Austin-Lehman Adventures will host cultural/educational adventures to Cuba beginning in early 2012. With license in hand from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Affairs, ALA’s programs will promote cross-cultural, people-to-people contact through licensed guided tours in Cuba in a style similar to its other culturally immersive international programs, according to Dan Austin, Founder and Director.

One 10-day tour itinerary with an undetermined number of scheduled departures will launch in early 2012. Custom/exclusive small group trips will also be offered. Additional itineraries (requiring separate approval) are on the drawing board for the future, he said.

Austin said the formal permitting process began early in 2011 after nearly three years of research into the possibilities of conducting guided adventure tours in Cuba. “Because most Americans have been prevented from visiting Cuba since the US embargo in the 1960s, we are extremely curious about our neighbor just 90 miles to the south of Key West, FL. Our license will allow us to finally lift the veil and rediscover this destination that’s been off-limits to Americans the past 50 years,” said Austin. Noted Latin American authority Christopher Baker, author of six books on Cuba, worked hand-in-hand with Austin to create an itinerary exclusive to ALA.

Austin-Lehman Adventures, www.austinlehman.com