Smithsonian Journeys has announced a bold expansion of its travel offerings for 2026 and 2027, revealing a lineup of fresh, innovative itineraries that marry cultural richness with unique thematic experiences. Moving beyond their traditional routes, the new programming reflects a nimble adaptability to evolving traveler interests, notably embracing astrotourism and immersive river cruises. The addition of less conventional destinations like the Baltics and Greece exemplifies the brand’s commitment to blending deep historical exploration with modern leisure.
This pivot towards emerging travel hotspots is not just a trend-chasing maneuver but rather a strategic embrace of diverse global narratives. For instance, the 18-day “Baltics Past and Present” journey through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia unlocks a treasure trove of medieval heritage sites seldom spotlighted in mainstream tourism. Similarly, the “Greek Odyssey” tour deftly balances iconic highlights such as Athens and Delphi with the charms of Corfu, providing a holistic sense of Greece’s ancient and living culture.
Harnessing the Magnetic Pull of the Night Sky
Where Smithsonian Journeys truly shines is in its bold foray into astrotourism—capitalizing on the surging global fascination with celestial phenomena. This is no half-hearted dabbling; rather, two meticulously curated itineraries promise travelers rare, awe-inspiring encounters with the cosmos. The “Solar Eclipse Over Spain” trip offers an exclusive vantage point for the total solar eclipse over northern Spain, artfully combined with explorations of Madrid and culturally rich World Heritage sites.
Not to be outdone, the “Chile Earth and Sky” itinerary immerses guests in the astronomical wonders of northern Chile, a region renowned for some of the clearest skies on Earth. Offering multiple departures, this journey underscores Smithsonian’s recognition that travel experiences are increasingly defined by unique natural events as much as by cultural landmarks. Their embrace of celestial tourism reveals an alignment with the experiential travel boom and a keen understanding of how to captivate curious modern adventurers.
Small-Ship Cruises: Intimacy and Discovery on the Water
Alongside land-based explorations, Smithsonian Journeys is making notable strides in the cruise segment with carefully designed, small-ship voyages, underscoring the growing demand for intimate, sustainable travel. The Mississippi River cruise aboard the American Splendor stands out as an especially intriguing experience—offering a nine-day springtime journey filled with Southern history, from Civil War battlefields to evocative plantations.
Additionally, their collaboration with luxury expedition cruise leader Ponant for the Baja Peninsula voyage combines scholarly enrichment with the allure of marine exploration. These cruises complement the destination diversity of land tours and reflect Smithsonian Journeys’ understanding that travelers seek multifaceted experiences—whether drifting along historic rivers or navigating oceanic frontiers.
Strategic Blending of Heritage, Nature, and Experience
The breadth of Smithsonian Journeys’ expanded 2026–27 offerings clearly shows a brand evolving to meet modern traveler demands while leveraging its own unique identity as an institution synonymous with education and discovery. Instead of repackaging familiar routes, the brand is curating trips that focus on deep cultural insight, natural phenomena, and immersive settings. This approach suggests a growing recognition that informed travel is not simply about checking boxes but about engaging meaningfully with place and moment.
By integrating prestigious World Heritage sites, celestial events, and luxury cruising into its portfolio, Smithsonian Journeys is shaping a new standard for sophisticated, experience-driven tourism. Such deliberate innovation bodes well for travelers seeking journeys that are both intellectually enriching and uniquely memorable.