Stimulate your mind in pursuit of knowledge as you immerse yourself in the lifestyle of Oxford University for a week. Choose a fascinating course of study, live at a historic college, sample life as a student again, and explore the charming town of Oxford.

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Starting at: $5,995 Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542

Oxford tutors (July 2018). Credit: Wade Jennings

Welcome reception at Merton College. Credit: Wade Jennings

The dining experience at Merton College, with High Table. Credit: Wade Jennings

Conversation over dinner. Credit: Wade Jennings

The dining experience at Merton. Credit: Wade Jennings

Introduction to Merton College. Credit: Wade Jennings

Smithsonian Journeys travelers at a lecture. Credit: Wade Jennings

The quadrangle at Merton College. Credit: Wade Jennings

The chapel at Merton College. Credit: Wade Jennings

Interior of the Merton College chapel. Credit: Wade Jennings

Smithsonian Journeys travelers at Oxford. Credit: Wade Jennings

Smithsonian Journeys travelers during a lecture break. Credit: Wade Jennings

Smithsonian Journeys traveler at Merton. Credit: Wade Jennings

Enjoying a few moments at a local pub. Credit: Wade Jennings

Smithsonian Journeys travelers during lecture break. Credit: Wade Jennings

Lecture break at Merton. Credit: Wade Jennings

Housing at Merton College. Credit: Wade Jennings

Garden walkway at Merton College. Credit: Wade Jennings

The gardens at Merton College. Credit: Wade Jennings

An evening walk near Merton. Credit: Wade Jennings

Bridge of Sighs landmark, Oxford University

Smithsonian at Oxford

8 days from $5,995

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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.

The Oxford University tour was an extraordinary chance to delve into the history, architecture, and erudition of Oxford. The Merton College tutor was prepared and dedicated. Fellow travelers provided the extra inspirational touch! Amazing....

- Katherine M.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

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Overview

Join fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers who share a deep and unbridled love of learning and wish to study a subject in depth. Immerse yourself in the intellectual and cultural environment of Oxford University—one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, where Smithsonian Journeys travelers have congregated since 1979.

We return to Oxford University—a prestigious academic institution that has produced multiple Nobel laureates and cultural giants such as J.R.R. Tolkien and T.S. Eliot. Here, you’ll explore the libraries and grounds, dine in the college hall, sample life as an Oxford student, and study with Oxford tutors after choosing a course from five fascinating themes.

Highlights Include

Courses of Study: Stimulate your mind in pursuit of knowledge as you spend your mornings learning from an Oxford tutor. Course descriptions are found on the Tour Details tab and information on experts can be found on the Enrichment tab.
Excursions: During a tour of Oxford, learn about this historic city, the British educational system, and 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. Excursion descriptions are found with the Course descriptions on the Tour Details tab.
Optional Activities: For returning students (and first-timers as well), tour staff will be happy to help arrange alternative afternoon outings (at an additional fee), including punting, a guided tour of the Ashmolean Art Museum, and a walking tour based on the popular British drama, Inspector Morse.
Lifestyle: Stay at a historic college and sample life as an Oxford student. Live in a dormitory room (with en suite bathroom), dine in the college hall (including High Table, a privileged tradition - subject to availability), and enjoy use of the common rooms and gardens. Explore the charming town of Oxford, take tea at local eateries, and enjoy Evensong at Christ Church College.

*Each course averages 12-14 participants. Book early to ensure your preferred choice.

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.

The Oxford University tour was an extraordinary chance to delve into the history, architecture, and erudition of Oxford. The Merton College tutor was prepared and dedicated. Fellow travelers provided the extra inspirational touch! Amazing....

- Katherine M.

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

Itinerary

2023 course selections include: The Rise & Fall of the British Empire; The Monarchy and the British Constitution, 1660-2023; Archaeology of Britain; and Jane Austen in Context.

2024 courses and accommodations will be announced soon.

Please indicate your top three choices of course subject at the time of booking, with final assignments to be determined based on traveler interest. 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)

Days 3–7 — Oxford

Lectures take place at Merton College, Oxford University. See Course Descriptions under the Tour Details tab for course details.

Excursions: Explore highlights of Oxford, including an exploration of the British educational system and the connection between James Smithson (the founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution) and the university, which he attended as a student. Alternative afternoon excursions are available for return travelers. Plus, take an additional special excursion tailored to your specific course.

2023 Excursions:

Those enrolled in The Rise & Fall of the British Empire will travel to Sezincote House in Gloucester, constructed in 1805 when British India was becoming the “jewel in the crown” of the world’s largest empire. Students in The Monarchy will visit Windsor Castle* in Berkshire, the royal residence associated with the English and succeeding British royal family, with a rich architectural and cultural history. Students in The Archaeology of Britain will visit the ceremonial World Heritage sites of Stonehenge and Avebury, as well as Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum of art and archaeology. Participants in Jane Austen will visit the Jane Austen House Museum, where Austen lived for the final eight years of her life, along with the nearby Chawton House Library, a historic Elizabethan home, which hosts The Centre for the Study of Early Women’s Writing. (B,L,D)

* In September 2023, The Monarchy field trip destination has been changed as Windsor Castle will not be open to the public on Wednesday, September 20. Students enrolled in the course will visit Kensington Palace, the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.

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)