CAMBRIDGE, MA (PRWEB) May 27, 2015 -- Go Ahead Tours, a leading tour operator and part of EF Education First, announced today the release of its new tour—Cultural Cuba: Havana to Cayo Santa Maria.
Go Ahead has seen a high level of interest from travelers following the ease in travel restrictions between Cuba and the United States earlier this year. The company is meeting the surging demand with 14 departure dates available for 2016 alone.
Cultural Cuba: Havana to Cayo Santa Maria takes travelers from the vibrant capital of Havana, through the Spanish colonial city of Sancti Spiritus to the beautiful coastline of Cayo Santa Maria for an in-depth look into the many facets of the country.
The tour engages travelers in the Cuban culture and way of life, encompassing the unique insider perspectives of local artists, musicians, historians, naturalists and students who can show the country as only locals can.
“Cuba has been cut off from the United States for decades,” says Lael Kassis, Director of Product Development for Go Ahead. “In developing the tour itinerary, we wanted to create as many opportunities as possible to open up this lively nation to our travelers through personal experiences that lend themselves to cultural exchange—whether that’s talking with local artists about their work, learning to salsa dance from experts or connecting with a bicycle taxi driver over coffee.”
Go Ahead qualifies for the people-to-people general license established by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Under this license, Go Ahead will offer educational and cultural exchanges and conversations with the people of Cuba.
Itinerary Highlights:
Havana, 3 nights: After a one-night stay in Miami, travelers will take a charter flight into Havana to be introduced to the art, culture, history, flavors and sounds of the country. During these first few days, guests sip the region’s best mojitos, attend a performance at the famed Buena Vista Social Club, watch a cigar demonstration, see restorations of antique cars at the world famous Guanabacoa Museum, and tour the old haunts of Ernest Hemingway—Finca Vigia and Cojimar fishing village.
Sancti Spiritus, 2 nights: After Havana, guests travel to the UNESCO-recognized historic center of Sancti Spiritus, a charming yet off-the-beaten path destination. Along the way, they learn about the historic Bay of Pigs from a local Cuban perspective before taking a guided walking tour of Cienfuegos. The next morning features a visit to Parque el Cubano nature reserve, nestled in the picturesque Escambray Mountains, led by a local naturalist. Later, they explore the UNESCO-recognized, frozen-in-time town of Trinidad.
Cayo Santa Maria, 2 nights: After a morning of exploring more of Sancti Spiritus’ culture with a stop at the local School of Art for talented students, guests head on to the beautiful island of Cayo Santa Maria with its pristine coastal scenery and brilliant azure waters. The next day, travelers visit a sugar factory-turned-museum and engage with more locals—from conversing with conductors while aboard a steam train to Remedios to coffee with bicycle taxi drivers.
Go Ahead is currently offering 14 departure dates for the new tour beginning in January of 2016. Each departure features:
• Go Ahead Tour Director and Local Cuban National Guide throughout the tour
• Guided sightseeing with local specialists
• Select entrance fees, 22 meals, hotel accommodations and Cuban visa
• Chartered flights, departing from Miami to Havana and returning from Santa Clara to Miami
• Private transportation on the island via deluxe motor coach
For booking and additional tour information, go to goaheadtours.com/cub or call 1.800.590.1170.
About Go Ahead :
Go Ahead offers 130+ industry-leading guided tours to inspiring destinations on all seven continents. Founded in 1990, Go Ahead delivers high-quality, culturally enriching travel experiences at great value for both individuals and groups. Tours include Walking Tours, Food & Wine Tours, Safaris, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Land & Cruise Tours, City Stays and multi-country trips, as well as the opportunity to customize your itinerary. As part of EF Education First, Go Ahead has access to an unmatched network across more than 50 countries and 500 offices worldwide. EF Education First is a leading private education company dedicated to opening the world through education. For more information, please visit http://www.goaheadtours.com.
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Media Contact:
Jules Metcalf
617.619.2015
Julia Hudson Metcalf, Go Ahead Tours, http://www.goaheadtours.com, +1 6176192015, [email protected]
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