Smithsonian Journeys offers educational tours that cater to a wide range of interests. Our Signature tours are truly unique and exceptional in design, pace, and character. We delve into history, culture, and the arts in more depth than found elsewhere. We ply the waters of the oceans, rivers, and canals on small ships that offer special access, and we go places that are difficult to visit on your own. Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tours provide a broader overview of some of the most popular travel destinations while providing a value price. For all of our tours, Smithsonian's special blend of cultural insights, personal attention, and fun is always guaranteed! When you consider all that's included, you'll see that our values can't be beat.

I have been a teacher all my life and have a Ph D in my own field. My expectations of the educational element of this trip were high, but the reality easily surpassed all expectation due to the astonishing quality of the Smithsonian Study Leader and that of the local guides.
-Smithsonian Traveler, Elbe River Journey 2008

Smithsonian features top experts on every journey. On our Signature Tours, Study Leaders are your travel companions.walking cultural encyclopedias who you can turn to at any moment during the tour. They are experts who are passionate about their subjects and thrilled to share that knowledge with you. On our Travel Adventures, you'll meet local experts, including museum curators, community leaders, and residents who provide insightful talks along the route. Plus, every Smithsonian Journey features professional Tour Managers, who take care of logistics and the details so that you can explore at ease.

Adventure travel with all the details taken care of - the most extraordinary way to see the world and discover the beauty and richness of other cultures. We will be talking about our journey for may years to come!
-Nancy Hardwick, Mystical India 2008

Creating a meaningful experience is a non-negotiable part of our mission. Our journeys are researched and custom-crafted by our creative, dedicated staff, with lots of suggestions from our Study Leaders and local experts. We go to some of the most compelling places in the world. Our journeys are designed to maximize the time you spend in the places of greatest interest, to avoid "tourist traps", and to minimize the hassles of travel.

Taking this trip with the Smithsonian has spoiled me on tour travel. The care of the staff and the educational benefits were exactly what I was looking for, not just seeing the sights, but learning more about the history of what I was seeing.
-Smithsonian Traveler, Egyptian Odyssey 2008

At Smithsonian Journeys we create travel experiences that are enlightening and enjoyable as well as seamless and worry-free, from your first inquiry until your safe return. From reading lists and customized travel information to a Traveler's Protection Plan to assist you should a medical emergency arise during the tour. As you prepare, our professionals will be on hand to manage your travel arrangements and attend to your special needs.

Often your accommodations themselves are an attraction. We carefully select establishments, choosing among those that best reflect the character and ambiance of the local culture by their location and present the high standards you expect. We also feature the finest regional cuisine, another highlight of your journey.

The camaraderie of the Smithsonian participants throughout the week made the difference between an enjoyable holiday and a superb experience.

-Sandra Anderson, Treasures of Peru, 2008
Because friends had been satisfied with Smithsonian tours, my husband and I anticipated this tour would be a satisfactory way to be introduced to South America. Little did we know that we'd become converts to your tours, having experienced more than we could have ourselves and in the compnay of wonderful guides and compatible fellow travelers.