Short on vacation time but got a long list of places you want to explore? Smithsonian Journeys’ new Discover Getaways are an ideal option for travelers with tight schedules.
The new collection of 11 weeklong, all-inclusive, multicity trips features the guided activities and excursions, expert lectures, and hands-on learning and cultural experiences travelers expect from the Smithsonian’s small-group travel program, just on a shorter timeframe. With convenient weekend departure dates, the Discover Getaways are each limited to a maximum of 24 travelers and accompanied by a Smithsonian Journeys Expert, a dedicated tour director, and a team of knowledgeable local guides. Bookings are open for departures beginning in February 2027.
“Many of our guests, both longtime travelers and those newly discovering Smithsonian Journeys, tell us that the demands of work and family can make it challenging to find time for a truly meaningful escape,” says Walter Littlejohn III, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys. “In response, 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.”
Each Discover Getaway includes international and/or internal airfare, accommodations, most meals, airport transfers and on-tour transportation, daily activities and curated excursions, and free time for independent exploration. “With nearly every detail included, even airfare, these journeys feel effortless yet deeply rewarding,” says Littlejohn. “They 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.”
The new trip category includes getaways to Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Highlights include Discover the Galápagos: Historic Quito to Santa Cruz Island, which features a private yacht exploration of the famed archipelago; Discover Morocco: Enchanting Medinas and Ancient Capitals, during which travelers can spend time with artisans and local families; and Discover Alaska: Fairbanks Under the Northern Lights, which includes a glacier walk, plenty of wildlife watching, and a dogsled ride along with hoped for glimpses of the aurora borealis.
TourScoop takeaway: We like anything that makes it easier to actually take a vacation. The shorter trip length combined with the all-inclusive packaging adds a level of convenience that removes a lot of the hassle of planning a getaway. And the included insight and expertise from Smithsonian experts ensures it will be a memorable trip.
