Spend a week living at historic Oxford University and sample life as a student at Merton College. Study with renowned Oxford tutors and delve into one of our fascinating courses.

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Smithsonian at Oxford

8 days from $4,995

Spend a week living at historic Oxford University and sample life as a student at Merton College. Study with renowned Oxford tutors and delve into one of our fascinating courses.

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Tour Details

TOUR BROCHURE

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WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

The Smithsonian at Oxford provides an accessible educational experience, nicely balanced with opportunities to visit nearby sites of interest. The Smithsonian at Oxford also provides an opportunity to experience true student life again.

- Christopher B.

Living and studying in a centuries old setting that famous people have lived is just...awesome!!

- Philip P.

The warm reception we received at Merton College made us feel that we really were Oxford students -- a very special sense of belonging.

- Lyn G.

I love Shakespeare; I love to study and to study Shakespeare at Oxford and to see the Royal Shakespeare Company perform is a dream come true!

- Blanche M.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

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Overview

Join Smithsonian Journeys at Oxford University and immerse yourself in the intellectual and cultural environment of one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world. Given the past popularity of this Smithsonian Journeys program, and enthusiastic requests to bring it back to our collection, we once again return to Oxford. Join us at Merton College to study a subject in depth with others who share a deep and unbridled love of learning.

Highlights Include

Courses of Study: Choose from popular course subjects and spend your mornings learning from an expert from Oxford University. Course selections in July include The Archaeology of Britain, The Age of Winston Churchill, Medieval Castles, The Rise and Fall of the British Empire, and The Legendary History of the British Isles. In September, choose from The Vikings or Victorian England. Find more detailed information on courses under the Tour Details tab and on Experts in the Enrichment tab.
Excursions: Explore highlights of Oxford, including the connection between James Smithson (founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution) and the university, which he attended as a student. Plus, take an excursion tailored to your specific course. For example, The Archaeology of Britain includes a tour of the Staffordshire Hoard in Birmingham, an important collection of Anglo-Saxon gold Find more detailed information on excursions in the Itinerary section.
Lifestyle: Stay at historic Merton College, featuring the university's oldest quadrangle, and sample life as an Oxford student. Live in a dormitory room (with en-suite bathroom), dine in the college hall (including the High Table at opening or closing dinner, a privileged tradition), and use Merton's common rooms and gardens. Explore the charming town of Oxford, take tea at local eateries, and enjoy Evensong at Christ Church College.
Optional London Extension: Add a four-day extension that includes guided excursions related to the Oxford courses, plus accommodations, meals, and transfers.

The Smithsonian at Oxford provides an accessible educational experience, nicely balanced with opportunities to visit nearby sites of interest. The Smithsonian at Oxford also provides an opportunity to experience true student life again.

- Christopher B.

Living and studying in a centuries old setting that famous people have lived is just...awesome!!

- Philip P.

The warm reception we received at Merton College made us feel that we really were Oxford students -- a very special sense of belonging.

- Lyn G.

I love Shakespeare; I love to study and to study Shakespeare at Oxford and to see the Royal Shakespeare Company perform is a dream come true!

- Blanche M.

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

2019 Itinerary – July

Our July 2019 course selections include The Archaeology of Britain, The Age of Winston Churchill, Medieval Castles, The Rise and Fall of the British Empire, and The Legendary History of the British Isles. Please enroll in your choice of course subject at the time of booking. Enrollment is limited.

Day 1 — Depart the U.S for London

Depart the U.S. for London on individual flights.

Day 2 — London, Oxford

Arrive in London this morning and transfer to Oxford. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and plenary talk. (D)

Merton College

Days 3–7 — Oxford

Lectures take place at Merton College, Oxford University.

Course Subjects: The Archaeology of Britain, The Age of Winston Churchill, Medieval Castles, The Rise and Fall of the British Empire, and The Legendary History of the British Isles.

Excursions: Explore highlights of Oxford, including the connection between James Smithson (the founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution) and the university, which he attended as a student.

Plus, take an additional special excursion tailored to your specific course. Those enrolled in The Archaeology of Britain will visit the Staffordshire Hoard in Birmingham, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found. The Age of Winston Churchill features a field trip to Chartwell, Churchill’s country house and home for over four decades. Those in the Medieval Castles course will travel to Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire. The excursion for The Rise and Fall of the British Empire will be a trip to Dashwood House in West Wycombe. Travelers in The Legendary History of the British Isles will visit Binsey Church and the ruins of Godstow Abbey, where Rosamund Clifford—known in legend as the Fair Rosamund—was buried. (B,L,D)

Merton College

Day 8 — Oxford

After breakfast transfer to Heathrow Airport for individual flights back to the U.S. or travel to London for the optional extension. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

2019 Itinerary – September

The Vikings and The Development of Politics and Society in Victorian England. Please enroll in your choice of course subject at the time of booking. Enrollment is limited.

Day 1 — Depart the U.S for London

Depart the U.S. for London on individual flights.

Day 2 — London, Oxford

Arrive in London this morning and transfer to Oxford. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and plenary talk. (D)

Merton College

Days 3–7 — Oxford

Lectures take place in Oxford.

Course Subjects: The Vikings or Victorian England.

Plus, take an additional special excursion tailored to your specific course. Those enrolled in The Vikings will visit the Burghal defenses at Wallingford—the earthwork defenses and street layout of an Anglo-Saxon town created as part of King Alfred’s defenses against the Vikings. Travelers in Victorian England will visit Hughenden Manor: the former home of the celebrated and controversial Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli– and a great favorite of Queen Victoria herself. (B,L,D)