Havana
The ideal people-to-people exchange vacation in Havana is here! Step into the past as you arrive in Havana and stop at Revolution Square, where American classic cars abound and Che Guevara’s famous image looms. In the small fishing village of Jaimanitas, you'll explore the home, gallery and workshop of world-renowned artist Jose Fuster, often referred to as the "Picasso of Cuba." Next, prepare to be awed with a special performance by Habana Compas dance troupe, featuring an exhilarating mix of percussion and dance rooted in flamenco and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Then put your dancing shoes on for the acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club dinner show.
Next, your cultural and educational tours to Cuba feature an enlightening walking tour of Old Havana, home to the largest collections of ......
Round trip airfare to Cuba, Visa for Cuba ($55 per person), meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary, porterage, tips and other items of a purely personal nature
*From Price is per person based on double occupancy in a Casa Particular (Upscale Private Home)
For 5 to 7 people traveling together Prices from $1,399
FOR GROUP TRAVEL
We can offer this escorted program for larger groups under the “People-to-People Program” License using the following hotel accommodations. Call for details.
Upon arrival at Jose Martí International Airport and after clearing customs, you’ll meet your professional Englishspeaking guide. Drive through the city where time stands still and American classic cars abound, stopping at Revolution Square to see the famous Che Guevara image with his well-known slogan of “Hasta la Victoria Siempre” (Until the Everlasting Victory, Always). After, check-in at your Casa Particular. Your “Support for the Cuban People” interactions begin right away with a dinner at “Mediterraneo,” a “paladar” which is a small, privately-owned restaurant serving homemade farm-to-table Cuban dishes. (D)
After breakfast, visit the Antonio Núñez Jimenez Foundation (FANJ) Headquarters in Sancti Spiritus, which focuses its work on urban sustainability. Here you will have the opportunity to engage with representatives and members of the organization. Then you head to the charming fishing village of Jaimanitas to visit the home, workshop and gallery of world-renowned artist and painter José Fuster, often called the “Picasso of Cuba.” Roofs, walls, doorways and benches stretching for blocks around his studio are adorned with his brightly colored sculptures and mosaics. After lunch, you will have a special opportunity to experience a performance by the Habana Compás dance troupe, featuring an exhilarating mix of percussion and dance rooted in flamenco and Afro-Cuban rhythms and moves that are sure to thrill you. Tonight, dinner and a show showcasing the renowned Buena Vista Social Club await at Habana Cafe. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, take part in an enlightening walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while participating in open dialogue with a local architect. Learn about the challenges of renovating the city’s exquisite historic buildings, and see some of the area’s elegant restorations as you stroll the charming cobblestone streets. Visit the Maqueta Vieja Habana Museum that houses the scale model of the City of Havana, and wander through Old Havana’s four main plazas and the Graphic Arts Workshop. Savor a flavorful lunch at the “Ivan Justo Paladar” then visit with some of the members of the community arts project “Imagen 3” which combines music, plastic arts and design. Later you will have the opportunity to visit the historic Hotel Nacional and tour the building and grounds before relaxing with a typical Cuban mojito in the gardens overlooking the Malecón or at the Bar de la Fama. The evening is yours to explore this great city at your leisure. (B,L)
After breakfast visit the Alamar Organóponico. Located in the eastern part of Havana, it is the largest farm cooperative in the city. Here you will enjoy a fascinating exchange with the workers and local residents about the history and objectives of urban gardens in Cuba. Take your time to discover the unique finds at Almacenes de San Jose Artisans’ Fair and Market, the openair crafts market situated on the Port of Havana. Lunch today will be yet another delight for your taste buds at La Moneda Cubana, a paladar in Old Havana. After you will have a special visit with the Danza Chevere Project and take part in a lively salsa lesson. This evening enjoy a ride to dinner in one of Cuba’s iconic classic American convertibles. Your delectable farewell meal tonight will be at “El Litoral” on the famed Malecón where the spectacular sunset and blue ocean views will remain etched in your memory forever. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, bid “hasta luego,” or “see you later,” to Cuba before you depart for the airport and your return flight to the USA with memories to cherish and share of your Taste of Havana cultural travel program to this enchanting country. (B)