Today’s White House announcement has generated a lot of headlines about new restrictions on travel to Cuba. If you’re traveling with Classic Journeys—or considering a trip—rest assured: our Cuba journeys remain fully compliant, uninterrupted, and as immersive as ever.

Why Classic Journeys Tours to Cuba Are Unaffected

We Never Use Restricted Hotels: Classic Journeys guests stay in beautifully restored former mansions, now welcoming casa particulares, not in hotels on the restricted list. These authentic accommodations are owned and operated by local Cuban families, offering a genuine window into Cuban life.

We Dine at Private Paladares: Our meals are enjoyed at entrepreneur-owned paladares, not state-run restaurants. This supports independent Cuban chefs and their families, and brings you the most creative, memorable cuisine Cuba has to offer.

We Work Directly With Local Entrepreneurs: Every aspect of our program is designed to support and engage with the Cuban people. From artists and musicians to historians and chefs, your interactions are with the real people who shape Cuba’s culture.

People-to-People Exchanges Are Our Specialty: Our tours have always followed the guidelines for people-to-people exchange. You’ll enjoy a full-time schedule of meaningful, enriching interactions—just as you do with Tuscans in Tuscany, ticos in Costa Rica, Moroccans in Morocco, and locals in every region we explore.

Meticulous Record-Keeping: Since 2013, when we first received our license under President Obama to bring Americans legally to Cuba, we have kept thorough records for every tour and every guest, in full compliance with U.S. law.

Legal Category: Classic Journeys Cuba tours operate legally under the “Support for the Cuban People” category, one of the 12 federally authorized ways for Americans to travel to Cuba. Every detail of your journey is designed to comply with this requirement by facilitating direct engagement and meaningful exchanges with the Cuban people.

Learn more about how we explore Cuba on tour

Q & A for Classic Journeys Cuba Travelers

Q: Will my Classic Journeys trip to Cuba be canceled or changed?
A: No. Our tours already meet all U.S. government requirements. We do not use restricted hotels or state-run restaurants, and our itineraries are built around authentic, meaningful engagement with the Cuban people.
Q: Are Classic Journeys tours to Cuba legal under the new rules?
A: Absolutely. We have always operated within the legal framework, and the new memorandum does not require any changes to our programs. Classic Journeys Cuba tours are specifically designed to fit the “Support for the Cuban People” category.
Q: What makes a Classic Journeys Cuba trip different?
A: Our deep relationships with local entrepreneurs, artists, and families mean you experience Cuba as a guest—not a tourist. Every meal, conversation, and encounter is designed to connect you with the real Cuba.
Q: Do I need to do anything differently as a guest?
A: No. We handle all compliance and record-keeping for you. You can focus on enjoying your journey and connecting with the people and culture of Cuba.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Everyone on the Cuba team at Classic Journeys knows Cuba personally and thoroughly because they actually spend time on tour with the Cuban people and our guests. They understand your excitement and your questions, and can answer them knowledgeably for you.

Travel With Confidence

Classic Journeys is committed to providing legal, authentic, and enriching travel experiences—in Cuba and around the world. We’re proud to support the Cuban people and to offer you a journey that is both meaningful and fully compliant with all U.S. regulations. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Cuba, where every moment is an opportunity for genuine connection.

Explore Cuba

On Foot And At Eye Level