Come Cavort with Karen in Cuba! The Rhythms of Cuba: the Music, the Cuisine, the People, the Lifestyle February 1 – 11, 2020 Itinerary Saturday, February 1 D Flight from Atlanta to Havana; transfer to our b&b in Vedado. Meet with our wonderful guide 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 B&B Solinos y Yo (included). Sunday, February 2 BLD Sumptuous breakfast at our bnb. Take a guided bus tour of Vedado, Miramar, and the fascinating and capricious Fusterlandia, where we’ll have lunch (included). 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. [A great highlight of the trip!] Check out: www.buenavistasocialclub.com Monday, February 3 BLD Breakfast at b&b; day trip to Vinales and the lovely Pinar del Rio valley to learn about Cuban agriculture and black market. Explore the picturesque town of Vinales, tour a tobacco plantation, and learn about the organic Cuban cigar industry. Lunch al fresco at a local restaurant (included). Dinner (included) at the paladar and Atelier in Havana. Tuesday, February 4 BD Breakfast at b&b. 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 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. Dinner (included) at Restaurante San Jose to enjoy dinner. Nightowls are free to explore more of Trinidad’s exciting nightlife. Wednesday, February 5 BD Breakfast in our various casas; take a guided walking tour of Trinidad with Luharki, a wonderful 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. Optional nightlife. Thursday, February 6 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!] Friday, February 7 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. Saturday, February 8 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). Sunday, February 9 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. Monday, October 10 BD After breakfast, meet with Alfredo for a guided walking tour of Habana Vieja (Old Havana), an area somewhat restored to its former glory. Tour the Bacardi Rum Museum and learn about Cuba’s rum culture. Lunch (not included) at a local café. Visit the Feria de la Artesania to shop for local handcrafts and souvenirs. Some may want to sample a cocktail at the Bodeguita del Medio, Papa Hemingway’s favorite watering hole for mojitos. Our final hurrah will be dinner (included) with live music and dancing at the lovely Paladar Canonazo or other special venue. Tuesday, February 11 B Buffet breakfast in hotel; transfer to airport. Limited time for last minute shopping. 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 December 28] Round-trip direct flights between Atlanta and Havana 02-01-20 Lv ATL 11:24 AM; Arr HAV 1:35 PM Indiana travelers: Lv IND 6:00 AM; Arr ATL 7.29 AM 02-11-20 Lv HAV 2:35 PM; Arr ATL 4:38 PM Indiana travelers: Lv ATL 7:18 PM; Arr IND 8:52 PM ~subject to slight changes by Delta Airlines~ Included in price: *Round-trip air fare from either Atlanta or Indianapolis to Havana (Other departure cities possible) *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, and interest has been great, so sign up soon! A $500 non-refundable deposit holds your space and must be received by December 15, 2020. Remainder of the funds is due by January 20, 2020. [Remember: There is a $200 discount if the balance is received in full by December 28, 2019.] Monies are non-refundable. It is recommended that travelers purchase trip insurance. Checks should be made out to Across the Languages. Travelers wishing to pay by zelle may pay to the account of Karen A. Claypool at SunTrust Bank (North Chattanooga Branch). Across the Languages * 309 Forest Avenue; Chattanooga, TN 37405-3922 * (423) 653-8666 www.acrossthelanguages.com .