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 historic Merton College, sample life as a student again, and explore the charming town of Oxford.

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Smithsonian at Oxford

8 days from $5,450

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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 Merton College—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 selections include The English Garden in History, The Age of Winston Churchill, The Rise and Fall of the British Empire, and Myths and Legends of the British Isles. 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 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 High Table, 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.

*Each course averages 12-14 participants. Book early to ensure your preferred choice. Total program is limited to 55 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

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.

2021 Itinerary

Our 2021 course selections include The English Garden in History, The Age of Winston Churchill, The Rise and Fall of the British Empire, and Myths and Legends of the British Isles. 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)

Merton College

Days 3–7 — Oxford

Lectures take place at Merton College, Oxford University.

Course Subjects: The English Garden in History, The Age of Winston Churchill, The Rise and Fall of the British Empire, and Myths and Legends of the British Isles.

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. Those enrolled in The English Garden in History will visit Rousham Gardens, a country house with a walled garden and herbaceous borders first built in 1635 and remodeled in the 18^th century in Oxfordshire, England. The Age of Winston Churchill features a field trip to Chartwell, Churchill’s country house, and home for over four decades. The excursion for The Rise and Fall of the British Empire will be a trip to Sezincote House, Gloucestershire. Travelers in Myths and Legends of the British Isles will visit three pre-historic sites (the White Horse, Uffington Castle, Dragon Hill) along the ancient route that ran from the southeast of England to the Wash in the Northwest. (B,L,D)