ITINERARY | DAY-BY-DAY
Library & Information Services CAREER ENRICHMENT CAREER Journey to Havana & Varadero Cuba 9 days / 8 nights March 10-18, 2017
$5,699 (Based on double occupancy) Enjoy the unique culture and traditions of Cuba while you spend time with the locals. This
adventure includes opportunities to interact with your professional counterparts.
BOOK NOW 888.747.7501
Cuba Highlights 9 days & 8 nights Explore Cuba’s rich cultural heritage as you learn about Cuba’s library system including site visits to local libraries and interaction with various experts in the field from the Ministry of Education. Explore Havana and the unique beauty of Varadero as well as the surrounding Matanzas province. Visit the impressive Jose Marti National Library in Havana including a chance to talk to the library director.
Community Connections Meet local Cubans of all ages during an evening neighborhood street party with residents of the block participating. Talk to the people you pass on the street. You’ll be delighted at how open to conversation the locals are, and you may surprise yourself with the new impressions formed.
Professional and Personal Interaction Enrich your professional life while learning about a different educational, social, and information system than in the U.S. Learn how library information services are delivered in Cuba while interacting with your Cuban colleagues. Experience the educational and cultural customs of Cuba not experienced in several generations. Look for opportunities to connect with Cuban librarians to share your experiences and determine if collaborative outcomes are possible.
What’s included? Not included: Deluxe hotel accommodations throughout Personal expenses at the hotels All transportation and activities outlined in the itinerary Meals not specified Group transfers to and from the international airport Tips for national guide International air to and from Cuba (gateway city set out Passport renewal or issuance of Miami) Domestic flight to gateway city Meals as mentioned and most tips Departure taxes where applicable
Cuban tourist visa & flight to and from Cuba uba
Cuba | www.nandajourneys.com | 888-747-7501 ITINERARY | DAY-BY-DAY
Miami, Florida
DAY 1 Convene in Miami this evening
Travel by individual arrangement to Miami, Florida. Upon arrival in Miami, transfer to the Miami Airport Hilton Hotel—or a hotel of similar quality—to check in. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight.
DISCLAIMER: Both the gateway city and itinerary flow noted in this program are subject to change. The ongoing development and availability of commercial flights to Cuba requires us to remain Varadero, Cuba fluid in our planning over the coming months. DAY 2 Overnight: Miami Airport Hilton (or similar) Arrival in Havana and transfer to Varadero Included meals: N/A
Depart the hotel this morning for the Miami International Airport (transfer provided by the hotel). Airport check-in is required three hours prior to your scheduled departure time; optional breakfast choices will be available for purchase after check-in.
Upon arrival in Havana this afternoon, meet your local guide and travel directly onward to Varadero, Matanzas Province, via private coach. On the way, stop at the Bacunayagua lookout and enjoy the best Piña Coladas in Cuba. Travel Regulations Settle into your room and enjoy some time to explore What are the new regulations for travel to Cuba? the hotel. You might opt to walk on the beach or swim. Enjoy Cuba’s blissful year-round climate, stunning Recently OFAC changed the regulations for U.S. white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters with a visitors traveling to Cuba. Leisure travel is still prohibited, however, traveling with Nanda stay at the Grand Memories Varadero. As time permits, Journeys on a Career Enrichment program will enjoy the dazzling pools, work out at the fitness center, ensure you adhere to the specified requirements. or pamper yourself at the luxurious spa. We will take care of all the regulatory paperwork on your behalf – your focus should be on creating This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. new friendships and enjoying the wonders of Cuba. Overnight: Hotel Grand Memories (or similar)
Included meals: Dinner Your commitment to full participation in the
program is required if you choose to join the group. Most tourist-oriented activities are forbidden by the U.S. license, and this license does not allow for independent exploration in Cuba.
Cuba | www.nandajourneys.com | 888-747-7501 ITINERARY | DAY-BY-DAY
Varadero, Cuba Varadero, Cuba
DAY 3 DAY 4 Matanzas City Visit & Professional Program Zapata Peninsula
After breakfast, which will be provided daily at your Today will provide a unique opportunity to head hotel, gather for a welcome and orientation session on south towards the Zapata Peninsula and famed Cuba. Meet with your leader and national guide to Bay of Pigs. learn more about the program. Start your morning with a stop at a crocodile farm Depart later this morning for Matanzas, known as the at Boca de Guama. Next stop is Playa Larga, city of bridges and the capital city of Matanzas considered to be home to one of the most beautiful Province. Also known as the “Venice of Cuba,” it is the beaches in the region and well known for its white birthplace of many famous Cuban poets. En route, sand and turquoise blue water. Bring your bathing stop to see the Oscar Maria de Rojas Museum. suit!
Founded in 1900, the museum is one of the oldest in Lunch will be provided in Girón where you will have Cuba and is dedicated not only to the history of the a chance to visit the Playa Girón Museum. Here city of Cardenas but to the country. you will find relics to the history of the region and revolution. Meet with representatives from the Cuban Institute of Friendship with People late this morning. This Return to Varadero for dinner at the hotel. mandatory meeting focuses on Cuban/U.S. relations, and is a required component of all U.S. visits to Cuba. Overnight: Hotel Grand Memories (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Your visit to Matanzas will not be complete without a specially arranged visit to the old French Colonial pharmacy, formerly known as Botica La Francesa. Founded by Dr. Ernesto Triolet and his wife Dolores in 1882, the pharmacy stands unchanged today. A quick stop prior to lunch across the street will provide a chance to take a step back in time during your personal tour.
Late this afternoon, visit the Ramon Guitera Public Library to learn about what Cuban library professionals are most proud of in meeting the information needs of their users. Also discuss how
Cuban public libraries are perceived by their users: benefits, strengths, and concerns. You will see firsthand the impact the embargo has had on their facilities and services. The library was founded in 1955.
Return to your hotel where dinner is included this evening.
Overnight: Hotel Grand Memories (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cuba | www.nandajourneys.com | 888-747-7501 ITINERARY | DAY-BY-DAY
Havana, Cuba DAY 6 Professional Program Library Visit & Old Havana
Begin your professional exchange in Havana with a visit to the Jose Marti National Library. The National Library is an impressive facility with a lot of services to offer the people of Cuba. This includes a dedicated children and youth section, a teen area, research areas with computers, and the regular circulation floors with items available for checkout.
Havana, Cuba Spend time with their staff to learn about the role technology plays in providing services and resources DAY 5 to the Cuban public as well as university students Return to Havana and faculty. Discuss opportunities to collaborate with your Cuban colleagues. This morning you will explore the Hicacos Peninsula and resort town of Varadero. Start with a panoramic After lunch, continue your explorations during a tour to see the Varadero Museum, Josone Park, and Al walking tour of the historic center of Old Havana, Capone’s House (Casa del Al) which has been a village founded in 1519 and declared a World converted to a restaurant. You will have some time this Heritage site by UNESCO in 1982. There will be an morning to shop at a large craft market. explanation of the projects carried out by the City Historian’s Office for the rehabilitation of Old Later this morning, visit a Rum and Cigar House and Havana. Xanadu Mansion (aka Dupont Mansion), which is the former exclusive estate of French American millionaire This evening, after dinner on your own, meet local Irenée Dupont de Nemours, where you can have a Cubans during an evening neighborhood street drink at their top-floor bar while enjoying the party with the residents of the block participating. breathtaking views of the sea and golf course.
Overnight: Four Points Sheraton Return to your hotel for lunch before you check out Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch and board your motor coach for the drive to Havana.
Upon arrival in Havana, you will check into your local hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local paladar before heading to a local Jazz Café.
Overnight: Four Points Sheraton (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Jose Marti National Library
Cuba | www.nandajourneys.com | 888-747-7501 ITINERARY | DAY-BY-DAY
Havana, Cuba Havana, Cuba DAY 7 DAY 8 Professional Program Professional Program & Hemingway House
This morning, continue your professional exchange This morning, meet with the staff from the Literacy during a visit with an organization like the Cuban Museum, tracing Cuba's achievements in the Great Library Association. Learn about overseeing the Literacy Campaign. The Cuban Literary Campaign libraries in Cuba, access to special libraries to serve was a year-long effort to abolish illiteracy in Cuba medical and legal professionals, and how the after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. This educational system works for preparing a librarian to campaign became the world’s most ambitious literacy practice and/or be certified in Cuba. campaign.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your Lunch will be provided at Bodega las Brisas, in the explorations with a visit to an academic library like small town of Cojimar, near Ernest Hemingway’s the University of Havana. Learn about the role technology plays in providing services and resources beloved Finca Vigia. to the university students and faculty. Also learn about the Cuban education system. This afternoon you will continue on to the Hemingway House. Visit the home and gardens Dinner is on your own arrangement this evening. where he penned many of his great novels and short stories. Overnight: Four Points Sheraton Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch
This evening’s farewell reception is at the Santa Isabel Hotel terrace in Old Havana. The stilt walkers dance group will entertain you as you follow them dancing in the streets to your farewell dinner at Café Del Oriente Restaurant in the historic center.
Overnight: Four Points Sheraton Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Havana, Cuba DAY 9 Depart
Head home this morning saying goodbye to Cuba!
Cuba | www.nandajourneys.com | 888-747-7501 ITINERARY | DAY-BY-DAY
Miami
Miami Airport Hilton 101 Blue Lagoon Drive Miami, FL 33126
Tel Number: 1-305-262-1000 www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/Hilton-miami- airport-MIAAHHH/index.html
Varadero, Cuba Grand Memories Resort & Spa Km 18 ½ Autopista Sur - Punta Hicacos Matanzas Province Varadero, Cuba Tel Number: 011-53-45-667966 http://www.memoriesresorts.com/en/resort/grand- memories.aspx
Havana, Cuba Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Quinta Avenida 76-80 Miramar District Havana, Cuba
Tel Number: 011-53-7-214-1470
http://www.fourpointshavana.com/
Cuba | www.nandajourneys.com | 888-747-7501