The Rhythms of Cuba: the Music, the Cuisine, the People, the Lifestyle October 8 - 18, 2018 Itinerary
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Come Cavort with Karen in Cuba! The Rhythms of Cuba: the Music, the Cuisine, the People, the Lifestyle October 8 - 18, 2018 Itinerary Monday, October 8 D Flight from Atlanta to Havana; transfer to our villa in Vedado. Meet with our wonderful guide Professor Alfredo, who will be with us much of our time in Cuba, for an introductory lecture about this fascinating island. Ride around Havana in classic 1950’s convertibles along the Malecon (ocean boulevard) and to several sites. Dinner at Graciela’s (included). Tuesday, October 9 BLD Sumptuous breakfast at villa. Take a guided bus tour of Havana to Fusterlandia, Mirador, Plaza de la Revolucion, John Lennon Park, and more. Lunch (included) at Fusterlandia. Visit the renowned National Museum of Fine Arts, the Capitol building, and more! Later enjoy a three-course dinner and a concert by the world-renowned and Grammy-winning group The Buena Vista Social Club. [This is sure to be a great highlight of the trip!] Check out: www.buenavistasocialclub.com Wednesday, October 10 BL Breakfast at villa; day trip to Vinales and the lovely Pinar del Rio valley with lecture about Cuban agriculture en route. Explore the picturesque town of Vinales, tour a tobacco plantation, and learn about the organic Cuban cigar industry. Lunch al fresco at Restaurante El Pimento (included); take a boat ride in a local cave. Dinner and music back in Havana. Thursday, October 11 BL Breakfast at villa; take a guided walking tour of Habana Vieja, which has been somewhat restored to its former glory. Lunch at a local café (included). Tour the Bacardi Rum Museum and learn about the Cuban rum culture. Visit the Feria de la Artesania to shop for local handcrafts and souvenirs. Some may want to enjoy a cocktail at La Bodeguita del Medio, Hemingway’s favorite watering hole for mojitos. Dinner (not included) at Paladar Ivan y Justo, whose chef formerly prepared meals for Fidel. Friday, October 12 BL Breakfast at villa. Travel to Finca Vigia, Hemingway’s home, for a self-guided tour. Continue to Trinidad, the “Museum of Cuba,” a quaint and charming Caribbean city known for its Spanish colonial architecture. Lunch (included) en route at Restaurante Para Ti. Check into casas particulares and later walk through central Trinidad. Put on our dancin’ shoes and learn to salsa with a professional dance teacher. Evening (optional) at La Taberna la Botija to enjoy dinner, live music, and décor that makes this a veritable museum. Nightowls are free to explore more of Trinidad’s exciting nightlife. Saturday, October 13 BD Breakfast in our various casas; take a guided walking tour of Trinidad with Luharki, a local guide who will take us to places most tourists never discover and regale us with tales and fascinating info. Lunch (not incuded) at the Restaurante San Jose. Afternoon free for shopping, beach time, hanging out with locals. Dinner at a local restaurant. Optional nightlife. Sunday, October 14 BL Breakfast in our various casas. Embark on a day trip to the Topes de Collantes nature reserve in the Escambray Mountains, an area replete with wonderful birdlife and numerous plants species. Be prepared for a bit of trekking (medium difficulty). A buffet lunch included. Dinner and nightlife on your own. [You may opt out if trekking is too difficult. A good substitute would be a day at the nearby beach!] Monday, October 15 BD Depart for Cienfuegos, a beautiful city on the Caribbean often called the “Paris of Cuba” and “the Pearl of the South.” Both titles are well-deserved. Check into our casas particulares, most of which will be right on the water. Tour the architectural jewel Palacio de Valle. Their restaurant is highly rated, and some may want to have lunch there. We will take bicytaxis to the downtown area for a guided tour of this picturesque city boasting gorgeous French architecture. Dinner (included) at Restaurante O Pelicano. Those who want may enjoy a stroll along the Malecon or return to town and enjoy music and perhaps dancing at such options as Cienfuegos Club, SPA Club, or El Benny, all venues to hear music of the late local Cuban singing legend Benny More and other Cuban favorites. Tuesday, October 16 BD Breakfast in our various casas, then a day of leisure to enjoy swimming in the Caribbean, relaxing in the park, reading in front one of the most beautiful views in the world, boating, shopping, or exploring. Dinner at a B&B (included). Wednesday, October 17 BD Breakfast in our various casas, then return by bus to Havana. Check into Hotel Inglaterra across from Parque Central or a similar hotel. Free time in the afternoon. You may want to take a short walk to La Floridita, which Papa Hemingway claimed made the best daiquiris; pack; do last minute shopping; or get into some serious mischief. In the evening for our final hurrah we’ll have a delectable dinner with great music and dancing at Paladar El Canonazo. Thursday, October 18 B Buffet breakfast in hotel; transfer to airport. Return to U.S. with wonderful memories and new friendships. Price: $3400 from Atlanta ($3500 from Indianapolis) [$200 per person discount if payment received in full by August 1, 2018] Round-trip direct flights between Atlanta and Havana 04-13-18 Lv ATL 11:24 AM; Arr HAV 1:35 PM Indiana travelers: Lv IND 6:00 AM; Arr ATL 7.29 AM 04-23-18 Lv HAV 2:35 PM; Arr ATL 4:38 PM Indiana travelers: Lv ATL 7:18 PM; Arr IND 8:52 PM Included in price: *Round-trip air fare from either Indianapolis or Atlanta to Havana *Ground transportation in Cuba *Required travel visa for Cuba *Medical insurance within Cuba *All lodging, double occupancy (Single occupancy, add $600) *English-speaking, local guides *A ride along the Malecon in classic 1950’s convertible *Breakfast and one other meal per day, as noted (BLD = breakfast, lunch, dinner) *Admissions to all museums, attractions, and tourist sites mentioned *Salsa lessons *My services as leader, translator, and guide (priceless!) *Many surprises! Not included: *Passport *Tips to guides, drivers, chambermaids *Some meals *Most alcoholic beverages For more info or to sign up, call 423.653.8666 or email me at [email protected]. Space is limited; interest has been great, and several seats have already been sold. I expect this trip to sell out early, so sign up soon. A $500 non-refundable deposit holds your space and must be received by June 28, 2018. Remainder of the funds is due by September 8, 2018. [Remember: There is a $200 discount if the balance is received in full by August 1.] Monies are non-refundable. It is recommended that travelers purchase trip insurance. .