Geographic Expeditions Announces an Insider Tour of Cuba

Geographic Expeditions, a veteran travel company, has introduced a new tour called “The Soul of Cuba,” promising deeply immersive experiences for travelers.

This tour, starting in January, offers an insider's look into Cuba, including visits to car restoration workshops, highlighting how vintage 1950s American cars are maintained and restored despite the lack of readily available parts. This tour will provide a unique perspective on the enduring charm and resourcefulness of Cuban culture.

Since the U.S. restored diplomatic relations with Cuba in 2015, Americans have been able to visit under specific categories, primarily through “support of the Cuban people” trips. Tourism purely for leisure remains prohibited, but the number of private residences and family-run restaurants has increased, welcoming American visitors. Despite U.S. credit cards still not being accepted, dollars are widely used, and new laws have allowed Cuban business owners to import products, enhancing the quality of local properties and businesses.

The eight-day tour spans January, February, and November, taking travelers through Havana, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos. The first day begins in Jaimanitas, a suburb of Havana, with visits to artist Jose Fuster’s outdoor project, Alegrias de Vivir, and ceramicist Beatriz Santacana’s studio for a hands-on pottery session. This day sets the tone for an art-rich experience in Cuba.

In Havana, travelers will stay at either La Distancia Hotel or Claxon Hotel, both former Colonial mansions now transformed into boutique hotels. The itinerary includes meetings with local entrepreneurs in architecture, fashion, and dining, showcasing how they navigate and thrive within Cuba’s restrictions. Guests will also have private dance lessons with professional dancers and dine at local paladares, privately-owned restaurants known for serving authentic Cuban cuisine.

A day dedicated to understanding international diplomacy includes a meeting with a former diplomat to discuss U.S.-Cuba relations. This is followed by a visit to a private domino club, an organic farm called Finca Tungasuk, and an after-school music program, Vocal Clave de Sol. Here, travelers will experience the talents of Cuban children and meet renowned musician David Faya and his bandmates, offering an in-depth look into Cuban music.

Day four shifts focus to the historic town of Cienfuegos for a musical interlude before continuing to Trinidad, where participants will stay in Mansion Alameda, an early 1800s manor house. Walking tours of Trinidad’s cobblestone streets and 19th-century mansions, coupled with more music performances and a visit to the UNESCO site Valle de los Ingenios, enrich the cultural immersion.

En route back to Havana on day six, the tour stops in Cojimar, the inspiration for Hemingway’s "The Old Man and the Sea," and includes a guided tour of Hemingway’s home, Finca La Vigia. This segment underscores the literary and historical significance of Cuba, offering a well-rounded cultural experience.

The final day in Havana features a visit to NostalgiCar Tours & Garage, where travelers will see car restoration in action and enjoy a ride in a vintage car. The day also includes a visit to the performance/art center Fabrica de Arte Cubano and a gastronomic tour with a popular paladar’s general manager. The journey concludes with a farewell dinner, reflecting on the week’s rich experiences and the warm hospitality encountered throughout Cuba.