Smithsonian Journeys Expert Lecture Series
Our Smithsonian Journeys Experts, chosen for their charisma, expertise, and affability, are the secret ingredient that turns a fine tour into an unforgettable experience. Now during this time while travel is on hold, our experts are excited to bring the world to you with our Expert Lecture Series. Go ‘on tour’ with some of our most popular Smithsonian Journeys Experts without leaving the comfort of your home! Gain a deeper understanding of some of our most enticing destinations, learn more about their areas of expertise, and get to know our experts before joining them on tour!
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Upcoming Lectures
The Throne of Heaven: The Taj Mahal, Agra featuring Allan Langdale
December 8, 2020 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Allan is an art and architectural historian, photographer, filmmaker, and travel writer. He has traveled extensively in the eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea region, the Middle East—including Jordan and Egypt—and India.
Tune in for his lecture at 2:00pm EST on Tuesday, December 8 on Facebook Live and learn more about Allan's upcoming tours below.
Allan's 2021 Departures
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Highlights of Italy
16 days
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Starting at: $6,074
* Price includes airfare
Multiple departures in 2021
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Past Lectures
Enjoyed one of our past lectures? Learn more about the expert and see what upcoming tours the expert will be leading so you can discover the world with their special insights!
Norwegian Explorers and the Drive for Independence
Associate Professor of History and Scandinavian Studies Glenn Kranking traveled back to the era of exploration and Norway's nationalist movement to learn about how Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup, and Roald Amundsen inspired their nation and led the way towards independence.
Read Glenn's bio and see his 2021 tours
Women’s Work: The Art and Craft of Weaving in Rural Morocco
Designer, artist, and entrepreneur Alia Kate will explored the intricacy and breadth of craftsmanship in Morocco.
Read Alia's bio and see her 2021 tours
Agatha Christie: An Introduction to Her Life and Writing
Mystery author Michael Jecks shed light on Agatha Christie's wonderful creations from the perspective of a crime and mystery writer in his recent lecture.
Read Michael's bio and see his 2021 tours
A Tale of Three Objects: The Things You’ll See in Krakow and the Stories They Have to Tell
Associate Professor of History, Laurie Koloski, showed us the connection between an old tower, a piece of folk art, and a plate of pierogies and what they tell us about Krakow's history.
Read Laurie's bio and see her 2021 tours
Smitten By Stone: How We Came To Love the Grand Canyon
Geologist, writer, and educator Wayne Ranney discussed the phenomenal geologic history of the Grand Canyon.
Read Wayne's bio and see his 2021 tours
Renaissance Rivals
Art historian Valerie Hedquist discussed competition among the leading figures of the High Renaissance including Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo.
Read Valerie's bio and see her 2021 toursMeet All of Our Experts
One feature that makes our programs uniquely special is our world-class Smithsonian Journeys Experts. Chosen for their charisma, expertise and affability, these men and women are the secret ingredient that turns a fine tour into an unforgettable experience. Their enthusiasm is contagious; their expert guidance consistently brings depth, excitement and substance to the travelers who join them on our tours — and that is the signature of Smithsonian Journeys. Search all of our experts and the trips they will be leading here.
