Smithsonian Journeys

04/25/2025

Picture yourself among the tulips! 🌷

Smithsonian Journeys travelers just returned from a river cruise through Holland and Belgium that included a stop at the incomparable Keukenhof Gardens.

Join us for a spring 2026 river cruise—early booking savings are still available on our April departures!

Sail roundtrip from Amsterdam on a 7-night cruise, discovering historic windmills, medieval towns such as Delft and Ghent, and vibrant modern-day cities. Surround yourself millions of brilliant tulips at the incredible Keukenhof Gardens—open for just two months a year!

See the full itinerary: https://s.si.edu/4jkRlVg

04/22/2025

Join us for a journey that celebrates the earth - from its jungles to its savannas!

This , consider all the ways you can explore Earth's natural wonders and celebrate its biodiversity with Smithsonian Journeys!

Glide through pristine rainforests along the waterways of the Amazon River Basin aboard an intimate ship, spotting rare flora and fauna with an expert naturalist. Or snorkel marine reserves from Panama to the Great Barrier Reef, learning about their challenges and success stories. Go on safari in diverse and wildlife-rich national parks across southern Africa, or experience the natural bounty of Costa Rica from the walking trail.

From the Amazon to Zimbabwe, find your next adventure: https://s.si.edu/3YJTphg

04/22/2025

Smithsonian Journeys Experts set our programs apart.

Meet Carol Reynolds, a historian of music and culture. Carol has led Smithsonian Journeys travelers on more than 70 trips, exploring artistic heritage across Europe and infusing the experience with her insight and enthusiasm.

Join Carol on a River Cruise this year!

• A Danube River Cruise: August 24-September 8, 2025
• Europe's Great Rivers: October 8-23, 2025
• Holiday Markets: December 3-13, 2025

Learn more about Carol and her upcoming tours: https://s.si.edu/4jKAafS

03/21/2025

Are you still looking for your perfect summer adventure?

Experience two of South America’s most celebrated destinations with Smithsonian Journeys this July!

Explore Peru’s Inca treasures and World Heritage sites in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Then spend three magical days in the Galápagos, discovering unique endemic wildlife including giant tortoises, blue-footed bo***es, marine iguanas, and much more on nature walks, yacht cruises, and snorkeling excursions.

Check out the full itinerary and book now to ensure your space: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/machu-picchu-galapagos/itinerary/

03/17/2025

Does Saint Patrick's Day have you inspired to explore the Emerald Isle?

Visit Ireland with Smithsonian Journeys and enjoy these unique Irish experiences:

🇮🇪 In the Gaeltacht of western Ireland, Irish (Gaelic) is still widely spoken and traditional ways of life endure. Our classic Emerald Isle journey visits several Gaeltacht regions, including the enchanting boglands of Connemara and the Aran Island of Inishmore.

🛳️ Our Celtic Voyage calls at the Northern Irish port of Belfast, where the RMS Titanic set sail in 1912. Here, you’ll have the chance to embark on a fascinating journey at the Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art experiential museum.

🎶 During a one-week stay in Western Ireland, make yourself at home in Ennis, a stronghold of Irish music. You’ll have many opportunities to enjoy live music, and you’ll also be invited into the home of a local musician in Doolin for an evening of songs and storytelling around the fire.

See all Smithsonian Journeys trips to Ireland on our website: https://s.si.edu/4hpa14I

03/11/2025

Just back! Travelers on our Patagonia Hiking Adventure recently took to the trails of both the Chilean and Argentinian sides of Patagonia.

Traveler Pam LeBlanc had this to say about her experience: "The hike to Mount Fitz Roy and Piedras Blancas glacier at [Argentina’s] Los Glaciares National Park ranked as one of the highlights of my Smithsonian Journeys trip. The trail took us up a mountain slope, through scrubland, and over a boardwalk made of split logs. We soaked up incredible views of snowcapped peaks and a beautiful hanging glacier, and got buffeted by terrifically strong winds. Nature is beautiful!"

Learn more about the trip and see the itinerary on our website: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/patagonia-hiking-adventure/itinerary/

Photos by Pam LeBlanc Adventures

03/08/2025

This International Women’s Day, we’re tipping our hats to Josephine Baker, who famously took Paris by storm in the 1920s and 30s, becoming one of the city’s top-billed entertainers.

When World War II broke out, she joined the Free French movement against Germany and gathered intelligence for the French Resistance, later earning a Croix de Guerre and a Legion of Honor for her war efforts. In 2021, she was inducted into the Panthéon—France’s highest honor–joining the likes of Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, and Voltaire. Her legacy comes to life at the 15th-century Chateau de Milandes in the Dordogne region, where Baker raised her 12 adopted children.

Learn more about Smithsonian Journeys trip Paris: The African American Experience and how you can explore the legacy of Josephine Baker: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/paris-african-american-experience/itinerary/

📸: “Josephine Baker” by Stanislaw Julian Ignacy Ostroróg, 1926. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

02/26/2025

Enjoy a fresh perspective on Europe when you explore from the trail on an Active Journey.

Hike to storybook villages in Italy’s beloved Cinque Terre, or walk through myth-infused Irish landscapes. You’ll soak up the region’s cuisine and culture in the company of a local guide, whether you’re sampling whisky at a historic distillery in Scotland or tasting wines and local specialities in Spain.

And new in 2026: Croatian Islands and Trails and Iceland in Winter! Island-hop through the glorious Dalmatian Archipelago, staying on stunning isles such as Hvar, Korčula, and Brač. Or seek out the splendor of the northern lights in the dark skies over Iceland as you explore local culture and waterfalls, glaciers, and intriguing geological formations along the southern coast.

Our Active Journeys combine physical activity—walking hiking, biking, and more—with authentic engagement with local culture. Check out all our Active Journeys on our website: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/active/

02/26/2025

Pam is a travel photographer and writer who recently returned from our Patagonia Hiking Adventure, ranking it in her top 10 trips of all time! She sat down with FOX 7 Austin to talk about it on their "Good Day Austin" program. We're glad you had a wonderful time and enjoyed the benefits of group travel 😀

Check out the full itinerary on our website: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/patagonia-hiking-adventure/itinerary/

Hear more about Pam LeBlanc's two-week trip to Patagonia with Smithsonian Journeys on today's segment on FOX 7 Austin's "Good Day Austin" program at https://www.fox7austin.com/video/1599537.

02/23/2025

Experience the enchantment of some of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets on one of our two Christmas Markets river cruises with AmaWaterways.

Choose to cruise along the Rhine or Danube, savoring timeless holidays traditions and charming towns that sparkle with holiday spirit.

See these two cruises and more of our alliance with AmaWaterways on our website: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/amawaterways/

02/22/2025

Don’t mind if we do cruise Bordeaux!

Embark on an enchanting voyage through Bordeaux and its picturesque wine regions. Venture into historic fortresses and châteaux and explore the renowned vineyards of Saint Émilion and Médoc. From Cadillac to Dordogne to the majestic heart of Bordeaux, savor exquisite local wines and cuisine.

Join Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways! See the full itinerary on our website: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/bordeaux-cruising-waterways-southwest-france/itinerary/

02/21/2025

Experience three of Europe’s grand rivers—the Rhine, the Main, and the Danube—on an unforgettable cruise from the canals of Amsterdam to the majestic heart of Budapest. Along the way, encounter local cuisine, history, and a host of World Heritage sites.

Join Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways May 30-June 13, 2026. See the itinerary on our website: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/europe-waterways-cruising-the-rhine-main-and-danube-river/itinerary/

02/20/2025

Experience Provence from the unique perspective of the Rhône River with Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways.

Cruise south from the historic center of Lyon to the picturesque towns of Avignon and Arles. Along the way, enjoy magnificent historic sites from the Roman Pont Du Gard to the Papal Palace, culinary tours, and visits to renowned wine regions and the stunning gorges of Ardêche.

See the itinerary and departure dates on our website: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/rhone-river-cruise-colors-of-provence/itinerary/

02/19/2025

The River Seine is the lifeblood of Paris, famously curving past iconic monuments from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower.

Cruise this storied waterway with Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways out of the heart of Paris, winding through the glorious countryside of Normandy to the English Channel. Along the way, explore historic sites such as Rouen and Omaha Beach, savor the region’s proud culinary traditions, and trace the footsteps of great artists from Claude Monet to Josephine Baker.

See the full itinerary and reserve your space: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/along-the-seine-river-cruise-paris-normandy/itinerary/

02/17/2025

Cruise with Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways along the Douro River as it carves through the mountains of northern Portugal.

Set sail from the World Heritage-listed city of Porto to discover the spectacular landscapes of Portugal’s Douro River Valley, where wines have been produced for some 2,000 years. Visit picturesque villages and palaces; spend a day in beautiful Salamanca, Spain; and enjoy tastings at historic wine estates.

See the full itinerary and reserve your river cruise: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/cruising-portugal-douro-river-valley/itinerary/

02/15/2025

Are the gardens of Keukenhof on your must-see list?

Experience the brilliant colors of spring as you glide through the enchanting canals and waterways of Holland and Belgium aboard an upscale AmaWaterways river ship.

Beginning and ending in Amsterdam, cruise to ports that illustrate the region’s history and culture. With a range of excursions to choose from at each port of call, you might watch porcelain artisans at work in Delft, view iconic paintings at world-renowned museums, make chocolate with a chocolatier in Ghent, and ride a bike to the windmills of Kinderdijk or the tulip fields in the Dutch countryside.

Cap off your experience at the breathtaking gardens of Keukenhof, immersed in a sea of millions of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils.

See the full itinerary and reserve your river cruise: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/holland-belgium-spring-river-cruise-tulip-time/itinerary/