Educational tour directors Maria Smith and Dawn Thompson are planning a “Discover Cuba” trip March 25-29, 2017. Smith, who teaches Spanish at Andalusia High School, and Thompson, who teaches English and French, have led more than 10 tours to Europe and Costa Rica since 1999.

Smith explained, “A Cultural Heritage Alliance (CHA) educational tour is a ‘living’ classroom. We accompany students and adults overseas and serve as chaperones. In addition, a professional, multi-lingual Tour Director meets us at the airport and accompanies us throughout their tour, providing full-time guidance and assistance.”

The itinerary includes a mixture of history, culture, and fun.

Day 1: Participants will arrive in Havana, Cuba, and begin exploring the country.

Day 2: A walking tour of Old Havana, founded in 1519. After lunch, Havana’s Central Park is the destination, followed by a visit to the Cabana Fortress to see the memorable Ceremony of the Cannon.

Day 3: Havana-San Francisco de Paula-Alamar-Cojimar-Havana. This excursion follows the trail of famed American author Ernest Hemingway who lived in Cuba for 20 years. Stops include Cojimar where Hemingway’s daily fishing trips served as the inspiration for his acclaimed novel “The Old Man and the Sea,” and the Ambos Mundos Hotel where he wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

Day 4: Havana-Vinales Valley. This full day of tours includes scenic countryside, a traditional Cuban lunch, and a Cabaret Show featuring typical Cuban music and dance at the iconic Hotel Nacional De Cuba.

Day 5: Departure for the USA

The price includes round-trip airfare, accommodations, a tour director, two meals each day, and admission to attractions.

Founded in 1969 by two foreign language teachers, CHA Educational Tours is one of the largest and most successful student group travel companies in the United States and is the oldest American-owned educational tour operator in existence today.

The tour is open to both students and adults. For more information, contact Maria Smith at 334-804-4770 or Dawn Thompson at 334-464-2032. The deadline to enroll is Oct. 31st.