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Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon: Transfer from Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, to your hotel. Meet your Road Scholar Group Leader in the hotel lobby for Program Registration and hotel check in. The Program Welcome and Orientation will begin at 6:00 p.m. Your Road Scholar Group Leader will be in the hotel lobby at 6:00 p.m. to accompany the group to the Orientation room. This very important meeting will prepare you for your travel in Cuba. We will discuss OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) regulations that govern our program, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, our program schedule, and answer any questions you may have. The Group Leader will also lead introductions. PLEASE NOTE: The day-by-day schedule that follows should be used only as a representative guide. Program elements are subject to change on short notice as availability is controlled by the Cuban government.
Dinner: Welcome dinner in the hotel.
Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: The exploration of Old Havana is on foot through pedestrian-only areas and necessitates walking and standing outdoors for 2 hours/ 2 miles over uneven, cobblestone streets with high curbs.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Enjoy a presentation by a local architect involved with the government-funded restoration project of Old Havana; learn about the work being done and discuss the challenges and the vision for Havana’s future. Next, discover the historic “plazas" in Old Havana on foot. Each square has its own unique features.
Lunch: At a paladar.
Afternoon: Continue exploring Old Havana. People to People Connection: Meet with members of a graphic arts cooperative and discuss what they do. People to People Connection: Engage in discussions with young Cuban professionals.
Dinner: People to People Connection: As an “appetizer”, enjoy a performance by a women’s a capella chorale. This is an opportunity not only to hear beautiful voices, but to discuss what life is like for women today in Cuba. Then enjoy dinner in a paladar.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking and standing for 1.5 hours at La Cabaña Fortress, outdoors with little shade. Walking and standing for one hour at Colon Cemetery.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel.
Morning: Today’s presentation is on the history of U.S.-Cuban relations with an expert in the field. Gain an understanding of the Cuban perspective of the tumultuous relationship between the two countries, followed by open discussion on the topic. People to People Connection: Observe a rehearsal then enjoy conversation and interactions with a modern dance group.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch in a paladar.
Afternoon: Explore Colon Cemetery with a local expert and learn the stories of the monumental architecture and of the famous Havana personalities who are buried there. Visit the famous Revolution Square in Havana and learn about the monumental events that have taken place there. Explore the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, also known simply as "La Cabaña." 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.
Dinner: Your choice to explore the many new privately owned restaurants (paladares) in Havana. The array of possibilities is constantly growing. A list of suggestions will be provided.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking and standing in the museum for 40 minutes. Walking outdoors. Walking and standing for one hour at Finca La Vigia, with some uneven stairs with no railing.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel.
Morning: Today’s presentation focuses on the role of religion in the Cuban Identity. Explore the Fine Arts Museum of Havana. Cuban art is renowned world-wide. Delve into the stories that each work of art relates and the statement on politics, culture and society that each artist conveys.
Lunch: Light lunch in a paladar.
Afternoon: Drive to the outskirts of Havana to 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 fishing boat, Pilar. The boat is featured in his novel "Islands in the Stream."
Dinner: On your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Travel by motorcoach. Walking up to 2 – 2.5 miles over uneven cobblestone streets in Cienfuegos with limited places to sit. There may be time during the lunch stop to swim in the Caribbean Sea, so be sure to pack your swimsuit.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel.
Morning: Depart Havana to the southern part of the island. The drive through the countryside is a unique and interesting experience as you observe the forms of transportation available to Cubans, including an abundance of horse drawn carriages. En route, stop at Playa Larga, in the heart of the Zapata Wetlands to learn about ecology and conservation in Cuba.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a privately owned seaside restaurant, with an opportunity to take a short swim in the Caribbean Sea or a walk along the beach.
Afternoon: Continue to Playa Giron, also known as the Bay of Pigs, a small coastal village and the site of the historic 1961 clash between CIA-trained Cuban exiles and Cuban rebel forces. Explore the small Bay of Pigs Museum, which 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. Upon arrival in Cienfuegos, explore the city and enjoy a short walking tour through Plaza Jose Marti, the main square in Cienfuegos. Talk briefly about the square's history while you have the opportunity to see local life and observe the beautiful buildings that surround it, including the Tomas Terry Theater. People to People Connection: Enjoy interactions with a youth dance group and ask them about their lives. Check in to the hotel.
Dinner: Buffet dinner at your leisure in the hotel restaurant.
Evening: At leisure
Activity note: Strenuous walking up to 2 - 2.5 miles over uneven cobblestone streets in Trinidad with limited shade and places to sit. The historic center of Trinidad is not accessible to motorcoaches and must be accessed on foot.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel.
Morning: Depart on a full-day excursion to Trinidad, the crown jewel of colonial Cuban cities. Founded in 1514, this time capsule of a city is a mix of historic landmarks and majestic natural beauty. Visit an artist's studio upon arrival.
Lunch: In a paladar in Trinidad.
Afternoon: On foot, discover the historic center of Trinidad with your Cuban Guide. Walk to Plaza Mayor to explore the historically and architecturally significant landmarks of this colonial town. Return to Cienfuegos.
Dinner: In a paladar near the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: There will be standing and walking through the Che Memorial & Museum for about an hour with limited places to sit. The center of Santa Clara is inaccessible to motorcoaches and must be accessed on foot.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel.
Morning: We discover a local Farmers Market, to understand the cost of living and interact with local vendors and market goers. Depart on a full day field trip to Santa Clara, the beautiful provincial capital of the region Villa Clara. 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 man's life. The mausoleum is the final resting place of Ernesto "Che" Guevara and his companions.
Lunch: At a restaurant in Santa Clara.
Afternoon: People to People Connection: Enjoy lively interactions with a vivacious group of senior citizens. These young-at-heart folks share their leisure activities and discuss how some Cubans enjoy retirement. Return to Cienfuegos and stroll through the main shopping street of to learn 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. People to People Connection: Enjoy a performance by one of Cienfuegos’ talented musical groups and discuss their musical careers, how they studied their art and what a typical day is like for them.
Dinner: Farewell dinner in a paladar.
Evening: At leisure to prepare for tomorrow's return to the U.S.
Activity note: Hotel check-out, transfer to Havana for return flight. The drive is approximately 3 hours.The transfer has been arranged from Cienfuegos to the Havana airport to allow for greater flexibility in booking return flights. We will arrive at the airport in Havana at approximately 9 AM.
Breakfast: A buffet breakfast or boxed breakfast will be included based on flight schedules.
Morning: We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
It is very interesting and educational to utilize the Road Scholar organization for traveling. especially if it going somewhere for the first time.
I have just returned from a delightful and educational Road Scholar trip to Havana and Cienfuegos! A trip to Cuba should be on every traveler's "bucket list"! Rita Champagne
This was a very informative and interesting program. I learned a lot about the country, the people and the history. I highly recommend.
Our leaders, the expert speakers, the field trips to meet Cubans, all combined to provide us with an understanding of this wonderful country and people. Loved it.
Cuba is not like other Latin American countries. Go now!
Our trip to Cuba was very enlightening and extremely worthwhile. Taking and interacting with Cuban people again reinforced the feeling as to how much we are alike and and share similar values.
Our trip -Cuba Today:People and Society: Havana to Cienfuegos was one of the best trips we have taken. Our lodgings were excellent, our tour leaders were amazing, and the country people were extremely friendly. We would certainly look into another Road Schlolar trip in the near future. J W Vermont
The program gave a wonderful overview of life in Cuba today and the events over it's history that shaped it
We were surprised and delighted by our amazing experience traveling through Cuba with Road Scholar. The education we received gave us a much better understanding of the history we read before the trip. Even though we were only there for 7 days, I feel we saw a great deal of the country seeing city and countryside, large cities and small. Our guide was wonderful and greatly enhanced our trip. We met so many different types of Cubans, old and young, musicians, artists, workers and entrepreneurs. It was a wonderful experience.
I would highly recommend this program. If you are interested in Exploring Cuba, look into traveling to Cuba via Road Scholar. This is my 10th trip with Road Scholar. I started when it was Elderhostel then it was Exploritas for a short time and now Road Scholar.
The Person -to- Person Cuba trip with Road Scholar is not to be missed! It is one of the most educational and eye opening trips I have ever taken and in this day and age of divisiveness, a trip like this helps to keep us all connected in our world. The guides were excellent at making sure everyone was well taken care of and all questions answered. You will get a true flavor of Cuba by meeting the people - all ages and educational backgrounds. You will talk with the children, dancers, artists, seniors, musicians and the list goes on. This is a wonderful - life changing experience not to be missed!!!
I would recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in learning more about Cuban culture, history, government, etc. A wonderful experience.
A great program that provides a fascinating look at a close neighbor caught in a time warp because of economic hardships. We saw that the Cuban people embrace a vibrant culture that, even with their struggles, is alive with color, movement, and infectious sounds.
We Judy finished a Road Scholar tour to Cuba, I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to go to Cuba, it was very educational and a lot of fun.
Visiting Cuba could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn't be missed. The culture, history, and beauty of the island are unique. The grand plazas, the vintage houses and autos, and the abundance of nature are like no other. Visit Cuba now!
Cuba and its people was much more interesting than any visit tour that deals with an ordinary visit. Interacting with Cubans of all ages was educational and rewarding
A thoroughly delightful program of exposure to the Cuban history, culture, people, and politics through a balance of actually being there in combination with discussions/lectures.
Have been on many trips, many countries, and this was the very best. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip,
Wonderful experience, Road Scholar! Keep up the great work!
We went on one of the Cuba trips: Cienfuegos to Havana. If you are interested in an educational experience, this is the perfect tour for you. It marries a look at the destination from a historical and tourist point of view with and artistic and cultural experience. I particularly liked the experience of the guide and group leader which was given to us during bus travel, the talks by experts in a particular area, the performances, and the chance to meet with some young people to hear their experiences.
Cienfuegos to Havana was an awesome experience! Having always traveled independently, we weren't sure we would like traveling with a group. We loved it, and agreed there would truly have been no other way to see and do as much as we did in Cuba had we tried to plan things on our own. Road Scholar's program is well thought-out, very interactive, and very educational. If you are a lifelong learner and you love learning about other cultures, this trip is not to be missed! We especially liked starting in Cienfuegos and then going on to Havana - that eased us into the culture and allowed us to see a smaller city first. One very memorable moment: swimming in the Bay of Pigs! Cross that one off the bucket list!
Fantastic trip. Cameron and Hector were terrific! Very informative and eye opening. It would be interesting to compare USA views to Cuban views on certain topics that were raised. Would it be okay to have a little more down time on this trip? Also a lighter lunch? Thanks again for a wonderful experience. A++
This trip changed our perception of Cuba today. It gave us a chance to see and hear the Cuban perspective. We had a wonderful experience. Cuba is a country of wonderful people, and interesting culture and history. Our Road Scholar guide and the local guide truly enhanced the program.
This program is a great introduction to Cuba, If, like me, you are interested in learning about a country which is so close to us, but about which we know so little.
My lifelong dream of visiting Cuba has finally been fulfilled and my trip exceeded all expectations thanks to Road Scholar!
Thoroughly enjoyed this program, having had a combination of excellent Road Scholar Group Leader Cheryl, Cuban guide Guillermo, and driver Colina. Advantageous to start in Cienfuegos before heading to the faster pace of Havana. A wide range of activities provided a good introduction to current and historic life in Cuba.
What an amazing trip to Cuba ! This was truly the experience of a lifetime. Road Scholars has put together a perfect mix of sights, activities, education, art and history to keep the mind, body and soul happy. Food, wine and friendship made the trip even better. I am looking forward to my next Road Scholar trip as soon as I can decide where I want to go.
Cuba is 90 miles away from US and a world apart. This program is an eye opener on the life, aspirations and possibilities in each of these places. From the lectures, to "all american" car rides, to sightseeing, to food and mostly music and dance, the tour was most enjoyable from my previous experience.
I couldn't be happier with our recent experience in Cuba! Choosing Road Scholar for our journey was one of the best travel decisions we ever made. Our group leader was knowledgeable and professional. Her ability to nurture the group, impart information and keep us on schedule without feeling rushed was impressive. We were provided opportunities to learn from local citizens who represented many professions and walks of life. Thank you!
If you are planning to go to Cuba, go now, before it changes even more than it already has. Going in the dry season, and using the Cienfuegos-to-Havana route worked very well. As a vegetarian I was pleasantly surprised at the options I had. Bring good walking shoes and maybe even a walking stick, put on your "flexible" hat, and enjoy!
A great way to expand my knowledge and understanding of Cuba and it's people. Our guide Hector was the best and it seems March is the perfect time to visit. Starting in Cienfuegos and ending in Havana offered the best routing in terms of following the history, appreciating the accommodations and seeing that part of the country. You can be most satisfied if you accept that you are not in Cuba for the food, the accommodations of the plumbing, but for exposure to the coutry, the people and the culture. Highly recommended!
Have found the website to be very informative and useful.
Can be a little challenging navigating the website just to see the tour you want. You have to go through all the tours in that area, for example, to get to the one you are looking for.
I was a child of the 50's and 60's. All that went around in the news and in my head about Cuba was jumbled. The study and reading I did while getting ready for the trip and then experiencing Cuba and some of its people first hand gave me information and clarity. The trip was the greatest!
I attended the 8 day Road Scholar Tour of Cuba with one of my oldest friends because it was on her bucket List. I'm so glad I did. We were both thrilled with the extensive education we got through the expert lecturers and through our own, incredibly knowledgable, Cuban Guide. We loved Cuba and learned so much from all of the Cuban individuals and groups with whom we met. We both now care very much about the future prosperity of this wonderful country & it's citizens.
Cuba is a vibrant country full of talented artists. We experienced many opportunities to interact with the people of Cuba. We engaged in dances, games, and dialogue with many groups. The quality of the musicians, artists, dancers, and architecture in Cuba will amaze you. This is a once in a lifetime adventure.
If you are thinking about a trip to Cuba, GO!
The Road Scholar program is an excellent way to visit Cuba if you are interested in learning more about its rich and varied history and culture. The guides are first rate, the days are full, and you can expect a wonderful balance between intellectual stimulation and just having a good time.
good questions that covered my evaluation
An amazing program - this is the time to go to Cuba!
This trip far exceeded my expectations. Seeing Cuba with Road Scholar is the way to go! We learned so much about our neighbor, Cuba, that has not been fully understood in our country.
Awesome experience, the people and culture of Cuba was worth experiencing for their love of family and country, as well as, music and educational policies.
Educational and exciting program. I was excited to interact with the Cuban people and learn about their ideas of Americans. Excellent accommodations. Well informed before leaving on the trip so I had no surprises.
Incredible and indescribable opportunity to experience and learn about Cuba and it's welcoming, resilient and hopeful people.
The website is easy to navigate.
Educational, informative and pleasurable.
Wow!! What a trip! Our guides made the trip to Cuba a great adventure. They were so very knowledgeable and wanted to share that knowledge as well as the pride the have for their beautiful country, amazing people and history. A marvelous experience and I hope to return in 4 years to see how the transformation is progressing.
This was an outstanding program! Our Road Scholar leader, Manuel, extended himself in many ways to assure the most satisfying experience possible - and our Cuban guide, Hector, was excellent. I particularly valued the opportunities to get to know a variety of Cuban citizens.
I can heartily recommend this program.It provides an in-depth experience of Cuba and an inside look at people's lives.Road Scholar is an efficient, experienced organization and provides a worry-free and enriching stay in the country.
This was the trip of a lifetime. The experiences in meeting and talking to the people of Cuba was fantastic. The tour guide and lecturers were very knowledgeable. Our tour leader took such good care of us and I had no worries. I would recommend the trip to Cuba to everyone.
If you are comfortable with letting someone else "do the driving" you will be very happy with this trip! It is all-inclusive and all your needs and wants are considered. It is great to meet other like-minded travelers as well. You do spend a lot of time on a bus but the Cuban travel guide keeps you informed and entertained and I loved driving through the country and watch what was going on even there!
I absolutely loved my experience in Road Scholar's Cuba trip People and Society: Cienfuegos to Havana. The guides were superb, and every activity involved us with very interesting and knowledgable people. I learned even more than I had expected to. I highly recommend this trip!
Carol Cloonan, our tour guide, was outstanding.
The trip inspired me to continue learning about Cuba when I returned home.
I have always wanted to go to Cuba and wanted to explore it now in case the nation significantly changes. The Road Scholar program consistently met all its promises of a wonderful learning adventure. We were highly immersed in the culture, through a combination of individual frank discussions with Cubans, music and dance performances, visits with many varied artisans, visits to museums and landmarks, lectures from professors and others on religion, history, architecture, flora & fauna, etc. ALL of this--the varied opportunities to chat with real Cubans in small groups, artistic performances, artisans, expert-led lectures and field trips, the tour bus experience, etc. -- fit together to create an invaluable experience. (And in case anyone has hesitation considering the terrible effects on Cuba of our awful policy of the embargo, no reason to worry---every Cuban we spoke with, from all walks of life, assured us in some fashion that they realize the American people had nothing to do with our government's actions. That had been a big worry of mine, as the harm we caused them is unspeakable - they love Americans and hope that the initial steps President Obama has taken continue to foster development of friendly and mutual beneficial relationships.) And finally, even though Cuba is opening up for legal, individual travel, there is so much to Cuba that could NEVER have been seen/experienced without the group. -- Beth Damon, Atlanta, Georgia
My Road Scholar tour to Cuba was exceptional.. This is not a luxury tour, although they offer the best of Cuba. There is not a lot of time on your own, which was fine in that shopping is limited and the program is packed full of educational opportunity. The Guides, lectures and bus were luxury level. The restaurants were the best Cuba has to offer, well researched by RS. Great care is taken to assure you stay healthy, with bottled water distributed daily and good fresh food. It would be hard to imagine a tour better organized, or more inclusive of every aspect of the Cuban society.
Go to Cuba NOW with Road Scholar. You will love it and be glad you participated before Cuba changes even more.
I have wanted to go to Cuba for many years. Road Scholar helped me realize that dream. Now I have a different understanding of Cuba, fuller, richer, and much more complex than I thought before. I know that I will visit again.
This is a well-planned, informative trip.
This is an excellent program to learn about Cuba. Many of my previous ideas were inaccurate.
Road Scholar is the way to see the world. The program allows you to experience the world in a way that is informative,insiteful and fun
We had a small group, exceptional guides and teachers, and a varied and comprehensive exposure to past and present Cuba. It was a very enriching experience and a good value for my travel dollars.
This program is particularly well-suited to those who desire an emphasis on learning the socio-cultural aspects of Cuba. Its emphasis on people-to-people interaction is unique, and the quality of the lecturers is outstanding. One cannot help but feel a deeper understanding of the country and its resilient people after this all too brief exposure.