From October 11-20, Phil Otterson, president of Abercrombie & Kent USA, will host “Cuba: People to People: A Special President’s Journey.” Embark with him on an exclusive journey filled with meaningful one-on-one people interactions and learn about Cuba’s culture, architecture, agriculture, music, dining and drinking. A small group of just 24 clients will travel with Otterson from Havana to Cienfuegos, Caibarien and Santa Clara, with a visit to the eco-community of Las Terrazas.
In 2003, Otterson was part of the first official tourism association contingent since the revolution to be welcomed to Cuba, according to an Abercrombie & Kent USA news release. He will be able to share his insight into tourism in general in Cuba and the changes he’s seen in the past 13 years.
“I was a part of the first official tourism association contingent since the revolution to be welcomed to Cuba in 2003,” said Ottersen. “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.”
This 10-day journey will allow guests to discover the country’s rich culture and tradition through its art, music and daily activities. Exclusive experiences include: a meet with a local physician to talk on Cuba’s well-regarded public health care system; a visit to a day care system to meet with students and teachers; an interaction with a local artist in his home to gain an insight into daily life in Cuba; dine at a Paladars (family-run restaurant) where the owners share their passion for Cuban cuisine and discuss what is involved in running a private business in Cuba. Guests can also go on an educational stroll in Havana with a local architect who will explain the city’s historic styles and ongoing restoration efforts. Whilst in Havana, see a private in-studio performance by Habana Compas Dance, which melds Afro-Cuban rhythms with flamenco, salsa and rumba movements and percussion instruments and later engage with the artists to hear about the role music and dance play in their daily lives. Tour organic farms and visit a Camajuani for an insight into the working of a cigar factory and see the rolling of a cigar first hand. Guests can also engage in an informative discussion of the history of U.S.-Cuba relations and discover their shared passion for baseball at a game with Cuban players, and even play a few innings with them.
Discover this culture rich 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).
