Smithsonian Journeys Announces 2013 Tours

Next year's offerings are particularly diverse, ranging from a three-day arts tour in America's heartland to a month-long French language immersion program in Provence and an exclusive around-the-world private jet expedition. Smithsonian Journeys is renowned for its breadth of travel opportunities, including worldwide small-group, air-inclusive tours, small-ship luxury and value cruises, private jet tours, family adventures, European getaways and custom designed private travel options.

All travel opportunities feature top experts and unforgettable experiences. For more information on the entire 2013 line-up, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 to request a catalog or visit https://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org.

“Our guests are passionate travelers and lifelong learners,” says Amy Kotkin, director of Smithsonian Journeys. “They seek both breadth and depth, discovery and insight, wherever they go in the world. We are committed to fulfilling their travel dreams whether they have a long weekend, a week or a month to explore.”

New tours to be introduced in 2013 include a 17-day “Highlights of Italy” tour, featuring the iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, with special visits to Pompeii and the timeless Tuscan hill towns of Orvieto, Assisi, Siena and San Gimignano.
Francophiles are invited to improve their French language skills and sample life in beautiful Aix-en-Provence during a four-week Provence stay where they will live in specially selected modern apartments just off the Cours Mirabeau, Aix's elegant tree-lined main boulevard. In addition to four days of language lessons each week, participants will tour the region and enjoy time at leisure. For art lovers who want a short stay in the U.S., Smithsonian Journeys will introduce the three-day “Masterpieces of American Art” tour featuring the outstanding American art collections at the venerated Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City and the magnificent new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Among more than 50 cruises slated for 2013 there are special themed cruises such as a special culinary program on a cruise from Lisbon to Honfleur and the cruise and train trip “Great Journey through Europe” that embodies the spirit of the 19th-century “Grand Tour” through the heart of Western Europe. Other cruises will operate in the Mediterranean, America's coastal waters, the Amazon, the Black Sea and more. All cruises are accompanied by top scholars, who provide lectures and informal commentary throughout the journey.

Also on tap for 2013 is Smithsonian's new "Extraordinary Cultures: Around the World by Private Jet." This dazzling new program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience diverse cultures and witness some of the world's most amazing natural wonders–all in a single journey. Guests will fly in luxury aboard a VIP-configured private jet accompanied by the most experienced expedition staff in the world. The 22-day private jet adventure will include stops in Kyoto and Nara, Japan; Bali, Indonesia; Ha Long Bay and Hanoi, Vietnam; Kathmandu, Nepal; Paro, Bhutan; Jodhpur, India; Kigali, Rwanda; Dakar and Gorée Island, Senegal; and Lisbon, Portugal.

Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution's travel program, with more than 40 years dedicated to life-enriching experiences worldwide. The Smithsonian is known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is central to Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 200 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences. The Smithsonian Journeys collection includes small-ship luxury and value cruises, private-jet tours, family adventures, custom designed private travel options and small-group, air-inclusive tours worldwide. For more information, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit https://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org.