Grand Circle Foundation Now Offers Three People-To-People Programs to Cuba for 2013

BOSTON, Feb. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Harriet R. Lewis, Chairman of Grand Circle Foundation, is pleased to announce that the Foundation is now offering three People-to-People programs to Cuba for 2013, including the newest program, Cuba: Music, Culture & the Roots of the Revolution,  which features Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa and which launched last week.  Each program combines several days in Havana with visits to other parts of the island, and all include myriad opportunities for meaningful exchange between Americans and Cubans.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130206/NE54977 )

"We are honored to be able to offer three People-to-People programs in Cuba during such an exciting time in our countries' shared history, and we take our responsibility to offer meaningful exchange very seriously," said Harriet.  "We hope that more Americans will travel to Cuba with us to experience the country's rich history and culture and its warm and welcoming people."

Grand Circle Foundation's three People-to-People programs focus on close and meaningful cultural exchanges between American participants and Cuban residents and are conducted in small groups of just 12-20 participants. While available to all Americans, the programs are paced for Americans aged 50 and older.  The three programs are described below:

NEW for 2013: Cuba: Music, Culture & the Roots of the Revolution
13-day People-to-People program from $4395, including RT air from Miami
Explores Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, and Havana

This program brings participants to the easternmost third of the island—and to the vibrant seaside city of Santiago de Cuba, founded by Diego Velasquez as a Spanish colonial capital in 1515.  While there, participants will learn about the Afro-Cuban religion that developed in this region, visit artists' studios, meet local community members, spend time with seniors or children served by the relief agency Caritas Cubana, and more.  They will then travel to Baracoa, once accessible only by sea and which retains the look of an unspoiled colonial village.  In Baracoa, travelers will meet with artists, dancers, farmers, a historian, and others.  Later, they'll fly to Havana, to explore the historic city and engage with students, seniors, artists and other local people.

• What's Included:  A full schedule of People-to-People exchange meetings; roundtrip airfare from Miami; all accommodations: 1 night in Miami, 4 nights in Santiago de Cuba, 3 nights in Baracoa, and 4 nights in Havana; 28 meals (11B, 8L, 9D); services of an English-speaking Cuban guide and a Foundation representative from the U.S.; transportation aboard a private, air-conditioned motorcoach; cultural discoveries, including discussions with locals, museum visits, musical performances, and more.

Cuba: A Bridge between Cultures
12-day program People-to-People Program from $3995, including RT air from Miami
Explores Havana, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos

Grand Circle Foundation's first program to Cuba centers around three Cuban cities: the bustling capital of Havana (5 nights), including both 3 nights in the historic Old Town and 2 nights in the vibrant, downtown Vedado neighborhood; the harbor town of Cienfuegos (2 nights), and the colonial gem of Trinidad (3 nights). Throughout the journey, travelers will enjoy meaningful cultural exchange with the people of Cuba.

• What's Included: A full schedule of People-to-People exchange meetings; roundtrip airfare from Miami; all accommodations: 1 night in Miami, 5 nights in Havana, 2 nights in Cienfuegos, and 3 nights in Trinidad; 24 meals (10B, 5L, 9D); services of an English-speaking Cuban guide and a Foundation representative from the U.S.; transportation aboard a private, air-conditioned motorcoach; and cultural discoveries, including discussions with locals, museum visits, musical performances, and more.

Cuba: Havana & Vinales Valley
Nine-day People-to-People Program from $2995, including RT air from Miami
Visits Havana, Soroa, Vinales, and Las Terrazas

Cuba: Havana & Vinales Valley  focuses on meaningful cultural exchange with an itinerary that centers around two contrasting Cuban locales: the capital of Havana (4 nights), where travelers explore both the vibrant, modern districts and the historic time capsule of Habana Vieja (Old Havana); and the Vinales Valley (3 nights).  From the city to the countryside, this program offers a unique view of Cuba's cultural and natural landscapes along with a full schedule of People-to-People exchange meetings.

• What's Included:  Roundtrip airfare from Miami; all accommodations: 1 night in Miami, 4 nights in Havana, and 3 nights in the Vinales Valley; 19 meals (7B, 6L, 6D); services of an English-speaking Cuban guide and a Foundation representative; transportation aboard a private, air-conditioned motorcoach; cultural exchanges, including discussions with locals, museum visits, visits with artists, and more.

A total of 3,000 Americans traveled to Cuba with Grand Circle Foundation since 2011 (1,000 in 2011, 2,000 in 2012) and the Foundation expects 3,000 Americans to do so this year.  Grand Circle Foundation's license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control to operate its People-to-People programs in Cuba (#CT-19272) was renewed in 2012 and is valid until through the end of December 2013. 

For reservations, please call (toll-free) 1-855-423-3443 (Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm and Sat-Sun 9am-7pmEST).  To see a video of Grand Circle Foundation in Cuba and for more details about the programs, please click People-to-People programs to Cuba. Please contact Priscilla O'Reilly at (617) 346-6841, if you would like to speak with participants.

About Grand Circle Foundation
Established in 1992, Grand Circle Foundation is a not for profit organization that supports educational, humanitarian and cultural organizations worldwide. It is the charitable arm of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation, which consists of travel brands Overseas Adventure Travel, Grand Circle Travel, and Grand Circle Cruise Line that serve more than 100,000 Americans aged 50 and older each year.  To-date, Grand Circle Foundation has donated or pledged more than $92 million USD to more than 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational organizations worldwide, including nearly 100 schools, in 50 countries.

SOURCE Grand Circle Foundation