Active Journeys in Europe

Explore Europe on an Active Journey that combines the Smithsonian’s educational enrichment with long walks or hikes. Stay in top-notch accommodations, travel with experienced Adventure Guides, and learn from local experts along the way. See more Active Journeys in the Americas on pages 74 and 76.

Vernazza, Cinque Terra

Spain’s Historical Pilgrimage Route

11 days from $6,595 May 11–21, Sept. 21–Oct. 1, Oct. 12–22, 2022

For over a thousand years, pilgrims have hiked the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain, one of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes during the Middle Ages. Walk along those same trails yourself, from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, experience ancient villages and dramatic landscapes of Spain’s mighty Basque region, where nature and history are revered, and local wine and cuisine are cherished.

The Pilgrimage Route: From the charming foothills of the Pyrenees, hike nearly 41 miles of the Camino’s most scenic sections, averaging five miles per day of low-impact hiking through pastoral landscapes and ancient villages. Storied Cities: Enjoy guided tours of historic cities and towns frequented by pilgrims, including Pamplona, Burgos, León, Lugo, and Bilbao, some of which are home to important cathedrals and World Heritage sites. Santiago de Compostela: Your journey concludes by hiking into Santiago de Compostela, arriving at the legendary cathedral where you can reflect on your experience, and if you wish, attend a Pilgrim Mass. While here, stay two nights at the Parador de Santiago de Compostela, built to accommodate pilgrims, first as a royal hospital in 1499 and later as a hotel. Gastronomic Traditions: Indulge in authentic Galician flavors where recipes and culinary traditions have been passed on through generations as you dine in familyowned restaurants. Limited to 20 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Daily hikes from 4 to 8 miles.

Featuring the Cinque Terre

9 days from $5,995 May 8–16, June 5–13, Sept. 11–19, 2022

For centuries, writers, artists, and travelers have been drawn to the Italian Riviera for its charming pastel-colored villages and traditional lifestyle. Join us for this tour, where moderate hikes take you from one seaside village to another, revealing breathtaking views around every turn.

The Cinque Terre: Soak up the ambiance of the Cinque Terre, a World Heritage site, during a day of hiking along coastal paths with panoramic views of the sea. From Monterosso, hike through citrus orchards to Vernazza, taking time to admire this beautiful village. Continue to Corniglia and pause for a picnic lunch. Later, take a leisurely walk through the vineyards of Manarola where a sommelier provides insight into the region’s wine culture. Riviera Hikes: Take a ferry to the island of Palmaria to hike to its peak and enjoy a view of the Gulf of Poets, then continue by boat to the colorful fishing village of Porto Venere. During a hike from Santa Margherita Ligure, admire panoramic views of Portofino and the Gulf of Paradise. Take a morning ramble through olive groves from Noli to the hamlet of Varigotti, following a route along the Pilgrim’s Path that offers dramatic views of rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and Saracens Bay. Cultural Insights: Listen to a local expert discuss the region’s influence on British poets. During a walking tour of Genoa, learn about the city’s fascinating history and powerful families. Enjoy a cooking class featuring local specialties, attend a presentation about Ligurian cuisine and wine by a food expert, and savor local wines at a tasting. Limited to 20 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Daily hikes from 2 to 5 miles.

Standing Stones of Callanish Coast of the Dingle Peninsula

10 days from $6,995 May 12–21, Aug. 4–13, Sept. 22–Oct. 1, 2022

Embrace mountain hikes and leisurely coastal walks in Scotland’s Hebrides and Highlands amid landscapes that evoke poignant stories and clan history. Step back in time as you walk up to ancient standing stones and iconic castles, meet weavers and distillers, and take in breathtaking views of the Isle of Lewis and Harris, the Isle of Skye, and the Cairngorm Mountains.

The Hebrides: On the Isle of Lewis and Harris, a coastal walk links the Callanish Standing Stones with a broch house and the blackhouse village. Among other hikes, travel a historic coast-to-coast trail from the rocky east to the sandy western beaches and enjoy glorious coastal views in all directions. Along the way, meet a local weaver of Harris tweed, learn about the island’s cultural history, and watch for golden eagles, otters, seals, and whales. On the Isle of Skye, experience the dramatic Red and Black Cuillin mountain ranges up close during a hike through Glen Sligachan. The Highlands: Enjoy a leisurely cruise of Loch Ness and explore the remains of Urquhart Castle, situated along its shore. Later, take in the romantic Eilean Donan Castle and sip some Scotch at a historic distillery. In Cairngorms National Park, hike a variety of trails that take you through ancient Caledonian pinewood forests and offer views of castles and wildlife. During your rambles, you’ll also discover historic sites, a sculpture trail, and an outdoor folk museum that traces Highland life through the centuries. Limited to 16 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Daily hikes from 1 to 5 miles.

11 days from $6,895 July 3–13, Aug. 7–17, 2022

Blend vigorous tramps with insightful cultural visits along Ireland’s west coast—on the Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, the Aran Isles, and Connemara—where the traditional Irish language is still spoken and the music is ever present. With your small group, walk along pristine beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and rugged mountainous areas, explore historic sites, and meet with local people along the way. And at night, warm Irish hospitality, lively music, a tasty pint, and genuine Irish craic await you at local pubs.

Hiking Dramatic Landscapes: Hike along the windswept Gap of Dunloe and climb narrow mountain passes in Killarney National Park. Spend two days on the Dingle Peninsula and hike the Dingle Way, often considered one of the most beautiful walks in the world. On the Aran Isle of Inis Mór, you’ll walk to a stone fort situated on a 325-foot cliff overlooking the Atlantic, offering spectacular views. Farther north, hike the quartzite mountain of Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park and learn about the flora and fauna of the coastline.

Historic Sites and Local People: En route to County Kerry, stop in Kilkenny, a medieval city celebrated for its arts and crafts. During your hikes, see prehistoric ogham stones, an ancient fort, and Kylemore Abbey with its Victorian walled gardens, and travel through Killarney’s lakes by boat to visit historic Ross Castle. You’ll also stop at quaint fishing villages and old abandoned cottages, meet a goat farmer, and learn about modern seaweed foraging from a local expert. Limited to 20 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Daily hikes from 2 to 7 miles.