A People to People Experience
May 1 – 12 Essential Cuba
May 12 – 23 Cuba’s Soul and Rhythm
You can take ‘Essential Cuba’ and ‘Cuba’s Soul and Rhythm’ in conjunction or independently
C
osmopolitan
Adventure Tours
Creating Tours since 1965
56 Millard Rd. Larkspur, CA 94939 Tel: (415) 924 4627 Fax: (415) 927 7653
email:[email protected]
CST -1012223-60
Members of the Intl. Ecotourism Society since 1998/ SATA/ARTA/SFTP
Join us for a fascinating look into what is becoming the most captivating destination in the last
10 years, when Cuba was legally opened to US visitors
Approved by USA Office of Foreign Assets Control: licensed Cuba Travel Service Provider
Essential Cuba - 12 days (May 1) Experience Old Havana, Trinidad’s unique Colonial
heritage, Vinales Valley’s breathtaking National Park
Cuba’s Soul & Rhythm – 13 days (May 12) Relax at beautiful and secluded Cayeria del
Norte before exploring some of the lesser visited towns like Sancti Spiritus, Camagueywith its serene gardens and courtyards, Baracoa - the oldest, and arguably most beautiful
city in Cuba, Santiago de Cuba- combining Spanish relics and the most exciting music in
Cuba.
Highlights:
Escorted by Spanish speaking lecturer Rea Franjetic
Optional Breakout Photography Groups with Neil and Susan Silverman
A combination of Photographing and "How to" sessions.
Susan and Neil, professional photographers and teachers, will help you come home with some
wonderful images of this colorful island and the rich experience of the adventure of this journey. They
will be taking you on special photo outings, seeking unusual photo opportunities, and helping you to
tell your own story of your time in Cuba. They will share their knowledge and expertise willingly. All
levels of experience welcome. This is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and come home with
super images. All cameras and even iPhones also welcome.
There are two professionals to work with!
Experience Cuba at its most authentic, where few groups go (Baracoa,Remedios, Camaguey,
Santiago de Cuba …)
Special encounters with local artists, community members, farmers, musicians
Meals at Rea’s specially selected venues and paladares
Enjoy the stunningly beautiful beach resort of Cayo Del Norte
See the Cuba few visitors see!
May 1 –
Miami - Havana, Cuba
Board your non-stop flight in Miami bound for Havana, Cuba’s capital city designated UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
You are welcomed by our private Cuban People to People Representative/guide.
After lunch, our guide leads us on a leisurely orientation walk through the cobblestone streets of this vibrant area.
You will find many Cubans out strolling with their families offering you a perfect opportunity to interact with locals
and immerse yourself in the colors of Cuba which surround us.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel Raquel or similar, two nights. Included meals: (L,D)
May 2 Havana
Early photo shoot – City tour – Rum tasting
Before breakfast, an early morning “first light” walk to the Bay of Havana along the Malecon to take pictures of
Havana at sunrise. We are accompanied by a professional local photographer from Fototeca de Cuba before we
continue on a walk through Old Havana with options to take pictures of the cobbled stoned streets, plazas and
colonial buildings.
We depart our hotel after breakfast for our first people to people experience and orientation of Havana. We visit
the Plaza de la Revolucion and the Museum of the Revolution, the Cemetery of Christopher Columbus, the
Miramar area, Morro Castle which is known for its magnificent views of Havana, and the Museum of the City
(Museum of Captain Generals) before we stroll through Old Havana’s quarters and ancient streets.
Lunch: Santo Angel Restaurant
After lunch we proceed to the famous Malecon and walk through the streets of Old Havana. Our sightseeing
concludes this afternoon with Havana Club’s Rum Museum where we learn everything about Cuban rum,
including a tasting of the aged brown rum.
Dinner is on our own this evening to experience one of the many privately owned “paladares” restaurants.
Included meals: (B, L)
May 3
Havana – Vinales, Pinar de Rio
Soroa Orchid garden
After breakfast this morning, we are off to the picturesque province of Pinar del Rio, home of Cuban tobacco. En
route you will enjoy lunch at a local café and a stop in Soroa to tour an orchid garden featuring over 700 species of
orchids.
Dinner is on our own this evening at your leisure.
Hotel Jazmines or similar, two nights. Included meals: (B, L)
May 4
Vinales, Pinar de Rio
Enjoy a day at leisure, hiking, biking, swimming, horse riding, photographing the lush landscape and tobacco
plantations or relaxing and absorbing the beautiful views.
Included meals: (B)
May 5
Vinales – Las Terrazas - Havana
Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve, visit Jose Fuster artistic Fantasy
After breakfast this morning we depart for Las Terrazas in Pinar del Rio Province, a “must see” in Cuba and known
worldwide for its magnificent, scenic beauty with an opportunity to interact with local people. Pinar del Rio
Province is home to much of Cuba’s tobacco farming although the area surrounding Las Terrazas was formerly
known for its sugar cane and coffee bean production. Las Terrazas was founded shortly after the Cuban Revolution
in 1959 as a model community, where local farmers, known as Campesinos, moved closer together in order to help
each other overcome the hardships of sleeping in huts with thatched roofs, as well as living without electricity, local
schools, or medical services.
Continue on to visit the oldest member of the community, Maria. She is the sole proprietor of the towns’ coffee
shop, Café Maria, where her and her family have been welcoming visitors to samples some of their delicious coffee.
Discuss the role of coffee culture and how cafes around the world have become a big place for social interaction.
Las Terrazas is now part of UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve, and much of it is reforested coffee plantation. Real
reforestation began in the late 1960s by the local farmers who were concerned that their land had been degraded by
former French coffee barrens. Engage in an exchange with members of a local community and discuss with Cuban
Guajiros (farmers and cowboys) the importance of reforesting.
You’re in for an authentic, country-style lunch prepared and served outdoors at a local farmhouse near Las Terrazas.
On our way back to Havana, we visit the home and studio of Cuban artist Jose Fuster whose dreams created an
artistic fantasy world with the help of his neighbors.
Hotel Telegrafo or similar, three nights. Included meals: (B, L)
May 6
Havana
Ernest Hemingway Museum, Fototeca de Cuba, Callejon Hamel
After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel to the mansion and museum of Ernest Hemingway
There are many historical and cultural ties between Cuba and the United States, and one that is known and
appreciated by all is that of the legacy of Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Cuba from 1939 to 1960. Visit the
mansion and museum of Hemingway, Finca Vigia, where his 9,000 book library is preserved, as well as his animal
trophies and famous fishing boat, Pilar. Later, visit the village of Cojimar, setting for the novel The Old Man and
the Sea.
Time for photos
Upon our return to Havana, we visit Fototeca de Cuba. Established in 1986, the Fototeca de Cuba contains the
widest and most valuable archive of Cuban photos, plus temporary exhibitions.
We return to Old Havana for lunch at Hemingway’s favorite hang-out, La Bodeguita del Medio, where the classic
cocktail known as the Mojito was first “discovered”.
After lunch we visit the colorful neighborhood of Callejon de Hamel. Here you’ll find brilliant mural paintings,
stalls selling herbs for curing colds and lovesickness alike, kiosks offering beaded bracelets representing spirits of the
Orisha religion (combining African spirit worship and Catholicism) and of course, music everywhere. You’ll meet
and exchange ideas with artists, including Salvador Gonzalez Escalona (when in residence), whose prolific murals,
which reflect the culture and religious beliefs of this area, adorn the neighborhood. There are numerous
community activities in the Callejon de Hamel, including art instruction aimed at educating the children in the
neighborhood, and you will discover how the African Cuban religion (a fusion of African belief systems like spirit
worship and Christianity), called Santeria, is portrayed in the street art.
Before returning to our hotel we’ll stop at the world famous Floridita Bar (another of Papa Hemingway’s hang-outs)
and perhaps toast him with a world-famous Floridita daiquiri. (No host bar).
Dinner is on your own this evening.
Included meals: (B, L)
May 7
Havana
Roberto Salas Studio
This morning we visit the private home of Cuba’s most famous photographer, Roberto Salas. Most of the iconic
pictures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevarra were taken by Roberto before, during and after the revolution. For nearly
fifty years, Roberto has lived in Cuba and worked as a freelance photographer, documenting the stories of that
nation, the saga of its revolution and the life of its enigmatic leader. His work is extraordinary for it’s perspective and
it’s breadth. His remarkable photos include images of the famous and the infamous, from Che Guevara and Fidel
Castro, to Ernest Hemingway smiling with a fishing trophy in hand. Salas has also served as a UN correspondent and
as a war correspondent in Vietnam, Cambodia and other parts of Southeast Asia. He continues to live and work as a
freelance photographer in Havana, Cuba. This special visit and talk will give us a rare insight in the Cuban culture
through a renowned photographer.
Note: signed original copies of Mr. Salas’ work will be available for purchase.
Remainder of today is a free day to explore and photograph Havana at your own pace and leisure.
Included meals: (B)
Options: Stroll to the Ambos Mundos Hotel where Hemingway lived in the 1930’s and wrote “For Whom the Bell
Tolls” and visit Havana’s Artisans Market located on the Malecon.
May 8
Havana – Trinidad
Cienfuegos, Palacio del Valle, Teatro Terry
Shortly after breakfast this morning we board our air-conditioned vehicle and drive along Cuba’s “autopista” highway
before heading through small towns and villages en-route to Cienfuegos, the capital of Cienfuegos Province, which is
situated on the southern Caribbean side of the island. In Cienfuegos we visit Parque Marti in the heart of the city
and the small but striking Teatro Terry before spending time at the square at our leisure with options of visiting the
magnificent Catholic Church on the square, or a wonderful shop which specializes in local artwork.
Lunch is at the magnificent Palacio del Valle located in the Punta Gordo section of Cienfuegos and overlooking
the Bay of Cienfuegos. This massive structure is truly palatial with large, high ceiling rooms, turrets, scalloped
arches and fine detail with elements of Gothic, Venetian, and Neo-Moorish styles that combine to create this
fantastic building. The Palacio de Valle was built for the wealthy sugar merchant Oclico del Valle Blanco in 1917.
After lunch we drive along the Caribbean Sea costal highway to Trinidad.
Ibero Star Trinidad Hotel/ three nights. Included meals: (B, L)
May 9
Trinidad
Hike Sierra Escambray, City Tour
This morning we depart for our hike in Sierra Escambray, Cuba’s second highest mountain range. Our hike will
take us to the waterfall “El Cubano”.
We will return to Trinidad city center in time for lunch on our own .
This afternoon we return to Trinidad’s Plaza Mayor with its historic centre of cobble stone streets and squares.
We visit the Romantic Museum and the Casa Cantero. There will be ample time to stroll the nearby Artisans
Market. We return to our hotel later this afternoon giving us some time to relax before dinner.
In order to give us a more close up and person to person take on local life, our guide will arrange dinner in one of
Trinidad’s private homes known as “Paladars”.
Included meals: (B, D)
May 10
Trinidad
Valle de los Ingenios
Spanish colonial Trinidad’s former great wealth was garnered not in the town itself, but in the surrounding
verdant valley known as Valle do los Ingenios. This colonial mansion was built by Pedro Iznaga (a former slave
trader) in 1795. We’re now in the heart of the valley, in Sancti Spíritus Province, a community built around an
18th-century plantation.
Lunch today is at the beautifully restored Hacienda de Manaca Iznaga, located in the heart of the Valley de los
Ingenios, a series of valleys once known as a center for sugar production. Built in the late 1700s, the mansion
displays an exhibition of paintings depicting the lives of slaves on sugar plantations.
After lunch learn about the valleys harsh past where great fortunes were made on the backs of African slaves, and
where many descendants of the Afro-Cuban slaves still reside through the stories of local families.
Farewell dinner to those who will return to Havana and home on May 12th.
Included meals: (B,L,D)
May 11
Trinidad – Santa Clara – Havana / or (Extension) La Cayeria del Norte
This morning we depart to Santa Clara and the Mausoleum of Che Guevara, where remains of the revolutionary and
some of his fellow fighters are interred.
Lunch will be served at the Hotel Los Cayenes in Santa Clara before we return to Havana, arriving late this
afternoon.
Dinner this evening is at your leisure and not included.
Hotel Raquel, one night (for those leaving the group)
Included meals: (B, L)
May 12
Havana - Departure to the airport for group returning to Havana
Extension
Cuba’s Soul & Rhythm
(Transfer from Havana to Cayeria del Norte is not included. Cost will be determined by the number of participants)
May 11
Trinidad – Santa Clara – La Cayeria del Norte
We continue on to Cayeria del Norte after a stop in Santa Clara and the smallest and best preserved Spanish
colonial town of Remedios where we visit the Parroquia de San Juan Batista. We will relax and explore this very
beautiful and isolated patch of beach in our top-notch resort.
Sol Cayo Santa Maria three nights. Included meals: (B, L, D)
May 14
La Cayeria del Norte - Sancti Spiritus
City Tour
We travel today to the charming town of Sancti Spiritus founded in 1514 where our guide leads us on a walking tour
of the main town square and the open air local market.
Lunch is on your own giving you time to explore the town further.
One night, Included meals: (B)
May 15
Sancti Spiritus - Camaguey
City tour
This morning we drive approximately 3 hours to Camaguey, best place to visit to get a feel for Cuba's colonial-era
grandeur whose historic centre, with two of the most dignified colonial plazas in Cuba, was declared a National
Monument in 1978.
After settling into your hotel, there is still time to explore the town on your own before dinner.
Gran Hotel, two nights Included meals: (B, D)
May 16
Camaguey
City Tour
Join your guide this morning for a half day tour of this city of beautifully restored plazas which gives it the nickname
of “City of Squares”. The historic core is a national monument.
After an included lunch, you are free to walk the colonial streets and take advantage of the sun beautifully lighting
the facades.
Dinner is at your leisure with time to join the locals at some live-music spots, ‘ Casas de las Trova’ –legendary musical
establishments in Camaguey and Santiago de Cuba.
Included meals: (B, L)
May 17
Camaguey - Holguin
City tour
This morning after breakfast we continue our journey and drive to Holguin a charming city with lush vegetation and
nice beaches.
Arriving in early afternoon, we have time for lunch on our own prior to our afternoon guided sightseeing in Holguin
center.
Mirador de Mayabe one night. Included meals (B)
May 18
Holguin - Baracoa
Our drive this morning through the valley of the Rios Yumuri and Ojo , traveling through pine forests takes us to
Baracoa arriving in early afternoon.
Geographically isolated and beautiful Baracoa, is located on the spot where Christopher Columbus is thought to
have landed in Cuba on his first voyage. It is thought that the name stems from the indigenous Arauaca language
word meaning "the presence of the sea."
Founded in 1511, Baracoa lies on the Bay of Honey (Bahía de Miel) and is surrounded by a wide mountain range
(including the Sierra del Purial), which causes it to be quite isolated, apart from a single mountain road built in the
1960s.
Dominating the city is the El Castillo (a fortress-Castillo Seboruco) atop the rocky matrine terrace that looms above
Baracoa which is now the Hotel el Castillo, where we will enjoy its charm and unique location.
Hotel el Castillo 2 nights
Included meals: (B,D)
May 19
Baracoa
City tour
Today we tour the city center of Baracoa as well as nearby coffee and cacao plantations. The plaza is the town hub
and is pinned by a bust of Hatuey, the Indian chief. In the plaza is the Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion
dating from 1805, believed to have a wooden cross left by Christopher Columbus.
Spend the rest of the day enjoying this unique location.
Included meals: (B,L)
May 21
Baracoa – Santiago de Cuba
Today we make our way to our final destination, Santiago, going through the town of Guantanamo. Santiago’s rich
racial mixture has produced some of the most exciting music, art, and architecture in the Caribbean.
Casa Grande Three nights. Included meals (B)
May 21
Santiago de Cuba
City tour, Music at Casa de la Trova
Today we enjoy an extensive city tour which includes such landmark visits as the historic centre of Santiago with the
House of Velasques (oldest private house in the Americas), the main square and Cathedral, relics of the former
Bacardi family’s home and museum, their former mansion and rum factory, the changing of the guard at José
Martí´s tomb, Morro Castle, and the memorial of San Juan Hill (primary victory of Teddy Roosevelt in the Spanish American War).
Lunch is served on Granma Island reached by boat.
Later this evening we have the opportunity to visit the very lively and musically talented Cubans at the Casa de la
Trova.
Included meals: (B,L)
May 22
Santiago de Cuba
El Cobre mining town
The village of El Cobre, located 20 km northeast of Santiago takes its name from the copper mine that the Spanish
established in the mid-1500s. The slaves that worked there were officially freed in 1782.
We will visit the Monumento al Cimarron which has been dedicated to the slaves and their rebellion.
Afterward we visit the Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Cobre, a national shrine to the Virgin of Charity, the patron
saint of Cuba.
Lunch is on your own giving you ample time to explore the city.
We gather this evening for our final farewell dinner together.
Included meals: (B,D)
May 23
Santiago or Holguin to Miami
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for the flight to Miami and farewell to Cuba.
Please contact us to get more information about this exceptional journey
Cosmopolitan Adventure Tours
Tel: 415-924.4627 / 800-569.6228
[email protected] / www.cosmopolitanadventuretours.com