theatrelover

My husband and I are looking at two possible Smithsonian Journeys in October which seem to be very good deals to places we might not want to go on our own. I've searched the forums but there is almost no information on traveling with Smithsonian. They get good reviews on tripadvisor. I was wondering whether anyone here has traveled with them. We are thinking of the Legendary Turkey and the Turquoise Coast or Pearls of Dalmatia trips. Thanks.

latedaytraveler

Theatrelover, I have not traveled with Smithsonian because they are a bit up-market for my circumstances. But I often visit their site. Their guides seem very well qualified and I enjoy checking out their reading suggestions. Just noticed that several of their trips were cancelled last year. The Legendary Turkey and Turquoise Coast looks intriguing.

Please keep us informed.

EuroJen

The Smithsonian Travel is first class all the way and you will not be disappointed.

nytraveler

Have not gone burt friends of my parents have used them a couple of time. Enjoyed them very much - since they like smaller groups and more intensive learning - rather than jumping around every day and getting least common denominator. Said meals were quite good - but they did quite a few on their own - but they are real foodies (usually want the best place in town).

annw

Some years ago I went on a two-week Smithsonian trip to Oxford University for a seminar at the Bodleian Library. We stayed at and ate in one of the colleges and it was a great experience. Well done throughout (I made my own air arrangements). I'd happily go on another one.

historyandhiking

Dear Theater Lover--

What did you think of the Smithsonian Trip to Turkey? I am thinking of taking it in May and would appreciate your thoughts. I will be a solo traveller.

Teresa

Bedar

My daughter and husband did a cruise with them to the Far East. They just LOVED it. Would not cruise with any other company.

nytraveler

Close friends o fours did a France trip with them and said it was fantastic - with educational programs you can;t get anyplace else. But, they are definitely pricey.

thursdaysd

I went to China with them back in the 90s (when I could afford it, lol). The group was bigger than I would have liked, and there were too many shopping oportunities (although that may have been because we were in China). The hotels and food were excellent, as was the Study Leader. I did feel as if I were in a coccoon. I haven't traveled with them again, partly because of the cost and partly because I prefer smaller groups and/or independent travel.

StCirq

I love their flyers, but they're really expensive.

emily71

I live in DC and taken some of their classes. If I had the $$ I'd go in a heartbeat as it sounds like you learn more than most tour groups. I guess if you're the kind of person who likes touring as opposed to DIY and you have the money, why not?!

kailuagal

This is a late reply as I just spotted this, but thought it might be of use to others. We traveled with Smithsonian tours to Spain and Portugal and were completely impressed by Smithsonian. Our main guide, Guilliame and the Smithsonian education director Diane, were efficient, helpful, knowledgeable, attentive, and thoroughly like able.
It was our second ever tour and our first with Smithsonian, many others on the tour were avid fans of the tours. We were so impressed that we are booked, coincidentally, to go on the legendary turkey and the turquoise coast tour this year.
Not only were the destinations great highlights, but the lectures really helped to contribute to the visits.
The accommodations were wonderful, especially the historic stays.
What we appreciated were the afternoon choices following the main tours. We could go on another informal tour or choose to go out on our own.
I simply cannot say enough about the company!
Kailuagal

theatrelover

I never ended up traveling with Smithsonian. We have done a tour to Norway (our first tour as opposed to independent travel) with National Geographic/Lindblad and that was fantastic. We are going to Alaska with them in June.

HappyTrvlr

We have traveled with lindblad twice and are big fans of their trips. We saw so much more in Alaska than friends who went via large cruise ships. We saw whales near our small ship almost every day. And their naturalists are top notch.