SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS ANNOUNCES NEW TRIPS FOR 2023
New Itineraries Include a Deluxe New Year’s Train Journey to Vienna; Cultural Stays in Scotland, England’s Lake District, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Alaska; Stargazing in Chile, Cave Exploring in France and Spain; a Classic Land Journey to the Canadian Maritimes; and Smithsonian + PONANT small ship expeditions
Washington, D.C. (July 11, 2022) Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution – the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex – announces new trips for 2023 including new deluxe train journeys, new cultural stay programs, new, small-ship expeditions with PONANT including Antarctica, and new land journeys, including two new specialty trips.
All Smithsonian Journeys are accompanied by a Smithsonian Journeys Expert—whether an art historian, an archaeologist, or an international relations expert—whose expertise and knowledge shed new light on a destination and deepen a traveler’s immersion in the destination and culture of the place.
“We’re very excited about our new offerings for 2023. Smithsonian’s long heritage as a leader in preserving cultural and natural resources and in deepening people’s understanding about our world is reflected in each of these itineraries”, noted Lynn Cutter, Senior Vice President, Smithsonian Travel.
New Deluxe Train Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys offers several train journeys, and for 2023, there are two new trips.
Dec. 27, 2023 – Jan. 4, 2024 – 10 days from $14,995
Climb aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express and journey through four Central European countries during the holiday season discovering architectural gems, layers of fascinating history, and festive Christmas Markets from Budapest to Prague.
May 14, 2023 – May 25, 2024 – 12 days from $19,595
Surround yourself with extraordinary mountain vistas as you cross the Alps—and six countries—aboard the stunning Golden Eagle Danube Express on a rail journey from Budapest to Venice that includes stops in Innsbruck, Zurich, Lake Como, Lake Bled, and more.
New Classic Land Journey
Smithsonian Journeys Classic Land Journeys are exciting forays into the history, culture, and natural world of a single country or region. Some of Smithsonian Journeys’ most popular itineraries over the years have been these 10 – 23-day trips that often include airfare for even more value.
Several dates available in Summer 2023 – 12 days from $6,597 (includes airfare)
Discover dramatic coastal landscapes, unique historic sites, and a vibrant seafaring culture derived from British and French roots on a journey to the captivating regions of the Canadian Maritimes: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
New Cultural Stays
Cultural Stays are one of the mainstays of Smithsonian Journeys trips and are shorter 7 – 10-days trips, with a stay in one place generally in smaller towns, so guests unpack once, and immerse themselves in one area. Popular Cultural Stay programs in Segovia, Barcelona, and Andalusia, Spain, Amalfi Coast, Puglia, and the Italian Riviera, Normandy and Basque regions of France, and Ireland continue in 2023 as well as new trips to Dubai, Scotland, the English Lake District, and Alaska.
Several dates available in 2023 – 10 days from $5,490
Venture into centuries-old souks and zoom to the top of the world’s tallest skyscraper, exploring the past, present, and future of the United Arab Emirates as you make your way from the labyrinthine streets of old Dubai to the dunes and oases of the Arabian Desert to the innovation-focused city of Abu Dhabi.
- Heart of Scotland – A One-Week stay in Stirling
Several dates available in 2023 – 9 days from $4,990
Settle into the medieval old city of Stirling for a week ensconced in Scotland’s history and culture. Trace the legends of William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots; cruise Loch Lomond; visit the country’s oldest distillery; and experience the thrill and pageantry of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
- England’s Lake District – A One-Week Stay in Historic Cumbria
Several dates available in 2023 – 9 days from $4,990
The Lake District Culture immerses guests in the mystical landscapes of England’s Lake District during a one-week stay on Lake Windermere, exploring Cumbrian villages, Roman ruins, and the homes of celebrated writers.
Several dates available in 2023 – 8 days from $6,290
Experience two of Alaska’s great treasures—its unspoiled wilderness and its rich cultural heritage—on a journey that will have you hiking in Denali, spotting wildlife while cruising the Prince William Sound, and getting acquainted with Alaska Native cultures in Anchorage.
Special Interest Trips are at the heart of Smithsonian Journey’s expertise. Whether art or astronomy or film, Smithsonian Journeys ensures a unique and top-notch learning experience.
Several dates available in 2023 – 10 days from $6,995
Tucked into rolling countryside from southwestern France to Spain’s northern coast lies a treasure trove of artifacts and art left by early humans tens of thousands of years ago. Witness some of the oldest art in the world in caves from Lascaux to El Castillo, and marvel at the artistic skill and sensitivity of our early ancestors.
- Chile Earth and Sky: A Stargazing Journey from Santiago to the Atacama Desert
Several dates available in 2023/2024 – 13-days from $9,990
Delve into the world of astronomy with Smithsonian Journeys experts beneath the clear skies of northern Chile and enjoy exclusive access and behind-the-scenes tours of major observatories. This unique journey balances culture, food, and wine alongside stargazing—from Santiago to the Atacama Desert.
Living In … Immersive Three-Week Stays
Travelers can fulfill their dream of living abroad during these three-week immersion programs with time to explore many of the must-see sites as well as lesser-known treasures. These programs can be personalized with special enrichment tracks including Language, Cuisine, Art and Architecture. Popular options continue in France (Aix-en-Provence) and Italy (Florence). The new program in Andalusia, Spain allows participants an additional Hiking Adventure option.
- Living in Spain: A Three-Week Stay in Andalusia – 23 days from $6,290
Participants will immerse themselves in seaside Marbella, in the Andalusian way of life, discovering the region’s fascinating blend of Spanish and Moorish culture on excursions to World Heritage sites and charming villages off the beaten path.
New 2023 Small Ship Sailings with PONANT
For 2023, there will be twenty-one Smithsonian Journeys + PONANT, a leader in small ship expeditions, with several new itineraries which will provide opportunities to engage with a variety of Smithsonian Journeys Experts, ranging from archaeologists and scientists to anthropologists and historians. As part of the itineraries, ports of call never previously visited will be visited, including Ploče, Croatia and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The full list of 2023 sailings can be viewed here., and include the following. To reserve a trip, call 855-330-1542 or visit smithsonianjourneys.org/PONANT.
- Circumnavigation of Sicily
- Cruising the Arabian Coast
- Symphony on the St. Lawrence: From Québec to the Canadian Maritimes
- Cruising from Morocco to Spain’s Andalusian Coast
- Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea
*Pricing is based on the number of staterooms available at time of this announcement. See our website for current pricing. Book early for higher savings.
About the Smithsonian
Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Two of the 21 museums – the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum – are in the early planning stages. The total number of objects, works of art, and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 155 million, of which nearly 146 million are scientific specimens at the National Museum of Natural History. www.smithsonian.org
About Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is part of Smithsonian Enterprises, a division of the Smithsonian which oversees the institution’s commercial activities, including the Smithsonian Channel, which is available in over 55 million households globally; the retail operation, which includes 35 museum and airport stores, food concessions; an E-commerce business, Smithsonianstore.com, and Smithsonian magazine, which reaches more than 8 million monthly readers, consumer and education licensing, and books. Smithsonian Journeys is a global leader in cultural travel for diverse audiences, offering unique, expert-led trips on all seven continents. Smithsonian Journeys offers small-group land journeys, small-ship ocean cruises, river cruises, active journeys, cultural stays, private jet trips, tailor-made journeys for the independent traveler, and student travel programs. For more information visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 1-855-330-1542.
