Tauck has announced that it will be bringing travellers back to Cuba for the first time in four years with the return of an updated and enhanced seven-day journey, “Cuba: A Cultural Odyssey.” Priced from $6,490 USD* per person (double occupancy) plus airfare, Tauck’s itinerary begins with an included overnight at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables in Coral Gables, Florida, before guests fly the following morning from Miami to Havana’s José Martí International Airport.
A subsequent five-night stay at the Grand Aston La Habana in Havana serves as a base for exploring Havana and outlying areas, as Tauck guests are immersed in Cuba’s history, culture and cuisine. Among other experiences, Tauck guests will explore the city’s Old Havana neighborhood (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) during a walking tour, and learn about Cuba’s famous cigars during a visit to a tobacco farm in the Viñales Valley (and during a cigar-rolling tutorial and tasting). They’ll also travel to a vintage American car club to learn about the country’s iconic automobiles, and tour the home of author Ernest Hemingway who spent much of his life in Cuba between 1939 and 1960. And throughout their journey, Tauck guests will meet and interact with a host of locals, including artists, musicians and dancers, farmers and a former baseball star.
Tauck’s initial six departures of “Cuba: A Cultural Odyssey” will all operate next fall and they have already sold out. 2025 departures will operate from January through April, and from October through December. Included in the price are all accommodations (including the initial overnight in Coral Gables), on-tour flights between Miami and Havana, airport transfers, all sightseeing, excursions and entertainment, all meals (with the exception of one night when guests are able to dine at their leisure), most gratuities, luggage handling and more.
NEW JOURNEYS IN NAMIBIA AND ITALY
In addition to returning to Cuba in 2024, Tauck will also be launching new itineraries this year in Namibia and Italy. The company’s new “Namibia: Epic Safari” (11 days, from $11,990 USD** per person, double occupancy, plus international airfare) begins with an overnight in Windhoek at The Weinberg Windhoek before subsequent two-night stays in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Swakopmund and the Ongava Game Reserve before concluding with a final two-night stay at the Omaanda Lodge outside of Windhoek.
Along the way, Tauck’s guests will join a local Bushman guide for a nature walk in the Namib Desert, star-gaze in the NamibRand Nature Reserve (one of least light-polluted places on Earth), enjoy a hands-on encounter with baby baboons at a wildlife sanctuary, explore scenic Walvis Bay by catamaran or sea kayak, and experience Namibia’s iconic, red-tinted dunes of Sossusvlei. Included in Tauck’s tour price are five on-tour flights, airport transfers, 28 meals, all game drives, sightseeing and other activities, luggage handling, most gratuities and more. Tauck will operate 10 departures of “Namibia: Epic Safari” from April through October.
With the addition of its new “Tuscany, Cinque Terre & the Portofino Coast” itinerary (eight days, from $6,590 USD*** per person, double occupancy, plus airfare) Tauck is increasing its portfolio of trips visiting Italy to 20 – an all-time high for the company. The new itinerary begins with a two-night stay at the Helvetia & Bristol in Florence, followed by two nights at the Grand Hotel Continental in Siena and an overnight at the Grand Universe in Lucca, before concluding in Santa Margherita Ligure with two nights at the Imperiale Palace Hotel.
All 22 departures of “Tuscany, Cinque Terre & the Portofino Coast” will be part of Tauck’s Small Groups collection of tours and average just 24 guests for a more intimate and personalized travel experience. Highlights of this active itinerary include a private, early-opening visit to Florence's Basilica di Santa Croce (the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and more), a guided after-hours tour of the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, a hands-on pasta making class in Lucca (with wine and olive oil tastings), an optional bike ride atop Lucca’s city walls, and a private visit to La Cervara, a 14th-century abbey overlooking the sea and renowned for its stunning gardens. Included in the tour price are 15 meals, all sightseeing and admission to all attractions, airport transfers, most gratuities, luggage handling and more.
Those interested in more information can contact their local travel professional, call Tauck at 800 468 2825, or visit the company’s website at www.tauck.ca
