Cuba & Its People~Havana

Start the morning with an insightful lecture about Havana’s architecture. Then, discover the effervescence of Habana Viejo on a guided walk. See the four historic main squares and stop at a local market to browse and haggle with Cuban vendors. Next, enjoy an informative talk with women business owners at an independently owned clothing store. Finish the afternoon with a tour of the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, circa 1930. Later, join a “local insight” discussion on the Cuban economy.

After breakfast, join Norma Guillard, a Cuban social psychologist and adjunct lecturer at the University of Havana, who shares stories about her work with the 1961 Cuban Literacy Campaign. Then, join an expert for a guided visit to Havana’s National Museum of Fine Arts, featuring work by Cuban artists and impressionists. Next, experience the romance of Cuba during a thrilling ride in a vintage American convertible along Havana’s evocative Malecón sea drive. Later, learn about the importance of health care in Cuba.

Enjoy an enlightening talk about the role of women in Cuba before visiting the Sephardic Center and Synagogue to understand Cuban Jewish culture. Then, watch dancers rehearse at Malpaso, a contemporary art studio and learn about their aspirations. Later today, gather on the terrace of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, a nonprofit cultural institution, to meet independent local artists and learn about their determination to pursue artistic ventures. Head outside Havana to see La Finca Vigia, or “lookout farm,” Ernest Hemingway’s home and museum.

Today, delve into Matanzas’s profound and visible Afro-Cuban roots on coach and walking tours. Visit with influential African cultural and artistic community groups, enjoy a small chamber orchestra performance and have lunch in Matanzas. Continue to the Remains of Sugar Mill Triunvirato, one of the UNESCO World Heritage “Sites of Memory of Slavery,” and the location of the 1843 slave rebellion. Tour the museum and witness the moving Monument to the Slave Rebellion.

After a thought-provoking discussion about Race and the Cuban Revolution, venture out to visit an authentic, bustling Cuban street market to haggle with vendors to experience daily Cuban life. Next, hop into one of Cuba’s vintage American convertibles for a ride along Havana’s evocative 4.3-mile Malecon sea drive. Later, back at the hotel, local dancers will share their passion by teaching you how to tango and salsa. You may even try a few steps yourself!

Take a panoramic drive through rural Cuba’s rich farmland blanketed with sugarcane to visit Las Terrazas, a model socialist community. Engage with residents and learn about their sustainable development and conservation efforts, followed by a lunch of locally grown, organic vegetables. You’ll also visit the principal of a local school, stop at an artist’s studio and have coffee at a local café here. Later, gain insight into Cuba’s enthralling music scene, followed by a Farewell Dinner.