Afternoon: PLEASE NOTE: This day-by-day schedule should only be used as a guide only. Program elements are subject to change as availability is controlled by the Cuban government. Individuals will arrive at the Miami International Airport with an independent transfer to the hotel using their free shuttle service. Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and relax until orientation. Please arrive no later than 4 PM. The Road Scholar Group Leader will be in the hotel lobby at 4:45 PM to accompany the group to the orientation room. Welcome and orientation begins at 5:00 PM followed by a presentation by a member of the Cuban American population in Miami to hear about the Cuban American experience.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport South Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Box breakfast from the hotel.

Morning: Early morning we transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Santiago de Cuba. Currently scheduled to leave at 8:00 AM. Arrival in Santiago de Cuba is scheduled for 9:30 AM (times are often subject to change and cannot be confirmed until the final mailing approximately 4-5 weeks prior to departure).

Lunch: Lunch in Santiago de Cuba.

Afternoon: People to People Connection: Meet with an expert on Afro Cuban culture and learn about their unique customs. Later meet with practitioners and dancers to experience and discuss the practice. Then transfer to the hotel by coach and check in.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Melia Santiago

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Explore Santiago de Cuba. We start with a stop at the Plaza de la Revolution and the Mencado barracks for photo stops and learn a bit about Santiago during the revolution. Later in the morning we make our way to the cemetery to see some of the most beautiful burial crypts built in Cuba and to learn about Jose Marti, the Cuban National Hero. We end our discovery witnessing the changing of the guard at the tomb of Jose Marti. We end the morning at the Diego Velázquez House and Museum, said to be the oldest standing house in Cuba, the Spanish colonial structure is an excellent example of how Spaniards built and lived in Cuba.

Lunch: Light lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: People to People Connection: This afternoon we walk over to the Casa de la Trova where you meet with your dance instructor and spend the hour learning the Salsa while you engage in a truly cultural connection. Later this afternoon enjoy another People to People Connection: meet with a local family and have a chance to learn what life is like in Cuba for professionals.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Melia Santiago

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: People to People Connection: Interact with musicians from Casa del Chengui. Chengui, is the original Cuban musical style and rhythm made famous all over the world and originating in the country side around Guantanamo. During this activity, interact with the musicians and learn how each instrument is played. Later enjoy another People to People Connection: Interact with dancers at the Tumba Francesa Pompadour, a Franco-Haitian dance. La Tumba Francesa is a traditional cultural dance and style that emerged in the 18th century in Oriente, Cuba. It combines music from West Africa and traditional French music. It is on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Speak with the members of this group and learn about their cultural heritage.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Explore the main square of Guantanamo - Plaza Marti, which features the smallest Cathedral in all of Cuba and which was once a busy commercial city center.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Melia Santiago

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Art in Santiago de Cuba, El Morro Fortress, and the History of the Spanish American War and San Juan Hill

Note: Many uneven steps at the fortress and in the Artist Collaborative uneven paths

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: People to People Connection: Explore a Performing Arts school and meet with students and faculty. Learn and discuss education in Cuba and especially artistic education in Cuba. Later, enjoy the historic El Morro Fortress that guards the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. The views from El Morro are spectacular.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: People to People Connection: This afternoon we drive outside of Santiago to an artist colony where we meet and have a chance to talk with the artists about their work and the role and freedom of artists in Cuba. Later we explore the Museum of the Spanish, Cuban, American war (Spanish American War) and learn about what the Cubans call the war of independence. Later wander San Juan Hill and learn about the battle fought here and made famous by Teddy Roosevelt and the rough riders.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to discover one of the local paladar (private Cuban restaurants run out of people's homes).

Lodging: Melia Santiago

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: Today we cover 300 KM as we make our way from Santiago de Cuba to Camaguey. Roads can be bumpy at times.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: This morning we transfer from Santiago de Cuba to Camaguey. We stop to discover the El Cobre Sanctuary, dedicated to the Patron Saint of Cuba. Here pilgrims from all over Cuba come to pray and ask for favors of the most cherished saint. Later we stop to discover Bayamo. Bayamo was the second city founded by the Spanish in Cuba in 1513. Explore the city's main square before lunch.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Bayamo.

Afternoon: People to People Connection: Explore a Visual and Plastic Arts school and meet with students and faculty. Learn and discuss education in Cuba and see the incredible work being done by the rising artists. Later, this afternoon enjoy the scenery of central Cuba unfold as you travel from Bayamo into the central part of the Island. The drive is about 200 KM and takes 3.5 hours with bathroom breaks). Upon arrival in Camaguey, check in to your rooms and relax until dinner.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Gran Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Extensive use of bicycle rickshaws this morning. You must be able to share the seat with another participant and get on and off the rickshaw with no assistance (step up is 1 - 1.5 Feet)

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: One of the first seven villages founded by the Spaniards in Cuba, Camagüey played a prominent role as the urban centre of an inland territory dedicated to cattle breeding and the sugar industry. It is the 3rd largest city in Cuba and the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This morning we enjoy an expert presentation about the city layout of Camaguey at the scale model of the city. Later on bicycle rickshaws we explore the city. We start at the workers square, La Iglesia Nuestra Senor de la Merced, Principe theater, Agromonte park, the farmer's market and end at Carmen square. We end the morning with a People to People Connection: Meet the creator of a very unique public art program that has received UNESCO awards for cultural heritage. Martha Jimenez is a world renowned sculptor and painter, she created the Plaza Carmen Sculpture project and will share with us her motivation and her community around Carmen Square.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Camaguey.

Afternoon: People to People Connection: Camaguey has been blessed by some of the best dancers in Cuba and the city is home to 3 of the best dance companies in Cuba. Today we attend a rehearsal of one of these companies (which is dependent on their touring schedule and we cannot confirm until just a few days prior) and we meet the dancers and enjoy an opportunity to talk about their careers and their art.

Dinner: Dinner at a local Paladar (Private restaurant).

Lodging: Gran Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: While on the ranch some steep steps (10 steps) are unavoidable to get onto the seating observation area and climbing into a horse drawn wagon is required (1 - 1.5 foot climb up)

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: This morning we leave the city center and explore the region outside of Camaguey. People to People Connection: We meet with real Cuban cowboys. Camaguey is the center of livestock in Cuba and outside of the city are a number of ranches. We explore a working ranch and witness the work and the games before engaging the ranchers in a conversation about rural life in Cuba. Later we enjoy another People to People Connection: Next to the ranch is a small rural village were the workers and their family live, meet the local teacher and see and speak with students in the one classroom school. Later visit a humble home and meet the family to hear about life in this very isolated and poor community.

Lunch: Lunch on the ranch.

Afternoon: People to People Connection: This evening we visit a unique Artist studio and meet with 3 artists each using a different medium. This presents the unique opportunity to discuss the role of the Artist in Cuban society and to better understand the level of freedom they are given in their pursuit of creativity. After our meeting we enjoy the performance of a string quartet.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Lodging: Gran Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: This morning we depart Camaguey and transfer to Sancti Spiritus the western part of central Cuba. The transfer takes you through some of the most rural and least developed parts of Cuba. We will stop in Sancti Spiritus, another of the original 7 cities founded by the Spaniards. The drive is about 200 KM and with some batroom breaks will take us about 3.5 Hours. We will have Lunch at the hotel and check in for 1 night.

Lunch: Lunch at the hotel in Sancti Spiritus

Afternoon: Field Trip: Discover the Historic center Square of Sancti Spiritus, one of the original 7 Spanish village settlement and also one of the most original Cuban cities we explore. Few tour groups stop to explore this small city, which make it an ideal place for us to enjoy some authentic experiences. Later enjoy another People to People Connection: Enjoy a discussion with Cuban Writers and Artists at UNEAC (National Union of Cuban Writers and Artists).

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Lodging: Plaza Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discovering the Beauty of Trinidad and Cienfuegos, UNESCO World Heritage sites

Note: Extensive walking over rounded cobble stone streets is required and can be difficult in Trinidad. Standing and walking in the heat of the day is unavoidable.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: This morning explore Trinidad de Cuba, one of the original Spanish Settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is a pristine example of Spanish colonial caribbean towns. Before leaving Trinidad, participate in a People to People Connection, meet the owners of a Casa Particular (private B&B) and learn about the challenge they face as a small private business in Cuba.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Trinidad.

Afternoon: This afternoon we drive to Cienfuegos, Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site but a city founded by the French, who came to Cuba after the Haitian revolution. The city offers outstanding architecture and is home to a large artistic community and one of the most beautiful theaters in Cuba. After exploring the city center, enjoy another People to People Connection, meet with members of the local choir and learn about what they do, we have some time to listen and talk to them.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel America

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: This morning we explore the main square of Santa Clara before participating in a People to People Connection: Enjoy a visit to the local Cultural center to meet a very special group. Run by an independent theater group for Children, each week this small group of kids get together to rehearse and perform Cuban folk plays and songs. Join the rehearsal and meet the parents and the kids and enjoy a discussion about life in Santa Clara. Later we explore another aspect of life in this city and enjoy another People to People Connection at the local Senior center. Chat and talk about life and learn about what retirement is like in Cuba.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon you gain insight into a central figure in the Cuban revolution as you explore the Che Guevera Memorial and Museum.

Dinner: Dinner at leisure at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel America

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: We start the morning with a drive to Havana along the autopista (highway), the drive is just about 3.5 hours (with stops) and covers almost 300 KM.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Havana

Afternoon: After lunch discover the Revolution Plaza and learn about the monumental events that take place and have taken place here. Later enjoy a drive through the famed Colon Cemetery to see the spectacular crypts built prior to the revolution. We end the afternoon exploring la Cabana Fort overlooking Old Havana and learn about the defense of Havana harbor. Afterwards transfer to the hotel by coach and check in.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Standing and walking in full sun with limited shade for up to 2 hours is unavoidable in Old Havana.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: We start the morning with an expert presentation: Havana City of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. We then explore Old Havana and have the opportunity to look at the vast types of architecture and see the restoration first hand. We end the Morning with a People to People Connection to talk with book sellers at the Book Sellers market to learn about the importance of books in Cuban culture.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Old Havana.

Afternoon: After lunch explore the Cuban Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts. Later we end the day with a People to People Connection: Meet with a local family in a nearby suburb of Havana. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a conversation and compare your experience between Oriente, Camaguey, Trinidad and Havana.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to discover one of the many paladars that have opened in Havana (suggestions will be provided).

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Cuba - US Relations, Hemingway, and Community Projects and Organizations

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: This morning enjoy an expert presentation: US - Cuba Relations: A Cuban Perspective. Later explore Finca la Vigia home and museum, Ernest Hemingway's house. We end the morning with a People to People Connection as we meet with the people running and maintaining an urban ecologically friendly agro-garden call la Yoandra.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After Lunch we participate in two People to People Connection's. We start by meeting with nuns at the San Lazaro Hospice to learn about the hospice care they give and about health care in general. Later we travel a few kilometers away to a small town and meet with members of a local community organization that works with young kids and women on health and education.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to discover one of the many paladars that have opened in Havana (suggestions will be provided).

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Start the Morning with an expert presentation: Religion and Society in Cuba Today. We then depart for a full morning of People to People Connections as you interact with students and faculty at a small rural school in Las Terraza. Learn about this rural sustainable project and meet residents, Artists, Artisans and many others who make their lives here in this self sustaining community.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon our final People to People Connection allows you to meet with a farmer and his family just outside of the Las Terraza community and learn about his life and the struggle he faces daily.

Dinner: Farewell dinner in Havana.

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Havana for your return flight to the US.

Meals Included: Breakfast