Category Archives: Destinations

Scheduled Trips

The Cars of Cuba!


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The cars of Cuba are one of the most fascinating sights for visitors from America–150,000 US “yank tanks” were sold in Cuba in the 1950s, and about 60,000 of them are still on the roads.  It feels like a time warp!

Why visit Cuba now?  Things are changing–but there is no way to tell if that change will initially be a good thing.  Or what it will mean to the experience of going to Cuba.  Right now, due to the coincidence of events in history, Cuba is a place unique in all the world.  If Cuba holds interest for you, I would encourage you to consider going soon.  If the cars are a particular interest, I would urge you go experience it!

These are photos from our trip there last November.  If you are interested in joining us on our next trip, Cuba: A Bridge Between Cultures departing February 7, 2015, contact me for information through this website.  Some space is still available, but there is a limit of just 20 participants!  For a short video and more information on the trip opportunity, see https://www.brainshark.com/gct/CherylLuceCuba

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Havana


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Join us for a cultural-exchange experience in Cuba!

You will fall in love with Cuba–the music and movement, the make-it-work determination, the time-travel experience of the old American cars.  It’s an experience that stays with you, and one that gives you a new understanding of the life of the Cuban people.  This trip in particular is designed to provide interactions with people in an intentional and meaningful way–a very unique opportunity at this moment in time.

Our trip dates are being confirmed as February 7-18, 2015.  Please contact me for details on joining this licensed, People-to-People journey–space is available for only a few more travelers.  Highlights will include stays in 2 Havana locations, as well as nights in Cien Fuegos and Trinidad, providing a broader experience of the country.  Also included is a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s home, Finca Vigia.

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Step back to 1960–in Cuba!

Cuba is a place unique in the world.  Because of the timing and circumstances of history, there is no place like it.  And when you realize how close it is to the United States, the experience of Cuba is even more striking.

Our tour to Cuba departs just about 12 months from now, February 10, 2015.  Please take a look at the short video about this trip, through the link below:

https://www.brainshark.com/gct/CherylLuceCuba

I do believe now is the time to go to Cuba.  Change is coming, and to see what we have all heard about–the 1950s American cars everywhere, the music, and the cultural strength of the Cuban people–now is the time to go.  This People-to-People opportunity provides a depth of experience that will be unforgettable.

This is a small group experience–a maximum of 20 people.  It will fill quickly–contact me soon to hold your space with a deposit of $500.  All deposits are fully refundable until 65 days prior to the trip–so it is no-risk to hold your space.

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First Announcement! Visit Cuba in February, 2015!

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There is a mystery surrounding Cuba for Americans.  It’s an unknown, and inaccessible destination for us–until recently.  Now, through specially licensed People-to People programs, it is possible to experience Cuba for a rich and meaningful cultural exchange.  John & I had the opportunity to sample this experience recently, and are excited to make it available in February 2015.  It was one of the most interesting and fun trips I have ever taken!

Havana is just 90 miles from Miami–but a world away.  To visit Cuba now is to step back to the 1950s.  It is a place on the cusp of major change, in yet-unknown ways.  The chance to go to Cuba now is the opportunity to go to a place unique in the world.  The cars, the music and art, the people–all part of the authentic view of Cuban life today in this rare journey.

This tour will be limited to 18, and there is no doubt that it will fill very quickly.  Registration will be open soon.  If you are interested, I would encourage making a deposit as soon as possible to reserve your space.  Contact me for more information.

 

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Essence of the Elbe: Berlin to Prague in October, 2014

Berlin and Prague are two of the most vibrant cities in the world, with rich history and important roles today. We will be visting them, and several other fascinating destinations next October 19-31, 2014 with Grand Circle Travel’s Essence of the Elbe–and space is still available.  Sponsored by Portland, Oregon First United Methodist Church Travelers, this tour includes our favorite way to travel:  7 nights cruising on the Elbe River.  There is also the opportunity to extend the trip to Warsaw & Krakow, Poland, or a pre-trip to Hamburg, Germany.  Take a look at the video below for a preview of the tour!
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Come join the First Church Travelers Elbe River Cuise

A limited number of cabins are still available, and I can provide booking information.  Our Grand Circle Travel code for this trip is G4-24499 to be included with our group. Flights from your nearest airport can be arranged.

The Islands of New England in September, 2013—a few spaces still available!

 

 

 

New England’s miles of sandy beaches, majestic coasts, and rolling surf invite relaxation. The Islands of New England tour spends nine days exploring New England’s charms, from the cobblestone streets of Nantucket to a traditional cranberry bog. Step back in time at Plimoth Plantation. Enjoy a lobster feast and a gourmet meal on the Cape Cod Dinner Train. Visit Boston and Providence, the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, the lively artist colony of Provincetown and the beautiful islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.  Staying in just 2 hotels, this tour will give you a chance to see classic sights of America and not feel rushed! We have actually added a day to the tour, to allow travel time and a day of leisure prior to the beginning of the brochure itinerary.

Departing September 12, 2013, and returning on September 20th, this tour is sponsored by First Church Travelers of First United Methodist Church, Portland, OR.  All travelers are welcome, and flight arrangements can be coordinated from your preferred airport.  The tour is provided through Collette Vacations, one of the original US tour companies, founded in 1918. You will find that this tour will provide an outstanding experience for a very reasonable cost. Just $2479 including air (and the extra day) out of Portland, OR, rates are available for arrangements from your airport–and may even be less!

A few spaces are still available on this great tour!  Contact me for information.

Fall 2012 trip to the French Riviera now taking reservations!

You may have received a brochure describing a terrific little tour I am making available next fall—based in Nice, France.  I would like to invite those in the area to attend a slide presentation next Monday, March 19 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, Portland, OR to learn more about this opportunity. If you are not in Portland, however, you are still invited to join in the tour!

This trip has been specially priced for us by Collette Vacations, at just $2,899–including round-trip air from Portland!  (Departures and pricing from other cities are available upon request.)

Staying in just one hotel, and exploring the area from there will be a wonderful, relaxing pre-holiday experience–and a lovely trip to do with friends!

I hope to see you Monday!  For additional information, please drop me a note!

 

Discover the French Riviera

Featuring an unpack-once seven night stay in Nice

A 9-day tour, November 1-9, 2012

A Slide presentation will be held at 1st United Methodist

1838 SW Jefferson, Portland, OR  in the Fireside Room: 

Monday, March 19th, at 11:00 AM

  •  Enjoy a leisurely stay in the French Riviera, in the Mediterranean city of Nice.  Called Nice la Bella, meaning Nice the Beautiful, it has been a resort destination for hundreds of years.
  •  Along with time to explore Nice on your own, we will venture out to:
    •  San Remo, the luxurious capital of the Italian Riviera.
    •  St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and tour the Rothschild Villa and Gardens.
    •  The ancient port town and Provencal Market of Antibes.
    •  St. Paul De Vence, a medieval hilltop town, the inspiration of artists.
    •  Explore the fairy-tale principality of Monaco…and more!
  •  You will appreciate the benefits of Whisper Headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout the tour.
  •  Enjoy regional wine with each of the 4 included dinners.
  •  See artisans create perfume at the Fragonard Parfumerie in Grasse.
  •  There will be time to visit galleries, find fabulous restaurants and shops, or just enjoy simply relaxing!
  •  You may decide to extend your stay with an optional 4-day post tour stay in Paris!
Brochures and additional information available at your request.  If you are interested in an on-line presentation of the slide show, please contact me.

A tour of the Heritage sites–sure to make great memories!

The Heritage of America tour will be filled with highlights–New York City, Philadelphia, Amish Country, Gettysburg, Colonial Williamsburg, and Washington D.C. during cherry blossom season–and much more!  An extra day has been added to the beginning and end of the tour to give time to explore at your leisure.

Such great destinations, and a no-worries way to see them!

The tour starts on March 31, 2011, and concludes on April 11.