Golden Age art. Travel to Delft, hometown of Vermeer, to visit a special exhibition on the history and culture of the Netherlands during Vermeer’s lifetime.

Hoge Veluwe National Park: Traverse this sweeping landscape to the Kröller-Müller Museum, where a stunning array of European art includes pieces by Monet and Picasso as well as the second-largest collection of works by Van Gogh. Soak up the symbiosis of art and nature on a stroll or a bike ride through lovely sculpture gardens.

Gouda and Rotterdam: On a city tour, view the famous stained-glass windows of Sint Jan Church and enjoy a tasting and history lesson about Gouda’s namesake cheese. Continue to Rotterdam to encounter innovative architecture, and cap off your excursion with a harbor cruise.

Amsterdam: Take advantage of two free afternoons to explore Amsterdam as you wish, visiting museums dedicated to Rembrandt or Van Gogh, taking a canal cruise, or simply strolling its picturesque bridges and lanes, soaking up the charms of everyday life.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.