Top 15 Winter Getaways Announced by Smithsonian Journeys

Winter getaways range from cruises or land tours warmed by the Caribbean Sea to cold weather activities in Yellowstone National Park or a holiday celebration in Canterbury, England.

Travelers looking forward to a winter break in warmer climates can choose from 15 tours and cruises. “Gardens of the Caribbean” (March 19-26), aboard the elegant tall ship Sea Cloud II, offers hours of leisurely sailing aboard the three-masted sailing yacht as well as exclusive garden visits and the white-sand beaches of Barbados, Trinidad, St. Lucia and other islands.

Three adventure-filled cruises will appeal to the active traveler looking to swim, snorkel and explore by smaller boats. “Best of Belize, the Barrier Reef and Guatemala” (Feb. 16-28) features two weeks of active adventures where travelers can swim and snorkel amid the tropical fish and brilliant coral reefs of Glover’s Reef and Southwater Cay and explore rain forests and Mayan archaeological sites of Guatemala.

Accompanied by an expert in marine biodiversity, travelers will also enjoy the comforts of the newly refurbished Grande Caribe, which accommodates just 96 guests. Another cruise features a week exploring the wonders of the legendary “Galápagos” (Feb. 11-20) aboard a small expedition ship with just 24 cabins. Cruising among the various islands, travelers can swim and snorkel, explore the shorelines by Zodiac and kayak, hike amid unique landscapes and learn about the unique setting and wildlife from a team of naturalists. During Smithsonian’s “Amazon River Voyage” (Feb. 17-26) travelers spend seven nights navigating more than 600 miles of lush tributaries aboard a traditionally crafted riverboat that carries only 28 guests. Daily guided excursions by smaller boats include pre-dawn birding, wildlife spotting and rain forest walks that include special access into exclusive wetland wilderness reserves.

Longer two-week winter getaways include nine land tours around the world that feature special value with included international airfare yet take only small groups of 16 to 24 travelers and are accompanied by a Smithsonian expert. Destinations include India, Egypt, Vietnam, Morocco, Peru, Jordan, Costa Rica, Patagonia and Australia and New Zealand.
Smithsonian also offers cold-weather getaways such as “Winter Wildlife in Yellowstone,” a seven-day adventure in the snow-blanketed national park, when fewer visitors are present. Travelers stay in the park’s renowned lodges and make daily excursions to spot wildlife, see natural wonders and even track elk or bison by snowshoe or cross-country skiing. Due to its popularity, two departures are offered in February.

Travelers interested in something new and different for the Christmas holiday can experience the long-standing traditions of a quintessential English holiday. “Christmas in Canterbury” (Dec. 20-27) transports travelers to the medieval city in Kent to enjoy a week of English holiday traditions such as carol singing with town residents, special seating at the Cathedral services and holiday meals and festivities as well as exclusive tours and presentations.

Additional winter getaway tours, noted for Smithsonian quality and educational features, can be found at https://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/winter-getaways.