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The Cuban Art Revolution: Meeting the Artists and People of Cuba

Program Number: 20610RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/17/2013 - 7/25/2013; 8/14/2013 - 8/22/2013; 9/4/2013 - 9/12/2013; 9/18/2013 - 9/26/2013; 10/2/2013 - 10/10/2013; 10/16/2013 - 10/24/2013; 10/30/2013 - 11/7/2013; 11/13/2013 - 11/21/2013; 12/4/2013 - 12/12/2013; 12/11/2013 - 12/19/2013; 12/25/2013 - 1/2/2014; 1/8/2014 - 1/16/2014; 1/15/2014 - 1/23/2014; 1/22/2014 - 1/30/2014; 1/29/2014 - 2/6/2014; 2/5/2014 - 2/13/2014; 2/12/2014 - 2/20/2014; 2/19/2014 - 2/27/2014; 2/26/2014 - 3/6/2014;
Duration: 8 nights
Location: Cuba
Price starting at: $3,795.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: ; Independent City Discoveries Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 22; 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

In the heart of Havana join local artists, performers, dancers and students for an intimate and insightful look at the arts, dance and music of Cuba. Discuss the local art scene with artists. Music and dance come to life as you attend rehearsals and private performances with well-known Cuban community dance companies and musicians. Enjoy field trips to Matanzas and Cardenas and meet with local non-profit social service organizations.




Highlights

• Meet with members of the Havana Artist Collaborative to discuss their work and the role of art in Cuba.
• Attend a rehearsal by a Cuban dance company and enjoy an opportunity to speak with the dancers about their performance.
• Enjoy interactions with a local Community Arts Project.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one-half mile at a time with high sidewalks and cobblestones. Participants must be able to walk unassisted.



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



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Miami, Fla., 1 night; flight to Havana (Cuba), 5 nights; coach to Varadero, 2 nights; coach to Havana for flight to Miami.



Arrival Miami, Fla. 1 night
Flight to Havana (Cuba) 5 nights

Prepare for your experience to Cuba during orientation in Miami. Enjoy a welcome reception at a Havana Artist Collaborative and enjoy a chance to discuss life and art in Cuba with the artists. Delve into Cuba’s art history during a meeting with a local art historian, and explore the Havana Museum of Fine Arts for added insight. Learn about the intriguing traditions of Cuban dance as you attend a rehearsal of a community dance company. Interact with members from a performance group. Spend a morning at a senior community center and take advantage of this opportunity to hear stories of how life has changed in Cuba over the decades. Take in a performance by a musical group. Enjoy expert-led excursions showcasing the beauty of Old Havana.



Coach to Veradero 2 nights

Meet with the bourgeoning business class of Cuba at a local paladar to discuss the rise and challenge of private enterprise in Matanzas. Interact with members of a community-based organization who do outreach with the local residents. Connect with a group of everyday working Cubans for an opportunity to learn about their lives.




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: Hotel near airport. Havana: Historic landmark hotel on the Malecón. Varadero: Oceanfront hotel.
Meals and Lodgings
   Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport South Hotel
  Miami, USA 1 night
   Hotel Nacional de Cuba
  Havana, Cuba 5 nights
   Meliá Las Americas
  Varadero, Cuba 2 nights
 Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport South Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Explore a full range of attractions within minutes of Miami Airport hotel's front door- including Downtown Miami, South Beach, University of Miami, the Miami Beach Convention Center, Coral Gables and countless golf courses. The airport is 10 minutes from the hotel and offers a free shuttle service from the airport to the hotel which runs every half hour. Look for a red colored Marriott shuttle curbside at the "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: 3:00 PM

 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, which offers a great view of the Havana Harbor, seawall/malecon, and the city. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba was declared a National Monument and was inscribed in the World Memory Register.
  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-7:00PM). The hotel has unreliable 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: 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

 Meliá Las Americas
Type: Resort
  Description: Located beachfront on Varadero Beach, near the the Plaza America Convention Center. Five-Star All Inclusive Resort with 340 rooms.
  Contact info: Crta. de las Morlas, Cuba.
Varadero,   Cuba
phone: +011+53- 45- 66- 7600
web: www.meliacuba.com/cuba-hotels/hotel-melia-lasamericas/
  Room amenities: Air conditioning, coffee maker, safety deposit box, pillow menu, health center nearby, clothes hangers in the bathroom, temperature control, 20 volt outlet, plug for electric shaver in the bathroom, full-length mirror, rooms for smokers and non-smokers, breakfast table and chairs, minibar, assorted minibar, umbrella, iron and ironing board, door with peephole, hair dryer, 24-hour room service, telephone, terrace or balcony, satellite TV, golf course and garden view
  Facility amenities: Craftworks, boutique, trips and optionals desk, foreign currency exchange, internet connection (additional cost), reception desk, art gallery, rooms for smokers and non-smokers, hammocks, mini market, laundry and dry cleaning services, fax service, 24-hour medical service, taxis, gift shop, private transfers in cars (upon request), 24-hour room service Restaurants: Il Limoncello, La Arcada, La Robleza BBQ, La Terraza, Sakura Health and Beauty: Cardiovascular equipment, gym, whirlpool, massages, beauty parlor, sauna Pools: hammocks, towel service, lounge chairs service
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
The program begins with orientation in Miami followed by dinner on day one of the program. 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 nine. Avoid scheduling connecting flights that depart within 3 hours of the scheduled arrival time. You will be staying at Meliá Las Americas the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Elderhostel is licensed under the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the U.S. Department of Treasury for participants to travel to Cuba on a Road Scholar program. Participants will receive a copy of this license prior to travel to Cuba in Miami, during orientation. In addition to the Personal Information Forms, each participant is required to submit an Affidavit of Participation, Charter Reservation Form, and a clear copy of the passport picture information page prior to departure (check-list provided). These forms are at the end of the First Information Packet and must be completed, signed, and submitted to Road Scholar eight weeks before the program start date. IMPORTANT NOTE: Any participant born in Cuba, regardless of current nationality, must advise Road Scholar immediately as additional forms and costs may be required.
  Parking availability:
Parking at the Marriott is $15/day (subject to change). It is also possible to park at the airport and take the hotel shuttle. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/miaap-miami-airport-marriott/ http://www.miami-airport.com/parking_rates.asp
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Miami
  Transportation to site: The Courtyard Miami Airport South Hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to/from the Miami airport, which departs the airport every 15 minutes. Upon arrival in Miami, there is no need to call the hotel, as the shuttle circles every 15 minutes on the departure level (2nd level) 5am to 1am daily. Look for the red and white shuttle with the Marriott logo, marked with the Miami Airport Marriott, Courtyard and Residence Inn logos on the side (this information is taken from the hotel website and is 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 Varadero to the Havana 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: Arrival in Miami / Program Orientation
(Wednesday, January 29)
   
 Arrive To: 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.
 Afternoon: 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.
   
Accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport South Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Fly to Havana, Cuba / Revolution Plaza / Check into Hotel Nacional
(Thursday, January 30)
   
 Breakfast: Boxed breakfast at the hotel.
 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 Havana (PLEASE NOTE: Flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in the Final Information Packet). Upon arrival in Havana, enjoy a welcome greeting by an experienced bilingual Cuban Guide, who will be with us for the entire program. Along the route, visit the famous Revolution Square in Havana and learn about the monumental events that have taken place there. On some buildings facing the square, you will notice monuments of several Cuban heroes; this is a great opportunity to take a group photo.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant
 Afternoon: Depart for a driving excursion of Havana's sites to get a sense of the city. See the capitol, malecon, U.S. Interest Section, La Rampa, and Havana University. Enjoy a walking excursion of the Hotel Nacional. 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. Check-in to the hotel.
 Dinner: Walk to dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Evening at leisure
   
Accommodations: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Cuban Art / Plaza Vieja (the Old Square) / Artist Collaborative Dinner
(Friday, January 31)

Note: This day will require walking over cobblestone and uneven streets in Old Havana.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: People to People Connection: Explore the Havana Museum of Fine Arts, while a local Art Historian discusses the history and evolution of art in Cuba, and the style that has made Cuba a favorite of the art world.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: After lunch, enter Old Havana to explore the city's intimate beauty and history. In Plaza Vieja (Old Square), discover the finest examples of restoration, which also serves as the market square. Then, explore Camera Obscura which allows for a unique view of Old Havana.
 Dinner: People to People Connection and Presentation: Meet with an artist collaborative based in Havana, and join these members for a dinner reception in your honor. Meet each artist and enjoy some time to talk about their art, work, and life in Cuba.
 Evening: After the reception, enjoy the evening at leisure.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Expert Presentation and Cuban music / Community Arts Project / Plaza de Armas (Arms Square) / Musical group
(Saturday, February 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Learn about the interesting and different styles and types of Cuban music. People Connection: Enjoy interactions with children at a local community art project.
 Lunch: Light lunch at hotel.
 Afternoon: Enter Old Havana to experience the city's historic beauty and focus on the oldest part of the city at the Plaza de Armas (Arms Square). See the Greek-Roman ‘El Templete' site of the first Mass and town council meeting in 1519. Also, learn about the city's restoration project of its plazas and squares while discovering how and who funded this renovation. Next, visit the City Museum, which was once the Governors palace. People to People Connection: Enjoy interactions with a muscial group.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Evening at leisure.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Danza Combinatoria / Art Studio
(Sunday, February 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: People to People Connection: This morning, interact with an emerging dance troupe of renowned dancers from the Danza Combinatoria, and enjoy unique interactions (PLEASE NOTE: This activity may be substituted with another performing art group).
 Lunch: Boxed lunch with the performance group; this is a unique opportunity to have intriguing conversations.
 Afternoon: People to People Connection: Meet and have authentic dialogues with a group of local contemporary artists from an Artist Collaborative at their studio to learn about their work and lives.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Evening at leisure.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Dance rehearsal / Senior Center / Cathedral Square / Presentation on dance
(Monday, February 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: People to People Connection: Enage with a dance group and see their rehearsal before taking some time to talk with the dancers and learn about their training and careers. People to People Connection: Next, interact with members of a senior community center to learn about the work done by the charity that runs the center. Then, enjoy some time with our host over snacks and drinks to play cards and dominos or just chat about family (PLEASE NOTE: We recommend that you bring postcards of your town with landmarks that you can leave as gifts. These can also be used as great conversation starters. Though, this is the only stop where donations can be dropped off, Road Scholar does make a financial contribution to the center on your behalf. Please consult the list in the information packet for suggested items).
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Discover Plaza de la Cathedral (Cathedral Square), in Old Havana, which has boasted an interesting history (PLEASE NOTE: If the Cathedral is open, we will take this opportunity to visit the inside, though, open hours are often changed). Meet with a local dance instructor and learn about the history of dance in Cuba, and explore the various styles and learn why Cuba has such a rich tradition of dance. People Connection: Meet with a local dance instructor and learn her life and learn why Cuba has such a rich tradition of dance.
 Dinner: Dinner on own in Havana. 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.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Drive to Matanzas and Varadero/ San Severino Fortress / French Pharmacy / Committee of Discourse and Reconciliation / Community Center
(Tuesday, February 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Check out of Hotel Nacional and board the coach to begin the drive to Varadero. On the way, discover the San Severino Fortress, built in 1734, it was used to protect the city from pirates and offers a unique view of Matanzas Bay. Next, explore the famous French Pharmacy known as La Botica Francesca, founded in the late 1800's by the Triolet family. See some of the items that would have been found during this time period which are housed in this museum: hand painted porcelain vases, medical recipes, old bottles and jars, medical instruments, labels, mortars, scorpion oil and other seemingly ancient pharmaceutical items.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: People to People Connection: Meet with members of the Committe of Discourse and Reconcilation to learn about the work they do in peace-building and conflict transformation. People Connection: Next, enjoy interactions with a local organization and learn about the work they do. Check-in to the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner buffett at leisure.
 Evening: Evening at leisure.
   
Accommodations: Meliá Las Americas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Danzon / Meeting with dance instructors
(Wednesday, February 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: People to People Connection: Learn about the most traditional dance of Cuba, Danzon and interact with those who practice it.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel at leisure.
 Afternoon: People Connection: Meet and interact with local dance insturctors, and learn various Cuban dances. Afterward, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to prepare your bags and rest.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Evening at leisure.
   
Accommodations: Meliá Las Americas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Departure to Miami / Return to U.S.
(Thursday, February 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Check out of the hotel very early and drive to the Havana airport for 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
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.

Suggested Reading List


A Simple Habana Melody, From When the World Was Good


Author: Oscar Hijuelos


Description: An unlikely love story and lyrical tribute to Latin music by the author of Mambo Kings.



Cuba


Author: Pierre Hausherr (Photographer), Francois Missen


Description: With full-page photographs, introductory essays on history, architecture, music, food and more, this oversized, illustrated paperback by Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Francois Missen and photographer Pierre Hausherr captures the spirit of Cuba, its people, nature and culture.



Cuba and Its Music, From the First Drums to the Mambo


Author: Ned Sublette


Description: A thorough and entertaining history of Cuba and its music by the popular radio producer, music historian and cofounder of Cuban record label QbaDisc.



Cuba, Art and History from 1868 to Today


Author: Natha Bondil (Editor)


Description: With ravishing color reproductions of murals, posters, paintings and photographs, this magnificent book documents the history of art in Cuba from independence.



Cuba, What Everyone Needs to Know


Author: Julia Sweig


Description: Director for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Sweig traces the geography, history and identity of Cuba in this admirably succinct history of the island nation and its role in world affairs.



Culture Smart! Cuba


Author: Mandy Macdonald


Description: A concise, well-illustrated and practical guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.



Havana Map


Author: Cognoscenti


Description: A colorful map of the city center of Havana.



Havana, A Cultural and Literary Companion


Author: Claudia Lightfoot


Description: An illuminating guide to the city, its history and geography, as the inspiration for writers, artists, musicians and intellectuals.



Havana, History and Architecture of a Romantic City


Author: Maria Luisa Lobo Montalvo, Hugh Thomas (Introduction)


Description: This magnificent history of Havana, featuring 480 color illustrations, shows the city and its growth from Spanish colony to independence.



Inside Havana


Author: Julio Cesar Perez Hernandez


Description: This handsome book showcases the diverse architecture of Havana, from modernist masterpieces to splendid baroque palaces and traditional businesses such as the Partagas cigar factory, one of Havana’s oldest and finest. With expert writing by Hernandez and rich color photographs by Gianni Basso.



Moon Handbook Cuba


Author: Christopher P. Baker


Description: Baker's comprehensive, indispensable guide leaves no stone unturned, covering the natural, cultural and political life of the island with style.



New Art of Cuba


Author: Luis Camnitzer


Description: A survey of Cuban art since 1981, all by young artists who have come-of-age since the revolution, and revised to reflect more recent developments Twenty-four new color plates augment the 200 black and white illustrations.



Our Man in Havana


Author: Graham Greene


Description: The classic story of a British vacuum cleaner salesman who gets accidentally drawn into cold war espionage with disastrous results.



The History of Havana


Author: Raphael Hernandez, Dick Cluster


Description: Co-authored by a Cuban and an American, this multi-faceted history of the city looks at culture, art, politics and economic development.



The Old Man and the Sea


Author: Ernest Hemingway


Description: Hemingway's brief story of a fisherman who after 84 days with no luck finally makes a big catch is also an affectionate portrait of life in Cuba. It won the 1953 Pulitzer Prize for fiction.



Trading with the Enemy


Author: Tom Miller


Description: Miller captures the openness, sensuality and pride of Cuba and the Cubans in this eloquent account of entertaining travels in Fidel's Cuba.





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