The capital of Bahia state, Salvador, is one of Brazil’s most vibrant and colourful cities. The country’s first capital and an entry point for slave ships from Africa, Salvador da Bahia played a key part in the history and development of Brazil. The ruins of this diverse history include 15 forts, 166 Catholic churches and 1000 candomblé temples. Although Salvador has long ceased to be the economic and political capital of Brazil, it has retained its rich colonial architecture and continues to be the cradle of African cultural heritage within Brazil.

With up to 80% of the population being of African origin, Salvador holds the title of being the most African city in the Western Hemisphere. This is reflected in the tales of the Orixá spirit gods and goddesses, the constant rhythms of drum troupe orchestras in the streets, in the martial art ballet of capoeira and the rich, spicy food characteristic of Bahían cuisine.

Experience the real Tanzania - Wildlife, beaches, friendly people, fascinating cultures, Serengeti, Mt Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Archipelago - Tanzania has all these and more wrapped up in one adventurous, welcoming package!

Explore the best that Morocco has to offer - 8 fantastic days in Morocco, visiting Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Oudaya Kasbah in Rabat, the famed "Blue City of Chefchaouen, the northernmost city in all of Africa, Tangier as well as the southernmost city in Spain, Tarifa. The trip ends with a day trip to Essaouira and finally 3 majestic nights in the and of course a visit to Djemaa El Fna, an open air market inside Marrakech's Medina referred to by some as "The Greatest Show On Earth".

An Afro-Colombian trip to Cartagena offers a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Begin your journey in the historic walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where cobblestone streets are lined with colorful colonial buildings and bustling plazas.

Explore the rich Afro-Colombian heritage by visiting the San Basilio de Palenque, a nearby village known as the first free town in the Americas, founded by escaped slaves. Here, you can immerse yourself in traditional music, dance, and the unique Palenquero language, reflecting a deep cultural legacy.

In Cartagena, indulge in local cuisine featuring Afro-Caribbean flavors, such as coconut rice, fried fish, and seafood stews. Attend a live music performance showcasing the infectious rhythms of Champeta, a genre that originated from the coastal Afro-Caribbean communities.

Don’t miss the chance to relax on the pristine beaches of the Rosario Islands, where you can enjoy snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters. As the sun sets, the vibrant nightlife of Cartagena comes alive, offering a mix of dance clubs and cultural events that celebrate Afro-Colombian traditions.

This trip is not just a vacation; it’s an enriching experience that connects you to the heart of Colombia’s diverse cultural landscape.

We will board the Lake Shore Limited at New York’s Pennsylvania Station. The Lake Shore Limited is an overnight Amtrak train between NYC and Chicago, IL (959 miles). 

At Union Station we board The California Zephyr, which spans 2438 miles from Chicago to San Francisco (actually Emeryville, CA, just outside of San Francisco).  

 More details including pricing available late September, 2024.