Our Experts

Smithsonian Journeys Experts are scholars from around the world who have an in-depth understanding of their fields, whether it’s history and culture, the fine arts, geology, or the natural world. They are eager to share their passion, knowledge, and insights about the places you visit together— through fascinating lectures and during casual conversations over a meal or on tour. Our travelers continue to tell us that our experts are a major reason they come back to Smithsonian Journeys again and again. Meet some of our experts below, and visit our website to find a full list of our experts, and to read their biographies and accolades shared by our travelers.

Colleen Batey holds honorary positions at the University of the Highlands and Islands, University of Durham, and Hunter College, New York. For the past 40 years she has been involved in research on the Viking Age in Scotland, Scandinavia, and the North Atlantic, both as director of excavations and a teacher. Colleen will join the Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage—see page 10.

Franklin Knight is professor emeritus of history at Johns Hopkins University, where he focused on Latin America and Caribbean culture and politics. He has been a visiting lecturer at many universities, and has been featured on NPR, the BBC, and several television programs. Franklin will join Cruising the Caribbean’s Windward Islands—see page 31.

Katryn Wiese is a professor of geology and oceanography at City College of San Francisco, where she has taught field, lab, and lecture classes since 1995. She has journeyed worldwide as a scientist and field guide, gaining local geologic and oceanographic expertise across the U.S., Central and South America, Arctic and Antarctic locales, and a multitude of ocean island locations. Katryn will join A Voyage Along the Great Lakes—see page 28.

Ed Smith is a former biologist at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Recently retired from the Amazonia department’s curatorial team, he is privileged to be able to share experiences and learn alongside Smithsonian Journeys participants once again. Ed will join Cruising the Caribbean’s Windward Islands—see page 31.

Jonathan Øverby is a lyric baritone, a conductor, and an ethnomusicologist. He has traveled and researched global roots music extensively abroad, including the traditional folk music of Scotland. For more than 30 years, he has dedicated his life’s work to performing, teaching, researching, and celebrating diverse genres of music. Jonathan will join the Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage—see page 10.

Highlights

• Cruise through Norwegian fjords to the glaciers of continental Europe’s largest ice cap, and take a spectacular train journey on the Flåm Railway.

• Venture to the remote Shetland Islands and discover the 5,000-year-old ruins of Jarlshof, delve into local culture, or hike the Island of Mousa.

• Discover ancient sites in the Orkneys, from the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae to the Ring of Brodgar.

• Experience the mystique of the Isle of Skye, exploring Armadale Castle or the Trotternish Peninsula; and cruise legendary Loch Ness.

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage

Aboard the 184-guest Le Champlain

8 days from $6,800* / June 8–15, June 15–22,† 2024

Uncover the legacy of ancient civilizations from prehistory to the Vikings as you sail from Norway’s fjord-carved coast to the far-flung Shetland and Orkney Islands to the Scottish Highlands.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Bergen, Norway: Arrive in Bergen and embark the ship. Navigate the fjords and islands of Norway’s coast this evening.

Day 2 — Flåm: Board the Flåm Railway for a magnificent journey on the steepest standard-gauge railway track in Europe. Ascend from sea level through glorious scenery to Myrdal Station, at an altitude of 2,850 feet, stopping at Kjosfossen waterfall on the way.

Day 3 — Olden: Cruise the fjords to picturesque Olden. Hike to a viewpoint over Kjenndalen Glacier, and ride a cable car to the summit of Mount Hoven. Or enjoy a scenic drive to Briksdal Glacier, and approach the ice by electric “troll car” and on foot.

Day 4 — Shetland Islands, Scotland: Dock in Lerwick and journey to the archaeological site of Jarlshof, which reveals 5,000 years of human history. Then see breeding puffins, guillemots, and fulmars on the coast. Alternatively, take a walking tour of Lerwick or ferry to the wildlife-rich Island of Mousa for a hike.

Day 5 — Orkney Islands: Explore Orkneys’ Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, and the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae.

Day 6 — Isle of Skye and Scottish Mainland: Enjoy a full-day excursion to discover the ethereal landscapes of the Isle of Skye. Or explore the remains of Armadale Castle and its award-winning museum, plus visit iconic Eilean Donan Castle on the mainland. Day 7 — Scottish Highlands: Take a scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands. Cruise on Loch Ness or see highlights that include Glenfinnan, the railway viaduct of the Jacobite steam train, the locks of Neptune’s Staircase, and a tour and tasting at the Ben Nevis Distillery. Day 8 — Glasgow: Disembark in Glasgow and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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 June 15 departure runs in the reverse. Visit our website for details.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise include Colleen Batey, an expert on the Viking Age (June 8), and ethnomusicologist Jonathan Øverby (June 15).

Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea

Aboard the 184-guest Le Dumont-d’Urville

9 days from $6,760* / May 21–29, 2024

Discover historic castles, local lore, and breathtaking landscapes on a cruise from London along the south coast of England, Ireland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland’s Hebrides.

Itinerary

Day 1 — London, England: Arrive in London and embark the ship, sailing out of the city on the River Thames.

Day 2 — Dover: Take a tour of Dover Castle, whose underground tunnels were used during World War II. Alternatively, set out on an excursion to the medieval pilgrimage town of Canterbury, made famous by Chaucer’s tales, and visit its World Heritage-listed cathedral on a walking tour. Or go for a walk atop the famous White Cliffs of Dover, taking in sweeping views.

Day 3 — Isle of Wight: Just off the southern coast of England lies the Isle of Wight, once the haunt of Charles Dickens and other literary greats. Go ashore and visit the Osborne House, an opulent mansion left much as it was when Queen Victoria passed away here in 1901.

Day 4 — Isles of Scilly: Cruise to the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago of more than a hundred isles off the southwest tip of Cornwall. Visit Tresco Abbey Gardens to see some of the rare plants and flowers that flourish on these islands, or set off on a wildlife cruise on the lookout for rare Atlantic gray seals and sea birds.

Day 5 — Kinsale, Ireland: From the charming fishing village Kinsale, embark on one of several excursions to the dynamic university town of Cork. Visit an 18th-century fort and prison in Cork Harbour before a city tour. Or enjoy a tasting tour of the Jameson Distillery before visiting the city highlights.

Day 6 — Holyhead, Wales: Arrive in Holyhead and travel to North Wales, a cradle of Celtic culture where Welsh remains the mother tongue. In the foothills of Snowdonia, visit Bodnant Garden during the bloom of spring. Or take a guided tour of Caernarfon Castle, one of four northern Welsh castles built by Edward I that have been collectively designated a World Heritage site.

Day 7 — Belfast, Northern Ireland: In intriguing Belfast, see the stately buildings of the city center and cross Queens University to the celebrated Botanic Gardens, and tour the Titanic Belfast Museum. Enjoy a pint and traditional dance, stories, and songs in a local pub; or follow Northern Ireland’s coast to its famous sites: Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway, and Dunluce Castle.

Day 8 — Iona and Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland: Visit the island of Iona, where Christianity was established in Scotland in A.D. 563, and tour Iona Abbey. Then board a ferry to the Isle of Mull. Delve into the fascinating history of Clan Maclean at their ancestral home, Duart Castle, and explore the charming port of Tobermory.

Day 9 — Glasgow: After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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 highest savings.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise are Miriam Davis, an expert in early British history, and Carol Ann Lloyd, a speaker and author who specializes in early modern history.

Highlights

• Soak up the lively spirit of Cork, visiting its fortress and its historic old town, or enjoying a tasting tour at the nearby Jameson Distillery.

• Visit Caernarfon Castle in Wales, or meander among rare plants from around the world at Bodnant Garden.

• Trace history in Belfast at the Titanic Belfast Museum, or venture to Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

• Experience the Scottish Hebrides, from Iona to the Isle of Mull.

• Venture deep into the fjord lands to spectacular Geirangerfjorden, and sail Lysefjorden to see iconic Pulpit Rock.

• Step into history at the Viking site of Ullandhaug, the oil town of Stavanger, and the 17th-century ironworks at Arendal.

• Admire art nouveau architecture on a city tour of Alesund, and meander among the wooden houses of picturesque Tvedestrand.

• Delve into lively Gothenburg, Sweden, visiting the city’s world-renowned Museum of Fine Art or the Volvo Museum where every model since 1927 is on display.

North

Sea BERGEN Olden

Cruising Bergen, Norway

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords

Aboard the 184-guest Le Champlain

Sail into the heart of the Norwegian fjord lands, discovering Viking settlements, historic towns, and extraordinary landscapes of jeweltoned waterways and staggering peaks.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Bergen, Norway: Arrive in Bergen, the gateway to Norway’s fjords, and embark the ship this afternoon.

Day 2 — Alesund: Explore Alesund on a walking tour of the city’s art nouveau architecture, a visit to the Atlantic Ocean Park to learn about local marine life, or a guided outing by electric bike.

Day 3 — Geiranger and Hellesylt: Cruise into the World Heritage site of Geirangerfjorden and set off on an extraordinary drive to visit the Jostedal Glacier National Park Centre. Or follow Eagle’s Road through incredible mountain scenery to a traditional turf-roofed farm and sample the goat cheese produced here. Later, visit the Geiranger Fjord Centre and enjoy free time in Hellesylt.

Day 4 — Olden: Arrive in Olden, your base for exploring nearby glaciers. Choose an easy hike to a viewpoint over Kjenndalen Glacier, and ride a cable car up Mount Hoven for spectacular views. Or take a scenic drive to Briksdal Glacier and walk beneath its face.

Day 5 — Stavanger and Lysefjorden: Go ashore at Stavanger to visit the Viking site of Ullandhaug and the historic oil port of Stavanger. Alternatively, join a guided Nordic walking excursion along a fjord, or hear a recital at the 13th-century Utstein Monastery. Sail the Lysefjorden to view the breathtaking 2,000-foot-tall Pulpit Rock. Day 6 — Arendal: In Arendal, where iron was produced beginning in 1665, take a guided tour of the fascinating Naes Ironworks Museum. Stroll through charming Tvedestrand, where there is a bookshop on nearly every corner.

Day 7 — Gothenburg, Sweden: Take a panoramic tour of this lively Swedish city, and join a guide at its world-renowned Museum of Fine Arts and the Fürstenburg Gallery. Or visit the Volvo Museum, which features every Volvo model as well as the latest concept cars. Day 8 — Oslo, Norway: Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Add a one-night extension in Bergen.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus ranging from 5% to 30%, based on the number of staterooms available at the time of printing. See our website for current pricing. Book early for higher savings.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise are archaeologist and geologist Peter Bobrowsky and Terje Leiren, a professor emeritus of Scandinavian studies and history.

Iceland Voyage: Land of Fire and Ice

Aboard the 184-guest Le Bellot 8 days from $7,910* / June 15–22, 2024

Encounter Iceland’s thrilling geological extremes—from glaciers to still-warm lava fields—on a voyage to remote fjords, waterfalls, volcanic islands, and dramatic landscapes imbued with mythology.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Reykjavík, Iceland: Board the ship in Reykjavík and take advantage of the summertime midnight sun to enjoy the scenery.

Day 2 —Heimaey: Sail to the Westman Islands and tour Heimaey, encountering Viking farmhouses, a puffin nesting ground, and the world’s youngest island. Alternatively, spend the afternoon at the world’s first beluga whale sanctuary.

Day 3 — Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Discover natural wonders, from a black-pebble beach to the mystical glacier Snaefellnesjökull, made famous by French writer Jules Verne in his 1864 novel, A Journey to the Center of the Earth. Or board local boats for a whalewatching excursion.

Day 4 — Grimsey: Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island, Grimsey is bisected by the Arctic Circle. Set out to explore its lush, emerald hills and encounter thriving populations of seabirds, including puffins, that come to nest on the island’s basalt cliffs.

Day 5 — Akureyri and Lake Myvatn: Visit the geothermal field of Namaskard, full of bubbling mud pots, steam vents, boiling springs,

Highlights

• Explore the mystical Snaefellsnes Peninsula, from its black-pebble beaches to the iconic peak of Kirkjufell.

• Cross the Arctic Circle on a visit to the birdwatcher’s paradise of Grimsey; and in the Westman Islands, see still-warm lava fields, puffin colonies, and beluga whales.

• Encounter spectacular waterfalls and see geological forces in action.

• Discover the rugged Westfjords, learning about the local way of life in remote villages and the town of Isafjördur.

Grundarfjördur

Akureyri and fumaroles; and stroll among the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgire. Stop at Godafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” or enjoy the Icelandic tradition of soaking in natural thermals baths.

Day 6 — Isafjördur: In the stunning and rugged Westfjords region, hear a performance of traditional Icelandic folk songs and visit the Isafjördur Maritime Museum. Alternatively, visit the abandoned village of Hesteyri to learn its history.

Day 7 — Golden Circle: Set out for the sites of the Golden Circle: the World Heritage site of Thingvellir National Park; the twotiered Gullfoss waterfall; and Geysir, a steaming geothermal area. Alternatively, enjoy a whale-watching cruise.

Day 8 — Reykjavík: Disembark and transfer to the airport.

*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.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise are astrophysicist Michelle Thaller and Elisabeth Ward, an expert in Scandinavian literature.

Highlights

• Explore two World Heritage-listed medieval old towns: Tallinn and Visby—on the Swedish island of Gotland.

• Meet Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa and take a walking tour of historic Gdansk, where he led Poland’s Solidarity movement.

• Discover the cliff-top Hammershus Castle and visit round churches and artisan workshops on the Danish island of Bornholm.

• Delve into the world-class capitals of Stockholm and Copenhagen.

FINLAND

Helsinki

SWEDEN STOCKHOLM Tallinn ESTONIA

Baltic Sea

Visby

COPENHAGEN DENMARK

Gudhjem

Klaipeda LITHUANIA

Gdansk POLAND

Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea

Aboard the 184-guest Le Dumont-d’Urville

8 days from $7,570* / July 18–25, 2024

Sail from Stockholm to the World Heritage site of Tallin, the Polish port of Gdansk, and beyond, discovering rich Baltic cultures shaped by Vikings, Hanseatic merchants, and 20th-century political movements.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Stockholm, Sweden: Arrive in Sweden’s magnificent “Venice of the North” and embark the ship. Be on deck as you cruise through the scenic Stockholm archipelago.

Day 2 — Helsinki, Finland: Stand on deck as the ship approaches Helsinki for a view of Suomenlinna, an 18th-century maritime fortress and a World Heritage site. You may choose to take a ferry to the maritime fortress of Suomenlinna for a guided tour.

Day 3 — Tallinn, Estonia: Explore Tallinn’s World Heritagelisted Old Town on a walking tour before embarking on a choice of activities in the city. Alternatively, delve into Estonia’s 20th-century history with a tour of Maarjamäe Palace.

Day 4 — Visby, Gotland, Sweden: Discover the walled Hanseatic town of Visby, photograph sweeping views from the Gallow Hill, and visit the renowned Gotland Museum and the botanical gardens.

Day 5 — Klaipeda, Lithuania: Stroll among half-timbered houses in seaside Klaipeda and enjoy a performance of traditional Lithuanian songs. Or, visit a cultural center that showcases

Lithuania’s 20th-century history and venture to the countryside to visit a family-owned bee farm.

Day 6 — Gdansk, Poland: Meet with former Polish president Lech Walesa for a personal perspective on the history-making Solidarity movement, and take a walking tour of historic Gdansk.

Day 7 — Bornholm, Denmark: Spend today on the island of Bornholm, once a Viking stronghold. Choose to explore cliff-top Hammershus Castle, the fishing village of Allinge, a glassblowing workshop in Gudhjem, and the Østerlars round church.

Day 8 — Copenhagen: Disembark after breakfast and fly home. Add a one-night extension in Stockholm or Copenhagen.

*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.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise are professor of Russian and East European history Nadia Kizenko and Hugh Neighbour, a former diplomat with expertise in history, culture, and current affairs.

Highlights

• Venture to the medieval walled towns of Carcassonne and Lucca, and opt to visit the historic hilltop gems of Eze and Volterra.

• Discover the World Heritage sites of Arles and Avignon, or soak up the charms of Aix-enProvence, the home of Paul Cézanne.

• Explore the French and Italian Rivieras, and ride a local boat to the villages of Cinque Terre.

• Trace the legacy of great artists, from Van Gogh in Provence and Matisse in Nice, to Michelangelo and other Renaissance masters in Florence.

Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea

Aboard the 184-guest Le Champlain

9 Days from $6,580* / Oct. 8–16, 2023

Sail the length of France’s southern coast to Italy, exploring Provence, the Côte d’Azur, the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre, and Tuscany, and making a stop in Corsica to explore the cliff-top town of Bonifacio. Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — Barcelona, Spain and Carcassonne, France: Arrive in Barcelona and embark the ship. The next day, sail to Sète, France, and travel inland to the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne to discover this fairy-tale World Heritage site.

Day 3 — Marseille and Provence: Anchor in Marseille, France’s oldest city, and travel into Provence on your choice of excursions. Tour the elegant university town of Aix-en-Provence, home of Émile Zola and Paul Cézanne. Alternatively, visit Roman sites and trace the steps of Vincent Van Gogh in Arles, or continue along the Rhône to Avignon to explore the extraordinary Papal Palace.

Day 4 — Nice, Eze, or Monte Carlo, Monaco: Sail the Côte d’Azur to Nice, and enjoy a city tour and a wine tasting. Alternatively, tour chic Monte Carlo and the hilltop town of Eze, or journey to St. Paul de Vence and visit the Maeght Foundation.

Day 5 — Portofino, Italy and the Italian Riviera: Cruise past the elegant resort towns that dot the rugged shores of the Italian Riviera. Anchor in the picturesque fishing village of Portofino, and take a walking tour of its winding lanes, lined with houses painted in warm hues.

Day 6 — Cinque Terre or Lucca and Pisa: Take in views of the five tiny villages known as the Cinque Terre on a private boat ride from Porto Venere and visit two of the villages, or travel into Tuscany to discover the walled town of Lucca and visit Pisa.

Day 7 — Florence or Volterra: Immerse yourself in the spectacular Renaissance city of Florence, encountering some of its most iconic artistic treasures. Or ascend to Volterra and visit Roman ruins and the excellent Etruscan Museum.

Days 8 & 9 — Corsica, France and Civitavecchia, Italy: Follow the coast of Corsica to the fortress town of Bonifacio. Meander through the medieval citadel, or ride a local boat along the coast, exploring limestone grottos. The next day, disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to the airport.

Add a two-night extension in Barcelona or a two-night extension in Rome *Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 0% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise are art historian Mary O’Neill and Peter Bobrowsky, an archaeologist and geologist.

Highlights

• Explore the World Heritage site of Patmos and the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. John.

• Uncover layers of history on Rhodes, discovering the legacy of ancient Greeks, Romans, and the knights of the Crusades.

• Cruise into the spectacular natural caldera of Santorini and opt to sail a catamaran or visit the village of Oia.

• Meander among the ruins of Delos, the mystical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure on Mykonos.