Curated Journeys That Go Deeper: Educational Adventures with the Smithsonian & National Geographic

Lisa Ebeling
May 18
4 min read

Updated: Aug 2

Marine iguanas rest on rocks near a green "STOP" sign by a rocky shoreline. The background features ocean waves and sparse vegetation. — Group of marine iguanas

You don’t travel just to check off a list, you travel for the experiences. You want a deeper understanding of the places you visit and the memories stay with you long after you've returned home.

That’s exactly why I’m drawn to National Geographic Expeditions and Smithsonian Journeys—and why I think you might be, too. These trips are designed for travelers who crave more than just beautiful views and great food (though there’s plenty of that). They're for those who want to explore with purpose—alongside naturalists, historians, and storytellers who reveal the layers beneath the surface.

If that sounds like your kind of adventure, you’re in the right place. For travelers who believe a journey should feed the soul and spark the mind, National Geographic and Smithsonian Journeys offer exceptional opportunities to explore the world with purpose and insight. These curated trips cater to intellectually curious explorers who want to dive deeper into the world’s cultures, landscapes, and ecosystems, and do so alongside experts who bring each destination vividly to life.

As a travel advisor who specializes in luxury adventure and educational travel, I’m drawn to these co-branded experiences for the same reason many of my clients are: they offer something rare—purposeful, enriching, and expertly guided exploration. Whether you’re navigating the polar seas, cruising Europe’s great rivers, or trekking through rainforests, these journeys invite you to think, connect, and discover.

What Makes These Trips Stand Out?

Man photographs a grand, domed building with ornate details under a clear blue sky. Green shrubs and flags in foreground create a serene scene. — Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum

These journeys are far more than sightseeing tours. They’re immersive, thoughtfully paced, and filled with opportunities to engage directly with local culture, history, and science. Many departures include:

Exclusive access to cultural sites, research facilities, and natural environments not typically open to the public.
Onboard or on-site experts—scientists, naturalists, historians, photography instructors, and researchers who are passionate about their fields.
A focus on lifelong learning, cultural exchange, and conservation
Small group travel, with many departures on expedition ships, river ships, or with intimate land-based groups.

Travel Styles and Brands to Know for Curious Travelers

While the full range of National Geographic and Smithsonian Journeys is extensive, here are a few standout options that align with the services Summit & Tide offers:

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

A blue-footed booby stands with wings spread on a dirt path, surrounded by tourists in hats and cameras, under a clear blue sky. — Blue footed booby shows off for a group

A premier choice for expedition cruising, Lindblad offers luxury small-ship journeys to remote destinations from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Galápagos and beyond. Guests travel alongside National Geographic photographers, marine biologists, and glaciologists for an immersive, education-first experience. Ships are not extravagantly decorated, but equipped and purpose-built for exploration. Lindblad also offers select river cruises in regions around the globe.

New for 2026: Lindblad and National Geographic will introduce their first river cruise offerings in Europe, starting with a single ship operating itineraries along the Rhine River and Belgian waterways. These limited sailings will follow the same expert-led format as their expedition cruises, with onboard naturalists, certified photography instructors, historians, cultural specialists, and National Geographic experts. With this being their inaugural river season, availability will be extremely limited—early booking is highly recommended.

AmaWaterways + Smithsonian Journeys (2026 Launch)

Yellow baroque abbey atop a green hill reflects in a calm river under a blue sky. Trees line the riverbank, creating a serene scene. — Melk Abbey

Starting in 2026, select European river cruises will be co-hosted by Smithsonian Journeys, blending luxury with engaging lectures, expert-led excursions, and cultural depth. These specialty sailings will be available across the full range of AmaWaterways’ European itineraries—from the Douro to the Danube, the Seine to the Rhine—and will even include sailings during the festive Christmas Market season. Guests can expect enriching commentary and curated experiences both onboard and onshore, led by Smithsonian experts.

Ponant + Smithsonian Journeys

This collaboration offers luxurious small-ship cruising across the globe, from Iceland and the Norwegian fjords to the Indian Ocean and South Pacific. Expect refined accommodations, French-inspired cuisine, and a Smithsonian expert onboard to elevate the journey with cultural insight and historical context.

G Adventures + National Geographic

A more mid-range, land-based option, these small group tours prioritize sustainability, cultural interaction, and field-based learning. Ideal for adventurous travelers looking for thoughtful engagement and educational content without the luxury price tag. Destinations range from Latin America to Southeast Asia and beyond.

Who Are These Educational Adventures Perfect For?

These programs are ideal for travelers who value substance with their style:

Kayaker paddles in green kayak on calm water, with large icebergs and snowy mountains in the background under a clear sky. — Kayaker beside iceberg

Solo travelers, couples, and small groups who want deep cultural immersion
Life-long learners who never outgrew their curiosity
Professionals and retirees who crave meaningful travel over mass tourism
Families with teens or adult children who love nature, science, or world history

Whether you want to trace Darwin’s footsteps in the Galápagos, kayak beside glacial ice in Antarctica, or sip wine along the Rhine while learning from a Smithsonian art historian, there’s a journey for every curious traveler.

Where Can You Go?

Here are just a few regions you can explore through these co-branded experiences:

Arctic & Antarctic – remote, pristine, and breathtaking; rich with wildlife and geological wonder. Explore more here.
Latin America & the Caribbean – rainforest ecology, indigenous cultures, and canal crossings.
Galapagos – a living museum of evolutionary biology, where volcanic landscapes and wildlife converge. Explore more here.
Europe – art, architecture, and layered history, especially on river cruises. Explore more here.
South Pacific – island biodiversity, volcanology, and ancient Polynesian culture.
Indian Ocean – coastal Africa and Indian Ocean islands with deep ecological and cultural histories.

Let Me Be Your Travel Curator

As someone who identifies as a curious, intellectual traveler myself, I’m passionate about connecting clients to travel experiences that expand their worldview—not just check off a list of attractions. The reason these journeys speak to me is deeply personal: during college, I studied in Europe and saw history come alive through immersive excursions. Learning about German history and then walking along the remnants of the Berlin Wall and visiting buildings still scared by WWII bombings made those lessons and stories more vibrant and real. Those moments shaped my understanding of places and events in ways a textbook never could.

If you’re someone who finds joy in learning, thrives on meaningful connection, and would rather attend an expert lecture than vie for the best selfie location, let’s talk. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and let’s find your next unforgettable adventure.