TREAT YOURSELF TO AN UNFORGETTABLE WEEK OF DISCOVERY
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.
There are few things that can revitalize and inspire like an unforgettable travel experience—even when time is short.
Our new DISCOVER Getaways are weeklong journeys for busy people who seek travel that is meaningful—but can’t commit to a long time away. Since our founding more than 55 years ago, our travel program has built upon the mission of the Smithsonian, igniting curiosity, enriching through hands-on experiences, and encouraging a deeper understanding of people and places around the world.
These new trips are everything you’d expect from a Smithsonian Journey: thoughtfully curated itineraries, distinctive accommodations, immersion in local culture, top-notch experts and guides—and they’re designed to fit into your crowded schedule.
We invite you to make time for travel and turn an everyday week into an extraordinary adventure.
REASONS TO CHOOSE A GETAWAY DISCOVER
1. BIG EXPERIENCES, SHORTER TRIPS
What can you do in a week? From private tours of historic landmarks and renowned museums to guided walks through charming old towns to cooking classes and visits with artisans, you’ll experience many aspects of your destination through engaging excursions and activities— and still have free time to pursue your own interests.
2. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
The price of your journey covers international and internal airfare and almost everything else: memorable accommodations, daily activities and excursions, airport transfers, and so much more. Most of your meals are included—but a few are not so that you can explore the local dining scene on your own.
3.
AN EXPERT PERSPECTIVE
You’ll travel alongside a Smithsonian Journeys Expert, a scholar or scientist who brings a deeper level of insight and understanding to your experience through engaging conversations as well as illuminating lectures about the places and cultures you encounter.
4. SMALL GROUP CAMARADERIE
The Smithsonian Journeys community attracts curious and adventurous lifelong learners who are not only fun travel companions, but often become lasting friends. You’ll explore in a group of no more than 24 travelers, allowing you special access to sites as well as the good company of like-minded travelers.
5.
IT’S EASY!
Our thoughtfully curated itineraries are filled with rich cultural encounters—and all you have to do is show up! We’ve taken care of all the on-the-ground logistics and even your air arrangements, leaving you free to immerse yourself fully in the experience and make the most of your week of discovery.
We’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the experience.
Each DISCOVER Getaway Includes:
• A Smithsonian Journeys Expert who presents insightful lectures
• A seasoned tour director and knowledgeable local guides
• Small groups of no more than 24 travelers
• International and/or internal airfare
• Distinctive accommodations
• Most meals as noted in the itinerary (B-breakfast; L-lunch; D-dinner)
• Daily activities and excursions led by top-notch local guides
• Pre-tour educational information, including a reading list
• Group airport transfers and on-tour transportation
• Destination taxes and most gratuities
• Emergency assistance and transportation coverage
All the special touches you expect from Smithsonian Journeys
AT HOME IN REMARKABLE PLACES
Where you stay can enhance your entire travel experience, going beyond comfort and convenience to convey a sense of place, local character, and a connection with history. When you travel on a DISCOVER Getaway, you’ll make yourself at home in memorable accommodations, from a transformed 19th-century villa in Malta to a charming waterfront inn in the Galápagos to a traditional hot-spring ryokan near Mount Fuji. Each is chosen for its amenities and atmosphere as well as its ideal location.
SMALL GROUPS, ENGAGING TRAVELING COMPANIONS
The beauty of traveling in a small group is in the shared spirit of adventure and discovery and in the fast friendships forged by exploring someplace new together. It’s in the vibrant discussions that continue after visiting a site where history happened, or the teamwork—and often laughter— that arises when trying your hand at a skill the locals have plied for centuries.
UNIQUE ITINERARIES, SPECIAL ACCESS
On these small-group trips, you don’t have to worry about booking excursions or hotels: we take care of all the planning before your departure, and an engaging tour director will nimbly handle logistics on tour to make your trip as seamless as possible. We’ve created each itinerary to showcase what makes a destination special, visiting its beloved sites and also offering access to people and places that you might not encounter when you travel alone. You can expect your journey to be rich in experiences, intellectually stimulating, and well paced, with some free time built in to explore your own way.
Exploration infused with the passion and knowledge of
Smithsonian Journeys Experts
Our experts are distinguished scholars and scientists from around the world—and they’re also wonderful travel companions. They are selected for their expertise in the destination and are eager to share their passion, knowledge, and insights about the places you’re exploring, whether they’re illuminating history or geology during a lecture, recommending a local specialty over dinner, or perhaps pointing out a favorite city square or museum while you’re out exploring.
Meet a few Smithsonian Journeys Experts that will accompany our new DISCOVER Getaways, and visit our website to find their full biographies as well as accolades from our travelers.
Ed Smith Biologist joining Discover the Galápagos
A childhood love of nature and good fortune set Ed Smith on the path to a 35-year career with the Smithsonian. The living collections at the National Zoo kept his hands wet and muddy—a happy state for an organismal biologist. As a naturalist, Ed is more focused on ants, plants, frogs, snakes, and birds than on megafauna. 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.
Mouna Mana Cultural studies scholar joining Discover Morocco
Mouna Mana is a social sciences survey specialist at the University of Michigan where she advances survey projects that involve linguistic complexity. She is passionate about language education and the intersection of languages and cultures, and particularly fascinated by the linguistic richness and complexity of North African societies. Mouna is a published poet who travels frequently to Morocco, and has lectured widely on the contemporary lived cultures of North Africa.
Steven Williams
Planetary geologist joining Discover Alaska
Steven Williams is a planetary geologist and an expert in solar system science who is particularly skilled in delivering educational programs that make complex scientific topics understandable to any audience. During his 15 years at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, he hosted live planetarium shows, helped create several award-winning educational videos, and contributed to the design and content of the museum’s new Exploring the Planets gallery. Steven also worked at NASA headquarters, where he created and delivered a number of outreach programs and products.
Jodi Magness
Religious studies scholar and archaeologist joining Discover Jordan and Discover Turkey
Jodi Magness is a senior endowed chair in the department of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an archaeologist and past president of the Archaeological Institute of America, and the author of 11 books and dozens of articles. She specializes in the archaeology of ancient Palestine, and her excavations at Huqoq in Israel’s Galilee have been bringing to light the remains of a Late Roman synagogue decorated with stunning mosaic floors.
DISCOVER TUSCANY AND UMBRIA
Italy’s Enchanting Hill Towns
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience the World Heritage sites of Siena and Florence on guided tours and on your own.
• Encounter incredible Renaissance art, from Michelangelo’s David to Giotto’s frescoes.
• Stay in a former 19th-century convent near Florence and a stunning historic residence near Perugia.
• Discover the ideal Renaissance town of Pienza and the extraordinary Duomo of Orvieto.
• Taste wines at a Chianti winery and take part in a cooking demonstration at a family farm in Umbria.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Florence, Italy: Arrive in Florence on an overnight flight and transfer to your hotel outside the historic center of Florence. Gather for a briefing and a welcome dinner tonight. (Meals: 1D) Villa Neroli
Day 3 Siena, Tuscany: Travel south to the walled city of Siena, a rose-colored gem whose allure lies in its tightly held traditions and remarkable medieval and Renaissance architecture. On a guided walk through the World Heritage-listed historic center, stroll the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo and step inside the dazzling black-and-white-striped Duomo to see works by Bernini, Donatello, and Michelangelo. Enjoy free time for lunch and to
discover the city on your own. Follow a “wine road” through the Chianti Classico wine region and stop for a wine tasting along the way. Gather for dinner tonight. (Meals: B) Villa Neroli
Day 4 Florence and San Gimignano: Immerse yourself in the “cradle of the Renaissance” on a walking tour of Florence. Encounter beloved monuments including the Baptistery, Giotto’s graceful bell tower, and the extraordinary Duomo—whose enormous 15th-century dome remains the largest of its kind ever built. At the Galleria dell’Accademia, encounter Michelangelo’s masterpiece David and his pieces for the papal tombs. Then head off on your own to explore the city and have lunch. Later today, ascend to the hill town of San Gimignano, known for the 14 medieval towers that define its skyline. (Meals: B) Villa Neroli
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Theresa Flanigan (May 15)–art and archaeology historian. Andrew Becker (Oct. 2)–cultural historian with expertise in ancient Rome and Greece.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
Val d’Orcia, Tuscany
Day 5 Pienza/Perugia, Umbria: Journey today through the Val d’Orcia, where statuesque cypress trees and picturesque villages dot a patchwork of olive orchards, vineyards, and wheat fields. Stop in hilltop Pienza and take a walking tour of its Renaissance center, another World Heritage site, and discover its harmonious blend of human-scale architecture and thoughtful urban planning. At the edge of town, take in a panoramic view of the Val d’Orcia below. After lunch, continue to your hotel in the Perugia province of Umbria. (Meals: B,L,D) Posta Donini 1579
Day 6 Perugia: A lively university town with an ancient heart, Perugia is known for its decadent chocolate and its annual jazz festival—and offers a snapshot of modern life against the backdrop of thousands of years of history. Below its piazzas lies an underground city—the vaulted remains of a fortress built by the papacy in the 16th century. Get acquainted with the town during a walking tour, and take the afternoon to explore further, perhaps discovering the nooks and crannies of the underground fortress or visiting the excellent National Gallery. Return to the hotel for dinner. (Meals: B,D) Posta Donini 1579
Day 7 Assisi: Set out for the hill town of Assisi, where Saint Francis was born in 1182. The impressive basilica here, built in his honor soon after his death, still draws pilgrims from all over the world. Visit the basilica’s upper and lower churches, examining priceless frescoes by Giotto and Cavallini. Most stunning of all is a series of Giotto frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis. You’ll have free time for lunch and a walk through Assisi’s fountain-splashed piazzas and hidden lanes. (Meals: B,D) Posta Donini 1579
Days 8–9 Orvieto/Fiumicino/Rome: Founded by the ancient Etruscans, Orvieto perches dramatically on a plateau high above vineyard-covered plains. Rising high above its tightly knit medieval streets is the glorious façade of the Duomo, covered in sculptures and glittering mosaics. On a walking tour, step inside to see a frescoed chapel by Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli’s masterpiece The Last Judgment. Then head to a family farm for a cooking demonstration and lunch. In the afternoon, travel south to the coastal town of Fiumicino and celebrate your hill town adventure at a farewell dinner. Depart from Rome the next day.
(Meals: 2B,1L,1D) Hotel Tiber
9 DAYS
Airfare, taxes, and all fees included
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners
Price per person:
Double from $5,074 | Single from $5,869
Dates: Apr. 10–18, Apr. 24–May 2, May 15–23, Sept. 18–26, Oct. 2–10, Oct. 16–24, 2027
Limited to 24 guests
Adriatic Sea
Marzocco lion statue, Florence
Perugia
DISCOVER PROVENCE AND THE CÔTE D’AZUR
France’s Mediterranean Charms
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• Stay in a medieval hilltop village in Provence and visit the Pont du Gard aqueduct.
• Encounter World Heritage-listed Roman ruins and the haunts of Van Gogh in Arles.
• Tour Avignon’s extraordinary Papal Palace and take part in a cooking class and wine tasting.
• Get to know Nice’s Old Town and the village of Èze, and view the vivid art of Marc Chagall.
• Visit Monaco and its glamorous capital of Monte Carlo.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Marseille, France/Castillon-du-Gard: Fly overnight to Marseille and transfer to the 13th-century village of Castillon-du-Gard in the heart of Provence. Settle into your hotel and gather for a welcome dinner this evening. (Meals: 1D) Le Vieux Castillon
Day 3 Arles: Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Arles, setting out on foot to explore the Old Town, where layers of history reveal themselves around every corner. Visit the first-century Roman amphitheater, a World Heritage site, and see the Place du Forum, featured in Van Gogh’s iconic Café de Nuit. You’ll have free time for lunch and to explore on your own—perhaps with a visit to LUMA, a striking art complex designed by Frank Gehry. Return
to Castillon and sit down to dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (Meals: B,D) Le Vieux Castillon
Day 4 Pont du Gard and Avignon: Just a few miles from your hotel lies the remarkable Pont du Gard, an aqueduct spanning the Gardon River that was built by the Romans in first century. After your visit, enjoy free time for a picnic lunch with views of its gracefully tiered arches. Then travel to Avignon, the seat of the papacy during the 14th century, after the pope fled Rome. See the 12th-century St. Bénézet bridge and tour the World Heritage-listed Papal Palace, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. This evening, join a local chef for a Provençal cooking class and wine tasting in the heart of Avignon. (Meals: B,D)
Le Vieux Castillon
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Stephanie Jeanjean (May 14)–art historian, curator, and translator. Barbara Whitehead (Oct. 8)–historian with expertise in early modern Europe.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
Pont du Gard aqueduct
Day 5 Les Baux and Saint Rémy: Venture into the Alpilles, craggy, limestone mountains that have long inspired writers and artists. Stop at the Carrières de Lumières, an immersive digital art and music exhibit set in a former stone quarry. Then explore Les Baux-de-Provence, a medieval gem of a village tucked high upon a rocky outcrop. Descend to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for lunch and a visit to Saint Paul de Mausole, a Romanesque monastery and clinic where Vincent van Gogh was confined after severing his ear. Dinner tonight is on your own.
(Meals: B,L) Le Vieux Castillon
Day 6 Aix-en-Provence/Nice: Journey east to the Côte d’Azur today, stopping along the way to visit Aix-en-Provence, known for its sparkling fountains and rich architectural heritage. Take a walk through the Old Town and along the famed Cours Mirabeau before lunch together. Continue toward the French Riviera, arriving late this afternoon in seaside Nice, where you’ll have a free evening to discover the town. (Meals: B,L) Hotel le Soleia
Day 7 Nice: Poised between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, Nice dates back to the ancient Greeks but was intentionally
FRANCE
developed over the 19th century to be a winter resort for northern Europeans. On a tour of this World Heritage site, delve into the warm-hued Old Town and its lively flower market, and stroll the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais. Then ride an art deco elevator to the top of Castle Hill for sweeping views of the city and bay. At the Musée Marc Chagall, see the imaginative works of the Russian-born artist who spent many years living on the Côte d’Azur. The rest of the day is yours to discover Nice as you wish. (Meals: B) Hotel le Soleia
Days 8–9 Èze and Monaco/Nice: Venture to the village of Èze, perched on a hilltop high above the Mediterranean Sea, and take in views of the coast and nearby Monaco—your next destination. Covering less than a square mile, Monaco is the world’s second smallest sovereign state after Vatican City. Tour its glamorous capital, Monte Carlo, viewing the Prince’s Palace and the Grand Prix de Monaco Formula One racing circuit. Enjoy free time for lunch before returning to Nice in the afternoon. Toast your adventure in the south of France at a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Depart the next day. (Meals: 2B,1D) Hotel le Soleia
9
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners
Price per person:
Double from $5,997 | Single from $7,292
Dates: Apr. 16–24, Apr. 30–May 8, May 14–22, Sept. 24–Oct. 2, Oct. 8–16, Oct. 22–30, 2027
Limited to 24 guests
Saint Paul de Mausole, Saint Rémy Èze
DISCOVER NORMANDY AND THE LOIRE VALLEY France Past and Present
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen’s medieval center.
• Uncover history and modern-day charm in the towns of Honfleur, Bayeux, and Arromanches.
• Retrace the events of D-Day from Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc to the Caen Memorial Museum.
• Explore two of the most magnificent châteaux in France: Chambord and Chenonceau.
• Enjoy a tour and wine tasting at a Loire Valley winery.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Paris, France/Rouen: Depart on an overnight flight to Paris and transfer to Rouen upon arrival. Gather for a welcome dinner this evening. (Meals: 1D) Hotel de Bourgtheroulde
Day 3 Rouen/Honfleur/Crépon: Explore medieval Rouen, a key battleground between the English and French in the Hundred Years’ War and the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Stroll the Place du Vieux Marché, where the execution took place, and follow winding lanes to the city’s cathedral, famously painted by Claude Monet. Travel along the River Seine to the harbor town of Honfleur for lunch on your own, and continue to a charming farm estate in the village of Crépon—your home for the next three nights. (Meals: B,D) Ferme de la Rançonnière
Day 4 Caen and Bayeux: Begin your exploration of Normandy’s World War II history at the excellent Caen Memorial Museum, which commemorates the Battle for Caen and the fragility of world peace in the 20th century. Next, head to the medieval town of Bayeux, miraculously spared from wartime bombing, and take a walking tour of its picturesque historic center. End the excursion in seaside Arromanches, where the remains of a Mulberry—an artificial harbor built by Allied forces for the D-Day landings—are still visible on the beach. Return to your hotel for dinner tonight. (Meals: B,D) Ferme de la Rançonnière
Day 5 D-Day Landing Sites: Spend the day immersed in the riveting history of D-Day beginning with a visit to Pointe du Hoc, a headland where U.S. Army Rangers scaled 100-foot cliffs
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Kate Lakin-Schultz (May 1)–cultural studies scholar with specialty in French and Francophone literature and civilization. Stephanie Jeanjean (Oct. 2)–art historian and native of France.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
Château de Chambord
early on the morning of June 6, 1944. Visit the village of Saint-Mère-Église, where 82nd and 101st Airborne paratroopers landed on the night of June 5. Learn about their daring mission at the Airborne Museum, then stroll the sands of Utah Beach. After lunch, visit Omaha Beach, now a vast and tranquil stretch of coast, and meander among thousands of simple grave markers at the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Dine together at the hotel this evening. (Meals: B,L,D)
Ferme de la Rançonnière
Day 6 Chenonceau and Orléans: Journey south into the heart of the Loire Valley today, stopping en route for lunch on your own. Here the French aristocracy built more than 300 châteaux during the Renaissance, and you’ll visit one of the most iconic this afternoon: the Château de Chenonceau, built upon arches over the Cher River. On a guided tour, learn its fascinating history, which features Catherine de Medici as well as wounded soldiers during World War I. Continue to your hotel in Orléans and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
(Meals: B) Hotel de l’Empreinte
Day 7 Orléans: Set out to explore Orléans, a city infused with the spirit and legend of Joan of Arc. In 1429, following a divine calling, the peasant girl led French forces to break the English siege, turning the tide of the Hundred Years’ War. Visit the Sainte-Croix Cathedral and the Place du Martroi, and enjoy free time to meander lanes flanked with centuries-old half-timbered houses. After lunch on your own, spend the afternoon at a winery for a tour and tasting of Loire Valley wines. Your evening is at leisure.
(Meals: B) Hotel de l’Empreinte
Days 8–9 Chambord and Orléans/Paris: Experience one of France’s most opulent châteaux during a morning visit to the Château de Chambord, a hunting lodge that was transformed into a 440-room palace by King Francis I in the 16th century. Examine its elaborate architectural details, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, on a tour of the royal retreat. Enjoy free time for lunch in nearby Blois and a chance to explore the town and its imposing château. Return to Orléans and toast your discoveries at a farewell dinner. Transfer to the airport in Paris for your departure the next day.
(Meals: 2B,1D) Hotel de l’Empreinte
9 DAYS Airfare, taxes, and all fees included
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners
Price per person:
Double from $5,397 | Single from $6,192
Dates: Apr. 17–25, May 1–9, Sept. 4–12, Sept. 18–26, Oct. 2–10, 2027
Limited to 24 guests
Honfleur
D-Day hedgehogs
Great Clock of Rouen
DISCOVER SWITZERLAND
Across the Bernese Alps
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride cogwheel trains up Mount Pilatus and to Europe’s highest station: Jungfraujoch.
• Discover Europe’s oldest covered bridge and the evocative Lion Monument in lakeside Lucerne.
• Stay in glorious Grindelwald and explore stunning Alpine villages such as Lauterbrunnen and Mürren.
• Taste local wines in the World Heritage-listed terraced vineyards of Lavaux.
• Cruise Lake Geneva to the storied Château de Chillon, immortalized by Lord Byron.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Zurich, Switzerland/Lucerne: Depart on an overnight flight to Zurich and transfer to the lakeside city of Lucerne upon arrival. After checking into your hotel in the city center, gather for a briefing about the journey ahead, followed by a welcome dinner. (Meals: 1D) Hotel Wilden Mann
Day 3 Mount Pilatus and Lucerne: Kick off the day with incredible Alpine views: ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train up the slopes of Mount Pilatus and take in an exhilarating panorama that includes jagged peaks and the sapphire waters of Lake Lucerne. Return to Lucerne for a walking tour of the medieval Old Town, including the treasured Kapellbrücke, a wooden covered bridge considered the oldest in Europe.
View the evocative stone carving known as the Lion Monument, commemorating Swiss guards who perished during the French Revolution. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore on your own. (Meals: B) Hotel Wilden Mann
Day 4 Interlaken/Grindelwald: Leave Lucerne and ascend into the magnificent Bernese Alps. Ride a ferry across Lake Brienz to Interlaken, where you’ll have free time for lunch. Continue to the fabled Alpine resort of Grindelwald, your home for the next three nights, set against pointed peaks, glaciers, and the towering north face of the Eiger. Settle into your historic, family-run hotel and gather for dinner tonight. (Meals: B,D) Hotel Kirchbühl
Day 5 Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald: Set out to experience the “top of Europe,” boarding the Jungfrau cogwheel train and
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Peter Bobrowsky (May 15)–archaeologist and engineering geologist with a 40-year career working as a scholar, teacher, researcher, and consultant across the globe.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
Kapellbrücke, Lucerne
climbing to 11,323 feet above sea level. Disembark at Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest train station, where you’re greeted with jaw-dropping views, of France in one direction, Germany’s Black Forest in another, and waves of Bernese Alpine peaks in still another. Take time to savor the breathtaking scenery and catch sight of the World Heritage-listed Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps. Return to Grindelwald for an afternoon at leisure before meeting for dinner. (Meals: B,D) Hotel Kirchbühl
Day 6 Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and Grindelwald: Discover the fairy-tale village of Lauterbrunnen, nestled in a lush valley surrounded by 72 waterfalls and striking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Follow an easy trail through the valley to see some of the falls up close, including the photogenic Staubbach Falls, which tumbles nearly 1,000 feet from overhanging cliffs to the valley below. After this invigorating outing, enjoy a scenic drive to Stechelberg and continue by gondola to the car-free hamlet of Mürren at the foot of Schilthorn. Enjoy lunch here with breathtaking views. After time to meander through Mürren on your own, return to Grindelwald for an evening at leisure. (Meals: B,L) Hotel Kirchbühl
Day 7 Gruyères/Lavaux/Lausanne: Descend from the Bernese Alps to the medieval hilltop village of Gruyères, known for its namesake cheese. Take a walk through town and stop for lunch before continuing to Lavaux, where vineyard terraces dating to the 11th century have been designated a World Heritage site. Sample acclaimed Swiss vintages during a wine tasting at a local vineyard before traveling on to Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva. Take advantage of a free evening to discover this French-influenced town. (Meals: B,L) Lausanne Palace
Days 8–9 Lausanne/Chillon/Montreux/Geneva: Ride a ferry to Château de Chillon, the medieval castle perched over Lake Geneva and immortalized by Lord Byron in his epic poem The Prisoner of Chillon. Gain insight into the castle’s history during a guided tour, then enjoy free time for lunch in the nearby resort town of Montreux. After time at leisure back in Lausanne, take a guided walk through the city and end the day with a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Depart the next day from Geneva. (Meals: 2B,1D) Lausanne Palace
9 DAYS Airfare, taxes, and all fees included
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners
Price per person: Double from $7,592 | Single from $8,687
Dates: May 15–23, June 5–13, June 26–July 4, Aug. 28–Sept. 5, Sept. 11–19, Sept. 25–Oct. 3, 2027
Limited to 24 guests
Brown Swiss cow
Lauterbrunnen
DISCOVER MALTA
Historic Treasures and Local Life
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• See a Caravaggio masterpiece in Valletta’s baroque cathedral and cruise the spectacular harbor.
• Discover layers of history and architecture in the ancient walled capital of Mdina and Rabat.
• Visit artisan workshops to watch glassblowers and potters plying their trade.
• Encounter the megalithic temples of Ggantija and explore Gozo’s gorgeous limestone cliffs.
• Make traditional pastizzi at a cooking class and meet with a local cheesemaker.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Valletta, Malta/Attard: Fly overnight to Malta, taking in aerial views of the archipelago’s intricate coastlines and historic fortifications as you land just outside the capital of Valletta. With its natural harbors and its location near Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, this island nation has found itself a soughtafter geographical prize throughout history. Humans have lived here for nearly 7,000 years, and Malta has been governed by everyone from the Phoenicians and Greeks to the Knights of St. John and British. Transfer to your hotel in Attard and gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (Meals: 1D) Corinthia Palace Malta
Day 3 Valletta: Spend the day discovering the many highlights of Valletta, Europe’s smallest capital and a World Heritage site. Inside its 16th-century ramparts, baroque buildings and monuments are packed into an area smaller than New York’s Central Park. At the Casa Rocca Piccola, owned by the same family for centuries, join a member of the family for private tour. After lunch together, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, built by the Knights of St. John in 1578 and home to The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, Caravaggio’s only signed painting. Then savor a tasting of Maltese coffee and chocolate. (Meals: B,L) Corinthia Palace Malta
Day 4 Mdina, Rabat, and Mqabba: Step back in time in the walled enclave of Mdina, a 4,000-year-old settlement that, together with the adjacent town of Rabat, served as Malta’s
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Sheri Shaneyfelt (Mar. 20)–art historian with a specialty in the Italian Renaissance.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
Valletta
medieval capital. Stroll along narrow lanes flanked with honeyhued stone palaces, and continue your walk in Rabat, where Roman ruins and ancient catacombs coexist with grand residences of the Knights of St. John. Then meet local artisans in Ta’ Qali, a craft village known for its glassblowing, pottery, and silversmithing. You’ll have free time for lunch here before heading to the village of Mqabba. On a walking tour, visit with local residents, including a cheesemaker and a beekeeper. Dine at a local restaurant this evening. (Meals: B,D) Corinthia Palace Malta
Day 5 Siggiewi: Take part in a hands-on Maltese cooking class in the village of Siggiewi today. Try your hand at creating a Maltese favorite: pastizzi, a flaky pastry with various savory fillings. After enjoying the fruits of your labor for lunch, the afternoon is yours to pursue your own interests. (Meals: B,L) Corinthia Palace Malta
Day 6 Gozo: Travel by road and ferry to Gozo, Malta’s second largest island. Here, encounter the astonishing Ggantija Temples, a series of remarkable 5,500-year-old megalithic buildings that predate Egypt’s pyramids. Then ascend to the Citadel of Victoria to explore the fortress and take in magnificent views. After lunch,
check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
(Meals: B,L) Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz
Day 7 Gozo: Set out in 4x4 vehicles on a full-day expedition to discover the many wonders—natural, cultural, and archaeological— of Gozo. Take in dramatic views from atop vertical limestone cliffs, and discover tranquil canyons and secluded coves. From Mixta Cave, marvel at spectacular views of Ramla Bay, and discover the remote beauty of Dwejra and the Sanap Cliffs. Visit the Roman Catholic Basilica of Ta’ Pinu, and see leatherworkers and glassblowers at work in Ta’ Dbiegi. Dine at a local restaurant this evening. (Meals: B,D) Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz
Days 8–9 Gozo/Birgu: Take a morning ferry back to the main island, where you’ll have free time for lunch in Birgu, the fortified city first used as Malta’s capital by the Knights of St. John in 1530. Later, board water taxis for a leisurely cruise along the Grand Harbour, taking in postcard-worthy views of Valletta’s golden facades and waterfront. End the day with a guided walking tour of Birgu, then toast your Maltese adventure at a farewell dinner. Depart the next day. (Meals: 2B,1D) Corinthia Palace Malta
9 DAYS
Airfare, taxes, and all fees included
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners
Price per person:
Double from $5,774 | Single from $6,569
Dates: Mar. 20–28, Apr. 10–18, Apr. 24–May 2, Sept. 25–Oct. 3, Oct. 16–24, Nov. 6–14, 2027
Limited to 24 guests
Mdina Sanap Cliffs
DISCOVER TURKEY
Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience the enchantment of Istanbul from Topkapi Palace to the Grand Bazaar.
• Sail the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia on a private cruise.
• Stay in a cave hotel and discover the magical landscapes and underground cities of Cappadocia.
• Explore the ancient ruins of Perge and meander through Antalya, set on the Turquoise Coast.
• Watch craftspeople make traditional carpets and take part in a pottery workshop.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Istanbul, Turkey: Depart on an overnight flight to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel near Taksim Square upon arrival. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in and explore the area on your own. Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
Day 3 Istanbul: Begin the day at splendid Topkapi, the palace of Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Then delve into the 17th-century Spice Bazaar, where merchants sell all manner of fragrant spices, nuts, dried fruits, and confections. After lunch on your own, take a private cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait that links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, separating Europe from Asia. Enjoy time on your own before gathering for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (Meals: B,D) Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
Day 4 Istanbul: Immerse yourself in the colorful chaos of the Grand Bazaar on a morning visit before setting out to discover the treasures of Old Istanbul. Begin at the Roman Hippodrome, built to host horseraces, sporting events, and gladiator games, now marked by a 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk. Inside the magnificent Blue Mosque, admire blue-hued walls and domes clad in more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. Explore the legendary Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century church that was one of Christendom’s most important sites before becoming a mosque in the 15th century. Then descend into the enchanting Roman cisterns, marble-columned underground chambers used as a water source in antiquity. After lunch together, the remainder of the day is yours. (Meals: B,L) Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Jodi Magness (May 8)–religious studies scholar and archaeologist. Allan Langdale (Oct. 9)–art and architectural historian. Luca Zavagno (Oct. 23)–historian and associate professor at Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Day 5 Cappadocia: A morning flight brings you to the World Heritage site of Cappadocia, where meringue-like volcanic landscapes were hollowed out centuries ago to harbor hidden churches and cave dwellings. Set out for the underground city of Kaymakli, a warren of tunnels reaching four stories deep that provided a safe haven during times of conflict. In Pasabag, encounter clusters of whimsical fairy chimneys, then take part in a hands-on pottery workshop. Check in to your cave hotel and enjoy dinner together. (Meals: B,L,D) Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel
Day 6 Cappadocia: Enjoy a full day immersed in the magic of Cappadocia. In Göreme Valley, meander through an open-air museum of rock-hewn churches, chapels, and monasteries, viewing murals that date to the eighth century. Later, meet with local craftspeople to observe how traditional Turkish carpets have been made for generations. After lunch, head to Uchisar, a rock-cut village dominated by a hilltop castle carved from a pinnacle of stone. Return to the hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. (Meals: B,L) Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel
Day 7 Perge and Antalya: A morning flight brings you to Antalya, a historic resort town on the Turquoise Coast. Head into the hills just outside town to discover the once-thriving GrecoRoman city of Perge, which reached its pinnacle during the era of Alexander the Great. On a tour of its intriguing ruins, meander through an ancient shopping arcade and see the remarkably preserved 12,000-seat stadium as well as a 15,000-seat theater. Return to Antalya for dinner together. (Meals: B,D) Akra Hotel
Days 8–9 Antalya: Venture into Kaleiçi, Antalya’s charming old city, and meander narrow lanes past Ottoman-era houses and historic mosques to the 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Gate. In the heart of Antalya, visit the Necropolis Museum, which incorporates a massive third-century BC necropolis that was unearthed in 2008. See artifacts discovered at the site, and follow suspended catwalks just above the archaeological dig for a closer look. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town and its beaches at your own pace. Celebrate your Turkish adventures at a farewell dinner. Depart the next morning. (Meals: 2B,1D) Akra Hotel
9 DAYS
Airfare, taxes, and all fees included
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners
Price per person:
Double from $5,992 | Single from $7,087
Dates: Apr. 10–18, May 8–16, Sept. 11–19, Oct. 9–17, Oct. 23–31, 2027
Limited to 24 guests
Turkish coffee and sweets
Cappadocia
DISCOVER MOROCCO
Enchanting Medinas and Ancient Capitals
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover the evocative ruins of the Chellah and the clifftop Kasbah of the Oudaias in Rabat.
• Examine extraordinary mosaics and Roman ruins in the World Heritage site of Volubilis.
• Encounter stunning architecture and traditional artists in the ancient medina of Fez.
• Experience the gardens, souks, palaces, and craft workshops of captivating Marrakech.
• Join a family for lunch in their Rabat home and sip mint tea with locals in Fez.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Rabat, Morocco: Depart on an overnight flight to Morocco and arrive in the seaside capital city of Rabat. Gather for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Meals: 1D) La Tour Hassan
Day 3 Rabat: Set out to discover Rabat, one of Morocco’s four ancient imperial cities. Begin at Chellah, a medieval Islamic necropolis built atop the ruins of a busy Roman trading port. Left to the passage of time, the evocative site now hosts a colony of storks said to bring good luck. Uncover layers of history at the Museum of Archaeology, then head to the home of a local family for a lunch of Moroccan specialties. Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan Tower, and delve into 12th-century
lanes of the Kasbah of the Oudaias, a World Heritage-listed quarter perched above the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. (Meals: B,L,D) La Tour Hassan
Day 4 Volubilis and Meknes/Fez: Travel east toward Fez, stopping for lunch and a visit to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis. An outpost on the southwestern frontier of Rome’s empire, Volubilis was abandoned nearly a millennium ago, and still boasts beautifully preserved mosaics, arches, and colonnades. Continue to the old city of Meknes, another imperial capital, and see its monumental Bab Mansour gate. Late this afternoon, arrive in Fez, which became Morocco’s first imperial capital in the eighth century. Check in at your hotel overlooking the old city and enjoy an evening at leisure. (Meals: B,L) Hotel Sahrai
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Alia Kate (Feb. 20)–culture and fair-trade specialist. Iman Nagy (Mar. 13)–landscape archaeologist, field researcher, and cultural surveyor.
Mouna Mana (Apr. 10)–cultural studies scholar. Madeline Díaz (Nov. 6)–artist, art historian, and educator.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
Day 5 Fez: Delve into the labyrinthine medina of Fez, where artisans ply age-old trades and the spectacular architecture of centuries-old schools and religious sites reveals itself behind unassuming adobe walls. Make your way through the narrow lanes of the souk to the Al-Attarine Madrassa to view a courtyard adorned with intricate stucco and zellij tilework dating back to the early 1300s. Visit artisans’ quarters and historic Koranic schools, and see Al Karaouine, a medieval theological university. Enjoy lunch in the courtyard of a traditional riad inn, then tour the Mellah, or Jewish quarter, and its 17th-century synagogue. Stop for a traditional mint tea in a family home. (Meals: B,L,D) Hotel Sahrai
Day 6 Casablanca/Marrakech: Journey to Marrakech by way of Casablanca, stopping in the late morning for a tour of the colossal Hassan II Mosque—one of the only mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims may enter. It can accommodate 25,000 worshipers and its minaret is the second tallest in the world, soaring to some 700 feet above the shores of the Atlantic. After lunch, turn south toward Marrakech, arriving in time for dinner on your own. (Meals: B,L) Hotel Sahrai
Day 7 Marrakech: Experience the enchantment of Marrakech during a full day of exploration. Begin with a horse-drawn carriage ride along the city’s earthen walls, and venture into several sections of the buzzing medina. Visit the Dar El Bacha, a sumptuous palace that exemplifies riad architecture. After lunch at the hotel, stroll through the Jardin Majorelle, an oasis of rare botanical species that was once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Browse a museum dedicated to the designer, and view traditional clothing and jewelry at the Berber Museum. End the day at Djemaa el Fna Square, the heart and soul of Marrakech, where local families come to eat and mingle amid a colorful swirl of snake charmers, acrobats, storytellers, and entertainers. (Meals: B,L,D) Sofitel Marrakech
Days 8–9 Marrakech: Dive into local culture in the souks this morning, soaking up timeless sights and sounds and interacting with local artisans. Meet yarn dyers and iron workers, herbalists and wood carvers, all using tools and methods passed down through the generations. Take advantage of a free afternoon to experience Marrakech as you wish. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening and depart the next day. (Meals: 2B,1D) Sofitel Marrakech
9 DAYS Airfare, taxes, and all fees included
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners
Price per person:
Double from $6,479 | Single from $7,774
Dates: Feb. 20–28, Mar. 13–21, Apr. 10–18, Sept. 25–Oct. 3, Oct. 16–24, Nov. 6–14, 2027
Limited to 24 guests
Fez
Volubilis
Marrakech
Rabat MOROCCO
Casablanca
Marrakech
Dromedary camel
DISCOVER JORDAN
Petra, Jerash, and the Dead Sea
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience the beautifully preserved Greco-Roman city of Jerash.
• See the intricate mosaics of Madaba and visit a mosaic workshop on Mount Nebo.
• Spend a whole day discovering the extraordinary rock-hewn city of Petra and venture to nearby Little Petra.
• Take part in a lively cooking class surrounded by traditional Jordanian textiles and crafts.
• Float atop the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Amman, Jordan: Set out for Jordan on an overnight flight to its vibrant capital, Amman. Transfer to your hotel and take the remainder of the day to get settled. Amman Marriott
Day 3 Amman: Meet for a morning welcome briefing, then kick off the adventure with a guided tour of Amman. Start with a visit to the blue-domed King Abdullah I Mosque, the only mosque in Amman that allows non-Muslims to enter. Next, step back in time at the Roman theater, set in the heart of the city and still in use after nearly two millennia. Ascend to the Citadel (Al-Qala), perched atop one of Amman’s seven hills with sweeping views of the city, then savor a home-cooked meal of Jordanian
specialties with a local family. Explore Amman as you wish this afternoon before tonight’s festive welcome dinner. (Meals: B,L,D) Amman Marriott
Day 4 Jerash and Amman: Journey to Jerash, one of the bestpreserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Dating back to the second century BC, the city thrived long after the demise of the Roman Empire before succumbing to an earthquake in the late eighth century. Stroll through colonnaded streets to grand amphitheaters and ancient temples, exploring with a guide and on your own. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The evening is yours to try one of Amman’s many acclaimed restaurants. (Meals: B,L) Amman Marriott
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Jodi Magness (Oct. 2)–religious studies scholar and archaeologist.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
The Monastery, Petra
Day 5 Mount Nebo and Madaba/Petra: Travel south toward Petra, stopping along the way to ascend Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land before dying. Take in expansive views stretching across the Jordan Valley as far as the Dead Sea and even the rooftops of Jericho and Jerusalem on a clear day. Step into a Byzantine church built to commemorate the death of Moses, and visit a mosaic workshop to see artisans plying this ancient craft. Continue to Madaba, where you’ll find a beautifully preserved sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, created from more than two million colored stones. After lunch, journey onward to Petra. (Meals: B,L) Petra Marriott
Day 6 Petra: Spend a full day exploring magical Petra, an ancient city carved out of coral-hued sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago. Accessible through a narrow gorge known as the Siq—famously featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Petra was once a thriving trade center of the ancient Nabataean civilization. On a guided tour of this World Heritage site, come face to face with the astonishing Treasury and explore the caves and temples. Pause for lunch, then set out to explore the site further
on your own. Return to the hotel and meet for dinner tonight.
(Meals: B,L,D) Petra Marriott
Day 7 Petra: Pay a visit to Al-Baidha, or Little Petra, an eroded canyon that was carved into a town by the Nabataeans. Venture through its narrow passageway to discover beautiful facades and hidden chambers hewn out of the red rock. This evening, get acquainted with Jordanian culinary traditions at Petra Kitchen, where you’ll prepare a typical meal alongside local women and a chef in a setting furnished with handmade local textiles, tableware, and artwork. (Meals: B,D) Petra Marriott
Days 8–9 Dead Sea and Amman: Early this morning, head to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth and one of the most mineral-rich water bodies in the world. Arrive in time for lunch on your own, then spend the afternoon relaxing at your spa hotel and floating atop the sea’s famously buoyant waters—a truly unique sensation. Toast your Jordanian getaway at a celebratory farewell dinner tonight. Depart from Amman the next morning.
(Meals: 2B,1D) Dead Sea Marriott Hotel & Spa
9
DAYS
Airfare, taxes, and all fees included
Meals included: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
Price per person:
Double from $4,797 | Single from $5,392
Dates: Feb. 27–Mar. 7, Mar. 13–21, Apr. 3–11, Oct. 2–10, Oct. 23–31, Nov. 13–21, 2027
Limited to 24 guests
JORDAN
Mosaic making, Madaba Jerash
DISCOVER ALASKA Fairbanks
Under the Northern Lights
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise the Prince William Sound on a private boat, watching for wildlife among dramatic glaciers and fjords.
• Strap on crampons for a guided glacier walk on spectacular Matanuska Glacier.
• Skirt Denali National Park and the Alaska Range on a breathtaking rail journey to Fairbanks.
• Seek out the northern lights in the dark winter skies over Talkeetna and Fairbanks.
• Encounter reindeers in boreal forests near Fairbanks and try dog sledding at an Iditarod dog kennel.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Anchorage, Alaska: Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, perched on the Gulf of Alaska at the foot of the snowcapped Chugach Mountains. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day to explore the city on your own. Anchorage Marriott Downtown
Day 2 Anchorage: Gather with your Smithsonian Journeys Expert, travel director, and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing and an orientation tour of Anchorage. Then head south to the coastal community of Whittier and embark on a private cruise on the Prince William Sound. Sail past massive tidewater glaciers and navigate jagged fjords, discovering waterfalls that plunge directly into the sea. Marine life abounds here, including sea otters, harbor
seals, sea lions, humpbacks, and other whale species. You might also spot bears and mountain goats onshore as well as bald eagles soaring above the wilderness. Return to Anchorage this afternoon and meet for dinner together tonight. (Meals: B,L,D) Anchorage Marriott Downtown
Day 3 Matanuska Glacier/Talkeetna: Journey to Matanuska Glacier, a vast river of ice that stretches some 20 miles and is easily accessible from the road. You’ll be outfitted with crampons and helmets for a 90-minute guided glacier walk, learning about its geology and dynamics as you cross the otherworldly ice. Stop for lunch as you continue north, and arrive at your lodge in Talkeetna in time for dinner together. Here, at the edge of Denali National Park and Preserve and surrounded by wilderness,
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Raja GuhaThakurta (Feb. 24)–astrophysicist. Roger Launius (Mar. 10)–former chief historian of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Steven Williams (Mar. 24)–planetary geologist and an expert in solar system science.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
Northern lights, Fairbanks
there’s a good chance of seeing the northern lights. Make sure to request a wake-up call in case they appear! (Meals: B,L,D)
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Day 4 Talkeetna/Fairbanks: Take the morning to explore the historic gold mine town of Talkeetna on your own or go snowshoeing on trails near the lodge. You’ll also have the option of taking a “flightseeing” excursion for spectacular aerial views of Mount McKinley (Denali), the country’s highest peak. Then board the Aurora Winter Train bound for Fairbanks, the only city in Alaska’s wild interior. From the comfort of your warm railcar, watch ever-changing scenes as you traverse the Alaska Range and wind through the backcountry, transformed into a snowy wonderland. Keep an eye out for the elusive moose and other wildlife along the way. Dinner is served in the train’s dining car before your arrival in Fairbanks. (Meals: B,D)
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Day 5 Fairbanks: Gain insight into life on the Alaskan frontier during a morning visit to the Museum of the North, a treasure trove of artifacts, art, and geology that showcases the region’s
cultural and natural history. After free time for lunch, take a walk through the boreal forest, encountering reindeer along the way. As night falls early in Fairbanks this time of year, you’ll have another chance to witness the magical aurora borealis this evening. (Meals: B,D) Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Days 6–7 Fairbanks: Begin the day with an authentic Alaskan experience: a visit to an Iditarod sled dog kennel. Known as the “Last Great Race on Earth,” the annual Iditarod covers 1,000 miles of brutal terrain, following the trails used by the dog teams that delivered mail and freight into the interior at the turn of the 20th century. Learn more about the race, then step into musher’s shoes and take a sled dog ride through the surrounding landscape. Later, visit the interactive Morris Thompson Cultural Center for a glimpse into how the region’s Indigenous people live, work, and sometimes play in Alaska’s unforgiving interior. Toast your adventure on America’s northern frontier during a farewell dinner, and enjoy a final opportunity to view the northern lights. After breakfast the next morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals: 2B,1D) Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
7 DAYS
Airfare, taxes, and all fees included
Meals included: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners
Price per person:
Double from $6,297 | Single from $6,892
Dates: Feb. 24–Mar. 2, Mar. 3–9, Mar. 10–16, Mar. 17–23, Mar. 24–30, Mar. 31–Apr. 6, 2027
Limited to 24 guests
Bald eagle
Matanuska Glacier
DISCOVER THE GALÁPAGOS
Historic Quito to Santa Cruz Island
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience the stunning architecture and art of Quito’s Old Town, a World Heritage site.
• Sail the Galápagos aboard an intimate private yacht while staying on Santa Cruz Island.
• Spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, marine iguanas, sea lions, and more on naturalist-led walks.
• Snorkel among tropical fish at Punta Carrion and go tide-pooling on Bachas Beach.
• Learn about efforts to protect Galápagos giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
ITINERARY
Day 1 U.S./Quito, Ecuador: Fly to the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, nestled in a valley surrounded by the volcanic peaks of the Andes. Transfer to your hotel, and enjoy the remainder of the day to settle in and explore your surroundings. Swissôtel Quito
Day 2 Quito: Meet up for a morning briefing before venturing into the beautifully preserved historic center of Quito, founded by the Spanish upon the ruins of an Inca city in the 16th century. On a walking tour of this World Heritage site, admire the distinctive baroque architecture of its churches and monasteries; stroll across the Plaza de la Independencia, Quito’s 500-year-old main square; and enjoy a visit to the Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel
for some time to relax. Enjoy a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (Meals: B,L,D) Swissôtel Quito
Day 3 Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos: A morning flight brings you to Baltra Island, one of the 13 main islands of the Galápagos archipelago, a treasured wildlife haven where British scientist Charles Darwin began building his theory of natural selection, based on observations of unique species that had evolved in isolation. Transfer to Santa Cruz, the second largest of the islands, and visit Los Gemelos, two immense, collapsed volcanic craters. Continue to a ranch in the highlands where endemic Galápagos giant tortoises roam free, unperturbed by your presence and easy to observe at close range. Settle into a seaside hotel, your home for the next four nights, and
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Francisco Dallmeier (May 8)–conservation biologist and former head of conservation and sustainability at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Ed Smith (June 5)–biologist and former Smithsonian National Zoo curator. Dennis Willie Sáenz (Sept. 18/Oct. 16)–naturalist with expertise in Central American wildlife.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
Galápagos giant tortoise
attend a briefing on exploring the Galápagos before dinner.
(Meals: B,L,D) Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
Day 4 South Plaza Island and Punta Carrion: Board a private yacht, the Santa Fe, and sail to South Plaza Island, a small island that harbors abundant wildlife and colorful flora. On a guided walk with a naturalist, watch for land and marine iguanas as well as scampering Sally Lightfoot crabs, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropic birds, and a colony of male sea lions (“the bachelors”). After lunch aboard the yacht, cruise to Punta Carrion and enjoy the opportunity to snorkel amid a swirl of tropical fish in the calm waters of a shallow cove. Gather for dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (Meals: B,L,D) Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
Day 5 North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach: This morning, the Santa Fe whisks you to nearby North Seymour, a tiny, low-lying island that teems with wildlife including the iconic magnificent frigate bird, which often nests here. With luck, you’ll catch the fascinating and sometimes comical dance of a male booby brandishing his blue feet or a frigate bird puffing out its scarlet pouch to attract a mate. Enjoy lunch aboard the yacht,
then return to Santa Cruz Island for nature walk along Bachas Beach, a rock-strewn strand full of tidepools and local wildlife. The remainder of the day is yours to explore or relax as you wish.
(Meals: B,L) Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
Day 6 Santa Cruz Island: Venture to Tortuga Bay, a pristine white-sand beach where you might see marine iguanas and sea lions sunning on the sand and brown pelicans skimming the surf. You’ll have free time for lunch and solo exploration in the town of Puerto Ayora before an afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, learn more about the 12 species of giant tortoises endemic to the islands and the effort to protect them. Celebrate your adventure with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (Meals: B,L,D) Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
Days 7–8 Baltra/Quito: Transfer to Baltra in time for your flight to Quito and arrive early in the afternoon. You’ll have day rooms to relax in before your overnight flight to the U.S. Connect to your flight home upon arrival the next morning. (Meals: 1B) Wyndham Quito Airport
8 DAYS Airfare,
Meals included: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners
Price per person: Double from $6,784 | Single from $7,779
Dates: May 1–8, May 8–15, June 5–12, July 3–10, Sept. 18–25, Oct. 16–23, 2027
Limited to 19 guests
Blue-footed boobies Quito
DISCOVER JAPAN
Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto
A WEEK OF HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore the ancient shrines of Tokyo’s Asakusa district and the vivacious streets of Shibuya.
• Gaze at Mount Fuji from several viewpoints and view artwork that the mountain inspired.
• Experience Kyoto from Nijo Castle to Fushimi Inari Shrine to the mesmerizing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
• Stay in a traditional Japanese hot springs (onsen) inn and savor a kaiseki meal.
• Learn about the ancient art of sumo and join a wooden mosaic-making workshop.
ITINERARY
Days 1–2 U.S./Tokyo: Depart on an overnight flight to Tokyo and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. You’ll have the remainder of the day to unwind or head out to explore the city on your own. Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Day 3 Tokyo: Gather for a welcome briefing before setting out for one of the oldest parts of Tokyo: Asakusa. Visit the city’s oldest and most revered temple, Senso-ji, also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple for its golden statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Stroll past street food stalls and traditional crafts at the lively Nakamise-dori arcade outside the temple. Then head to a traditional sumo stable, where professional wrestlers practice this ancient art, living, eating, and training under nearly
monastic conditions. You’ll have free time to grab lunch and explore the cosmopolitan Ginza district. Reconvene tonight for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Meals: B,D)
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Day 4 Tokyo/Hakone: Begin the day at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo’s most important Shinto temple, a peaceful enclave in the woods dedicated to late 19th-century Emperor Meiji and his wife. Pass soaring wooden torii gates and explore its elegant courtyards and meandering garden paths. Then head into the buzzing modernity of the Shibuya district, home to the famous scramble crossing—perhaps the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. Enjoy lunch on your own and time to discover this trendy spot before traveling to the hot springs town of Hakone in Fuji-Hakone-
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPERTS
Robert Foster (Mar. 20)–cultural historian with expertise in East and Central Asia. Carol Morland (Oct. 2)–Japanese art historian. Jonathan Hall (Oct. 23)–cultural historian who teaches courses in Japanese literature, media, and film.
Visit our website to see additional experts.
Mount Fuji
Izu National Park. Settle into your ryokan, a traditional-style onsen (hot springs) inn. Savor artfully presented small dishes during a kaiseki dinner tonight. (Meals: B,D) Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel
Day 5 Hakone and Mount Fuji: Spend the day exploring the cultural and natural significance of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. At the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center, learn about its geology, symbolism, and conservation. Take in views of Mount Fuji from lakeside Oishi Park, then tour the nearby Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, which showcases the work of an artist inspired by the mountain. View a stunning collection of kimonos hand-dyed using a textile dyeing technique known as tsujigahana that was almost lost to time. After free time for lunch, try your hand at an age-old local craft during a wooden mosaic-making workshop. Dine together at a local restaurant tonight. (Meals: B,D)
Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel
Day 6 Kyoto: Board a bullet train and zoom to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital for a millennium and now the country’s cultural and artistic heart. Explore Nijo Castle, the extravagant 17th-century fortified residence of the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan
for more than 250 years. Later, check in to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant. (Meals: B,D)
The Thousand Kyoto
Day 7 Kyoto: Take a walk through the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, walking beneath towering stalks of bamboo that reach up to 90 feet in the air. View a 15th-century Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji temple, and see Kinkaku-ji, the lakeside Temple of the Golden Pavilion, set on pillars over the water. The remainder of the day is yours to pursue your own interests in Kyoto. (Meals: B) The Thousand Kyoto
Days 8–9 Kyoto: Venture to the outskirts of the city this morning to experience the iconic Fushimi Inari shrine, known for the thousands of red torii gates that straddle its forest trails. At Sanjusangendo Hall, a 13th-century Buddhist temple, see 1,001 life-sized statues of the thousand-armed deity Kannon. Cap off the day in the historic Gion theater district, enjoying a farewell dinner accompanied by a maiko (geisha apprentice) performance. Depart for home the next day. (Meals: 2B,1D)
The Thousand Kyoto
9 DAYS Airfare, taxes, and all fees included
Meals included: 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners
Price per person: Double from $8,184 | Single from $9,579
Dates: Mar. 20–28, Apr. 17–25, May 8–16, Sept. 18–26, Oct. 2–10, Oct. 23–31, 2027
Limited to 24 guests
Sea of Japan
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Tea ceremony
Our DISCOVER Getaways are just the latest travel collection offered by Smithsonian Journeys. With more than 500 departures to all seven continents and a wide range of travel styles, we have trips for every kind of traveler.
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COVER: David, Florence, Italy BACK COVER: Sea lion, Galápagos Islands