Cruising the Dalmatian Coast

and the Ionian Sea

Aboard the 184-guest Le Bougainville

8 days from $5,890* / July 16–23, 2024

Trace the legacy of ancient empires on an eight-day cruise, exploring numerous World Heritage sites as you follow the spectacular Adriatic coast to the legendary ports of Venice, Hvar, Dubrovnik, and more.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Venice, Italy: Arrive in Venice—a World Heritage site—and board the ship this afternoon.

Day 2 — Hvar, Croatia: Discover Hvar Town on a walking tour that includes the Franciscan Monastery, the Venetian Loggia, and the Benedictine Cloister. Learn about Hvar lace, crafted by local nuns out of agave fibers. Or head into the interior on a scenic drive to the Hora Estate. Meet a local lavender grower and learn about the history of lavender cultivation on Hvar.

Day 3 — Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Ston, Croatia: From Ploce, head inland to Mostar in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Venture into the World Heritage-listed Old Town, and see the storied Stari Most, a graceful Ottoman bridge that was famously destroyed during the Bosnian War. Alternatively, travel to the walled town of Ston to enjoy a walking tour of the Croatian town, taste local specialties, and enjoy a tasting at a winery.

Day 4 — Dubrovnik, Croatia: Set on a rocky spur on the Adriatic Sea, the walled city of Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities. Enjoy a full day to discover its important sites, from Sponza Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption to the oldest pharmacy in Europe.

Day 5 — Kotor, Montenegro: Enter Montenegro’s spectacular Bay of Kotor, and explore the World Heritage-listed old town of Kotor. Take a walking tour and visit the Lapidarium, a collection of centuries-old stone sculpture, monuments, and architectural embellishments that were rescued from earthquakes and wars.

Day 6 — Sarandë, Albania: Arrive in the port of Sarandë and choose one of two excursions. Visit the World Heritage site of Butrint, where the vestiges of Byzantine and Venetian rule intermingle with ancient Greek and Roman ruins on a stunning peninsula. Or explore Sarandë visiting Lekursi Castle and a winery before taking a walking tour of the city.

Day 7 — Itea and Delphi, Greece: Dock in Itea and venture to the World Heritage site of Delphi, once considered the sacred center of the Greek world. Or tour the Byzantine St. Lucas Monastery and continue to Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, to get a sense of local life. Back on board the ship, cruise the narrow Corinth Canal, a rare and thrilling highlight.

Day 8 — Athens: Arrive at the port of Piraeus in Athens and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Add a two-night extension in Venice or a one-night extension in Athens. *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 include art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine

Visit our website for the additional expert.

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in Hvar’s historic towns and lavender farms, and enjoy a full day in the walled city of Dubrovnik.

• Sail beneath towering peaks in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, and tour the historic town of Kotor.

• Uncover layers of history at the World Heritage site of Butrint in Albania.

• Cruise through the Corinth Canal, and discover the ancient ruins of Delphi.

• Admire the works of Yokoyama Taikan at the Adachi Museum of Art, then visit Yushien Garden or 17th-century Matsue Castle.

• Dock in Busan, South Korea and discover the city’s markets, museums, and temples; or travel to the World Heritage site of Gyeongju.

• Explore breathtaking Kenrokuen Garden, and tour a samurai home and an Edo-period teahouse.

• Learn the art of papermaking or washi; visit a gold-leaf workshop; and sample a sake at a historic brewery.

Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea

Aboard the 264-guest Le Soléal

8 days from $7,580* / May 21–28, 2024

Sail the Sea of Japan along the coast of Honshu, exploring lesser-known towns and villages that harbor the hallmarks of Japan’s rich culture: from traditional crafts and Japanese gardens to historic castles and shrines.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Maizuru, Japan: Arrive in Osaka and transfer to Maizuru, a port city on the Sea of Japan, and embark the ship late in the afternoon.

Day 2 — Matsue and Yasugi: Encounter a world-class collection of Japanese modern art at the Adachi Museum of Art. Then stroll among blooming peonies at Yushien Garden or explore 17th-century Matsue Castle—one of the few original castles that remain in Japan. Delve into the art of Japanese papermaking, or washi, at a museum dedicated to a master craftsman and try your hand at this ancient art. Or get immersed in brilliant blossoms at the Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park and visit Kotobuki-jo, or “Sweets Castle.” Set sail for Korea this evening.

Days 3 & 4 — Busan or Gyeongju, South Korea/At Sea: In the port city of Busan, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched atop seaside rocks; tour the Busan Museum of Arts; or experience the Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje Market. Attend a traditional Korean tea ceremony at Hongbeopsa Temple. Or choose a full-day excursion to Gyeongju, cradle of the eighth-century Silla Kingdom. See the royal burial mounds at Tumuli Park and encounter a treasure trove of Silla artifacts at the Gyeongju National Museum. Spend a leisurely day at sea enjoying the ship’s amenities and attending talks by your experts.

Day 5 — Kanazawa or Shirakawa-go, Japan: On a guided tour of Kanazawa, walk through the lively Omicho Market and past the traditional teahouses of the Edo-period geisha district, and meet the artisans at a gold-leaf workshop. Or experience the world-renowned Kenrokuen Garden. Witness an authentic Japanese tea ceremony at the Gyokusen-an teahouse and visit the stunning Nomura Samurai Residence and the Kutani Kosen Kiln. Alternatively, journey to the World Heritage-listed mountain villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.

Day 6 — Sado Island: During a day on Sado Island, visit the Edo-era fishing village of Shukunegi and the Ogi Folk Museum, and taste rice wine at the 150-yearold Hokusetsu Sake Brewery. Or venture to the northern part of the island to explore Senkaku-wan Bay Ageshima Yuen Park and the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine.

Day 7 — Sakata and Yamagata: In the Yamagata region, see traditional Japanese arts at the Honma Museum of Art and images of post-war Japan at the Ken Domon Museum of Photography; then visit the Sankyo Rice Storehouse. Or discover a 600-year-old pagoda on sacred Mount Haguro and ascend to the thatched shrine of Sanjin Gosaiden. Alternatively, discover Mount Chokai and Tamasudare Falls on a nature walk or visit the Kamo Aquarium.

Day 8 — Hakodate, Hokkaido: Disembark in Hakodate, on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, and return home.

Add a four-night extension in Tokyo and Kyoto.

*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 Asian studies expert John Freedman and Timon Screech, a historian of Japanese art.

Highlights

• Watch for sperm whales, seals, and dolphins on a wildlife cruise off the charming town of Kaikoura.

• Experience extraordinary Fiordland National Park, exploring some of its most magnificent waterways including Milford Sound.

• Set off on a harbor cruise in Akaroa, on the lookout for Hector’s dolphin and seabirds.

• Take a guided nature walk on Ulva Island, encountering rare bird species and ancient podocarp forests.

New Zealand's South Island by Sea: A Voyage to the Fiordland

Aboard the 184-guest Le Lapérouse

8 Days from $6,480* / Feb. 15–22, 2024

Immerse yourself in the natural majesty of New Zealand’s South Island, sailing from the rich waters of Kaikoura to the magnificent waterways of Fiordland National Park.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Wellington, New Zealand: Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city, situated on the southern tip of the North Island. Board the ship and set sail for the South Island tonight.

Day 2 — Kaikoura: Dock in lovely Kaikoura, nestled along a beautiful beach at the foot of snowcapped mountains. Set off on a wildlife cruise to discover the many marine creatures drawn to the deep, nutrient-rich waters off the coast. Watch for sperm whales as well as dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and perhaps migrating whales.

Day 3 — Akaroa: From Akaroa, set off on a harbor cruise on the lookout for seabirds and Hector’s dolphin—the smallest and rarest marine dolphin species in the world—as well as the prolific birdlife that comes to roost on the towering sea walls known as Cathedral Cave.

Days 4 & 5 — At Sea/Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound: Sail south along the coast, taking advantage of the ship’s many amenities. The next day, enter Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage site. Sail into remote Dusky Sound and ride Zodiacs to get a close-up look at wildlife. Continue north to the long and narrow Doubtful Sound. Day 6 — Milford Sound: Experience incomparable Milford Sound, which meanders inland between steep slopes, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. Set out by Zodiac to spot fur seals and an array of birdlife native to New Zealand.

Day 7 — Ulva Island: Go ashore at Ulva Island, a predator-free wildlife sanctuary. Take a guided walk with naturalists, discovering unusual plant species and an array of native and endemic birdlife.

Day 8 — Dunedin: Drop anchor in Dunedin, at the base of the beautiful Otago Peninsula. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport or extend your stay.

Add a four-night extension in New Zealand’s North Island.

*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 archaeologist and geologist Peter Bobrowsky and Geoff Cox, an expert in the natural sciences, the environment, and marine biology.

Highlights

• Explore the holy sites of Jerusalem’s Old City and venture to the cliff-top fortress of Masada.

• Experience the legendary Pyramids of Giza and see King Tutankhamun’s treasures before transiting the historic Suez Canal.

• Set out on a culinary adventure in the charming villages of western Cyprus, sampling halloumi, loukoumades, and local wines.

• Trace history at the Minoan Palace of Knossos on Crete and the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus in Turkey.

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

Aboard the 184-guest Le Champlain

13 days from $11,420* / Apr. 2–14, 2024

Experience an astonishing sweep of history and culture on a voyage that spans the sacred sites of the Holy Land, the Pyramids of Giza, and the archaeological wonders of Turkey and Greece—with a stop in Cyprus to discover rich culinary traditions.

Itinerary

Days 1–3 — Aqaba, Jordan and Eilat, Israel/At Sea: Board the ship in Aqaba and sail to Eilat. Explore King Herod’s fortress at Masada and enjoy a float in the Dead Sea, or visit King Solomon’s copper mines and see Red Sea marine life at an underwater aquarium. Sail around the Sinai Peninsula, enjoying talks by your Smithsonian Journeys Experts.

Days 4 & 5 —Giza, Egypt and the Suez Canal: Experience the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Explore the three main pyramids and the fabled Sphinx, then gather for lunch at the historic Mena House. After a lecture by a renowned professor, examine King Tutankhamen’s treasures at the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Spend the next day transiting the Suez Canal, enjoying lectures and time at leisure on board.

Day 6 — Jerusalem, Israel and The Holy Land: Journey to the holy city of Jerusalem, stopping on the Mount of Olives to take in views of the Old City. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, then delve into the Old City on a walking tour. Stroll the Via Dolorosa, visit the Armenian and Jewish Quarters, and gain insights into the sacred sites of three faiths.

Days 7 & 8— Limassol and Paphos, Cyprus: Head to the wine-producing regions of western Cyprus to discover the island’s unique culinary traditions. In the village of Letymbou, learn to make halloumi cheese and traditional sourdough bread. Enjoy a tasting at a local winery before a typical meze lunch. Visit the World Heritage site of Paphos: venture into the Tombs of Kings; see the mosaics of the House of Dionysos; and discover the Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi. Explore the charming harbor of Paphos during free time.

Day 9 — Rhodes, Greece: Encounter Rhodes’ many cultural treasures on a walking tour that includes the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights. Or drive to Lindos to visit the Acropolis and the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia. Instead, you may choose to take a cooking class at a popular restaurant.

Day 10 — Kusadasi and Ephesus, Turkey: Dock at Kusadasi to visit incomparable Ephesus. Tour the Temple of Hadrian; the Library of Celsus; and the immense theater, still in use today. Stroll the Sacred Way, and learn about at the acclaimed Terrace Houses, where wealthy Ephesians once lived.

Days 11–13 — Heraklion, Crete, Greece/At Sea/Valletta, Malta: Visit the Palace of Knossos and admire the frescoes and architectural flourishes of a oncegrand Minoan city. Next, visit Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum to see the renowned Minoan collection. After a relaxing day of sailing, disembark in Valletta. 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.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise are journalist Adam Tanner and Gillian Hovell, an ancient historian and archaeologist.