Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian’s travel arm and a leader in the cultural travel space, has announced the debut of Discover Getaways, an all-new collection of weeklong, expert-led guided land tours that will begin departing in February 2027.
Designed with the busy, discerning traveler in mind, Discover Getaways offer the same vetted experts, thoughtful curation and well-paced scheduling that have made Smithsonian Journeys’ longer itineraries popular among luxury travelers. The collection’s convenient weekend departures and overall shorter duration, however, make it possible for guests to take merely a week away from work and family commitments, thus maximizing paid time off.
Eleven itineraries are now open for booking for early 2027, and they highlight popular destinations such as Japan, Italy, France and the Galapagos. Entirely new itineraries take clients to Jordan (previously only available as part of a joint tour with Egypt), Malta and Alaska. In the latter destination, a wintertime tour affords guests the opportunity to chase the Northern Lights. Each trip is capped at 24 travelers, ensuring an intimate, small-group experience with plenty of chances to connect with like-minded individuals and staff.
“The demands of work and family can make it challenging to find time for a truly meaningful escape,” said Walter Littlejohn III, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys. “[Our tours] invite travelers to step away from the everyday, even if just for a week, and immerse themselves in the richness, access and perspective that only Smithsonian Journeys can provide.”
Each Discover Getaway is accompanied by a Smithsonian Journeys expert — typically a distinguished scholar, scientist or cultural specialist who can provide context, insight and depth every step of the way. Airfare, airport transfers, transportation, accommodations, most meals, most gratuities and a dedicated tour director are also included, as well as a well-paced daily schedule that allows for self-guided exploration. Additional insurance coverage and pre-tour educational materials add additional value for the prospective traveler.
Notable itinerary inclusions within the Discover Getaway collection include a ryokan stay in Hakone on the Discover Japan trip; time in Cappadocia during the Discover Turkey tour, which allows guests to explore the region’s otherworldly landscape and whimsical fairy chimneys; and the chance to experience legendary Moroccan hospitality and the bustling souks of Marrakech and Fez during the Discover Morocco trip.
