Abercrombie & Kent Offers A Presidential Journey to Cuba

A small group of just 24 guests will travel with Otterson from Havana to Cienfuegos, Caibarién and Santa Clara, with a visit to the eco-community of Las Terrazas. The 10-day journey will immerse travelers in Cuban culture, exploring its rich arts tradition, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine during educational exchanges with local residents.

“I was a part of the first official tourism association contingent since the revolution to be welcomed to Cuba in 2003. Since then the country has started to see many changes, and with the new tourism developments in the works, I felt this was the ideal time to go back,” says Otterson. “For this special departure, we’ve enhanced our flagship Cuba program with exclusive activities, such as meeting an artist in his home, not just to learn about art but also daily life in Havana, and a visit to Camajuani for a private tour of a working cigar factory.”

Uncover the Havana only long-time residents know by exploring the city on foot with a local architect who offers insights into the charming, historic styles. Dine at a paladar (family-run restaurant) where the owners share their passion for Cuban cuisine and discuss what is involved in running a private business in Cuba – an opportunity that, historically, was all but unheard of. Compare the distinct differences and similarities between Cuba and the United States with a briefing on the history of U.S.-Cuban relations by a Cuban policy expert.

Gain a deeper understanding of the island’s cultural traditions through its art, music and pastimes. Enjoy a private studio visit and performance by Habana Compás Dance Project. Engage with local musicians during a private Buena Vista Social Club-style concert and cultural discussion. Partake in a private salsa lesson and one-on-one talk with a Cuban salsa instructor. Listen to a cappella choral performance by the award-winning group, Cantores de Cienfuegos. Discover our shared passion for baseball at a game with Cuban players, and even play a few innings with them.

“With the rapidly growing interest in Cuba, planning a trip there can be a challenge for Americans – whether it’s finding accommodations that were sold out months ago, or researching activities required to meet the people-to-people exchange requirements,” explains Otterson. “Our guests appreciate that we’ve already done the research to secure the best available properties and find the most rewarding personal encounters, so they can relax and focus on the experience of being in a country that has changed little since the 1950’s.”

Abercrombie & Kent USA has been offering people-to-people travel to Cuba since 2013. In addition to this exclusive President’s Journey, Americans can travel on their choice of a 10-day or 13-day A&K Connections Worldwide Group Journey or a 7-day privately guided Signature Journey. All A&K Cuba programs are people-to-people educational exchanges that meet U.S. government requirements for travel to Cuba.

Discover this enigmatic destination on Abercrombie & Kent’s Cuba: People to People: A Special President's Journey (land arrangements from $6,895 per person, double occupancy, plus international charter air $550). Call 800.554.7094 to speak with a travel consultant, go to www.abercrombiekent.com or contact your travel professional.

Please note: Cuba remains a developing country, and guests should adjust their expectations accordingly. Delays commonly occur, and flexibility and patience on the part of visitors is a must. Travelling to Cuba on a people-to-people license is quite unlike journeying to other destinations, involving full days spent getting to know the Cuban people and their culture through one-on-one cultural and social interactions; participation in all people-to-people activities is mandatory. While every effort will be made to operate the program as scheduled, all activities are subject to change without notice. In the event that an individual or location becomes unavailable, a comparable activity will be substituted.