Smithsonian Journeys will launch a new collection of shorter trips catering to travelers who want to travel without forfeiting too much vacation time.
The Discover Getaways will include an initial 11 itineraries and will begin operating next year, visiting destinations like France, the Galapagos, Italy, Japan, Malta, Morocco, Turkiye, Switzerland and Alaska. The trips depart over weekends, minimizing the number of vacation days needed.
Bookings are now open.
The itineraries were also designed for travelers with busy schedules, namely Gen X. Smithsonian Journeys is among operators with their eye on the next generation of guided tour travelers.
"This is a gap that really needs to be addressed quickly, particularly as we're getting into a segment where Boomers are aging," said senior vice president Walter Littlejohn.
The Discover collection details
The itineraries, which range from seven to nine days, may be shorter in length than a traditional Smithsonian Journeys trip but still provide plenty of experiences. Though Littlejohn says he is aware it's not possible for travelers to see everything a destination offers in such a short time, the trips were designed to be taken multiple times.
The itineraries were purpose-built for this collection and, in some instances, feature new destinations. The collection marks the operator's entry into Malta and the first time Jordan will be offered as a standalone itinerary.
The operator was also intentional about creating balance in these itineraries, ensuring that they won't overwhelm and exhaust travelers.
All trips feature a Smithsonian Journeys expert. The cost includes air, taxes and fees.
The nine-day Malta itinerary starts at $5,774 per person, bringing travelers to the island nation where they will embark on private palace tours, local cooking classes, jeep tours and harbor cruises.
The eight-day Galapagos trip starts at $6,784 per person. Guests will visit the famous islands by private yacht, beginning their journey in Quito. They will spend four days in the Galapagos, where they will go on nature walks and snorkeling excursions.
The nine-day Jordan itinerary will visit Petra, Jerash and the Dead Sea. Travelers will begin their trip in Amman before heading to the Jerash Roman ruins. The itinerary also includes a visit to Mount Nebo before heading to see the World Wonder.