Day 1

ARRIVE IN HAVANA, CUBA Arrive in Havana, Cuba’s capital city, and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Globus Group Leader and Cuban National Tour Director for a 6pm welcome meeting and dinner. This is a good time to meet fellow program participants, get your questions answered, and prepare for your time in fascinating Cuba. (D)

Day 2

HAVANA Your day begins with a visit to artist, Jose Fuster’s Community Art Project. Here you’ll discover a surreal world – like nothing you have seen before. Interact with members of the neighbourhood to discuss the project’s impact on the surrounding area. Next, meet members of the Antique Car Club “a Lo Cubana,” from the popular TV series, Cuba Chrome. Discuss what it takes for these local entrepreneurs to keep these classic American cars running, what it takes to become a member of the car club, and some of the special car club events they hold each year. Over lunch at a local paladar (a special, privately owned restaurant), meet a former Cuban baseball player for a discussion about the history and the love of this favorite pastime in Cuba and the United States. Before returning to your hotel, visit a private project focused on repurposing materials to make handbags and dresses. Speak to the dynamic owner about her personal story of losing her job during the pandemic and how she started her own business. You’ll also enjoy a cigar-rolling and rum-tasting experience. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local paladar followed by an energetic show of Cuban music and dance. (B,L,D)

Day 3

HAVANA This morning, walk through the streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discuss with your Cuban Tour Director Havana’s unique architecture, the challenges of renovating the city’s exquisite historic buildings, and the future of these restorations. You’ll have the chance to interact with local private artisans while visiting the four major squares in Old Havana. Next, our attention turns to Nobel Prize-winning novelist Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Cuba for more than 30 years and left behind an enduring legacy. It is here that he wrote several books, participated in fishing contests, and enjoyed the laid-back ambiance and warmth of the Cuban people. Engage with the staff at Finca Vigia, his beloved home (supported by independent foundations) and discuss the processes of preserving this historic location. Continue to an organic farm to discuss their sustainable practices. Lunch is at a paladar where you’ll enjoy an interactive mojito-making demonstration. To end the day, we’ll visit a local community project to interact with the children and volunteers who run the program. This evening is at leisure. Your Cuban Tour Director will have suggestions for dining and additional exploration. (B,L)

Day 4

HAVANA–BAY OF PIGS–TRINIDAD Today’s travels bring us to Playa Giron, site of the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Discuss with your Cuban Tour Director the history of this event and the role it played in the Cold War. Over lunch at a local paladar, meet a Naturalist from the local Ciénaga de Zapata National Biosphere Reserve and join in a discussion about the concerns we all have for our environment. Continue to Trinidad, the crown jewel of Cuba’s colonial cities, founded in 1514 and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy dinner at a paladar and discuss private enterprise in Cuba with the owners and staff. (B,L,D)

Day 5

TRINIDAD Start your day with a stroll through the streets of Trinidad, a cobblestone showcase of colonial architecture and pastel-colored houses decorated with wooden shutters and wrought-iron grilles. Visit some of the city’s famous landmarks while stopping to meet local self-employed residents and shop owners. Next, visit artist Lazaro Niebla’s gallery which displays the artist’s unique woodcut portraits made from discarded window panels. Discuss with the artist his process, the inspiration for his work, and his life as an artist. After lunch at a local paladar, engage with the famous Santander family, well-known independent artisans. Visit and support their workshop and gallery and discuss their history in Cuba and learn how they have been making handmade pottery for over 100 years. This evening is at leisure in Trinidad. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to make the most of your evening. (B,L)

Day 6

TRINIDAD–CIENFUEGOS–HAVANA Travel to Cienfuegos and get acquainted on a walk around the historic main square. Settled by French immigrants more than 150 years ago, Cienfuegos is often referred to as the “Pearl of the South” because of its impressive beauty and colorful history. Enjoy a performance by the Cienfuegos Orchestra (made of local independent musicians) and afterward join in a discussion with the artists about their training, performance schedule, and daily lives. After lunch at a waterside paladar, return to Havana. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for dining this evening. (B,L)

Day 7

HAVANA We start our day with a photo stop at Revolution Square before visiting Beyond Roots, a private project dedicated to the Afro-Cuban Culture in Cuba. Discuss the history of the project, the Santeria religion brought to Cuba by enslaved West Africans, and how this project gives back to the local community. After lunch at a local paladar, enjoy a workshop at Havana Compass Dance Company. Watch a rehearsal and take some time to speak to the dancers and teachers about their training, daily lives, and future careers. Before returning to the hotel, stop at the Angeles del Futuro (Angels of the Future) project. Enjoy a performance by these future circus performers and later interact with the children and teachers. Discuss how the children come to the program, the challenges the program faces, and how the program has changed lives. Tonight, meet private owners of classic American cars for a special treat as you jump into a classic 1950s American car and cruise the streets of Havana. End at a festive farewell dinner where you’ll be treated to a performance by a local music group. It’s the perfect ending to your time in Cuba! (B,L,D)

Day 8

HAVANA Your program ends after breakfast with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)