• Submitted by: manso
• Politics and Government
• 09 / 13 / 2011

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Inaugural People-To-People Tours to Cuba in August a Great Success

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Insight Cuba, the leading provider of U.S. authorized people-to-people travel to Cuba, is kicking off the fall season with a robust menu of eight itineraries. With more than 40 departures through the end of 2011, travelers can be amongst the first to explore the fascinating island nation legally in eight years. From history to music, culture, arts and even a rare opportunity to run a marathon in Havana, each program offers a different view on Cuba and its people.

The fall line-up of programs follows a successful set of three inaugural trips that took place August 11-19 – the first since Cuba travel restrictions have been lifted for U.S. travelers. "I didn't know really what to expect from my journey to Cuba – but I'm leaving with fond memories of this very special place," said Havana & Colonial Trinidad trip participant Christopher Wommer.  "Cuba's true treasure is its people; everywhere we went we were greeted with open arms and friendly smiles…the people-to-people program truly allows all Americans to see Cuba from the inside out versus the outside in.  By meeting locals and hearing their stories, my thoughts on our island neighbor have forever changed."

Insight Cuba travelers enjoy ample time visiting Havana, an astounding UNESCO World Heritage city where cars from the 1940s and 50s roll past a mix of crumbling former mansions and newly renovated buildings. Here, a true glimpse of daily Cuban life is experienced through touching exchanges with locals at places like the Cuban National Blind People Association, where on the first trip participants danced and sang with their new friends; a maternity home to meet high-risk pregnant mothers and learn about their health care practices; and meeting community artists at Callejon de Hammel, a colorful alley created to celebrate Afro-Cuban culture and Santeria religion.  

Trips that voyage beyond Havana visit Trinidad, a World Heritage Site and one of Latin America's best-preserved colonial towns; Pinar del Rio, an eastern province known for its scenic national parks, expansive tobacco fields and peasant farmers; Bay of Pigs, the beach where the U.S. landed in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro in April 1961; Santiago de Cuba, the

country's second cultural mecca and home of son music; and Matanzas, famed for its poets, culture, and Afro-Cuban folklore.  

Special fall experiences include the opportunity to attend the acclaimed Havana International Jazz Festival and run in the Havana Marathon.

Havana & Colonial Trinidad (8 days/7 nights; Price Range: $2,995-$3,395)
Departure Dates: Oct. 4, 18; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Havana & Scenic Pinar del Rio (8 days/7 nights; Price Range: $2,495-$2,995)
Departure Dates: Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26; Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31Bay of Pigs!

Havana & Playa Giron (8 days/7 nights; Price Range: $2,745-$3,095)
Departure Dates: Sept. 22; Nov. 3, 17; Dec. 1, 15, 22, 29

Cuban Music & Art Experience (9 Days/8 Nights; Price Range: $3,395-$3,895)
Departure Dates: Sept. 23; Nov. 18; Dec. 9, 23

Havana Jazz Experience (8 Days/7 Nights; Price Range: $2,795-$3,295)
Departure Dates: Sept. 16; Oct. 21; Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 27

Weekend in Havana (4 days/3 nights; Price Range: $1,695-$1,995)
Departure Dates: Sept. 15; Oct. 27; Nov. 10; Dec. 8, 29

Havana Marathon (5 days/4 nights; Price Range: $1,995-$2,295)
Departure Date: Nov. 17 Havana International Jazz Festival (6 Days/5 Nights; Price Range: $2,695-$3,195) Departure Date: Dec. 14

Insight Cuba handpicks exclusive experiences and keeps its groups small. With an in-country host/escort, modern explorers can expect authentic experiences that put them in direct touch with Cuban people and culture. The comfort level is high, with four- and five-star hotels and all meals included. Prices (per person, double occupancy) also cover ground

transportation, domestic flights in Cuba (where required), all entry fees, professional guide services, U.S. Treasury Department license and Letter of Authorization, and travel insurance. For fully detailed itineraries on these and other Insight Cuba travel programs, visit www.insightcuba.com or call 1-800-450-CUBA.

Insight Cuba is a leading expert in Cuba travel, and a division of Cross-Cultural Solutions, an independent not-for-profit organization and leader in international volunteering and people-to-people cultural exchange with over 25,000 alumni since its inception in 1995. Insight Cuba has developed in-depth programs in Cuba, encompassing both spontaneous and planned activities. These immersive, unforgettable experiences have helped make Insight Cuba the largest, most highly regarded provider of specific-licensed people-to-people cultural travel to Cuba.

Source: /www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/129725433.html