Top Tours to Cuba

culled from:http://www.metro.us

 

President Barack Obama just announced that the U.S. will seek to normalize its relationship with Cuba – where travel restrictions for U.S. visitors have been limited for decades. Many are asking themselves if this means that travel to Cuba is now legal. But truth be told, nothing has really changed. Travel to Cuba may be easier, but the same restrictions still hold for U.S. visitors now as they did before the announcement, but many are hopeful that they will soon be relaxed even further, and tour operators are letting their sentiments be known.

"President Obama's announcement today that the U.S. and Cuba are to normalize relations will undoubtedly lead to an eventual expansion of our tour programs to Cuba," says Richard Krieger, president of The Isramworld Portfolio of Brands. “This historic development reflects enormous potential to have a positive impact on tourism to Cuba and in turn give American travelers the opportunity to experience firsthand the rich Cuban culture. We are already on the ground working with our Cuban partners prepared to welcome more tourists as this situation progresses. Until then, our current programs are operating in full swing and more popular than ever.”
Tauck CEO Dan Mahar noted that the company recently lengthened its Cuba journey due to its popularity.
“Cuba has been incredibly popular with our guests since our very first departures in 2012,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, “and we’re thrilled to be offering an enhanced and expanded itinerary there. Guests traveling to Cuba with us for the first time will now enjoy a much more comprehensive experience, while our past travelers to Cuba will find plenty of new experiences and new reasons to plan a return journey.”

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For U.S. citizens interested in visiting the country, here are some tour options if you are considering a visit.
Latour 
Latour, a part of Isramworld’s family of brands, has been offering Cuba tours since 2013. The company is committed to encouraging a meaningful exchange between U.S. travelers and the Cuban people. Latour offers many different options for travelers to Cuba, including tours for general travelers, LGBT travelers and travelers interested in Cuba's Jewish heritage and community.      
Latour’s programs feature interactions and meetings with the Cuban people, include roundtrip airfare between Miami and Cuba, eight nights' accommodations, ground transportation and airport transfers in Cuba, most meals, a Cuban visa and health insurance. www.latour.com
Tauck
Tauck’s new Cuba journey, available for 2015, has been extended to a 13-day trip (from $7,465, double occupancy, plus airfare). Visitors will spend three nights in Havana, two nights in Cayo Santa Maria, three nights in Camaguey, one night in Holguín and two nights in Santiago de Cuba.
During the trip, Tauck guests will learn about the Cuba’s history through discussions with local experts. The role of the arts in Cuban culture will also be highlighted throughout the journey and Tauck has arranged for its guests to personally meet a wide array of artisans. Guests will also learn about daily life in Cuba in discussions with local restaurateurs, printers and fishermen as well as during a visit with a local family in the small village of La Maya. 
www.tauck.com
G Adventures
G Adventures is offering a sailing adventure to Cuba. Get to know this off-limits country like you never have before on G Adventures unique seven-day journey through the islands of the Canarreos Archipelago onboard a catamaran. Check out massive flocks of flamingos and parrots, snorkel the crystal-clear waters in search of colorful fish, relax on the beach, and dine on some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever have. Eight days, $1,899 per person. www.gadventures.com
Mountain Travel Sobek
Mountain Travel Sobek is offering a nine-day Cuba Cultural Discovery trip. Guests will meet locals from all walks of life, including artists, teachers, farmers, cigar-makers, economists, historians and more. They will be able to exchange ideas with people as well as visit off-the-beaten-path tourist gems such as Vinales, with its lush tobacco fields, and Muraleando, an artist community. Guests will also experience contemporary culture at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Old Havana and Las Terrazas. Departures for 2015 take place in January, February, November and December. www.mtsobek.com