Smithsonian Journeys has launched DISCOVER Getaways, a new collection of 11 weeklong, all-inclusive small-group itineraries spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, with bookings now open for departures from February 2027.
The programme — developed by the travel arm of the Smithsonian Institution — targets time-poor travellers seeking structured, expert-led cultural immersion in a compact format. Each departure is capped at 24 guests and runs over a single week with weekend departures, positioning the product squarely at the premium short-break segment.
All packages include international and internal airfare, accommodation, most meals, group transfers, a dedicated tour director, local guides and a Smithsonian Journeys Expert — described as a scholar, scientist or cultural specialist who provides destination context throughout the trip. Post-departure medical coverage of $250,000 per person and emergency transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person are also included.
Eleven itineraries across nine countries
The 2027 programme covers Japan (Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto), the Galápagos (via Quito), Provence and the Côte d’Azur, Malta, Turkey (Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya), Morocco (all four imperial capitals), Italy (Tuscany and Umbria), Jordan (Petra, Jerash, the Dead Sea), Normandy and the Loire Valley, the Swiss Bernese Alps, and Alaska (Fairbanks, with northern lights viewing).
Pricing starts from $4,797 per person in double occupancy for the Jordan itinerary and rises to $8,184 for Japan, with most European itineraries falling in the $5,000–$6,000 range. Each trip offers multiple departure windows across spring and autumn 2027.
Selected itinerary highlights
Japan (nine days from $8,184): Tokyo, a ryokan stay near Mount Fuji in Hakone, and Kyoto including the Fushimi Inari shrine and the Gion district. Six departures between March and October 2027.
Galápagos (eight days from $6,784): Begins in Quito before flying to the islands for four days of wildlife encounters by private yacht. Six departures between May and October 2027.
Morocco (nine days from $6,479): A circuit of all four imperial capitals — Marrakech, Fez, Rabat and Meknes — plus Volubilis. Six departures between February and November 2027.
Turkey (nine days from $5,992): Three nights in Istanbul followed by Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast city of Antalya. Five departures between April and October 2027.
Malta (nine days from $5,774): Private palace tours, cooking classes, harbour cruises and megalithic sites across the archipelago. Six departures between March and November 2027.
Italy (nine days from $5,074): Countryside bases in Tuscany and Umbria with excursions to Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and the Chianti wine route. Six departures between April and October 2027.
Jordan (nine days from $4,797): Amman, the Roman ruins at Jerash, Mount Nebo, Petra and the Dead Sea. Six departures between February and November 2027.
Provence and the Côte d’Azur (nine days from $5,997): Avignon, the Pont du Gard, Les Baux, Arles, Nice and Monaco. Six departures between April and October 2027.
Normandy and the Loire Valley (nine days from $5,397): Rouen, D-Day sites, Orléans and Loire châteaux. Five departures between April and October 2027.
Switzerland (nine days from $7,592): Lucerne, Grindelwald, the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Lausanne, including a ride on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Six departures between May and October 2027.
Alaska (seven days from $6,297): Anchorage to Fairbanks via Prince William Sound, a glacier walk, Denali National Park and aurora borealis viewing. Six departures between February and April 2027.
Market positioning
“We distilled the very best of our guided land journeys into thoughtfully crafted, weeklong itineraries that deliver exceptional value, seamless planning and an extraordinary level of enrichment,” said Walter Littlejohn III, Senior Vice President of Smithsonian Journeys.
The DISCOVER Getaways range sits alongside the operator’s existing portfolio of guided land journeys, river and small-ship cruises, active trips and private jet itineraries. Smithsonian Journeys has been running expert-led group travel for more than 55 years.
Bookings are open at SmithsonianJourneys.org or by calling 1-855-330-1542.