Smithsonian Journeys Presents Outdoor Exposures Tours
Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, features outdoor travel adventures ranging from Africa’s lush game reserves to Antarctic glaciers and rain forests around the equator in 2011. Detailed information about natural history tours and photographs can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/OutdoorExplorations.
African safari tours include two new adventures accompanied by Smithsonian scientists Don Wilson and Kris Helgen. Exploring Southern Africa (March 4-21, 2011, and Sept. 30-Oct. 17, 2011) features the cultural highlights of South Africa and the natural treasures of the Namib Desert, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. African Safari (May 4-18, 2011, and Aug. 31-Sept. 14, 2011) showcases the wildlife sanctuaries of Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia. Both safaris are designed for 16 to 24 travelers and range in cost from $6,995 to $7,495, airfare included. Travelers can also explore the game lands of southern Africa in the grand tradition of a flying safari. During The Grand Safari (Sept. 12-26, 2011) a small private aircraft whisks travelers to game reserves and grand historic lodges and luxury tented camps. A Smithsonian scientist accompanies this safari, which is designed for up to 16 travelers at a cost of $24,990. Smithsonian Journeys also announces its new Independent Journeys, where travelers can create their own safari adventure. Sample itineraries are featured at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/IndependentJourneys.
Travelers interested in exploring South America can embark on Patagonian Frontiers, an adventure by land and cruise, scheduled for Jan. 10-27, 2011, and March 14-31, 2011, at a cost of $6,495, airfare included. For the ultimate adventure destinations, travelers can travel to the vast and remote wilderness of Antarctica from Feb. 2-13, 2011, at a cost of $8,495.
Costa Rica’s Natural Heritage (Jan. 6-17, 2011, and March 3-14, 2011) takes travelers to both private and national rain forests to explore stunning wildlife and study diverse rain forest ecosystems. Designed for a small group of 18 travelers, the 12-day tour costs only $2,995 and includes airfare. Travelers can also explore 600 miles of the Amazon River and take nature walks and canoe excursions by traveling aboard the 19th-century style riverboat La Amatista, which carries only 28 passengers. The 10-day Amazon River Cruise (Feb. 18-27, 2011) costs $3,898.
Closer to home, travelers can see the great national parks of the United States on Winter Wildlife in Yellowstone (Feb. 2-8, 2011, and Feb. 16-22, 2011), Death Valley Adventure (March 27-April 1, 2011) and Grand Canyon Weekend Adventure (June 17-20, 2011, and July 15-18, 2011).
Smithsonian Journeys also introduces in 2011 Exploring Panama: Biodiversity in the Tropics (June 30-July 28, 2011). This one-month program invites college students to work with scientists to study climate change, endangered species, conservation and sustainability. More information can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/StudiesAbroad.
About Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, with more than 40 years dedicated to life-enriching experiences worldwide. The Smithsonian is known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is central to Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences. For more information, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org.
About Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists, and more than 6,500 volunteers. There were approximately 30 million visits from around the world at the Smithsonian in 2009 with more than 188 million visits to the Smithsonian websites. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.
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