Afternoon: PLEASE NOTE: This day-by-day schedule should only be used as a guide since 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 community 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

Note: Walking up to 2 - 2.5 miles over uneven cobbled streets in Cienfuegos with limited places to sit.

Breakfast: Breakfast on your own.

Morning: Morning departure from the hotel to the terminal (final flight times will be confirmed during orientation). The Road Scholar Group Leader will meet the group in the hotel lobby to transfer to the airport. Please be in the hotel lobby with your luggage and be ready to depart the hotel 15 minutes before departure schedule. Transfer to the airport and check in to the charter flight to Cienfuegos. PLEASE NOTE: Flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in the Final Information Packet. Upon arrival in Cienfuegos, enjoy a welcome greeting by an experienced bilingual Cuban Guide, who will be with us for the entire program. Depart the airport and transfer to the hotel and enjoy a Welcome Drink.

Lunch: Lunch on your own at the Miami Airport.

Afternoon: Stroll through the main shopping street of Cienfuegos and learn about the differences between Ration, Cuban Pesos and CUC stores. Explore the complexity of the two-currency system and have the opportunity to talk with Cubans and workers who shop at these stores. Explore the city of Cienfuegos and enjoy a short walking excursion of Plaza Jose Marti, the main square in Cienfuegos. Talk briefly about the square's history, see local Cuban life, and observe the beautiful buildings that surround it, including the Tomas Terry Theater. Next, enjoy a performance by a musical group. Depending on which marvelous group of young people is available, the Cienfuegos Gospel Choir, Cantos Novinus, or the Cienfuegos Chamber Orchestra will perform. Cantos Novinus features young men and women who sing Cuban songs infused with Afro-Cuban dance. The Cienfuegos Chamber Orchestra is comprised of young people, many of whom are instructors at the Beny More Art School. Here, ask them questions, learn about their lives, careers as musicians, and their future plans.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Jagua

Meals Included: Dinner

Note: Walking up to 2 - 2.5 miles over uneven cobbled streets in Trinidad with limited shade and places to sit.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Discover a local Farmers Market, where you will have the opportunity to talk with local farmers about their produce, and learn about what it is like to farm and be a farmer in Cuba. Afterward, depart for Trinidad, the crown jewel of the colonial Cuban cities. Founded in 1514, this time capsule of a city is a mix of historical landmarks and majestic natural beauty.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Trinidad.

Afternoon: Discover the colonial city of Trinidad and walk to Plaza Mayor to explore the historically and architecturally significant landmarks of this colonial province. The Cuban Guide will talk about the history of the once decadent buildings on the Plaza Mayor. People Connection: After the walk through beautiful Trinidad, enjoy an enlightening encounter with the owner of a free-enterprise "casa particular" or Cuban bed-and-breakfast. This is the perfect place to learn about the relatively new development of independent business in Cuba, while understanding the owners' family history as it is tied with the home that he transformed into a casa particular. Explore his home and business and ask him questions about his entrepreneurship, family, and the history of the house. Next, explore the Valley of the Sugar Mills (Valle de los Ingenios), to discover the natural history of the valley and see the ruins of one of twelve sugar mills where 50 sugar mills once stood at the peak of the Cuban sugar industry. The panoramic views and incredible historical valley have contributed to the honor bestowed upon the region in 1988 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Jagua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Santa Clara / Santa Clara Jewish Community / Senior Center / Che Memorial

Note: Standing & walking through the Che Memorial & Museum for about an hour with limited places to sit.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: This morning, take a field-trip to Santa Clara, the beautiful provincial capital of the region Villa Clara. People Connection: Meet with the Jewish Community at the Santa Clara Synagogue, learn about their history, and the work they have done to independently rebuild this new Synagogue (PLEASE NOTE: This is a great opportunity to drop off any donations, please see the donation list in this information packet for more details). Next, enjoy lively interactions at the local Senior Community Center. The young-at-heart folks will show their wonderful crafts and play music they grew up with. Learn about how some Cubans enjoy retired life and ask them about their lives in Cuba.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Santa Clara.

Afternoon: En route for our return to Cienfuegos, visit the Che Guevara Memorial and Mausoleum which features unique historical pieces from one of the most influential revolutionary leaders. The displays chronicle the events of an era in this extraordinary mans' life, and the mausoleum is the final resting place of Ernesto "Che" Guevara and his companions.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Jagua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Meet with faculty and students at the Beny More Art School. Beny More, a native of Cienfuegos and famous Cuban singer, is honored and remembered by this institution. Here, speak with students and faculty about life at the Beny More school (PLEASE NOTE: This is an activity on the program that accepts donations, please see the donation list in this information packet for more details. If the Beny More Art School is closed or is unable to accept the group, then another site will be substituted). Depart from the countryside to Havana where life unfolds before our eyes. It is a very unique and interesting experience to see horse drawn carriages in abundance, and horses used frequently for transport. On the way to Havana, make a stop at Playa Giron, also known as the Bay of Pigs, a small coastal village, and was the site of the historical 1961 clash between CIA-trained Cuban exiles and Cuban rebel forces. Explore the Bay of Pigs Museum which commemorates the devastating battle that took place at this location. The museum reveals the Cuban perspective of the infamous invasion, and houses many historical artifacts including a Sea Fury fighter aircraft, photos, and maps outlining each step of the failed mission.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant on the Caribbean Sea.

Afternoon: Continue on the scenic drive to Havana. Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy a welcome cocktail and a guided exploration of this historical and beautifully preserved hotel. This sprawling property includes a Hall of Fame featuring pictures and folklore about its many famous past guests: Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Jack Nicholson, Eva Gardner, John Wayne and many, many more. After checking into the hotel, unpack and relax before dinner.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

History and Architecture of Old Havana / Discovery of the Four Squares in Old Havana / Book Sellers Market

Note: Walking up to 2 - 2.5 miles over uneven cobbled streets is required in Old Havana

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy an open discussion with a local architect involved with the government-funded restoration project of Old Havana; converse about the work being done and ask questions to someone who is central in the execution of this enormous project. Next, discover the four "plazas" in Old Havana: Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco de Asis, and Plaza de Armas. Each square has its own unique features. In the Plaza de la Catedral, visit the Cathedral de la Havana with its stunning architecture (seeing the inside of the Cathedral is subject to it being open). The Cathedral is an enormous structure built in Spanish Baroque style in 1729 and once housed the ashes of Christopher Columbus. Today, it has been completely restored and features wooden and ceramic figurines of the saints. In Plaza Vieja, discover the finest examples of restoration and see the wooden bricks in the walkway. In Plaza de San Francisco de Asis, the beautiful architecture of the restored Convento of San Francisco is an amazing sight. People Connection: In Plaza de Armas, see the facade of the city museum, also in Spanish Baroque style, and speak with every day Cubans at the the used Book Sellers Market. Understand how books have a large cultural influence in Cuba and have an opportunity to discuss with locals their tastes, thoughts and desires in literature. The market is a cross cultural treasure trove for those interested in literature. Continue with a driving excursion of Contemporary Havana with highlights of the Prado and legislature buildings. At the San Jose Feria, interact with artisans selling their original works. Here, see paintings, photography, crochet, wood crafts and many other forms of art. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask the artisans about their inspirations and their daily lives.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Old Havana.

Afternoon: Enjoy a drive through the Colon Cemetery, and learn about the stories of the historic upper class in Havana who are buried there. Visit the famous Revolution Square in Havana and learn about the monumental events that have taken place there. On some buildings facing the square, notice monuments of several Cuban heroes. This is a great opportunity to take a group picture.

Dinner: Dinner at a local open air patio restaurant serving family style classic Cuban cuisine.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Expert Presentation / Guanabacoa Region and home visit / Afro-Cuban Religion / La Cabana / Hemingway

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Participate in a dialog about the history of U.S.-Cuban relations led by an expert in the field. Listen and understand a Cuban's perspective on the tumultuous relationship between the two countries, and have an open discussion on the topic. Next, interact with a middle-class family and learn about life in Cuba. Explore the Guanabacoa Museum, and learn about the religion of Santeria. This religion melds Catholicism and native African beliefts developed by slaves to hide their true religions from their owners. This museum is also devoted to other forms of Afro-Cuban religion and features a small but significant collection of displays. Enjoy the opportunity to interact with Santeria practitioners, and witness a music and dance performance by the Santeria deities. People Connection: Visit a Farm " La Yoandra" that is part of the network of Sustainable urban agriculture. Meet with the farm expert and learn about the project and discuss the work they do.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon, pause at the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, also known simply as "La Cabana." This fortress protected the mouth of the Havana harbor in its day and offers unique views over Havana - ideal for gaining a better understanding of the city's layout. The journey continues to the Finca La Vigia, the Hemingway Farm. This beautiful property hosts the house where the Nobel Prize-winning author lived with his third wife Mary for over 30 years. Look into the open windows and doors to see the home in perfect condition with Hemingway’s personal belongings as he left them. Walk the grounds to see his private writing studio, swimming pool, and beloved Pilar vessel which he used to patrol the Caribbean waters for Nazis. This Pilar vessel is featured in his novel "Islands in the Stream."

Dinner: Dinner on own in Havana. This is an ideal opportunity to explore one of the many paladars (home hosted meals) that offers a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face in much smaller groups with local Cubans. This is also an opportunity to go into Old Havana and explore the culinary selection available. A list will be provided of good choices and the Cuban Guide can help make recommendations on site.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

San Lazaro and medical care in Cuba / Fine Arts / Callejon de Hamel Project

Note: Standing & walking for about an hour through the Fine Arts museum with limited places to sit.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Connect with an expert on religion and identity in Cuba. Partake in an interchange of ideas revolving around religion and ethnicity in Cuba and how Cubans have formed their identities throughout and after the Revolution. People Connection: Then, visit a hospice specializing in long-term patient care for skin diseases such as leprosy, which is run by the Sisters of Charity. Enjoy a brief presentation by one of the Sisters, and have enlightening discussions with the Sisters who take care of the sick (PLEASE NOTE: This is a location that accepts donations. Please see the donation list in this information packet for details). Afterwards, discover the San Lazaro Church named after the Catholic Saint of the Poor. Each year on December 17th, San Lazaro Day, thousands of Cubans trek to this church; some pilgrims even make the trek barefoot or drag stones behind them. Next, meet with members of a local community organization that educates children and mothers.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Take a field-trip to the Fine Arts Museum of Havana. Among the permanent pieces, see a castle made entirely of coffee percolators and a sculpture of the world made entirely of small wooden carvings of Cuba. Next, explore Callejon de Hamel, a unique alley devoted to Santeria artwork and murals. Interact with artists to learn about their works and inspirations, and how artists are able to express themselves through art. Browse original artwork by the muralist himself, which creates a wonderful opportunity to be able to purchase some of his original pieces, if desired.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Group transfer to the Havana Airport for the flight to Miami. Charter flight times will be confirmed in the Final Information Packet which is normally sent approximately 4-5 weeks prior to departure. Please do not schedule connecting flights within 3 - 4 hours of arrival in Miami due to possible delays and airport security (PLEASE NOTE: The flight time is subject to change.)

Meals Included: Breakfast