Program Details

Explore Cuba!

Description

 

The fascinating political and ideological history of Cuba makes this the ideal destination for our favorite Adult Program! Explore this beautiful nation with our knowledgeable, bilingual guides and delve into its vibrant culture. Walk through Havana's four historic squares and soak in the rich character of Cuba's capital city. Enjoy day trips to the picturesque mountain region Pinar Del Rio and the colonial town of Trinidad. Visit a breathtaking, organic farm run by local Cuban families and stop by the impressive home where American writer Ernest Hemingway lived. Interact with young students at a nearby elementary school and learn how the Cuban education system differs from our own. Get your groove on in a salsa class taught by professional salsa dancers and meet a skilled, Cuban artist at his private studio to hear about the messages behind is famous work. Learn of Cuban success stories as well as the many challenges facing the nation today from an esteemed economics professor at the University of Havana. These are merely a handful of the enriching activities you will experience on this immersive and educational journey. Want to see what else Cuba has in store for you? Check out our sample itinerary to find out!

If you are an adult searching for a travel experience that will engage your mind and invigorate your spirit, this is the program for you.

Program Date
May 19th - May 27th 2020 9 Days
Price
Explore Cuba Program - Double Occupancy (Adult Participant) $3775
Explore Cuba Program - Single Occupancy (Adult Participant) $3875

Itinerary (Sample Itinerary)

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  • Private transfer from Havana’s International Airport to your Casas.
  • Lunch provided
  • Walking tour of Havana’s four historic plazas: San Francisco de Asis, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza de la Catedral.
  • Guided tour of Havana Club Rum Museum; taste some of Cuba’s finest rum!
  • Special welcome dinner at El Aljibe, Cuba’s most famous chicken restaurant
  • Breakfast in Casas
  • Special visit to interact with elementary school children and teachers. Learn how Cuban children move through the education process. Discuss with teachers the positive points of American primary education versus the Cuban process. We ask that everyone bring at least one lined notebook with pencils for the kids!
  • Transfer to Finca Vigía (home of Ernest Hemingway), a fascinating museum in honor of the great American writer
  • Lunch provided
  • Afternoon activity: view Cuban dance performance and/or visit Cuban artist's studio
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast in Casas
  • Meet with University of Havana Professor who will speak to group about the social, political and economic history of Cuba and its current status.
  • Board van and head to Callejon de Hamel to learn about Cuba’s exotic religion of Santeria.
  • Noon buffet - lunch provided
  • Let’s Dance! Transfer to Casa Son where you will receive an hour of individual salsa instruction and an informative history of this very special Cuban music. Become a salsa expert in no time!
  • Return to Havana casas
  • Cannon Ceremony at La Cabana, the largest Spanish fort in the new world. Witness a historical event known as the Cannon Ceremony. You won't want to miss it!
  • Breakfast in Casas
  • Visit the National Hotel, Cuba's most famous landmark and learn how the American Mafia affected Cuban culture.
  • Visit “Fusterlandia,” home and neighborhood of Jose Fuster; known as the “Picasso of the Caribbean” for his amazing and world famous ceramic artistry. You will notice the striking similarities to the famous Spanish artist Gaudi. Lunch provided.
  • After lunch, visit historic Revolution Square and the Revolution Museum; learn about the Cuban government’s military museum of past wars and conflicts.
  • Explore the San Jose Market. This is Cuba’s largest indoor “flea market,” where you can ​purchase Cuban handmade arts, clothing and paintings.
  • Return to casa. Dinner provided
  • Breakfast in Casas
  • Board van to enjoy a full-day excursion to the beautiful mountainous province of Pinar del Rio, approximately 180 kms. This Westernmost region is known for its amazing valleys, landscapes and mountains.
  • Visit one of the famous Cuban tobacco farms (Finca de Tobaco). Learn how this mainstay crop of Cuba is planted, harvested and prepared for shipping to tobacco factories for final product. A special tour by 4t​h​ generation owner, Montesino, is the highlight.
  • Lunch at picturesque, organic farm
  • After lunch, visit an authentic tobacco factory in Pinar del Rio. See how the tobacco leaves are transformed into the final product, Cohiba cigars.
  • Return to Havana asas
  • Breakfast in Casas
  • Board van and head to Varadero, known at the "French Riviera of Cuba." Board full-size catamaran for a six hour excursion to Cayo Blanco, an incredibly beautiful island just one hour from the Varadero bay. Enjoy snorkeling along the way. Lunch provided on the island.
  • Continue on to the French-founded city of Cienfuegos, a waterfront city on Cuba’s South Coast known as the “Pearl of Cuba” for its beauty and pristine condition.
  • Check into your new casas; meet your new hosts
  • Breakfast in Casas
  • Board van for a day excursion to one of the most historic cities in Cuba. Walking city tour of the UNESCO city of Trinidad, Cuba’s second oldest city and a haven for artist of all kinds.
  • Visit one of Cuba’s oldest churches where you will find the only seated Jesus Christ in the Southern Hemisphere. Tour the Museum of Architecture.
  • After local lunch you will drive to the incredibly scenic and breathtaking destination of Topes de Collantes, complete with mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Enjoy swimming in El Cubano waterfall pools (bring your bathing suit) and nature hiking (tennis shoes).
  • Return to Cienfuegos
  • Breakfast in Casas
  • embark on walking tour of beautiful Cienfuegos. Your local guide will share with you this UNESCO city’s history and its main points of interest.
  • Visit the one-of-a-kind Cuba ​Cementerio Tomas Acea. Learn about special burial rituals and customs.
  • Lunch provided
  • After lunch, ​visit the Palacio del Valle, the most famous building in Cienfuegos. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean and city from the top terrazza. Welcome mojito included!
  • Use the remainder of the day to explore this very special seaside city
  • Special farewell dinner provided at paladar El Prado
  • Breakfast in Casas
  • Say goodbye to your hosts and board bus for transfer back to Havana’s Jose Marti Airport for your flight back home. Sandwiches provided at airport.
  • Return home

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