Smithsonian Journeys 2017

SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS / ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Naadam Festival archers
Young Maori woman
The Trans-Siberian Express
A Private Train Journey from Mongolia to Moscow
Featuring the Naadam Festival
Aboard the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
TRAIN
14 days from $16,795
July 9–22, 2018
Join us for an adventure of a lifetime! Attend Mongolia’s
incomparable Naadam Festival, then board the legendary
Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express for one of the most
epic train journeys on Earth, traveling nearly 4,000 miles
through five time zones and across two continents. You’ll
learn about diverse cultures as you meet with local people
and attend a variety of traditional performances.
Highlights Include
Ulaanbaatar: Observe Mongolian cultural traditions
during the Naadam Festival, a centuries-old celebration
featuring colorful pageantry and athletic competitions.
After two days, board your train for Russia.
Lake Baikal: Learn about the unique cultural identities
of the indigenous Buryat people and a group of “Old
Believers” in Ulan Ude. Admire the magnificent scenery
of Lake Baikal, a World Heritage site. Gain insight into
the people who settled in Irkutsk, the “capital” of Siberia,
during a visit to the Decembrist House Museum.
Siberia to the Urals: See historic trains at the open-air
Trans-Siberian Museum in Novosibirsk. Crossing from
Asia to Europe, visit Yekaterinburg and the site where
Russia’s last tsar and family were executed.
The Volga and Moscow: Tour the Kazan Kremlin, a
World Heritage site, and learn about the cultural history
of Tatars, Cossacks, and Russians. See major landmarks of
the Russian capital during a panoramic tour.
Space reserved for 30 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Learn more
about the Golden Eagle on page 51 and on our website.
Journey Through
New Zealand
From Auckland to Queenstown
LAND
16 days from $7,674
Includes airfare, taxes & all fees
March 22–April 6, April 26–May 11, 2018
Take an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s
North and South Islands where you’ll gaze in awe at
magnificent landscapes and meet the “Kiwi” people.
Highlights Include
Breathtaking Landscapes: A full-day excursion to
renowned Fiordland National Park features a cruise of
serene Doubtful Sound, noted for its mountain peaks and
waterfalls. Take an exciting rail journey to the Southern
Alps and Arthur’s Pass. And in Westland National Park,
encounter the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier, walk
through the Glacial Valley, and see rare kiwi birds at a
wildlife center. On the North Island, witness geysers,
bubbling mud pools, and hot springs at the Te Puia
Thermal Reserve.
Cultural Enrichment: Cruise Auckland’s glittering
harbor and see prized cultural artifacts at the Auckland
Museum. In Rotorua, gain insight into the indigenous
Maori at the Maori Cultural Center, where you’ll meet
elders and enjoy a hangi feast and performance, plus
visit Rainbow Springs National Park. Savor private wine
tastings at celebrated Hawke’s Bay and the award-winning
Gibbston Valley Vineyard. Learn about sheep farming
at a private farm, visit Wellington’s acclaimed Te Papa
National Museum, and discover the English heritage
of Christchurch as you tour the Botanic Gardens and
Cathedral Square. Conclude your trip with a day
at leisure in Queenstown, with its spectacular setting
on Lake Wakatipu.
Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.
Smithsonian Journeys Expert
Sharon Hudgins–award-winning author with
expertise in Russia, the Far East, and Siberia.
Smithsonian Journeys Expert
William Leeman (April)–popular and highly respected
geologist.
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BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687