Come Cavort with Karen in Cuba! The Rhythms of Cuba: the Music, the Cuisine, the People, the Lifestyle October 5 – 15, 2019 Itinerary Saturday, October 5 D Flight from Atlanta to Havana; transfer to our apartment in Vedado with its large balcony overlooking the Atlantic. Meet with our wonderful guide Alfredo, who will be with us much of our time in Cuba, for introductory info about this fascinating island. Ride around Havana in classic 1950’s American convertibles along the Malecon (ocean boulevard) and to several additional sites. Traditional dinner at B&B Solinos y Yo. Sunday, October 6 BLD After a sumptuous breakfast, take a guided bus tour of Havana to Miramar, Plaza de la Revolucion, John Lennon Park, and the beautifully capricious Fusterlandia, which we will tour; we will then enjoy a delicious lunch (included) there. Afterward visit the renowned National Museum of Fine Arts and some sites in Central and Old Havana. Later enjoy a three-course meal and concert by the Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social Club. [This is sure to be a great highlight of the trip!] Check out: www.buenavistasocialclub.com. Monday, October 7 BLD Breakfast, then a day trip through the lovely Pinar del Rio valley to learn about Cuban agriculture and culture, including the 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 before our return to Havana. Dinner and music at the exquisite Paladar Atelier (included), a favorite restaurant of my last two groups. Tuesday, October 8 BD Following breakfast we'll load our bus to 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. 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. Nightowls are free to explore more of Trinidad and enjoy its exciting nightlife. Wednesday, October 9 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 included) at a restaurant of your choice. Afternoon free for shopping, heading to the beach, or just hanging out with locals. Dinner (included) on the rooftop terrace of Esquina 373, a popular new upscale eatery. Optional nightlife. Thursday, October 10 BL Breakfast in our various casas. Embark on a day trip to the Sugarmill Valley. We'll stop at Mirador del Valle de los Ingenios, a phenomenal lookout point; San Isidro de los Destiladeros, a former sugarmill now in ruins, and Manaca Iznaga. Stop for a buffet lunch at Balcon del Caribe (included). Free time in afternoon for the beach, shopping, a massage, or whatever you’d like. Dinner and nightlife on your own. Friday, October 11 BL Depart after breakfast 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 right on the water on what is one of the most beautiful pieces of real estate in the world. Tour the architectural jewel Palacio de Valle. Lunch at Restaurante o Pelicano (included). We’ll take bicytaxis to the downtown area for a guided tour of this picturesque city boasting gorgeous French architecture. Dinner on your own. 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, October 12 BD Breakfast in our various casas, then a day of leisure for swimming in the Caribbean, relaxing in the park, reading in front one of the most beautiful views anywhere, boating, shopping, or exploring. Dinner at Villa Lagarto (included). Sunday, October 13 BL Breakfast in our various casas, then return by bus to Havana. Check into Hotel Iberostar Parque Central or a similar hotel. Lunch (included) at a nearby restaurant; free time in the afternoon. You may want to swim in one of the hotel pools; take a short walk to La Floridita, which Hemingway claimed made the best daiquiris; shop; or get into some serious mischief. Dinner (not included) at Paladar Ivan y Justo, whose chef formerly prepared meals for Fidel. Monday, October 14 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 cafe. 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, October 15 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 is received in full by July 31, 2019 A deposit of $500 reserves your place; deadline August 10 or until spaces are full Final payment due by August 31 Included in price: *Round-trip air fare from Atlanta or Indianapolis to Havana (Other departure cities may be possible) *Ground transportation in Cuba *Required travel visa for Cuba *Medical insurance within Cuba *All lodging, double occupancy (Single occupancy, add $500) *English-speaking, local guides *A ride along the Malecon in classic 1950’s convertibles *Breakfast and at least 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 [email protected]. Space is limited, and due to new travel restrictions to Cuba, this may fill up quickly. A $500 non-refundable deposit holds your space and must be received by August 10. Remainder of the funds is due by August 31. [Remember: There is a $200 discount if the balance is received in full by July 31.] Monies are non-refundable. It is recommended that travelers purchase trip insurance. Come cavort with me in Cuba! -- Karen Claypool Mailing address is Across the Languages; 309 Forest Avenue; Chattanooga, TN 37405-3922. .