January 1, 2016

A Cultural Exploration of Cuba

There are so many places in the world worth traveling to, anyone who loves to travel is bound to have a long bucket list of places they want to visit. Some places are harder to get to, or which have been challenging to travel through, if not even dangerous at times. Vacationing abroad is always done at the whim of governments, social ups and downs and current happenings within a given country. Some places have simply been off limits to the traveler. No matter how much you may want to explore a place, sometimes there are restrictions and limits. Cuba is one destination that has long been on the travel prohibition list. With relations between the United States and Cuba having long been regarded as poor, we Americans have had limited access to this incredible cultural icon of the Caribbean. Since the end of 2014 however, travel restrictions have been relaxed, allowing for travel from the United States into Cuba, so we can finally experience this unique island once again.

This is not to say that traveling to Cuba is now like traveling to places like Mexico or
Puerto Rico. There are specific ways of travel which are required by the Cuban government and agreed upon by the United States. Traveling to Cuba within the parameters provided can not only be a very rewarding journey, it can allow for an experience like none other in the world. With all the specific restrictions and the need to follow certain protocols, the idea of traveling to Cuba can be daunting, even if it has been at the top of your travel list for years.  But you need not worry. Cuba has a rich and vibrant culture ready to embrace visiting Americans, and you can enjoy this island nation through intriguing experiences in an easy and stress-free way. By far the best way to travel in Cuba is with a Cuban Approved Guided Tour. There are a handful of tour companies which have worked with the Cuban government to establish specific vacations which are culturally enriching, economically favorable for the people of Cuba, and which meet the government’s protocols when it comes to tourism. This equates in an enjoyable, fun, and safe journey for visitors.



If Cuba is a destination you have longed to travel to, now is the time to go. C.P. Trips has partnered with Collette Tours, a premier tour company with years of experience
in providing in-depth tours of the island, to plan a special cultural exploration tour of Cuba just for you. You will get up close and personal with a visit to a cigar factory spending time with the rollers to see just how this popular export is made. You’ll meet locals who proudly keep their classic American cars running, despite challenges from United States embargoes and government restrictions. There will be explorations of historic Cuban architecture, which has been proudly cared for over the generations, since the time of the colonial period which brought European grandeur to the island. These iconic images of Cuban Culture are to be expected, but there is so much more to experience on your personal tour of Cuba.

 


Art plays a big role in Cuban culture. Throughout your tour you will meet different artists, performers and musicians ready to share their artistic endeavors with visitors. From area art schools to market places, theaters and even retirement communities, you will be immersed with the sounds and sights of artisan crafts, local music, song and dance. Some stops along the way will include a handicraft market in Santa Clara, the Tomas Terry Theater opera house in Plaza Mayor, visits to local artists’ homes, and the Cuban Fine Arts Museum in Havana. Speaking of museums, this is one way to get a deeper understanding of Cuba’s history and aspects of the Cuban culture. You will learn about how Che Guevara, Sugar Cane, and Literacy programs have had a great impact on the island’s residents.



The food of Cuba will be another focus of the tour. Part of a guided tour with Collette includes many of the meals. With these, you will have several opportunities to experience the culinary delights of this tropical island. When in Old Havana you will enjoy a uniquely Cuban treat with a special dinner at a Paladar, a small, specialty restaurant with its own organic farm. Delving deeper into the culture of Cuba, you will have opportunities to meet with locals who will shed light on the role of religions such as Christianity and Santeria within the lives of Cubans. Get set to even learn a few steps of the national Cuban dance, Salsa as well during your tour.

If you have not taken a guided tour before, a journey to Cuba is an ideal way to experience all that this type of travel can offer. With a destination such as Cuba, this is truly the best way, and one of the few ways you can do so as an American Traveler. Each day includes enriching experiences, plenty of activities, amazing food and opportunities to shop, explore and relax throughout your vacation. It has been over 50 years since travel to Cuba was easy to do, now it is easy once again. You will be sure to bring back incredible stories and amazing photos, mementos and memories with a one of a kind journey to a one of a kind destination.

But there is a catch, tours to Cuba are filling up fast. Companies like our partner Collette Tours have a limited number of dates and spaces available for travelers to join. Reserving a space now is highly encouraged, to ensure you can make it to Cuba in 2016. Our Collette Tours journey to Cuba will be from September 6th – 14th, with a deposit to reserve your space due by the end of February. If you are concerned about how much this tour may cost, there is even more great news for you. Often when you travel with a tour or a cruise, air fare is not included in the cost of your tour. With Collette Tours when you reserve your space
on the Cuba Cultural Exploration tour, your flight from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Miami is included in the price. All air taxes, fees and hotel transfers are also included. At a cost of just $4,399 per person, double occupancy, this is one vacation you can’t afford to miss. Our partner agent, Judy Arndt is coordinating this special Cuban tour, and can be contacted by phone at (503) 666-8828 or by email at journeysbyjudy.oregon@yahoo.com. Call or email Judy, or Cindy today and reserve your place on this special tour of Cuba.



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