Cuba

Legal Travel: Travel to Cuba by US citizens and residents is subject to the policies of the White House, and Saint Christopher Journeys LLC will only provide travel planning that is legal. Changes in White House policies are beyond the control of Saint Christopher Journeys LLC. Group educational travel, both for-credit and not-for-credit, is legal under US law. It must be planned by an educaitonal travel organization and must consist of a full-time schedule of educational activities. Saint Christopher Journeys is perfectly suited to provide these types of journeys to Cuba.

Havana: These journeys take place in the capital of Havana with some day trips to other areas, including the Shrine to Saint Lazarus, considered the second most important shrine in Cuba. The groups visit various Catholic programs to help the elderly, children with disabilities and their families, single mothers, and educational projects. There are also museum visits and some time to enjoy music and other sites.

Cuba Cross-Island Extension: The most important shrine in Cuba is to the Virgin of Charity of Cobre in Santiago, on the far eastern side of the island. In making this journey to and from Santiago, the groups visit locations rarely seen by tourists. Learn what the Catholic Church is doing to help the rural poor through education and social services and see historical sites off the beaten path.

"Thoughtful and insightful collaboration," "Personal service," "Attention to detail"...These are the phrases that that stand out when reflecting on the wonderful experience we had working with Saint Christopher Journeys. Our spring 2024 tour of Tuscany was an important part of a critical university event. They brought their wealth of knowledge and expertise to the process, which created a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone!
Dr. Dan Pitera, Dean of the School of Architecture and Community Development, University of Detroit Mercy

In May 2024, I had the pleasure of traveling to Mexico City with Saint Christopher Journeys, and I must say it was a truly unforgettable experience. The expert guides and meticulously planned itinerary allowed us to immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of our destinations in a way that was both informative and entertaining. The small group size allowed for intimate connections with fellow travelers and a sense of camaraderie that made the journey feel like a true odyssey. Every moment felt like a discovery, whether we were exploring ancient ruins, indulging in local cuisine, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of our new surroundings. I left feeling inspired, educated, and with a newfound appreciation for Mexico's most incredible treasures.
Dr. Isaac Falcon, Director of Academic Support, Donnelly College.

Inspirational, Professional, Well Planned. The May 2024 Father Tolton Tour in the Hannibal/Quincy area was a perfect combination of head-learning and heart reflection. Dr. Maher prepared a lovely reflection journal with quotes and prayers we used at significant sites.  Maps and directions were included.  Though it was a very full 12-hour day, we never felt rushed. We could not have asked for a better experience. Dr. Maher anticipated our every need, from meals to the pace our group required.  I highly recommend St. Christopher Journeys!
Gerry Rauch CSJA, Racial & Cultural Justice Committee, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet, Saint Louis Province

Travel abroad is always a life-changing experience. Saint Christopher Journeys never loses sight of that, and everything they do serves that experience. The Catholic Social Justice component is what makes Saint Christopher Journeys unique. Our students learned as much in service as they did in visiting historical sites on our Tolkien journey to Oxford, England, in May 2023.
Dr. John Holmes, English professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville

It was so very reassuring working with Dr. Michael Maher and his company Saint Christopher Journeys for our March 2023 journey to Cuba to explore global healthcare. He is very knowledgeable about travel laws and regulations and could inform us on what to expect at every step of the process. His in-country connections coordinated meaningful presentations at each organization that we visited. We could not have had this high-quality experience without Dr, Maher. We are excited and looking forward to arranging our future trips through Saint Christopher Journeys.
Dr. Marcia Ann Miller, Dean of the Division of Nursing and Sciences, Saint Mary of the Woods College

I have had the pleasure of joining my college's service learning journey to Chicago in May 2023. Saint Christoper Journeys made everything possible and inviting. Our school has used the company multiple times, and each time has been beneficial for students and staff members. Participants get to immerse themselves in different locations and learn their histories. Being able to reflect on your time and surroundings makes the journey all the more worthwhile.  The Itinerary is carefully planned to make sure everything goes well. Lodging is also very comfortable. Reflection materials and background provided make the journey a true experiental learning program. I highly recommend schools to use Dr. Maher's Saint Christopher Journeys for service learning. I will be looking forward to my next trip!
Jose Marquez, IT/AV Specialist at Donnelly College

Our October 2021 journey to the Saint Louis area with Saint Christopher Journeys was truly wonderful. My students enjoyed the opportunity to learn about how the structural sin of racism continues to operate in people's daily lives, as well as trailblazers like Fr. Augustus Tolton. They really appreciated the conversations they were able to have along the way, which personalize the issues we were discussing.
Corinne Woodruff, Campus Ministry Graduate Assistant, University of Dayton

Saint Christopher Journeys was incredible to work with in scheduling our March 2020 Performing Arts in Los Angeles journey. Dr. Maher's professional insight and support was outstanding. He was always available to help answer questions along the way, patient as we uniquely created the experience, and a joy to brainstorm solutions with.   He worked closely with us to develop an experience at the crossroads of faith and justice and arts and education. I can't sing his praises enough. The trip was expertly planned. We encountered no travel interruptions, smooth transitions with transportation, and found our spiritual connection time each evening to unite the group. Saint Christopher Journeys was prepared for any and every possible situation. I felt like I was in good hands. I very much look forward to working with Dr. Maher at Saint Christopher Journeys again on our future journeys.
Greg Grobis, Chair of the Performing Arts Department and Manager for The Theatre Company, University of Detroit Mercy

The Saint Christopher Journeys July 2019 journey to Cuba was the most well-guided and well-organized trip I have ever experienced. The sights that were seen were indescribable in their beauty and added to a cultural understanding we would never have been able to experience otherwise. When you go to a foreign land, you expect that you are going to be a tourist, but while in Cuba, we were right there with the people of this island. We saw the streets like them, we ate what they would eat, we were fully ingrained in their lives. We experienced Cuba as a person who lives there does. This was a one-of-a-kind journey that would not have happened with another organization, and I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
Dr. Cole Wroblewski, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Alverno College, Milwaukee

Working with Saint Christopher Journeys has been a joy from the beginning. Dr. Maher is very thorough in his communication, his preparation, and all the materials provided. He also adapted to our changing group size with grace and understanding. The October 2019 Father Tolton Journey participants were able to learn so much and the value of being in the places of history and the presence brought to life the stories told. I highly recommend working with Saint Christopher Journeys.
Mary Niebler, Coordinator of Cross-Cultural Immersions, University of Dayton

Working with Dr. Maher through Saint Christopher Journeys gave me the peace of mind that when we got to Memphis in March 2019, everything was in place. The trip was well planned out and scheduled, so there was no guesswork in plans or preparations. He came and worked with our students and prepared them for not only what they would see, but also how respect starts with those you are traveling with. I highly recommend Dr. Maher for planning an exceptional trip and will use his services again for our next alternative break trip!
Carla Gerriets, Director of Campus Ministry, College of Saint Mary, Omaha

I am grateful to Saint Christopher Journeys for not only coordinating such meaningful visits to Catholic charities in Cuba, but also for managing the important details (e.g. flights, travel insurance, activities). The careful planning, attention to detail, and constant contact allowed us to focus more on the educational aspects of our program - and to be present with the people of Cuba while there - instead of worrying about all the details. I look forward to working with Dr. Maher on next year's program!
Lara Wasner, Director of Language & Cultural Training, University of Detroit Mercy

Just returned from our March 2018 spring beak study abroad to Havana, Cuba. I accompanied several Detroit Mercy faculty and students on our journey through Cuba exploring the rich history while taking in the cultural experiences of the Cuban people. Our site visits were planned based on our program needs and reflected great attention to detail. Our tour guides not only gave us background but also little extra's along the way in terms of Cuban culture and everyday life. I learned and experienced so much during my time in Cuba, and I am looking forward to returning if God wills and time permits.
Dr. Renady Hightower, Associate Professor, College of Health Professions, University of Detroit Mercy

Our group from Donnelly College in Kansas City KS, just returned from a fabulous Black History Justice Journey in March 2018, coordinated by Saint Christopher Journeys. As the trip leader, I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Maher and Saint Christopher Journeys! The amount of history we were able to experience in the 3-day trip was absolutely amazing – from Lincoln and the Civil War, to the Civil Rights Movement, to Black Lives Matter – and so meaningful to the ten of us, whether we grew up in the U.S. or immigrated here as youth. Not only did he arrange the itinerary & lodging (wonderfully comfortable & peaceful), but he provided background and reflection materials to make the trip a true experiential learning journey. We’re already looking forward to our next adventure with Saint Christopher Journeys.
Gretchen Meinhardt, Assistant Professor, Donnelly College

Saint Augustine College in Chicago would like to thank Saint Christopher Journeys and Dr. Maher for coordinating such a wonderful and meaningful experience of Giving Thanks.  During the week of Thanksgiving 2017, a group of psychology students visited Havana, Cuba. Students had the opportunity to immerse and learn about the Cuban culture, people, and way of life. We volunteered in centers serving the elderly and children with Autism and Down Syndrome. We also visited shrines and museums. When the group departed back to Chicago, we realized that “what happened in Havana does not necessarily stay in Havana” as it is well imprinted in the hearts and memories of the students.
Dr. Carmen Arellano, Psychology Coordinator and Clinical Practice Director, Saint Augustine College

The August 2017 journey that Dr. Maher organized for our group to Washington, DC went extremely well. Everything unfolded exactly as planned! The pace was perfect, the accommodations were comfortable and convenient, the preparatory information helpful. I give Saint Christopher Journeys a ten out of ten!
Father John Edmunds, S.T., Pastor of Saint James Church in Chicago.

In March 2017, the graduate program in architecture sent first-year design students on a study-abroad experience to Cuba. Based in Havana, the program provided students the opportunity to explore various extended locations, including Trinidad and Cienfuegos. When they returned, the students raved about their experiences, especially the dynamic urban center, the traditional colonial architecture, and the community service outreach projects. Saint Christopher Journeys did an amazing job in organizing the itinerary, reserving the venues, and coordinating the activities. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Maher and his expert team.
Theodore Sawruk, Associate Professor of Architecture, University of Hartford

If you are looking for a great service and immersion trip experience, Dr. Maher with Saint Christopher Journeys is the way to go! He did an excellent job in preparing us for the trip by providing us with extensive pre-trip material for us to get to know one another as well as background information on the topic. He was easy to get a hold of via e-mail, he provided us with the most detailed schedule I have ever seen in my life, and he was very understanding and flexible with changes and input. He made sure that we had a great experience by often checking in on us via text or phone call to see how we were doing. Our 2017 spring break immersion trip to St. Louis was a very fun, very busy, and very eye-opening experience that has made us better advocates for justice in society. Our trip was well-rounded in that it covered learning about the history of racism in America by visiting historic sites and museums, it covered learning through discussing about race relations with members of communities, and it covered learning through service with volunteering at sites that benefit residents in the heart of the St. Louis community. I knew we were in good hands from the moment I met Dr. Maher, and we thank him for his work in bettering the world and providing others with the opportunity to join him.
Nara J. Gonczigsuren, student leader, University of Detroit Mercy

In December 2016, I traveled with a group of ten to Cuba, organized by Dr. Maher. Besides visiting other cities, we toured a number of health care facilities in Havana, including a leprosarium. These tours gave us a better understanding of health care in Cuba and understanding the Cuban people.
Dr. Betty Paps, Hospitaller, Midwest Commandery, Order of Saint Lazarus

In January 2014, I was part of a wonderful Justice Journey to Springfield, Quincy, Hannibal and St. Louis. Visiting the places associated with Father Augustus Tolton was very moving. The arrangements for the whole trip made the prayers, songs and reflections more meaningful. Highlights of the 2015 January Justice Journey to Ferguson, MO, Memphis, TN and Springfield, IL were Mass at Bl. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, National Civil Rights Museum, and Lincoln Presidential Museum. In addition to the reflections, there were also fun times with a great group.
Virginia Piecuch, Parishioner of St. James Church on Wabash, Chicago

During the Summer of 2014, I traveled with Dr. Maher to Mexico City, where we toured around hitting the major historical highlights. The most memorable was the Castle of Chalpultepec, which sits on top of a hill overlooking Mexico City. During the hike up to the colonial castle, Dr. Maher told me all about the history of the site, from its beginning as an Aztec holy place, to its emblematic significance as the last stand of the Niños Héroes during the Mexican-American War. Touring the city with him made for an unforgettable introduction to a fascinating city!
Richard Gaines, Senior Program Assistant, National Democratic Institute

From 2005-2011, I had the privilege of joining Dr. Maher on four trips to Cuba that he organized and led. Each trip was extremely well organized and managed as Dr. Maher attended to all the details and preparation. Each trip was rewarding both personally and professionally as he consistently demonstrated excellent knowledge of and experience with all the places we visited.
Dr. David P. Prasse, Vice Provost, Loyola University Chicago

Traveling with Dr. Maher to Cuba was definitely a watershed moment in my life. He allowed me to see aspects of life in that country that I would never have encountered otherwise. His deep and friendly connections with Catholic individuals and organizations there provided me with a perspective on the real Cuba, not just the colorful, stuck-in-a-time-warp, forbidden Paradise nation most U.S. citizens think they know. The best part was getting to know cities and towns outside Havana, and seeing the resourcefulness and optimism of the Cuban people that are rarely reflected in the media images that have been flooding our attention for the past few years. Thank you, Dr. Maher, for an incredible opportunity.
Dr. Neici M. Zeller, Associate Professor, William Paterson University, Wayne NJ

I traveled with Dr. Maher to Cuba in July 2011 as part of a trip sponsored by my university. It was well organized and an enriching experience. I had been to Cuba before, but this particular trip was one of the most satisfying and meaningful experiences that I had.
Robert A. Seal, Dean of Libraries, Loyola University Chicago

We took a couple of trips to Mexico City organized by Dr. Maher. The hotel was beautiful and in a good location, and his knowledge of the city made it easy to get around. We visited the international programs at LaSalle University and made some neighborhood tours. Never had a problem; everything was well organized and executed, and everyone in the group enjoyed themselves and learned a lot. It’s obvious that Dr. Maher has much experience running these kinds of trips.
Dr. Mark Litwicki, Professor, Morton College

I traveled with Dr. Maher twice while in graduate school: once to Cuba for a class he taught on phenomenological research, and once to Poland with a group called the March for Remembrance and Hope (to Holocaust sites). Not only did Dr. Maher handle logistics with incredible grace and smoothness, but he offered emotional support through these trips. His sense of what students need in order to feel included and belong while on such trips is remarkable. I had such a fun time bonding with students, learning about myself, and deepening my knowledge of the history and culture of the places I visited.
Jillian Eichel, Coach and Instructor, Wright Foundation for the Realization of Human Potential

My experiences in Cuba with Dr. Maher in 1999 and 2000 were powerful and transformative. They helped me as an educator to have a new perspective on global justice issues and the resiliency of the human spirit. I wish all my students could have such an experience.
Dr. Elizabeth Vera, Professor, Loyola University Chicago