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Cuba Today: People and Society

Program Number: 20437RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/17/2012 - 6/25/2012; 7/9/2013 - 7/17/2013; 9/3/2013 - 9/11/2013; 9/10/2013 - 9/18/2013; 9/17/2013 - 9/25/2013; 9/17/2013 - 9/25/2013; 9/24/2013 - 10/2/2013; 10/1/2013 - 10/9/2013; 10/8/2013 - 10/16/2013; 10/15/2013 - 10/23/2013; 10/22/2013 - 10/30/2013; 10/22/2013 - 10/30/2013; 10/29/2013 - 11/6/2013; 11/5/2013 - 11/13/2013; 11/12/2013 - 11/20/2013; 11/19/2013 - 11/27/2013; 12/3/2013 - 12/11/2013; 12/3/2013 - 12/11/2013; 12/10/2013 - 12/18/2013; 1/7/2014 - 1/15/2014; 1/7/2014 - 1/15/2014; 1/14/2014 - 1/22/2014; 1/21/2014 - 1/29/2014; 1/28/2014 - 2/5/2014; 2/4/2014 - 2/12/2014; 2/11/2014 - 2/19/2014; 2/18/2014 - 2/26/2014; 2/25/2014 - 3/5/2014;
Duration: 8 nights
Location: Cuba
Price starting at: $3,095.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: ; Independent City Discoveries
Meals: 20; 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Delve into the rich history and heritage of Cuba. In the heart of Havana and Cienfuegos, meet members of the local communities to discuss their faith, lives, and cultural traditions. Meet face-to-face with community leaders, local residents, artists, and intellectuals to discuss Cuba today and explore local landmarks that are significant to Cuba’s cultural heritage.




Highlights

• Meet with members of a local musical group in Cienfuegos and learn about their careers as musicians.
• Enjoy lively interactions at a local Senior Center.
• Enjoy an intercultural exchange at a Cuban middle-class family home.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day with some walking on uneven cobblestone streets.



Road Scholar is authorized to travel to Cuba under OFAC License #CT-19201-2. Round trip charter flight from Miami to Cuba is included.




Date Specific Information

7-9-2013

This departure date operates in reverse, it starts in Cienfuegos and ends in Havana, see the Day by Day Itinerary for details.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Miami, Fla., 1 night; flight to Havana (Cuba), 4 nights; coach to Cienfuegos, 3 nights; flight to Miami for departure.



Arrival Miami, Fla.
1 night
Flight to Havana (Cuba)
4 nights

Journey to Guanabacoa to visit a Catholic and Santeria church. Embark on a walking exploration of Havana’s restored plazas and squares and admire the Spanish baroque architecture of the Cathedral de la Havana, a church that once housed the ashes of Christopher Columbus’s son Diego.



Coach to Cienfuegos
3 nights
Departure

Share time with members of the Santa Clara Synagogue. Delight in meeting the Cienfuegos Gospel Choir, who will serenade you with Cuban songs and demonstrate Afro-Cuban dance. Enjoy an opportunity to visit a Cuban family in their home to experience life in the Valley of the Sugar Mills — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the town of Trinidad, a lovely colonial-era gem.




Cuba

Cuba is an island of contrasts. It is a communist nation where opulent hotels and theaters line the streets and classic American cars known as “yank tanks” roll down them. Cubans rely on a rationing system for food but boast a 99.8% literacy rate and receive high quality health care. And Cuba is separated from the U.S. by just 90 miles but has long been inaccessible to Americans. These contrasts in Cuba’s history, politics and culture add up to make it a source of endless fascination.
Accommodations
Miami: Comfortable hotel near airport. Havana: Historic landmark hotel on the Malecón. Cienfuegos: Mid-Century modern hotel with outdoor pool.
Meals and Lodgings
   Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport South Hotel
  Miami, USA 1 night
   Hotel Jagua
  Cienfeugos, Cuba 3 nights
   Hotel Nacional de Cuba
  Havana, Cuba 4 nights
 Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport South Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The airport is 10 minutes from the hotel. The hotel offers a free shuttle service from the airport to the hote and runs every half hour. Look for a red colored Marriott coach at curbside at "Arrivals" level.
  Contact info: 1201 N.W. Lejeune Rd.
Miami, FL 33126 USA
phone: 305-649-5000
web: www.marriott.com/miaap
  Room amenities: AC, Hair Dryer, Cable TV, Telephone, Free In Room high-speed Internet
  Facility amenities: Business center, Pool, Fitness center, Restaurant on-site, Room service
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Contact Road Scholar Travel Contact Road Scholar Travel Services for details.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM

 Hotel Jagua
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: With its magnificent location in the well-known residential area of Punta Gorda, in the southern city of Cienfuegos, the Jagua is considered one of Cuba's most famous hotels. Its comfortable rooms are characterized by the spaciousness of the 50 's and offer beautiful panoramic views, which announce the nice Nature and wild life of the surroundings.
  Contact info: Calle 37 No. 1 e/ 0 y 2
Punta Gorda,  Cienfuegos Cuba
phone: +53 43 551 003
web: www.gran-caribe.com/english/hotel.asp?hotel_code=SCTGCJagua#rooms
  Room amenities: Air Conditioning, Safe, Phone, Room Service, Minibar, 220 volt electricity, TV, Hairdryer,
  Facility amenities: Bar, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, laundry service. The hotel does not have WiFi service. There is internet service at the hotel however it is very expensive and very slow. At Hotel Jagua, you may purchase a card at the hotel for internet access. The price is 3 CUC’s (subject to change) for 30 minutes.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Located in the center of the city, the hotel stands on a hill just a few meters from the sea, and offers a great view of Havana Harbor; the seawall and the city. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba was declared a National Monument and was inscribed in the World Memory Register. PLEASE NOTE: Participants should expect and be prepared that hotels in Cuba do not always meet our more critical expectations, while comfortable, safe and clean, they are not as modern as we've come to expect from travel to Europe, Asia or North America. The selected hotels are among the best available.
  Contact info: Calle 21 y O, Vedado, Plaza
Havana,  10400 Cuba
phone: + 53 7 836 3564 al 67
web: www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com/en/home.asp
  Room amenities: Air Conditioning, Safe, Radio, TV, Minibar, Phone, Hairdryer
  Facility amenities: 3 Restaurants, Swimming Pool, Bar, 24 hour Room Service, Business Center with computers that have internet access (open from 9:00AM-9:00PM). The hotel does not have WiFi service. There is internet service at the hotel however it is very expensive and very slow. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba charges 2.5 CUC’s for 15 minutes of internet access. Please note that if you exceed that time and use 16 minutes, you will be charged for two(2) 15-minute intervals.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
The program begins with orientation in Miami followed by dinner on day 1. Please arrive at the hotel by 4 PM. You will be staying at Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport South Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
The program ends upon arrival of the charter flight in Miami on day 9. Avoid flights within 3 hours of scheduled arrival time. You will be staying at Hotel Nacional de Cuba the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Elderhostel is authorized to license participants to travel to Cuba on a Road Scholar program. Each participant will receive a copy of their license prior to travel to Cuba in Miami. Each participant is required under the regulations to submit an affidavit of participation. This form will be sent in the first mailing and it must be returned completed and signed with a copy of the passport information page prior to departure.
  Parking availability:
The hotel offers on site parking for 15 USD a day (subject to change).
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Miami
  Nearest highway: I 95 U.S. Interstate Highway
  Nearest airport:  Miami International Airport
  Transportation to site: The Courtyard Miami Airport South Hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to/from the Miami Airport. The shuttle departs the airport every 15 minutes. Upon arrival in Miami there is no need to call the hotel...the shuttle circles every 15 minutes on the departure level (2nd level) from 5am - 1am daily. Look for Red and White Bus with Marriott logo, marked '1201 MarriottMiamiAirportCampus.com' with the Miami Airport Marriott, Courtyard and Residence Inn logos on the side(This information is taken from the hotel website and subject to change without prior notice)
  From End of Program
  Location:  Havana
  Nearest highway: Cuba’s national highway, the Autopista.
  Nearest airport:  Havana International Airport
  Transportation from site: A group transfer from the hotel in Havana to the airport for our return charter flight is scheduled for all participants.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Flight to Miami / Overnight in Miami
(Sunday, June 17)
   
 Afternoon: PLEASE NOTE: PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. This day-by-day schedule should be used as a guide only since program elements are subject to change as availability is controlled by the Cuban government. 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, your Group Leader will meet you in the hotel lobby at 4:45 PM.
   
Accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport South Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Miami Airport for flight to Cienfuegos, Cuba
(Monday, June 18)

Note: Walking up to 2 – 2.5 miles over uneven cobbled streets in Cienfuegos with limited places to sit.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on your own at the Miami Airport.(NOTE: Breakfast at the hotel starts at 7:00 AM, the group will have breakfast if there is time before departure to the airport).
 Morning: Depart the hotel very early 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 Cienfuegos. PLEASE NOTE: Flight times are subject to change. Arrival in Cienfuegos, welcome greeting by your Cuban host a bilingual Leader who will be with you the entire trip. Transfer to the hotel.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Check into the hotel. 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 as well as infuse Afro-Cuban dance.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant in a colonial building located directly on the coast.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Jagua
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Trinidad de Cuba / Life in the Valley of the Sugar Mills
(Tuesday, June 19)

Note: Walking up to 2 - 2.5 miles over uneven cobbled streets in Trinidad with limited places to sit.
   
 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, this visit is subject to the school being able to take the group on this day, if they can't take the group, then another site will be substituted for the Beny More School). 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 Ingenios), 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 the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Jagua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Jewish Community of Santa Clara
(Wednesday, June 20)

Note: Standing & walking through the Che Memorial & Museum for about an hour with limited places to sit.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: 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(see the list towards the end of this mailing). People Connection: visit the local Senior Center and learn about the lives of the people that come here and also participate in activities there.
 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. Explore the city of Cienfuegos: Walk to the Parque Marti Plaza in the center of town, see the Catedral de Purisima Conception built in 1879, with its magnificent stained glass windows brought from France in 1789.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Jagua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Depart for Havana / Bay of Pigs
(Thursday, June 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Depart for Havana, on the way, drive to Playa Giron and explore 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 Bay 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: Continue on the scenic ride to Havana. After checking in and relaxing, enjoy a welcome cocktail and a guided exploration of this beautifully preserved hotel and sprawling property, including a historical view featuring pictures and folklore about its many famous past guests, including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Jack Nicholson, Ava Gardner, John Wayne and many, many more.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Patranato Synagogue and Jewish Pharmacy, The Jewish Community of Havana / History and Architecture of Old Havana
(Friday, June 22)

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: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 the list towards the end of this mailing). 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 will see the Cathedral de Ia Havana with its stunning architecture (this visit is subject to the church being open). Its an enormous structure built in Spanish baroque style and, once housed the ashes of Chistopher Columbus’s son, Diego. Also see San Francisco de Assisi Convento, built in 1729. Today, it has been completely restored, and features wooden and ceramic figurines of the saints. The real pleasure, however, comes from wandering around the beautifully simple interior. Also explore each of the 4 Plaza squares, some of which have recently been completely restored and are stunning in its detail and beauty.
 Dinner: Dinner at El Aijibe, a historic open air patio restaurant serving family style classic Cuban cuisine.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Guanabacoa Region / Afro-Cuban Religion and Art
(Saturday, June 23)
   
 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 Guanabacoa Museum and see exhibits on the fascinating Afro-Cuban religion. People Connection: At the museum, 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.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 in Old Havana.
 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.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: San Lazaro Church / Hemingway's House
(Sunday, June 24)

Note: Standing & walking for about an hour through the Museum of Fine Arts with limited places to sit.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Enjoy a lecture about Religion in Cuba (Note: the subject of this lecture may change.) 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 treck 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 hospice that specializes in skin diseases 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."
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Explore the Fine Arts Museum and have time to see some of Cuba's foremost artists. The museum offers a unique glimpse into Cuban art. Coach back to the hotel where you will learn about U.S.-Cuban Relations.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Departure to Miami / Return to US
(Monday, June 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Depart for the Havana 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
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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