Cross Cultural Journeys

09/07/2024

Granada, Spain 📍
Day 8

Step back in time to the days of Al-Andalus as you explore Granada’s legendary Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. This once-Moorish stronghold offers a glimpse into a rich cultural past. Marvel at the intricate design of the Gate of Justice, with the hand of Fatima extending to protect against the evil eye, and stroll through the stunning Court of the Myrtles.

After exploring the architectural wonders, take a peaceful walk through the Generalife Gardens, filled with vibrant flowers, fountains, and serene pathways.

Learn more about our upcoming trip to Spain & Portugal this November by clicking the link below 🔗

https://crossculturaljourneys.com/81bs3n19/

09/06/2024

Madrid, Spain 📍

Days 6-7

Experience Madrid through its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. Begin your journey with a guided tapas tour, where Spanish food and history come alive. As you stroll through historic plazas and charming streets, savor classic tapas while learning how Madrid’s story is one of both kings and garlic shrimp.

Next, delve into Madrid’s iconic landmarks on a private walking tour. Visit the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and hidden corners of the old town, uncovering the city’s mysteries along the way.

Wrap up your stay with a visit to the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium before boarding a fast train to Granada.

Learn more about our trip to Spain & Portugal coming up this November by clicking the link below 🔗

https://crossculturaljourneys.com/81bs3n19/

08/29/2024

Plaza de España, Seville 📍

Day 11-12

The Plaza de España in Seville isn’t just a beautiful sight—it’s a piece of Spanish history. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, the square showcases a blend of Renaissance and Moorish Revival styles.

The curved building symbolizes Spain’s embrace of its former colonies, while the 48 tiled alcoves represent each Spanish province, each telling a unique local story. Whether you’re admiring the architecture or strolling along the canal, every detail here reflects a chapter of Spain’s rich cultural heritage.

08/27/2024

Douro Valley, Portugal 📍

Day 5

Head into the Douro Valley for a day of wine and scenic beauty. Your journey begins in Porto, with a guide sharing insights into this renowned wine region.

Visit a local 'Quinta' to sample some of the area’s finest wines and learn about the winemaking process. Afterward, enjoy a traditional lunch in a nearby town before boarding a boat for a relaxing cruise down the Douro River. The breathtaking landscapes and historic estates along the river make this an unforgettable experience.

08/25/2024

Pena Palace, Sintra Portugal📍🏰

Day 3

Explore Pena Palace on a full-day tour of Sintra. This 19th-century castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its eclectic architecture that combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish styles.

Built by King Ferdinand II, it reflects his Romantic vision. After touring the palace’s richly decorated interiors and gardens, enjoy a lunch break and wander through the historic village of Sintra, renowned for its unique shops and scenic streets.

To learn more about our Exploring Iberia: Portugal & Spain trip, please visit the link below.

https://crossculturaljourneys.com/81bs3n19/

08/24/2024

Lisbon & Porto, Portugal 📍

Day 1-2

Begin your Lisbon adventure with a guided walking tour through the city’s charming neighborhoods. Discover historic sites and hear local stories as you explore the winding streets for three hours with an expert guide.

In the evening, enjoy a homemade Portuguese dinner with a local family, where you’ll savor traditional dishes and connect with your hosts. The following day, transfer to Porto by train and settle into your hotel. Explore Porto’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed center on a tailored walking tour with an architect guide, uncovering the city’s architectural treasures.

To learn more about our Exploring Iberia: Portugal & Spain trip, please visit the link below. 🔗

https://crossculturaljourneys.com/81bs3n19/

08/21/2024

Exploring Iberia: Portugal & Spain 🇵🇹🇪🇸

We are excited to announce that bookings are open for our 13-day trip through Portugal & Spain, coming up on November 17–19, 2024!

Starting in vibrant Lisbon, explore Sintra’s fairytale palaces, cruise the Douro River in Porto, and experience the rich history of Madrid. Delve into the beauty of Granada, Ronda, and Seville—each stop offering unforgettable experiences.

Stay tuned for posts highlighting each destination along the way!

Click the link below to learn more:

https://crossculturaljourneys.com/81bs3n19/

08/05/2024

The Palau de la Musica 📍

is one of the architectural marvels of Barcelona, Spain. Originally built between 1905 and 1908 this concert hall is stunning example of Catalan Modernism that you won’t want to miss on your next trip.

These photos were taken by our Journey Operations Manager Kat Sorensen who helped guide the students and families of the Momentum Music School on an 8-day musical tour of Spain.

08/02/2024

“Such an enjoyable, meaningful and memorable trip!” – Sara N.

We are so grateful to have teamed up with Momentum Music School, to coordinate this truly magical musical tour in Spain!

12 violin students, along with their families, their teacher Tracy Helming, and our very own Kat Sorensen, had the chance to visit the architecturally stunning Palau de la Musica, in Barcelona and enjoy a world class piano recital. This was just one of the many stops during their 8-day trip where the students had the opportunity to perform in several incredible venues including the historic Casa de les Punxes, designed by renowned architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. This building is a classic example of Catalan Modernism.

Our tour group also explored the mountain tops of Montserrat, the beaches of Tossa de Mar and the medieval cobblestoned paths of Girona.

09/17/2023

DONATE TODAY TO HELP REBUILD MOROCCO AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE!

Please help Moroccan families rebuild their homes after the earthquake that struck the country on September 8. Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation is coordinating with our friends at Morocco Immersion Tours and Adventure to help with the larger task of giving all donations to families who need to rebuild. ANY AMOUNT WILL HELP!
In the little town of Atlas Ijjoukak, close to the epicenter, most villagers were left in ruins with their homes and lives shattered, and family members dead or still missing. We have received reports from the ground that there are already plenty of aid campaigns to raise funds for food, medicine and clothes.

Cross Cultural Journeys provides socially and environmentally responsible travel experiences for individuals and organizations interested in global awareness, indigenous wisdoms and societies at the crossroads.

07/01/2023

Genova.

07/01/2023

Stunning Piemonte wine country! ☀️🍷

06/26/2023

Day 1 of Eleven Winery’s Cork & Fork Italy tour. Milan by bike and foot. Onwards to Piemonte and Alba!

06/24/2023

Italy and Eleven Winery, here we come! 🍷🇮🇹

04/12/2023

Just back from an amazing journey to the heart of England’s North - the gritty cities of Manchester and Liverpool, and the birthplace of soccer. Thank you BIFC (Bainbridge Island Football Club), our teens, chaperones and our friends from SJS (Sequim) for trusting CCJ to be your travel partner! We couldn’t have done it without you. Gratitude! 🙏🏻⚽️

02/28/2023

Explore the lesser-known aspects of Cuban life and the personal stories behind its politics with retired foreign service officer Charles (Chip) Barclay and Cuba guide Jesus Noguera! On a journey to the former Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana (now the U.S. Embassy), Chip will give you a rare insider's look behind the scenes at the fascinating political and economic changes taking place on the island.
For more details and registration information, click HERE! —> https://crossculturaljourneys.com/inner-journeys-and-outer-adventures/cuba/cuba-life-behind-the-headlines/
Trips to Cuba with Cross Cultural Journeys are run through the United States government OFAC general travel category Support for the Cuban People.

11/17/2022

Harmony. 💕 Trinidad.

11/17/2022

Exploring Camagüey during apagón (power outage).

11/17/2022

Back in Cuba again! Supporting the Cubans with our cross-country road trip from Santiago de Cuba in the East, to Havana and Vinales Valley in the West.

10/31/2022

Join Eleven Winery and Bainbridge Island-based Cross Cultural Journeys on a remarkable food and wine experience to Northern Italy!

For more details and registration information, visit the trip page link HERE: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/cork-fork-wine-and-food-of-northern-italy-cross-cultural-journeys-italy-71937239

10/31/2022

One of the most diverse African countries, Morocco is home to majestic high mountains, sweeping desert dunes, rugged and fertile coastline, and labyrinthine alleyways in historic medina cities and open air markets. Explore the singular solitude of the desert, to count the stars and follow ancient trade routes, then dive into the festive chaos of the winding labyrinth markets!

For more details and registration information, visit the trip page link HERE: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/morocco-a-classic-odyssey-desert-cities-mountains-coast-cross-cultural-journeys-morocco-97073708

10/31/2022

CUBA: Yoga & Jazz is a Restorative Retreat of a different kind! Join yoga teacher Kristy Tonti, and Cuban guide Jesus Noguera from Cross Cultural Journeys on a one of a kind immersive experience of yoga, culture and music from the Havana Jazz Festival to Viñales Valley and Boca Ciega!

For more details and registration information, visit the trip page link HERE: https://crossculturaljourneys.com/yin-yang-retreat-2023/
Trips to Cuba with Cross Cultural Journeys are run through the United States government OFAC general travel category Support for the Cuban People.

10/30/2022

Experience the 2023 Havana Jazz Festival! Held annually since 1979, the festival is a six-day feast of spellbinding performances by some of the best musicians in the world. Meet local musicians and artists as you take in the historical and cultural wonders of Havana, Cuba's gritty, bustling capital. Visit Matanzas, the nearby port city known as the birthplace of the Rumba and Danzón.

For more details and registration information, visit the trip page link HERE: https://crossculturaljourneys.com/inner-journeys-and-outer-adventures/cuba/cuba-jazz-2023/
Trips to Cuba with Cross Cultural Journeys are run through the United States government OFAC general travel category Support for the Cuban People.

08/26/2022

Still in Scotland’s Wild Highlands! Deeply immersed in wild nature with vast vistas, food, sheep, great company and yes, some Scotch! Thank you Applecross and Edinburgh!

08/16/2022

06/24/2022

Join us this November!
https://crossculturaljourneys.com/resiliency-through-the-decades/

04/25/2022

SCOTLAND CLOSING SALE! Book before the end of April to get a 10% discount. To activate, enter SPRINGSALE as your discount code when you check out.

This itinerary offers deep connection with the beating heart of Scottish culture and a unique encounter with the soul of the wild highlands. Our journey takes us from the famed Edinburgh Festival – the biggest arts festival in the world – to an immersive experience with one of the six remaining ...

03/14/2022

On behalf of the Ukrainian refugees, and Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation.......

Dear CCJ traveler and friends of CCJF!

It feels like history is repeating itself.

In February of 1940, during the brutal invasion of Finland by the Soviet Union, my mother was born in the historic territory in those days known as Ingria. With roots in Finnish Karelia, the Ingrians spoke Finnish and identified as Finns, although they were citizens of the Soviet Union. During the war, they found themselves wedged between Stalin's Red Army and Hitler's N**i Germany.

The initial part of this war lasted for 105 days, and was one of the most brutal, yet least documented part of the second world war....they fled to Finland during the Continuation War, and eventually landed in Sweden in 1946. They had some, but not much help along the way. Ingria disappeared from the map and their people were dispersed around the Soviet Union. Very few were able to ever return....

This time around, through social media and global news outlets, the world is watching in real time. We have a faster, more sophisticated way of responding and ability to directly support the Ukrainian people. Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation has identified three different organizations - World Central Kitchen; UkraineNow and CORE, who all directly support refugees with food, transportation, shelter and clothing.

To learn more, and to contribute, please click on this link.
https://crossculturaljourneys.createsend.com/campaigns/reports/viewCampaign.aspx?d=j&c=13B73241A1B7F157&ID=DB654E2ADDB165B32540EF23F30FEDED&temp=False&tx=0&source=Report&fbclid=IwAR0RYCjTgC9t_9pIE-nJOLyt1QQ6ARU7hTcFwPfn1fRCGYdQ4vRKUyDc_Ik

01/31/2022

Happy Birthday to ”our man in Havana” Jesus Noguera!! We would be nothing without you! Feliz Cumpleaños mi hermano!! 🎊🍾🎉💕🎁🎈

01/19/2022

Havana Jazz Festival has taken off to a roaring start!