SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS HAS THE CURE FOR WINTER BLUES

Washington, DC, October 15, 2007 – Smithsonian Journeys unveils a series of exotic cultural and educational odysseys for winter getaways, January through March 2008.  Spanning the globe from the far reaches of Vietnam’s Halong Bay to the teeming waters of California’s Baja, these smartly designed journeys offer refreshingly rousing expeditions on the water, terra firma escapes, or the arresting desert landscapes of Egypt and Palm Springs.

Journey through Vietnam (January 9-24): Discover the enduring traditions of Vietnam under the tutelage of former Fulbright scholar and author Donna Sachs.  This epic journey begins at Hanoi’s 11^th century Temple of Literature, its Presidential Palace and Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence in 1945.  Experience the nation’s vibrant arts scene by enjoying the fables recreated in a traditional water puppet performance of northern Vietnam.  Set sail along the mythical Halong Bay, navigating through 3,000 limestone islands, dramatic cliffs and secret grottoes, and cruise Hue’s serene Perfume River to the striking seven-tiered Thien Mu Pagoda, in search of the seven steps to enlightenment.  Examine the life of local villagers and their dependence on Vietnam’s waterways, from the floating fruit and vegetable market of Cai Rang, to fishing and farming communities along the Mekong.  This fascinating journey ends in cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City, with a visit to the infamous 75-mile-long Cu Chi Tunnels, the underground haven for the Vietcong during the Vietnam War.

Rates start at $3,095 per person, based on double occupancy, and include: accommodations; excursions; meals; study leader; and emergency trip evacuation insurance. 

Baja California Among the Great Whales (February 9-16 and March 1-8): Each winter, one of the world’s most exciting wildlife phenomena takes place in the hidden coves and bays of Baja California’s Pacific coast: gray whales arriving by the thousands.  After making the heroic journey from their Arctic feeding grounds, they come to breed, play and nurture their young along the Baja Peninsula.  Marine biologist Larry Hobbs, leads these eight-day voyages of discovery, for a closer look at the age-old migration patterns of the California grays.  Start at Bahia Magdalena, where a vast system of protected harbors and channels is surrounded by a fringe of mangrove swamps, providing ideal sheltered conditions for calves.  In this immense natural nursery, observe these enormous yet gentle mammals deck-side and up close on smaller Zodiacs.  Aspiring naturalists can also look forward to beachcombing, kayaking through dense mangroves, and bird watching in the natural habitat of frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, great blue herons and ibis.  At Lost Islotes, snorkel with curious sea lions, and visit Espiritu Santo, one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez.

Rates start at $4,270 per person, based on double occupancy, and include: accommodations; excursions; meals; study leader; and emergency trip evacuation insurance.

Smithsonian Journeys is also offering an in-depth study on Folk Art and Crafts of Central Mexico (January 28-February 3), meeting artisans and learning about regional drafts such as maque lacquerwork, foot-loomed textiles and traditional mask making. 

Egyptian Odyssey (February 26-March 9):  Deep in the cradle of civilization, your 10-day escapade through the land of the Pharaohs begins with one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the famous Solar Boat Museum, where a 141-foot-long vessel carved from rare wood was believed to have been used for funerary ceremonies some 4,500 years ago.  In Alexandria, home to the first library in the ancient Mediterranean, tour the modern incarnation of literary treasures at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.  The twin cities of Memphis and Sakkara abound with 80+ pyramids and hundreds of tombs.  Highlights include: the 33 foot Colossal Statue of Ramses II and the step pyramid of Imhotep, the oldest stone building in the world.  In the famed Valley of the Kings, study the elaborate paintings and decorations on ancient royal tomb walls, and visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, a dramatic limestone shrine rising from desert cliffs, built in honor of Egypt’s first female ruler.  Board the four-star MS Tulip for a memorable four-night cruise on the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, before exchanging river boat for the back of a camel in the company of a Nubian family.  Call on some of Egypt’s more contemporary engineering feats: entire structures were relocated to make way for the rising water of Lake Nasser in the construction of the Aswan dam, including the Temple of Isis, and the Temple of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel.  On your final day in this ancient land, join an engaging panel discussion on modern Egypt with local Egyptian women. 

Rates start at $5,495 per person, based on double occupancy, and include: accommodations; excursions; meals; study leader; and emergency trip evacuation insurance. 

Palm Springs: Design for the Desert (January 16-20): The clean lines, contrasting colors and plush textures of the newly opened Hotel Zoso provide luxurious accommodations for this four-day celebration of Desert Modernism.  In the company of architectural preservationist Robert Imber, enjoy a morning tour of the renowned Hotel del Marco, designed by William F. Cody in 1947; and Charles Tanner’s all concrete Community Church, with a unique Art Deco twist on Gothic Revival style that is the only surviving example found in Palm Springs.  Cruise down Palm Canyon Drive for panoramic views of La Plaza, one of the first car-oriented shopping centers in the nation; and the iconic City National Bank.  Continue onwards to the Canyon Country Club neighborhood to visit architect John Lautner’s landmark buildings.  Explore the elegant Las Palmas, Palm Springs’ oldest residential enclave; and find out how the city has embraced it heritage at the Albert Frey Gas Station, another tribute to modern architecture. 

            Rates start at $2,045 per person, based on double occupancy, and include: accommodations; excursions; meals; study leader; and e
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