Experience Cuba: Private & Public Tours

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Global Relations: Our Story

Dan Rutherford traveled to all Seven Continents before he was 40, and has visited over 70 countries, including some that have changed names and boundaries. He has been in areas of the world during times of war and coups. At other times Dan has enjoyed some of the finest locations on the planet. Few have been to Antarctica, canoed the Orinoco River to the Amazon, led safaris in Kenya, visited the top of the world in Tibet and logged hundreds of dives as a Master Scuba diver. Dan has.

The Team

Dan Rutherford

Dan Rutherford is a 25-year international vice president of a Fortune 100 Company, extensive world traveler, an accomplished state legislator and constitutional officer.

For decades he has organized individual and group tours to some of the most challenging locations on the planet. His Midwest charisma and charm make for knowing how to put together a fun and educational adventure abroad.

Since first visiting Cuba in 1999, Dan has organized scores of unique Private Tours to Cuba for clients from across the United States. He has forged partnerships in Havana who also have decades of experience, and alliances in Vinales with generational local knowledge.

Together with Josh Lanning, knowledgeable in Cuba and an Illinois professional firefighter, they have created innumerable experiences for participants on their tours to the elusive island.

On top of the game

Legal travel to Cuba can be complicated, with changing regulations of the U.S. government by each occupant of the White House. The Cuban government warmly welcomes international visitors but, in large part due to the American embargo, there are challenging pressures on their economy which affects their monetary policies. Global Relations total focus is Cuba. Staying on top of regulatory policies from both governments is essential.

Approximately a decade ago Global Relations partnered with Havana based Cuba Explorer to provide the ground logistics of professional Cuban guides from the San Cristobal agency, a part of the Office of the Historian of Old Havana, drivers, privately owned restaurants (paladares) and favorable lodging. Net proceeds from services by San Cristobal are used for humanitarian projects in Old Havana.

Cuban expeditions by Global Relations adamantly adhere to the legal expectations of the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control. Since its inception, Global Relations has emphasized the use of Cuban privately owned restaurants and businesses.

Specialty Cuban tours inspired by experience

Itineraries have been structured for history buffs, lovers of the arts, music, culture, and cigars. With years of experience, Global Relations knows how to put diversity into an itinerary, spanning from Hemingway haunts, rain forests, and tobacco farms, to the Bay of Pigs, Che’s mausoleum, mojitos, and Cuban Jazz.

By offering ‘off the beaten path’ experiences, comfortable accommodations, and tasty, authentic, Cuban cuisine they are true Memory Makers.

For over 65 years the United States has imposed an embargo against Cuba. The more Americans who meet the people of Cuba, act as citizen Ambassadors, and have a better understanding of the political standoff, the sooner we will begin seeing normalization. Global Relations wants to help that along.