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.
Let the Journey Begin
Travel with Purpose. Discover with Smithsonian.
Find Your Perfect Journey
Through unique travel experiences, Smithsonian Journeys invites you to experience the world up close, discovering global cultures and natural wonders in depth and connecting with the stories, people, and places that shape our shared human heritage. Whether exploring ancient civilizations, marveling at biodiversity, or engaging with local communities, every journey is designed to foster curiosity, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of the world.
Smithsonian Journeys Experts bring a wealth of knowledge and a meaningful perspective to every trip, engaging with our travelers throughout the journey.
Our travelers are intellectually curious and adventurous lifelong learners who share a passion for exploration. The friendships that develop on tour are often a lasting element of the experience.
Our land trips typically feature groups of 12 to 24 people, and we use small, nimble ships for our ocean and river cruises, allowing guests to get up close to renowned sites and get to know local people and fellow travelers.
You can rest assured that the well-being of our guests, staff members, and partners around the world has always been our highest priority.
Once you add up everything we include—experts, enrichment, most meals, excursions, transfers, most gratuities, and even airfare-inclusive pricing on many trips—you’ll find that our journeys offer an exceptional experience at a very good value.
We are committed to sustained the character and biodiversity of the places we visit, and the well-being of those who live there, by selecting partners who support regional economies and meet our standards for responsible travel. The Smithsonian is making efforts to mitigate our carbon footprint and study the causes and impacts of climate change around the world in hopes of informing solutions that make life on this planet more sustainable for all living beings.
Meet the Experts Who Make Your Journey Extraordinary
At the heart of every Smithsonian Journeys trip is a world-class expert—they are renowned scholars, scientists, historians, and cultural specialists chosen for their deep knowledge, charisma, and gift for storytelling. These exceptional individuals are the secret ingredient that can transform a well-planned itinerary into an unforgettable experience. Through engaging lectures, insightful conversations, and personal connections, they add depth and meaning to your journey—turning travel into discovery.