Smithsonian Journeys

07/23/2024

The Tour de France concluded this past weekend in Nice and the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place on Friday.

But you don’t need a bicycle or to be an Olympian to complete your own tour de France with Smithsonian Journeys. Whether you prefer an easy-going river cruise on the Rhône or an invigorating hike on the flanks of Mont Blanc, there’s a journey that fits your travel style. Experience a new perspective on Paris, tracing the stories of the African Americans who called it home. Sail the Côte d’Azur to the Italian Riviera aboard a small ship, or unpack your bags and live in Provence for three weeks.

Bon voyage! Check out all of our trips to France: https://s.si.edu/3YgMtJo

07/22/2024

Did you know? The Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) has been a bastion of scientific research in Central America, leading important studies on tropical species and ecosystems and the effects of climate change from its base in Panama for more than 100 years! Join PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys on one of our eight-day Panama and Costa Rica by Sea voyages in 2025 and 2026 for an exclusive guided tour by Smithsonian staff at this open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. https://l.ponant.com/FB-SJ-Central-America-7-24

07/04/2024

Celebrate America the Beautiful with Smithsonian! How are you spending Independence Day?

Did you know that about 85 million acres are preserved in our national park system? This includes 63 national parks that range from the wetlands of the Everglades to Alaska’s glacier-carved fjords.

Take a virtual trip with us to five national parks and learn some fun facts!
🔸 Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world. (Hoodoos = intriguing rock pinnacles that tower up to 150 feet).
❄️ Yellowstone can receive up to 200 inches of snow in winter—and the roads are never plowed.
⛰️ Buffalo Soldiers served as some of Yosemite’s first park rangers.
⭐ The Tetons are considered the youngest range in the Rockies.
⚪ The largest U.S. national park, Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias, is larger than Greece.

Travel with Smithsonian Journeys to some of North America's national parks: https://s.si.edu/3znXRbH

06/20/2024

Summertime is here! While plenty of vacationers will be Europe-bound, many of our travelers are headed to other wonderful destinations around the world. See where we’re going this summer—and join us if you’re searching for a last-minute summer adventure!

South America - Experience two life-list destinations on a journey that combines the cultural treasures of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in Peru with the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.

Africa – Encounter Africa’s legendary wildlife on safari in the parks and reserves of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana on a popular journey that features magnificent Victoria Falls and a three-night ride on the historic Rovos Rail.

Central America - Explore Costa Rica’s tropical forests from trail to canopy, joining naturalists on walks and hikes from the base of Arenal Volcano to the cloud forests of Monteverde and the beach-lined jungles of Manuel Antonio National Park. Along the way, add to the adventure with canyoneering or zip-lining excursions.

Australia and New Zealand - Explore a host of wonders across Australia and New Zealand—from the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru to Milford Sound; and gain insights into the ancient cultures of Australia's Aboriginal people and the Māori of New Zealand.

Asia - From historic castle towns to the dazzle of downtown Tokyo, experience the essence of Japan past and present, delving into art, cuisine, and spiritual traditions in great cities and stunning rural areas.

Check a new location off your life list this summer, or start planning for next year. See all the trips we offer: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/tripfinder/

06/08/2024

It’s World Ocean Day! Oceans cover some 70% of the planet and sustain much of the planet’s biodiversity—from tiny phytoplankton to 100-foot-long blue whales. That’s why our alliance with Ponant—a company with a deep commitment to sustainability—is so important to us.

PONANT was founded in 1988 by officers in the French Merchant Navy to offer small-ship voyages that combine a top-notch, enriching experience with a pioneering approach to sustainable travel. Their commitment is evident in their CLEANSHIP-certified vessels—designed to minimize impact on the ocean environment—as well as in day-to-day operations, in which eliminating single-use plastics and reducing waste are priorities. Earlier this year, every ship in the fleet earned certification for the Green Globe International Standard for Sustainable Travel and Tourism.

Whether you’re cruising amid spectacular icescapes in Antarctica or tracing history along Europe’s Atlantic coast, our voyages feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and bring together a range of compelling shore excursions, delightful meals, and a casual but elegant on-board atmosphere. Learn more about our alliance and check out our small-ship offerings: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/ponant/

Visit the Smithsonian's Ocean Portal to learn something new about the ocean every day: https://ocean.si.edu/about-ocean-portal. And the next time you're in Washington, DC, don’t forget to explore the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s Sant Ocean Hall.

05/25/2024

Whether you go for the penguins or for the ethereal ice, Antarctica beckons! Are you ready to explore it with us? Join our cruise Feb 18-March 1, 2025!

From the three Smithsonian Journeys Experts who explore with you—including history-making polar explorer Ben Saunders—to extraordinary wildlife and icescapes, there are plenty of reasons to join our February 18–March 1, 2025 voyage to Antarctica with Ponant.

Learn more and book your trip today: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/antarctica/itinerary/

05/24/2024

Imagine venturing to Antarctica alongside three Smithsonian Journeys Experts as well as a team of naturalist guides. As you observe penguins or watch calving glaciers together, you’ll gain rare insights into ecology, geology, and polar exploration through conversations in the field and captivating presentations on board.

See who’s joining us in February:

❄️ Celebrated polar explorer Ben Saunders is a TED “master storyteller” who broke the world record for the longest human-powered polar journey when he completed a 108-day, 1,800-mile journey to the South Pole on foot—dragging 440 pounds of food and supplies in his sled! Ben is also the youngest person to ski solo to the North Pole, spending 72 days alone on the Arctic Ocean, and holds the record for the longest solo Arctic journey by a Briton. Pictured in Image 1.

🐧 Dyan deNapoli is a noted penguin expert, TED speaker, and award-winning author. After co-managing the penguin colony at Boston’s prestigious New England Aquarium for nine years, she founded her educational company, The Penguin Lady, to teach both children and adults about penguin biology, behavior, and conservation. During her aquarium tenure, Dyan helped manage the groundbreaking rescue of 40,000 penguins from the Treasure oil spill in South Africa. Pictured in Image 2.

📸 Jim Preston was the supervising photographer for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum until his retirement this year. He has more than 20 years of experience as a photojournalist, photo editor, designer, and director, working at prominent newspapers, the U.S. Navy, and the White House Photo Office. Pictured in Image 3.

Find their full bios and details about our Antarctica voyage: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/antarctica/expert/

05/23/2024

Here at the bottom of the Earth, the view is otherworldly in every direction. Ice appears in every possible form: from the transparent brash ice that clacks against your kayak paddle to enormous glaciers that tower high above the ship, to the iridescent icebergs sculpted into beautiful forms by the elements. With the more temperate weather of the late austral summer, we can often travel further south into the icy realms of the white continent. And the February sunrises and sunsets are often extraordinary.

It is a true privilege to be able to explore this fragile part of the planet, and we are proud to partner with Ponant, the first cruise company to achieve certification for the Green Globe International Standard for Sustainable Travel and Tourism. Our elegant ship L’Austral runs on cleaner fuels and accommodates up to 200 travelers, allowing for an intimate encounter with Antarctica’s wilderness—and a lighter footprint.

https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/antarctica/itinerary/

05/22/2024

Penguins, seals, seabirds, whales…and more penguins! These are just some of the iconic wildlife you may encounter on our Antarctica cruise.

In February, Antarctica’s pristine bays teem with migrating humpbacks, orcas, and minke whales. Chinstrap and gentoo penguin hatchlings begin to strike out on their own, molting their fluffy coats, while some late bloomers stay tucked between their parents’ feet for safety. Elephant seals often wallow together onshore, pudgy Weddell and crabeater seals loll on the pack ice, and quirky Adélie penguins slip and slide on stunning icebergs.

On your voyage, join naturalists for walks on volcanic islands for a chance to see great skuas and giant petrels as well as different species of penguins and seals. Set out by Zodiac to navigate ice floes, on the lookout for seals and humpbacks, and discover firsthand how a diverse array of marine life flourishes in this seemingly harsh environment.

Your wildlife encounters begin well before you reach Antarctica. From Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, head into Tierra del Fuego National Park, where a host of rare flora and fauna make their home among the rivers, bogs, and forests of the southernmost Andes.

https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/antarctica/itinerary/

Ponant

05/21/2024

Join Smithsonian Journeys and Ponant on an unforgettable voyage to Antarctica!

Enter a magnificent realm of ice and encounter astonishing wildlife—from thousands of penguins to breaching whales—when you travel to the Antarctic Peninsula with three Smithsonian Journeys Experts next February.

Follow along this week as we share a sneak peek into our small-ship cruise to Antarctica.

https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/antarctica/itinerary/

05/16/2024

05/09/2024

Speak to a specialist ➡️ Build your dream trip ➡️ Experience the world your way

Our Tailor-Made Journeys are custom trips to amazing places—designed just for you. Our country specialists will help you build a trip that suits your pace, interests, and budget, with the in-depth exploration and stellar guides that you’d expect from Smithsonian Journeys.

Whether you are planning a family vacation, a reunion with friends, or seeking a unique way to celebrate a graduation or anniversary, Tailor-Made Journeys allow you to experience the world your way.

Swipe through to read what our travelers are saying about their Tailor-Made Journeys to some of the 70+ destinations you can choose. Then, see where your Tailor-Made Journey can take you: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tailor-made/

05/02/2024

Where in the World? It’s none other than Iceland!

The forces of nature are on full display in Iceland, where the Earth simmers with geothermal activity and powerful waterfalls gush through landscapes shaped by lava and ice. Take advantage of the long daylight hours from June to September and experience the Iceland the way that suits you:

🛳️ Cruise to remote fjords and villages aboard a small ship.
🥾 Head off the beaten path on our active Glaciers and Waterfalls journey, hiking amid glaciers, lava-sculpted landscapes, and canyons.
🏔️ Travel overland to visit the geological wonders of the island’s north, south, and west on our Adventure in Iceland tour.
🌈 Build your own trip with our custom Tailor-Made Journeys.

Which Iceland experience fits your style?

Learn more and book your adventure today: https://s.si.edu/44hRvWQ

04/30/2024

We are gearing up for a summer of adventure in this country that is home to Europe’s largest ice cap and most powerful waterfall. Many of the island’s natural phenomena are associated with mythical beings that are deeply rooted in local culture. See a variety of seabirds and perhaps some whales on one of our many tours to this place.

Where in the world are we going?

Put your guess in the comments and check back on Thursday to find out the answer!

04/29/2024

Are you ready to make some travel plans? Check out the trips Smithsonian Journeys offers - multiple travel styles across all seven continents: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/tripfinder/

What are your top five dream vacation destinations – do they include Paris, France?

This travel poster, in the collection of our Cooper Hewitt, was designed for American Airlines in 1950. It features the “Winged Victory of Samothrace,” a statue depicting the Greek goddess Nike, which has been displayed in the Louvre Museum since 1884.

✈️

Smithsonian Journeys are enriching travel experiences on all seven continents that explore cultural heritage and natural history, inspired by the Smithsonian’s mission to foster the “increase and diffusion of knowledge.” On every trip, you’ll travel with fellow lifelong learners, and delve deeper into fascinating places with charismatic Smithsonian Journeys Experts and insightful local guides.

Follow Smithsonian Journeys for travel inspiration and check out our stories to see some of the trips they offer across the globe.

04/26/2024

Today is Arbor Day, a wonderful way to wrap up Earth Week!

We’re marking the day with some photos of our nation’s stunners—the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, located in the southernmost part of Yosemite National Park in California. Not only do these enormous trees reach heights of up to 236 feet, they’re also ancient: the famous Grizzly Giant is estimated at 2,700 years old!

See these incredible trees for yourself on our journey to Yosemite: https://s.si.edu/3JBVGmM

04/22/2024

Happy Earth Day! Swipe through to visit places around the world that are rich in biodiversity—one of the key factors in maintaining the planet’s balance and fighting climate change. Responsible, low-impact tourism can help preserve the world’s biodiversity, offering viable economic opportunities that can replace destructive practices such as poaching and deforestation.

With Smithsonian Journeys, you can venture into the pristine forests of Costa Rica or Alaska alongside naturalists, and snorkel marine reserves from the Galápagos to the Great Barrier Reef, learning about their challenges and their success stories. Explore the sustainability of ancient stone houses in Italy, and discover how conservation initiatives in Botswana help both humans and wildlife.

We invite you to celebrate the earth with us!

04/09/2024

”Like a light switch, suddenly the sky and environment went very dark. The crowd roared. Then, the eclipse appeared from behind the clouds like a beaded jewel. Spectacular.” – Patrick W., Smithsonian Journeys

Yesterday, eight small groups of Smithsonian Journeys travelers met up at Becker Vineyards in the heart of Texas Hill Country to witness the total solar eclipse. Astrophysicists and astronomers hosted fascinating panel discussions and talks throughout the day, local food and wine were sampled, and finally, the picture-perfect moment we had all been waiting for arrived. Thankfully the thick clouds over Texas parted, allowing our travelers to experience the full eclipse in the path of totality.

Group Photo Credit (Image 3): Shanaz Maharaj, Austin Photographer: Shanaz

04/08/2024

🌑 Our travelers spent the weekend peering at planets during rooftop star parties, exploring beautiful Texas Hill Country landscapes, and being dazzled by bluebonnets. Now the countdown is on for the total solar eclipse!

04/06/2024

The solar eclipse is almost here and 350 Smithsonian Journeys travelers are currently in the path of totality, exploring Austin, San Antonio, and the Texas Hill Country ahead of Monday’s big celestial event.

This weekend, they’ll stargaze with powerful telescopes at leading observatories and attend exclusive dinners—on the roof of the Scobee Planetarium for instance, or with astronomers at the University of Texas. Our four distinct itineraries will have them sailing under the legendary “bat bridge” in Austin or exploring San Antonio’s historic missions, encountering the rare flora and fauna of the Hill Country and traveling through fields of bluebonnets at the height of the famous bloom.

Stay tuned to see how they’ll greet the eclipse on Monday!

03/07/2024

Where in the World?

None other than Italy’s southeastern Apulia region!

Also known as Puglia, this region located on the “heel” of Italy is a magical place where unique architecture and customs have evolved. During our one-week stay in the seaside village of Polignano a Mare, travelers encounter the conical trulli houses of Alberobello and the baroque treasures of Lecce, and take a day trip to the World Heritage site of Matera to explore its ancient sassi cave dwellings—another World Heritage site. They also explore ancient Greco-Roman ruins and fortified medieval towns, and immerse themselves in local life during visits to family-owned vineyards and farms.

Learn more about our Cultural Stay program and this enchanting region on our website: https://s.si.edu/3TbNsYd

03/05/2024

Where in the World?

This region of Italy is known for its unusual, conical houses called trulli. Built from limestone and stones—without any mortar—this unique architecture may date back to the Stone Age and was designated a World Heritage site in 1996.

Do you know in what region of Italy these homes are found? Comment your guess and we will share the answer Thursday!

03/04/2024

Let the journey begin with Smithsonian Journeys and Ponant https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/ponant/

In 2025, we embark on our fourth year of our alliance with Ponant and have 30 small-ship cruise itineraries for you to choose from.

New itineraries include a two-week voyage from Lisbon to the Canary Islands; a Mediterranean sailing encompassing Sicily, Sardinia, and Mallorca; and a voyage across the Aegean sea along Turkey and the Greek Isles.

02/29/2024

Where in the World?

Crikey – it’s Australia!

Travelers on our Splendors of Australia and New Zealand journey have been communing with some marvelous marsupials, from wallabies to wombats to koalas and kangaroos. This epic trip visits a broad array of fascinating sites—both natural and cultural: Venture into the Sydney Opera House on a guided tour and take a harbor cruise. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef with a marine biologist and watch the sun set over the sacred monolith of Uluru. Gain insights into the ancient Aboriginal cultures during a Dreamtime walk, then get acquainted with Māori culture—and spectacular landscapes—during 11 days in New Zealand.

This leap day, picture yourself encountering kangaroos and wallabies with our experts. Learn more about the trip: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/australia-new-zealand/itinerary/

02/27/2024

Where in the World?

Our travelers are currently in a country that is home to incredibly diverse landscapes, from dry deserts where camels roam to World Heritage-listed rainforests to the world’s largest coral reef system. This week, they might witness the amazing leaping abilities of its fauna, endemic to this country and nowhere else. What country is this?

Comment your guess and we will share the answer on Thursday!

02/22/2024

Where in the World?

If you guessed Charleston, South Carolina, you’re correct! The new International African American Museum was designed to hover over the historic site of Gadsden’s Wharf, transforming the hallowed space into gardens filled with symbolism and stories. Travelers on our African American Culture in the Lowcountry journey visit the site—as well as other poignant sites from Mitchellville to the Gullah Geechee communities of the Boundary islands—with Dr. Deborah Mack, associate director for strategic partnerships at Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and Smithsonian Journeys Expert, who was involved in the museum’s creation.

Learn more about our African American Culture in the Lowcountry: From Charleston to Savannah journey: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/lowcountry/itinerary/

02/20/2024

Where in the World?

Last year marked the grand opening of the International African American Museum, built over the sacred ground of Gadsden’s Wharf—where some 40% of enslaved Africans arrived in the country. The museum celebrates African American culture and history from its roots in West and Central Africa to the Gullah Geechee culture of the surrounding Lowcountry, to the work of prominent Black artists of today.

Do you know in which historic city on the eastern seaboard the new museum is located? Comment your guess down below and we will reveal the answer on Thursday!

02/15/2024

Where in the World?

And the answer is… the River Seine!

One of the longest rivers in France, the Seine meanders through the heart of Paris, passing the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral before heading for the Normandy coast.

Join us on a Seine River Cruise this spring or fall, traveling through time as you glide from Paris to Le Havre and back aboard an elegant river ship. Explore the gilded halls of Versailles and the evocative ruins of early Christian abbeys. Discover Rouen, where Joan of Arc met her fate, and stroll the D-Day landing beaches. Soak up the charms of Honfleur and follow in Monet’s footsteps on the chalk cliffs of Étretat and at his beloved home and gardens in Giverny.

Learn more about our trip, A Seine River Cruise: Paris to Normandy, on our website: https://s.si.edu/48gmAKO

02/14/2024

Are you catching flights or feelings?

Some of the world’s most famous love stories unfolded in stunning places, from the shores of the Aegean Sea to the palaces of India. Channel your love for travel this Valentine’s Day by dreaming of the red-hot destinations you can explore with Smithsonian Journeys. Let these enchanting trips spark your wanderlust. https://s.si.edu/42bxf7X

1️⃣ Mumtaz Mahal and Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan met as teenagers and had fourteen children together before she passed away at an early age. He built the Taj Mahal as a tribute to her and it is still known today as the world’s most famous monument to love. Our new journey Timeless India: Rajasthan, Varanasi, and the Taj Mahal, features a guided visit to this World Heritage site followed by a lively cooking lesson in a private home nearby.

2️⃣ One of the most famous Greek legends is that of Helen, daughter of Zeus, who absconded to Troy with her lover Paris, sparking a war between the Greeks and the Trojans. On our new voyage Cruising the Aegean: Turkey and the Greek Isles, you can trace their tale across the Aegean Sea, starting amid the fascinating ruins of Troy and ending in the Peloponnese, where you’ll explore Mycenae, the seat of Helen’s brother-in-law King Agamemnon.

3️⃣ Our journey across Northern Italy features one romantic destination after the next: the seaside towns of the Italian Riviera and the pastel gems of the Cinque Terre, the stunning islands of the Lake District and the evocative canals of Venice. It also includes a visit to fair Verona, the home of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, which was named a World Heritage site for its stunning collection of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance architecture.

4️⃣ The evocative lakes and moors of England have inspired many a love story, though perhaps the most famous English literary couple of all—Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy—was the brainchild of a woman who never married. Our Literary England Tailor-Made Journey explores the life of Jane Austen in Bath and the abbey where Pride and Prejudice (1995) was filmed—before heading to Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.

02/13/2024

Where in the World?

This river runs through the City of Love, is a World Heritage site, and has been painted by the likes of Renoir and van Gogh. Along its banks lie some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks, several of which were built for the 1900 World’s Fair. What is the name of the river?

Comment your guess and we will flow the answer your way on Thursday!