Tour Operators Diversifying Cuba Offerings

The U.S. will normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba, and under revised travel policy, general licenses will be available for authorized travel to Cuba in 12 categories. As interest in the people-to-people educational programs in Cuba continues to grow, so, too, does the field of tour operators that are licensed and authorized to offer these specialized programs.

In addition, companies that have been in the game for a while are adding itineraries that target specific sectors and interests.

For example, towns and villages with links to Fidel Castro or Cuba's history figure into Abercrombie & Kent USA's second, more immersive itinerary in its people-to-people lineup.

The operator's new 13-day Cuba: Across the Island: People to People exchange explores more of the country, including a visit to Biran in Holguin province in eastern Cuba, birthplace of Fidel Castro in 1926 and brother Raul Castro in 1931.

Santiago de Cuba in Cuba's southeast and the fishing village of Cayo Granma near Santiago de Cuba also are on the tour.

Participants meet with residents of a small community nearly destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 before the storm made its march up the U.S. East Coast.

Tour members stay a minimum of two nights in each hotel, rather than having to move every night as is the case on some of the people-to-people programs.

Activities include a cooking demonstration at a family-run restaurant, a performance at the Neon Puppet Theater in Holguin, an opportunity to make earthenware pots at Casanova Pottery Studio in Camaguey and chats with musicians at a private concert of traditional Cuban music.

Rates start at $7,495 per person, double, plus $525 roundtrip air charter from Miami. Departures begin in October.

Latour, an Isramworld company, is offering Cuba tours with Jewish and LGBT themes.

Shalom Cuba focuses on Jewish life under the Castro regime. Guests meet with Jewish Cubans at their synagogues, community centers and a nursery school during stops in Havana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Departures are monthly from January to April; prices start at $3,799.

LGBT Cuba participants learn about the social challenges that gays face in Cuba. Travelers meet with artists, dancers and musicians and visit El Mejunje, an LGBT cultural center in Santa Clara known for its disco and drag scenes. Monthly departures are January to May; prices start at $3,799.

SmarTours, which received its one-year license in June, will offer an 11-day program starting in April, priced from $2,999 per person, double, including airfare. Tours include visits to Havana, Cienfuegos, Camaguey and Holguin.

Natural Habitat Adventures' 12-day Undiscovered Cuba showcases the culture and tropical ecosystems of the country. Visits to national parks, botanical gardens and birdlife sanctuaries are intertwined with exchanges with scientists, naturalists, park managers, organic farmers, business owner and cultural centers in Havana and Trinidad. Departures are Feb. 10 and 27 and April 18; prices start at $7,696, not including roundtrip air.