Under new regulations set forth by the Obama administration, Americans will soon be able to visit Cuba on cultural and religious tours. Globus announced last month that it will be among the first American tour operators to take groups on tours of Cuba.
Beginning Aug. 10, groups can book a tour called “Cuba: A Spiritual, Historical and Cultural Journey,” being offered by Globus in cooperation with the Center for Caribbean Religion and Culture. The tours commence in early 2012.
General tourism travel to Cuba has been prohibited under a Cold War-era trade embargo for more than 50 years. While stopping short of a wholesale opening of the door to Cuba, the Obama administration’s easing of the regulations allows tour groups to visit on cultural, religious and people-to-people tours. As such, the Globus tour will focus on the island nation’s religious and cultural heritage.
“Great storytelling can bring a vacation to life,” said Scott Nisbet, CEO of the Globus family of brands. “It’s the memorable stories our Globus travelers ‘live’ while touring that give them the chance to do more than simply see the world’s greatest sights. This new itinerary presents an especially interesting, insightful and unforgettable opportunity for travelers to connect with a fascinating country we know very little about.”
The tour itinerary will include several stops highlighting Cuba’s religious heritage. Groups will visit El Templete, where Havana’s first Catholic mass was celebrated nearly 500 years ago, and attend a private candlelight concert at the San Francisco de Asis church. Additionally, the tour includes walking and architectural tours of Havana’s Old Town; a visit to the Museum of the Revolution and former presidential palace; and a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s home, Finca Vigia.
