Afternoon: Individual arrivals at the Miami International Airport. Independent transfer to the hotel using their free shuttle service. Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and relax until the orientation. Please arrive no later than 4 PM.

Dinner: Welcome and orientation followed by a light dinner in the Hotel. Orientation will be at 5 PM follwed by dinner, a Road Scholar Representative will meet you in the hotel lobby at 5 PM.

Lodging: Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport South Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Transfer to Miami Airport for flight to Havana, Cuba / Welcome to the Nacional

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Depart the hotel by shuttle bus to the terminal ( based on final flight times and confirmed during the orientation). Your Road Scholar representative will meet the group in the hotel lobby to help transfer you to the airport. Please be in the hotel lobby with your luggage and ready to depart the hotel 15 minutes before departure schedule. Check in to your charter flight to Havana. PLEASE NOTE: Flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in the final mailing.

Lunch: Lunch on your own at the airport.

Afternoon: Arrival in Havana, welcome greeting by your Cuban host an experienced, bilingual Leader who will be with you the entire trip. Prior to check into the hotel receive a short briefing from our Cuban leader and have time to unpack.Meet your Cuban guide and discover this beautifully preserved historical Landmark. Led by the hotel historian hear the stories and the History of the Nacional as you explore this famous hotel.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Patranato Synagogue and Jewish Pharmacy, The Jewish Community of Havana / History and Architecture of Old Havana

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

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: People Connection: We meet with a local Architect and/or Historian involved with the restoration work done in old Havana. Enjoy an opportunity to discuss the work being done and what it is like to be working on this project.People Connection: This morning coach to Patranato Synagogue and Jewish Pharmacy, meet with members of the organization and learn about the work they do, see the library, which is the heart of Cuban Jewish life. NOTE: This is a great opportunity to drop off any donationable medicines or items (see list towards the end of this mailing for suggested donations). Later we make our way to the Morro Castle (built in 1589) and San Carlos Fortress, they protect the mouth of the Havana harbor, San Carlos is a beautiful comprehensive fortress that offers unique views over Havana. Ideal for you to better understand the layout of the city.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in old Havana

Afternoon: Enter Old Havana, where you explore the city's intimate beauty and history. We’ll also see the Greek-Roman ‘El Templete” Site of the first Mass and town council meeting in 1519 and learn about the city's restoration project of its plazas and squares while learning how and who funded this renovation and much more insight. We also explore the Cathedral de la Havana, built in baroque style in 1748 and learn about it's preservation and continuous restoration. Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier described the building as "music turned to stone", words that still ring true today in the local culture.

Dinner: Dinner at El Aijibe, a historic open air patio restaurant serving family style wonderful classic Cuban cuisine.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: We venture just a stone's throw from the Capital, into the Guanabacoa region, rich in many religious influences. This village has some of the finest colonial churches where locals worship both Catholic and Santeria saints. Head to the Museo de Guanabacoa and see exhibits on the fascinating Afro-Cuban religion. People Connection: At the Museo of Guanabacoa, meet with members of the community and witness a performance of dance and Music. The museum devoted to Santeria and other forms of Afro Cuban religion features a small but significant collection. Later explore the village of Regla where we will explore the rituals of Afro Cuban Santeria, or saint worship. See the Church of Regla where a Black Madonna worshiped by both Catholics and Santeria can be found. There are many practitioners of Santeria outside the church and this is a unique opportunity to engage them in conversation.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: People Connection: Explore Callejon Hammel, a unique avenue devoted to Santeria artwork and murals. Meet with an artist and learn about his work and the inspiration that has fed his passion.

Dinner: Dinner on your own.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: People Connection: This morning make our way to San Lazaro Church. This famous church is named after San Lazaro, the Saint of the poor. Thousands of Cubans make the trek here every year on Dec. 17 (San Lazaro Day), some pilgrims make the trek barefoot or drag stones behind them. Here, you will also see a hospital located right next to the church run by nuns in which Che Guevera was instrumental in organizing. Then we make our way to discover the Finca La Vigia, the Hemingway Farm. The beautiful property hosts the house where the Nobel prize winner lived with third wife Mary for more than 30 years. You may look into the open window and door, and see the home in perfect condition, with Hemingway?s personal belongings intact. Walk the grounds and see his private writing studio, and also his beloved Pilar vessel which he used to patrol the Caribbean waters for Nazis, and which is featured in his novel ?Islands in the Stream.? Also view the fascinating Colon cemetery with its history and folklore.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: People Connection: In Old Havana, we explore the used Book sellers market, here you will have the opportunity to meet and discuss with independent locals their taste, thoughts and desire in literature. The market is a cross cultural treasure trove for those interested in literature. Explore the Fine Arts Museum, and have time to see some of Cuba's foremost artists. The Fine Arts museum offers a unique glimpse into Cuban art.

Dinner: 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: Depart Havana for the countryside 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. Drive to Playa Giron, where we will see the Bay of pigs museum. This coastal small village was the site of the historical 1961 clash between U.S. CIA trained Cuban exiles and rebel forces, known as the Bay of Pigs invasion. This sunny, white sand location is home of the Pay of Pigs Museum. It tells the story of the invasion and the proceeding 72 hour infamous battle. You will see many historical artifacts from the events, including a Sea Fury fighter aircraft, photos and maps which outline each step of the failed plan.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the sea

Afternoon: Explore the city of Cienfuegos:Walk to the Parque Marti Plaza in the center of town, see the Catedral de Purisma Conception built in 1879, with its magnificent stained glass windows brought from France in 1789. People Connection: Meet the Cienfuegos Gospel Choir (called Los Cantores de Cienfuegos or Cantos Novinus). Learn about the work they do and share a performance. This exciting group features young men and women who serenade with Cuban songs infused with Afro-Cuban dance. Check into the hotel.

Dinner: Walk to dinner near the hotel.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Jagua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: We make our way toward the colonial gem of Trinidad, about one hour away. Discover the colonial city of Trinidad, walk to Playa del Mayor to explore historical and architecturally significant landmarks of the colonial province.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Trinidad

Afternoon: We explore the Valley of the Sugar Mills (Valle de los ingenious), 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. People Connection: Meet with with a family and learn about their history, community and visit their humble home. Enjoy an opportunity to ask questions about life in rural Cuba.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant near the Hotel

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Jagua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: People Connection: Meet with Faculty and Students of the Beny More Art School. Beny More a native of Cienfuegos and famous Cuban singer, is honored and remembered by this institution. PLEASE NOTE: This is a great opportunity to drop off any donationable items (see the list towards the end of this mailing). Today we make our way to Santa Clara, the provincial capital of Villa Clara which played an important role during the revolution.People Connection: Meet with the Jewish Community from this region of Cuba at the Santa Clara Synagogue. Learn about the work they have done to rebuild this new Synagogue. NOTE: This is a great opportunity to drop off any donationable medicines or items. People Connection: We explore the Santa Clara Music and Performing Arts School and learn about the school and meet some of the students. They offer one classroom experience for us and a chance to meet and exchange with the students.PLEASE NOTE: This is a great opportunity to drop off any donationable items (see the list towards the end of this mailing for suggestions).

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Santa Clara.

Afternoon: As we return to Cienfuegos stop at the Che Memorial and Museum which features unique historical pieces from one of the revolutionary leaders which chronicle the events of an era. The mausoleum is the resting place of this interesting individual with its stone floors and hardwood ceilings.People Connection: walk down the main shopping street of Cienfuegos and learn about the difference between Ration Stores, Cuban Pesos Stores and CUC stores. Learn about the two currency system and walk into the shops to meet the people that work and shop in these stores.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant near the Hotel.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: Hotel Jagua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: The morning is to pack before departing for the airport. Departure time for the airport will vary by program dates based on the actual flight to Miami. Depart for the Cienfuegos Airport for flight to Miami. Please do not make connecting flight plans 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