Smithsonian Journeys’ Exceptional Family Vacations in 2009
Next summer, Smithsonian Journeys is offering six diverse, family-friendly tours that offer fascinating new choices for those looking for enriched, multigenerational travel. From a hill-top village in Tuscany to a Costa Rican cruise, each tour features activities for every age, with ample opportunity for adventure and relaxation. Smithsonian’s study leaders and youth experts ensure a rewarding and educational experience for all and memories that will last a lifetime.
Engage the kids with a wildlife expedition on “Costa Rica by Land and Sea,” July 2-11, 2009. The rich landscape offers endless possibilities for educational play like river rafting, riding a zip-line through the forest canopy and watching a rodeo at a working ranch. After a three-night stay at the base of Arenal Volcano, families will board the privately chartered Pacific Explorer to swim, snorkel and kayak along the country’s pristine coast. Tropical biologist James Karr, former acting director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and expert naturalists help families spot wildlife and explain marine ecology, plant life and geology.
“Tuscany Family Journey,” July 25-Aug. 3, 2009, immerses families in the rich history and culture of Tuscany during a stay at the Castello di Gargonza, an exclusive, fully restored medieval village. With the castle as a home base, families will take walking tours in Siena and the countryside, make pizza in Gargonza and learn to play bocce. While the kids participate in fun activities supervised by Journeys’ expert youth coordinators, there is ample time for adult pursuits, with a full lineup of educational lectures led by art historian Mariana Carpinisan and an afternoon wine tasting.
Other Smithsonian family tours scheduled for 2009 include “Amazon Family Adventure,” Dec. 26, 2008-Jan. 3, 2009; “Galapagos for Families,” June 5-14 and July 18-27; “Voyage to the Lands of Gods and Heroes” (Greece and Italy), July 7-18; and “Tanzania Summer Safari,” Aug. 3-14.
About Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys, the educational travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, is dedicated to the life-enriching experiences abroad. More than 250 international and domestic itineraries are led by eminent study experts. For more information, call 1 (877) EDU-TOUR (338-8687) or visit www.smithsonianjourneys.org.
# # #
SI-406-2008
