A WORLD APART
For 180 years, the Smithsonian has enriched the lives of Americans, sharing knowledge through a vibrant ecosystem of museums, media, research programs, and continuing education. Smithsonian Journeys draws on the Institution’s cultural and scientific endeavors to bring our knowledge directly to you on engaging travel programs all over the world.
Our collection of Cultural Stays offers a unique take on travel: instead of covering a lot of ground, you stay in one place and get to know it in depth, discovering its layered history and its artistic heritage, its local haunts and its distinctive flavors. From art-focused stays to longer Living In programs, we invite you to slow down and immerse yourself in a captivating part of Europe.
Lake Como, Italy
3 TO STAY WAYS
CULTURAL STAYS
Stay a week in a cultural hub such as Copenhagen or Italy’s Lake District and discover its intrinsic character through a range of guided excursions and experiences. Explore the region through its cuisine, art, history, and environment, visiting both highlights and lesser-known sites and spending time with the local people.
LIVING IN PROGRAMS
Settle into an apartment-style hotel and stay up to three weeks in an alluring place such as Provence or the Greek Isles. Enjoy planned excursions, expert lectures, and group meals, as well as ample free time to get acquainted with the rhythms of daily life. Choose one or more enrichment tracks to further explore what interests you, such as language lessons, hiking excursions, or local cuisine.
ART-FOCUSED STAYS
Join an art historian for a week in one of Europe’s art capitals, touring worldrenowned museums and private collections and gaining insights into the lives and works of greats such as El Greco or Van Gogh. Venture to artists’ haunts and homes, and contemplate masterpieces both iconic and overlooked. Along the way, savor local cuisine and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.
TRAVEL DESIGNED FOR THE CURIOUS
On each Cultural Stay and Art-Focused Stay, you’ll travel alongside a Smithsonian Journeys Expert, gaining a deeper understanding of the places you visit. Our experts are scholars from around the world who have dedicated their careers to a field such as history, geology, or the fine arts. They are eager to share their passion, knowledge, and insights with our travelers. Meet a few of the experts who will join us, and visit our website to find many more.
On our three-week Living In programs, you’ll enjoy lectures by resident experts and tours with local guides throughout your stay. An engaging and resourceful resident director is also on hand to handle logistics and help you plan your free time.
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP)
Mariska Beekenkamp-Wladimiroff–art historian A STAY IN HOLLAND: AN ART HISTORY JOURNEY
Edward Becker–architect and urban designer
COPENHAGEN: A ONE-WEEK STAY
Arianna Soldati–volcanologist
ITALY’S AMALFI COAST: A ONE-WEEK STAY
Samuel Amago–historian and Spanish professor
FRANCE AND SPAIN’S BASQUE REGION: A ONE-WEEK STAY
TOP
REASONS
TO TRAVEL WITH US
5
TRAVEL WITH OUR EXPERTS
Smithsonian Journeys Experts bring a wealth of knowledge and a meaningful perspective to every trip, engaging with our travelers throughout each Cultural Stay. Our Living In programs feature talks by local experts, who share unique insights on the region’s history and culture.
2. 3. 4. 5.
SMALL GROUPS, BIG EXPERIENCES
Our Cultural Stays typically feature groups of up to 24 travelers, allowing for more intimate exploration of renowned sites and the chance to get to know local people and fellow travelers. Living In programs accommodate up to 36 guests, who break into smaller groups to pursue their chosen enrichment tracks.
THE SMITHSONIAN COMMUNITY
Our travelers are intellectually curious and adventurous lifelong learners who share a passion for exploration. The friendships that develop on tour are often a lasting element of the experience.
GREAT VALUE
Once you add up everything we include—outstanding experts and guides, enrichment, excursions, most meals, transfers, most gratuities, and memorable accommodations—you’ll find that our journeys offer an exceptional experience at a very good value.
SUPPORTING THE SMITHSONIAN MISSION
When you travel with Smithsonian Journeys, your participation supports Smithsonian’s mission to preserve natural and cultural heritage, advance research, and share our resources with the world.
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Unpack once and settle into your home in one of Europe’s enchanting corners. Your accommodations are thoughtfully chosen for their central location and upscale amenities, as well as their sense of place. Some are situated on the waterfront, others in the heart of the Old Town—and many are historic in their own right. On our Living In programs, you’ll live like a local in an apartment-style hotel and get to know the neighborhood, visiting the weekly market or finding a favorite café. Take a look at a few of the unique accommodations for our Cultural Stay programs on these pages, and find descriptions for them all on our website.
Hotel Sina Villa Medici
Relais Paradiso Hotel
ITALY'S AMALFI COAST – SEE PAGE 14
Perched on a hillside above the ceramics hub of Vietri sul Mare, this stylish boutique hotel offers stunning views of the Gulf of Salerno at the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
Parador de Hondarribia
FRANCE AND SPAIN’S BASQUE REGION
SEE PAGE 8
Overlooking the Bay of Biscay in the Spanish Basque town of Hondarribia, this beautifully restored 10th-century castle was once the home of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.
Wellington Hotel & Spa
A STAY IN MADRID – SEE PAGE 18
A beloved fixture in Madrid’s elegant Salamanca neighborhood, this architectural gem is in the “Art Triangle” formed by the city’s top museums, and has hosted the likes of Gene Kelly and Ernest Hemingway.
Hotel Sina Villa Medici
A STAY IN FLORENCE – SEE PAGE 20
This 19th-century palazzo is set in a garden oasis, offering a stunning retreat filled with art and antiques, and a rare swimming pool in the heart of Florence.
FRANCE AND SPAIN’S BASQUE REGION
A ONE-WEEK STAY AT THE PARADOR DE HONDARRIBIA
Delve into the vibrant soul of the Basque region in both France and Spain during a weeklong stay in the Parador de Hondarribia, a renovated 10th-century castle perched on the waterfront. Soak up the charms of Hondarribia, a Spanish village on the French border, and set out to discover Basque culture in havens of art and cuisine along the Bay of Biscay and in gem-like villages nestled in the Pyrenees. Encounter renowned architecture in Bilbao and explore the historic resort towns of San Sebastián and Biarritz. Experience French Basque traditions in Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and trace the footsteps of Hemingway in Pamplona.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2
U.S./Bilbao, Spain/ Fly overnight to Bilbao and transfer to the seaside town of Hondarribia, your Hondarribia home for the week. Gather for a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant.
Day 3 San Sebastián After a walking tour of Hondarribia’s Old Town, travel to San Sebastián. Discover the historic center with a guide and enjoy free time to explore.
Day 4 Bayonne and Travel to Bayonne, the capital of French Basque country, and take a walking tour Biarritz, France followed by a traditional Basque lunch. Later, stroll the waterfront promenade of stylish Biarritz, and gather for a private txoko meal with wine pairings.
Day 5 Bilbao, Spain
Day 6
Espelette and
Take a guided tour of Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, designed by the late Frank Gehry. Enjoy lunch together before an evening at leisure.
Drive into the Pyrenees to Maison Ortillopitz, and join the owner for a tour of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, this historic French Basque country home. Visit the village of Espelette, known France for its hot peppers, then meander through picturesque Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Day 7 Pamplona, Spain See the historic highlights of Pamplona, including the Plaza de Toros, on a guided tour, and enjoy free time to explore on your own.
Days 8–9 Tolosa and Azpeitia,
Browse the local market in Tolosa, then continue to Azpeitia to explore the Spain/Bilbao Sanctuary of Loyola. Toast your Basque sojourn at a farewell dinner and depart from Bilbao the next day.
Kerri Lesh (Oct. 3/Oct. 30) and Beebe Bahrami (Oct. 2)–anthropologists. Silvia Mitchell (Oct. 10), Jodi Campbell (Apr. 10/Apr. 17), Samuel Amago (May 8), Barbara Whitehead (Sept. 25), and Cameron Watson (Sept. 18/Oct. 9)–historians. Veronica Menaldi (May 1)–cultural studies scholar. Visit our website to see additional experts. SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
FRANC E
While in Basque country, stay at the 10th-century castle of Charles V, renovated into an upscale parador.
TRIP DETAILS
Double from $4,990 per person
Single from $5,885 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: Oct. 3–11, Oct. 10–18, 2026 & Apr. 10–18, Apr. 17–25, May 1–9, May 8–16, Sept. 18–26, Sept. 25–Oct. 3, Oct. 2–10, Oct. 9–17, Oct. 30–Nov. 7, 2027
Accommodations: Parador de Hondarribia 9 days | Limited to 24 guests
Biarritz
Bay of Biscay Pyrenees
San Sebastián
Guggenheim Bilbao Museum
COPENHAGEN
A ONE-WEEK STAY IN DENMARK
Architecture, innovation, and a rich cultural heritage intersect in Copenhagen, a thriving capital that began as a Viking fishing village. From your base in the city center, set out to discover royal palaces and cutting-edge urban design, cruise the canals, and experience enchanting Tivoli Gardens. In nearby Roskilde, view Viking ships and a World Heritage-listed cathedral. Gain insight into the life and works of author Karen Blixen on a visit to her home, and venture to historic castles, including mighty Kronborg. Encounter award-winning architecture and pioneering sustainable design, and savor a farm-to-fork lunch amid lush urban gardens.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Copenhagen, Arrive in Copenhagen on an overnight flight and meet for a guided walk before Denmark a welcome dinner.
Day 3 Copenhagen
Day 4 Copenhagen
Day 5 Copenhagen
Day 6 Roskilde
Day 7 Rungsted and Elsinore
Admire the Danish crown jewels on a tour of Rosenborg Castle, and watch for the Royal Guards as you stroll the lovely gardens. After lunch in picturesque Nyhavn, set off on a canal cruise.
Trace the evolution of design insight into sustainability innovations on a guided tour of the Danish Architecture Center, and explore Christiansborg Palace.
Ride the elevator to the top of Amager Bakke, named the World Building of the Year in 2021, and savor a lunch of local ingredients at an urban farm.
Travel to Roskilde, founded by the Vikings, and tour its World Heritage-listed cathedral. Examine ancient vessels that were excavated from Roskilde Harbor at the Viking Ship Museum, and stop for lunch at an organic farm. Tour Frederiksborg Castle and its Museum of National History.
Travel to the home of author Karen Blixen for a curator-led tour, and visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Continue to Elsinore to explore Kronborg Castle, a World Heritage site and the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Days 8–9 Copenhagen
Enjoy a full free day in Copenhagen, then gather for a farewell dinner at Tivoli Gardens. Depart the next day.
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Edward Becker (June 17)–professor of architecture who has taught in Denmark. Glenn Kranking (July 15)–historian. Patrick Wen (Aug. 12/26)–Scandinavian studies scholar. Visit our website to see additional experts.
FROM OUR TRAVELERS
“We really like the ‘city break’ concept. You get excellent experts and time on your own. And, as always with Smithsonian tours, wonderful travel companions.”
TRIP DETAILS
Price: Double from $6,790 per person
Single from $8,685 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: June 17–25, July 15–23, Aug. 12–20, Aug. 26–Sept. 3, Sept. 2–10, 2027
Accommodations: Scandic Palace 9 days | Limited to 24 guests
Copenhagen
Overnight
Featured Site
Rungsted
Frederiksborg Castle
Roskilde
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Kronborg Castle
Nyhavn
Coffee and Danish pastries
ITALY’S LAKE DISTRICT
A ONE WEEK STAY IN STRESA
Italy’s breathtaking Lake District has inspired painters, writers, and poets through the ages. During a week in lovely Stresa, settle into a hotel overlooking the shores of Lake Maggiore and venture out to discover the region, cruising to remote islands and enjoying free time to pursue your own interests. Visit the beautiful Borromean Islands and spend time in the resort town of Orta San Giulio. Encounter renowned art and architecture from Milan to Lake Como, and explore islands, gardens, and timeless villages set against a backdrop of majestic Alpine peaks.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Milan, Italy/Stresa Depart on an overnight flight to Milan and transfer to Stresa, your home on Lake Maggiore. Gather for a guided walk before a welcome dinner.
Day 3 Lake Orta
Day 4 Milan
Travel to Orta San Giulio on the shores of Lake Orta. Set out on a walking tour and continue by boat to Isola San Giulio to visit its Romanesque basilica.
On a day trip to Milan, step inside the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a World Heritage site, to see The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Browse costumes and artifacts at the Museum of La Scala, and enjoy free time before dinner tonight.
Day 5 Lake Maggiore and the Spend the afternoon cruising the Borromean islands. Stroll the botanical Borromean Islands gardens on Isola Madre and see the fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori. On Isola Bella, visit the Borromeo family’s art-filled villa and sip an aperitif in the gardens.
Day 6 Stresa
Day 7 Lake Como
Take advantage of a free day to discover more of Stresa. Gather for a group dinner tonight.
Travel to Lake Como in the foothills of the Alps, and ride a boat to Bellagio to see its 18th- and 19th-century villas and savor a lakeside lunch. Take in the views as you sail to Como by private boat, and discover the town on a guided walk.
Days 8–9 Stresa Participate in a cooking demonstration followed by a lunch of traditional dishes. Later, meet for a celebratory farewell dinner. Depart the next day.
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Ashley Elston (Oct. 10), Gary Radke (May 4), and Sarah Wilkins (Oct. 5)–art historians. Visit our website to see additional experts.
Take in the world-famous art and architecture of Milan, including Leonardo’s The Last Supper.
TRIP DETAILS
Price: Double from $5,790 per person
Single from $7,085 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: Oct. 10–18, 2026 & Apr. 20–28, May 4–12, Aug. 31–Sept. 8, Sept. 14–22, Oct. 5–13, Oct. 12–20, Oct. 19–27, 2027
Accommodations: Hotel La Palma 9 days | Limited to 24 guests
Isola Bella
ITAL Y Milan
The Alps Lake Orta Stresa
Lake Como
Isola Madre Como Bellagio
Isola San Giulio Italian Lake District Lake Maggiore
Overnight Featured Site
A Lake Como village
Cooking demonstration
TRIP HIGHLIGHT
ITALY’S AMALFI COAST
A ONE-WEEK STAY IN VIETRI SUL MARE
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is renowned for its stunning coastline of pastel-colored villages perched on steep cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea. For centuries, writers, artists, and emperors have found inspiration and respite in this stunning region. Make your home in the seaside town of Vietri sul Mare and spend a week discovering the delights of the Amalfi Coast and the cultural treasures of southern Italy. Explore World Heritage sites such as Pompeii, Paestum, and the historic center of Naples. Take in breathtaking coastal landscapes from Sorrento to Capri, and savor delicious local food and wine.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2
U.S./Naples, Italy/ Fly overnight to Naples and transfer to your hotel overlooking the sea in Vietri sul Mare Vietri sul Mare. Meet for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 The Amalfi Coast Drive the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to the town of Amalfi and cruise to Positano. After free time to explore, dine at a trattoria.
Day 4 Paestum In Paestum, view three beautifully preserved Doric temples and visit the site’s museum. Hear from a local expert before an evening at leisure.
Day 5 Naples
Day 6 Capri
Day 7 Sorrento
At the National Archaeology Museum, view art and artifacts from Herculaneum and Pompeii. Take in panoramic views from Posillipo Hill and enjoy a lunch of Neapolitan pizza.
Ride the ferry to fabled Capri. Marvel at the Faraglioni Rocks and see the Casa Malaparte before free time to explore the island.
After a walk in Sorrento, ascend through citrus and olive groves to a farm where olive oil and fior di latte cheese are produced.
Days 8–9 Herculaneum and Join an expert guide at Herculaneum and Pompeii, frozen in time by the ancient Pompeii eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Discover fresco-filled villas, artifacts, and plaster casts excavated from the buried cities. Gather for a farewell dinner and depart the next day.
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Kimberly Dennis (Oct. 28), Ross King (Apr. 21), Rafael Chacón (Sept. 22), and Valerie Hedquist (Oct. 13)–art historians. Arianna Soldati (May 5)–volcanologist. David Guinee (May 26)–professor of classical studies. Visit our website to see additional experts.
TRIP HIGHLIGHT
Step back two thousand years on a visit to the Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, both frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
TRIP DETAILS
Double from $5,690 per person
Single from $6,685 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: Oct. 28–Nov. 5, 2026 & Apr. 21–29, May 5–13, May 26–June 3, Sept. 8–16, Sept. 22–30, Oct. 13–21, 2027
Accommodations: Relais Paradiso Hotel & Spa | Limited to 24 guests
ITALY
Overnight Featured Site
Amalfi
Vietri sul Mare
Naples Positano Paestum Tyrrhenian Sea
Isle of Capri Bay of Naples Pompeii
Herculaneum
Amalfi Coast
Sorrento
Neapolitan pizza
Amalfi
PRAGUE
A ONE-WEEK STAY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Split by the Vltava River, Prague’s historic center abounds in magnificent architecture. Its harmonious combination of churches, monuments, bridges, and town squares—dating back as far as the 11th century—has made it a World Heritage site. Savor this magical city from your base in its historic center, exploring on tours dedicated to art, architecture, cuisine, music, and history. Set off on day trips to the 15th-century beer capital of Plzeň (Pilsen) and the fairy-tale castle town of Český Krumlov, and take advantage of free time to discover more of the enchanting “city of 100 spires.”
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Prague, Fly overnight to Prague and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Gather for Czech Republic an orientation walk followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 3 Prague’s Old Town At the Strahov Monastery, enjoy a musical performance in the library’s Philosophical and Theological Halls. Tour Prague Castle, and cross Charles Bridge on a guided walk to Old Town Square.
Day 4 Prague’s Musical
Trace the footsteps of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and attend a short concert Heritage at the Estates Theater, where Don Giovanni premiered in 1787. See an organ Mozart played at St. Nicholas Church.
Day 5 Plzeň
Day 6
Journey to Plzeň (Pilsen) for a tasting tour of the Pilsner Brewery, where Pilsner Urquell is brewed. Visit the Beer Museum and the Pilsner Historical Underground. Stop for lunch before a free afternoon in Prague.
Prague’s Jewish In Josefov, the former Jewish quarter, visit the Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s Quarter oldest active synagogue, as well as the evocative Old Jewish Cemetery. Enjoy time at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 Český Krumlov
Days 8–9 Prague
Travel to the World Heritage site of Český Krumlov, a storybook Bohemian town known for its beautifully preserved architecture. After free time to explore, take a guided tour of the 13th-century castle and its baroque theater.
On an architecture tour, view art nouveau and art deco landmarks such as the Hotel Europa and the Municipal House, and visit the Mucha Museum. Gather for a festive farewell dinner and depart the next day.
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Hugh Agnew (Sept. 26) and Christopher Brennan (May 1)–historians. Visit our website to see additional experts.
FROM OUR TRAVELERS
“We loved being in one city for a week, getting a real feel for it, being able to see a number of its sights, and having the opportunity to walk around in the evenings.”
–Ronald P.
TRIP DETAILS
Price: Double from $5,990 per person
Single from $7,485 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: Sept. 26–Oct. 4, 2026 & May 1–9, May 15–23, Sept. 18–26, 2027
Accommodations: Hotel Cosmopolitan-Prague 9 days | Limited to 24 guests
Old Town Square, Prague
Pilsner beer
A STAY IN MADRID
AN ART HISTORY JOURNEY FROM EL GRECO TO PICASSO
Settle into the heart of Madrid’s Salamanca district and spend a week ensconced in a world of history-making art. View the works of El Greco on a day trip to his World Heritage-listed hometown of Toledo, and visit stunning Segovia, known for its Roman aqueduct and its Alcázar. Venture into Madrid’s royal palaces and churches to discover paintings by Spanish greats, and contemplate the significance of Picasso’s Guernica at the Reina Sofia. Explore the legendary Prado Museum with a private guide, and view treasures of European art at smaller museums, from the Museo Lázaro Galdiano to the astonishing collection of Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza.
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Madeline Díaz (Oct. 6/Oct. 5), Henry Luttikhuizen (Apr. 27), and Martha Easton (May 4)–art historians. Visit our website to see additional experts.
TRIP DETAILS
Double from $6,590 per person
Single from $8,285 per person
Airfare not included Oct. 6–14, 2026 & April 27–May 5, May 4–12, Sept. 21–29, Oct. 5–13, 2027
Accommodations: Wellington Hotel & Spa
| Limited to 24 guests
Segovia
SPAIN Toledo
NEW Prado Museum
A STAY IN HOLLAND
AN ART HISTORY JOURNEY FROM VERMEER TO VAN GOGH
From your base in picturesque Haarlem, the hometown of painter Frans Hals, immerse yourself in the world of Dutch fine arts, viewing the iconic works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh along with a host of lesser-known gems. On expert-led excursions, tour the cultural hubs of Amsterdam and the Hague and world-class museums including the Rijksmuseum and the Mauritshuis. Meet porcelain artists in Delft and cheesemongers in Gouda, explore a castle near Utrecht, and discover a vast collection of Van Gogh’s work deep inside a national park.
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Paula Swart (Apr. 13/Apr. 20), Sheri Shaneyfelt (May 4), and Mariska Beekenkamp-Wladimiroff (Sept. 14/Sept. 21)–art historians. Visit our website to see additional experts.
TRIP DETAILS
Price: Double from $5,990 per person
Single from $7,085 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: Apr. 6–14, Apr. 13–21, Apr. 20–28, May 4–12, Sept. 14–22, Sept. 21–29, Oct. 12–20, 2027
Accommodations:
Amrath Grand Hotel Franz Hals Haarlem 9 days | Limited to 24 guests
Haarlem Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring
A STAY IN FLORENCE
AN ART HISTORY JOURNEY FROM LEONARDO TO MICHELANGELO
Step into one of history’s most inspired artistic eras during a week in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. From your 19th-century palazzo, set out with an art historian to discover artistic treasures that helped define the future of art. Contemplate the works of Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Botticelli in the Uffizi and the Bargello, venture into the palaces of the powerful Medicis, and explore the World Heritage sites of Siena and Pienza.
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Catherine Scallen (Oct. 16), Aneta Georgievska-Shine (Mar. 12), Ashley Elston (Apr. 2), Sara James (Apr. 23), Lisa Passaglia Bauman (Oct. 1), Sheri Shaneyfelt (Oct. 15), and Ross King (Nov. 5)–art historians.
TRIP DETAILS
Price: Double from $6,690 per person
Single from $8,440 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: Oct. 16–24, 2026 & Mar. 12–20, Apr. 2–10, Apr. 23–May 1, Oct. 1–9, Oct. 15–23, Nov. 5–13, 2027
Accommodations: Hotel Sina Villa Medici 9 days | Limited to 24 guests
Florence Duomo Michelangelo’s David
NEW
A STAY IN PARIS
AN ART HISTORY JOURNEY FROM THE MEDIEVAL TO MONET
The City of Light is infused with the arts, from its stunning architecture to its alluring neighborhoods where legendary artists used to mingle and paint. Stay in the heart of Paris and delve into its treasure trove of magnificent art—visiting world-renowned museums as well as cherished private collections. Follow in the footsteps of great artists from the Musée Rodin to the art-filled Château de Chantilly and Monet’s home at Giverny.
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Vivien Green Fryd (Apr. 10), Mary O’Neill (May 15/Oct. 2), and Madeline Díaz (Oct. 16)–art historians.
Château de Chantilly
TRIP DETAILS
Price: Double from $6,890 per person
Single from $8,585 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: Apr. 10–18, May 15–23, Oct. 2–10, Oct. 16–24, 2027
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Paris-République
9 days | Limited to 24 guests
Château de Chantilly
OUR LIVING IN IMMERSION PROGRAMS
Spend three weeks in one alluring European city or town, and fulfill your dream of living abroad. Settle in and live like a local on these immersion programs, getting acquainted with daily life and exploring on your own terms. You may tailor your experience through a variety of enrichment tracks, perhaps taking language lessons, hiking nearby trails, or learning firsthand about local cuisine. Throughout your stay, savor ample free time to make your own discoveries.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Stay in a conveniently located hotel with studio and one-bedroom apartments that offer convenient amenities, such as Wi-Fi and a well-equipped kitchen, as well as a friendly, helpful staff.
ENRICHMENT TRACKS
Personalize your experience with your choice of three enrichment tracks that are unique to each location. One track is included in the cost of your program, but you are welcome to enroll in any or all.
RESIDENT DIRECTOR & LOCAL EXPERTS
A resourceful resident director handles logistics and helps you plan your free time. Local experts join you on select excursions and share their intimate knowledge of your location.
SOCIAL CONNECTION
Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers during group meals and included activities as well as spontaneous outings.
See a few of our Living In programs on the following pages and visit our website to see Living in Spain, Living in Portugal, and Living in Italy.
Exploring Italy
LIVING IN FRANCE: A STAY IN PROVENCE
Soak up the simple joys of life in Provence during a three-week stay in the university town of Aix-en-Provence. From your apartment-hotel, head out to browse the market, enjoy a croissant from the neighborhood boulangerie, or stroll cobbled lanes to your morning French class. Explore the fabled Luberon and World Heritage sites from Avignon’s Papal Palace to the Pont du Gard, discover pastel-hued villages and artists’ haunts, and savor Provençal cuisine.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Stay in the heart of Aix-en-Provence and enjoy time to discover the city with new friends.
• Take day trips to Avignon and the Pont du Gard, Marseille, and the Luberon, enjoying wine tastings, antique markets, and delightful meals.
• Hear from local experts on a variety of subjects, including the history, art, architecture, and cuisine of Provence.
• Choose from three enrichment tracks:
> FRENCH LANGUAGE LESSONS
> CULINARY TRADITIONS
> ART AND ARCHITECTURE
TRIP DETAILS
Price: Double from $7,790 per person
Single from $10,285 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: Apr. 7–29, Apr. 28–May 20, May 19–June 10, June 9–July 1, Oct. 6–28, Oct. 27–Nov. 18, Nov. 17–Dec. 9, 2027
Accommodations:
Aparthotel Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre 23 days | Limited to 36 guests
Aix-en-Provence
LIVING IN AUSTRIA: A STAY IN VIENNA
Spend three weeks in Vienna, living in an apartment-style hotel on the edge of the World Heritage-listed historic district and discovering the city’s treasure trove of art and music. Explore the glittering palaces of the Habsburgs, trace Mozart’s footsteps, and watch the famous Lipizzaner horses train. Linger in world-class museums and elegant cafés; tour the Jewish Quarter; and set out on day trips to the Wachau Valley and Bratislava.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Make yourself at home in the heart of Vienna, close to shops, restaurants, and local transportation.
• Go behind the scenes at the Spanish Riding School at Hofburg Palace, tour Vienna’s historic Jewish Quarter, and visit Schönbrunn Palace.
• Enjoy excursions to the World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and the charming Old Town of Bratislava, Slovakia.
• Choose from three enrichment tracks:
> GERMAN LANGUAGE LESSONS
> CULINARY TRADITIONS
> MUSIC
TRIP DETAILS
Price: Double from $8,990 per person
Single from $11,785 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: Apr. 15–May 7, May 6–28, Sept. 2–24, Sept. 30–Oct. 22, 2027
Accommodations: Aparthotel Adagio Vienna City
23 days | Limited to 36 guests
Vienna from above
Museum of Natural History Vienna
LIVING IN THE GREEK ISLES: A STAY ON POROS
Make yourself at home in the Greek Isles, settling in for an extended stay on the beautiful island of Poros—situated just off the coast of the history-rich Peloponnese. Set off on excursions to legendary sites such as Mycenae and Corinth and the seaside gems of Nafplio and Hydra. With new friends, explore Byzantine castles and ancient ruins, and linger at waterfront cafés soaking up the lilting rhythms of island life.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Settle into daily life on the island of Poros, and take day trips to the World Heritage sites of Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Mystras.
• Spend time on the charming nearby islands of Hydra and Spetses.
• Attend lectures on Greek history and culture, enjoy wine tasting and taverna meals, and discover the region as you wish during ample free time.
• Choose from three enrichment tracks:
> CULINARY TRADITIONS
> ACTIVE DISCOVERY
> ARTS AND CRAFTS
TRIP DETAILS
Price: Double from $7,390 per person
Single from $8,885 per person
Airfare not included
Dates: Apr. 14–May 6, May 5–27, Sept. 22–Oct. 14, Oct. 13–Nov. 4, 2027
Accommodations: Niki’s Village Poros
23 days | Limited to 36 guests
Poros Clock Tower
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY AWAITS
Machu Picchu, Peru
Kayaker, Antarctica
Traditional geisha, Japan
Cheetah, Kenya
This brochure is just a small sampling of the myriad ways to explore the world with Smithsonian Journeys! With more than 150 thoughtfully crafted itineraries to all seven continents and a wide range of travel styles, there are trips for every kind of traveler. Use the trip finder on our website to find your next journey—then get inspired with detailed itineraries, information about the knowledgeable Smithsonian Journeys Experts who accompany many of our trips, photo galleries, hotel descriptions, and much more. Let the journey begin!
Visit SmithsonianJourneys.org/tours/tripfinder or scan this QR code.
Abu Simbel, Egypt
