Havana Getaway

Day 1 - Miami Arrival Day
Travelers will be arriving independently today to Miami and gathering at the pre-night Miami airport hotel. This evening, join the group and attend a welcome briefing to get you prepared for your Havana Getaway. Your Tour Director will be available to answer all of your questions and will also invite you to a welcome cocktail to get better acquainted with your traveling companions.

Day 2 - Havana Arrival
Your short flight to Havana will last just under an hour, and upon arrival you'll meet your Cuban Tour Guide and local expert, who will accompany you throughout your 4-night journey. After collecting your bags and exiting customs, as an introduction to Cuba, your driver will take you on a panoramic overview of the city. Make a stop at the remarkable "Plaza de la Revolucion", the city's most important square and center for political talks and cultural happenings. Here you will see the statue of Cuba's national hero, Jose Marti, as well as symbols of the country's revolutionary heroes, including Camilo Cienfuegos and Che Guevara. You will also learn about the different neighborhoods in Havana, including the vibrant Vedado district, where the University of Havana is also located. Stop at a local "paladar", or private restaurant in Cuba, for your introduction to Cuban cuisine! Head towards Old Havana along the seaside Promenade, known as the Malecon, and the Prado, an elegant tree-lined boulevard with architectural gems on each side. You'll arrive at the Capitol building for another great photo stop. You're sure to find many American Antique Cars in great condition, but look closely as many don't always have all of the original parts! Check in at the hotel, your hub for the next 4 nights. After getting settled in, you will be transported by an Old American Car to your welcome dinner! Interact with your drivers to learn about the interesting ways they've been able to maintain these vehicles throughout the years. After dinner, it's back to the hotel for a good night's rest! INCLUDED MEALS: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Havana
After breakfast at the hotel, put on your walking shoes for a walk through Old Havana to learn firsthand from an architect about the recent restorations and the historical importance of many of its glorious buildings, many dating to Colonial times. Visit the 4 major squares in Havana: Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Francisco. Next you're off to meet with local dancers for an interactive salsa lesson. Enjoy a light Lunch in the Santo Angel neighborhood within Old Havana, and then get involved with the residents by learning more about their local community, and a project known as Arte Corte, founded by a barber. Learn about this emerging area that has its own beauty school, community center for the elderly and many new business and art galleries. The community members will be available to share their stories on their success stories and how their lives have changed in just a few years with new opportunities and changes in local regulations. Head over to the San Jose Craft Market to meet local artists and artisans, and discover for yourself how remarkable a variety of crafts are made in Cuba. In the afternoon, return to the hotel. This evening you may choose to venture out on your own to try one of the local restaurants, or join us for an optional evening out for dinner and a show, including the Buenavista Social Club Group. INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Havana
After a leisurely breakfast, depart to Hemingway's home, Finca Vigia (the lookout house), located in the town of San Francisco de Paula. Walk the grounds and check out the famous writer's home, where time has stood still since his departure in 1960. You'll even get to see the desk where he wrote two of his most celebrated novels. Next, you'll visit the Muraleando Community Project, where you'll see the impact of art and music on the lives of its residents. The abundance of programs and classes they offer is impressive! Head over to a local restaurant in the Vedado neighborhood to discuss the morning's activities with your traveling companions, Cuban guide and Tour Director. In the afternoon, visit a local artist in his home studio and learn about the life of an artist in Cuba today. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Enjoy another evening to explore some of the local eating places and hangouts, for yet more interaction with the locals. You may instead want to sign up for an optional evening to experience Havana's famous Cannon Firing Ceremony. INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Havana - Punar Del Rio - Havana
Breakfast is served at the hotel, and you're off to Pinar del Rio Province, for a unique day trip. The scenic drive takes you along some of Cuba's most beautiful countryside, including lush green landscapes and unusual limestone formations with steep hills (locally called mogotes). Your first stop will be in the heart of the Viñales Valley where information on tobacco production will be shared and the art of cigar rolling will be demonstrated. Then it's off to lunch, at organic gardens overlooking the beautiful Valle del Silencio, or Valley of Silence. Your feast will feature an array of organic produce grown locally, as well as the typical roasted meats cooked and served throughout these rural areas. Meet this hard working family and learn more about rural life in Cuba, while taking in the stunning views. After lunch, make a quick stop in the town center of Viñales, with its colorful homes and friendly people, before heading back to Havana. After a brief break, join us on a festive farewell dinner at one of Havana's most elegant restaurants. Take the time to soak in all you've learned this week and enjoy your last evening in Havana. INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Departure Day
After your last breakfast at the hotel, your driver and Cuban guide transfer you to the Havana Airport, where you'll board your flight back to Miami. Your brief introduction to Cuba and your Havana Getaway ends here, taking home many memories and wonderful experiences of this colorful place! Buen Viaje! INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast