Apple Vacations has announced that its new Cuba tours are now on sale, operating under the 12 pre-approved travel categories licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of Treasury, as of 11:00 am EST July 9.
The tours will have five departure dates in September and October of 2015 with five and seven night travel options to Cuba for U.S. travelers. Apple Vacations’ Cuba tours are classified as “Educational Activities” known as “People-to-People”. These pre-arranged itineraries are designed to give vacationers the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cuban culture, and to interact and engage with its people, Apple Vacations said.
In the initial launch, the first departures are scheduled for September and October 2015. Additional departures throughout 2016 are anticipated. Agents can monitor Apple Vacations’ Agent Cafe for details as new dates are solidified.
The vacation wholesaler is working with U.S.-based Cuba Travel Services, a Cuba-licensed operator that charters flights from Miami to Cuba with Sun Country Airlines and American Airlines. Connections to Miami can be arranged from all major U.S. gateways.
The five-night Havana Getaway provides a cultural overview of Cuba’s capital, aimed at U.S. visitors who cannot allot the 10+ days required by other Cuba travel programs available to Americans. Highlights include sightseeing tours, musical performances, antique American cars, a cigar rolling demonstration and plenty of authentic Cuban cuisine. The Havana Getaway is priced from $2,233 per person, based on double occupancy, with departure dates on September 5 and October 17, 2015.
Apple Vacations is also launching a seven-night Colors of Cuba program. In addition to the features of the Havana Getaway, this itinerary includes two nights in the well-preserved colonial town of Trinidad – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the central Cuban province of Sancti Spiritus, known for its pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets. The Colors of Cuba itinerary is priced from $2,733 per person, based on double occupancy, with departure dates on September 11, September 25 and October 8.
Prices include Cuban health insurance, charter flights departing from Miami (connecting flights from other U.S. cities available), Cuban tourist visa processing, U.S. taxes and fees. A Cuban departure tax of $25 per passenger will be collected upon check in at Miami International Airport.
Travel to Cuba must be booked a minimum of 40 days in advance of departure date to allow ample time for the processing of required documentation.
Travelers will receive an orientation in Miami to ensure familiarity with Cuban laws, policies and traditions prior to arrival in Cuba.