This is a “Working” Itinerary. There will be changes, additions and/or subtractions to the Final Itinerary. The architectural segment and orchid trip will be reinstated. All venues and artist’s studios are subject to final confirmations. Rest assured that any changes made will be done to enhance the total program and insure a smooth and trouble free experience.
I've done my best to include pictures and links to all the interesting and important locations we'll be visiting. I hope that this helps everyone get a lot more use out of the itinerary and learn more about the things we'll see!
Day 0
Tuesday, February 9
Participants will fly independently to Miami and overnight at Crowne Plaza Miami located at 950 NW Le Jeune Road, Miami, Florida 33126. Phone: (305) 929-0116.
9:30 AM
Breakfast is available at the hotel, however, is not included.
Meet in lobby of the hotel for our bus transfer to the airport. You will be met by your ABC Charter representative who will accompany you to the airport and assist with check-in. Our flight from Miami to Havana is on ABC Charter Flight AA9446, operated by American Airlines. Check-in is located in Concourse D. Enter through Door 1 and check-in at the AA counter.
ABC Charters has the following luggage policy: All additional luggage fees must be paid in cash at the time of check-in. One carry-on and one personal item at no charge*. 1st checked bag; $20.00. Each additional checked bag; $20.00. 70 lbs max weight per bag. 44 lbs allowed free; $2.00 per pound over (including carry-on). No luggage fees apply on your return to Miami. *Please be aware that in the event of a full flight into Havana you may be required to check your carry-on luggage for an additional $20.00 fee.
12:30 pM
1:30 pM
Charter departure time from Miami International Airport.
Arrive in Havana. Clear immigration, customs and baggage, a process that takes about an hour and a half.
Once outside baggage claim you will be received by your HavanaTur guide and driver who will accompany the group for the duration of your time in Cuba. You bus is an extension of your hotel room and all of your belongings will be safeguarded at all times. Please do not worry about your gear or luggage as your driver and guide will ensure that they are protected at all times.
En route to lunch, we will stop by the Plaza de la Revolucion. The center of government, this area contains most of the offices of the main ministries and is often used for massive rallies, including that of the Pope in 2012.
4:00 PM
Check-in to the newly renovated Hotel Capri located in the Vedado neighborhood - home to the most iconic buildings of Havana’s modernist movement including the Habana Libre Hotel, The Coppelia Ice Cream Parlor, the Pabellon Cuba, and the Riviera Hotel.
Hotel Capri
53 7 839 7200
Calle 21 Entre Calle N y O, La Habana
Meet your Photo Guides Néstor Marti & Alain Gutíerrez who will accompany the group for the duration of your time in Havana. On some occasions the group will split into smaller groups. Daily meeting times can be arranged on a day-to-day basis so as to best suit the program.
12:00 PM
Lunch at La Barraca Restaurant at the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba overlooking the Malecón and the Straits of Florida. Sit under the palapas, feel the ocean air and dine on traditional Cuban fare. When it opened in 1930, Cuba was a prime travel destination many illustrious guests including Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, John Wayne, Marlene Dietrich, Marlon Brando, and Ernest Hemingway.
Check into Hotel Parque Central, considered the finest hotel in Havana and perfectly located in the central part of Havana. Your room will be equipped with a safe deposit box. Rooms will not be ready so we will drop our bags and explore the historic area surrounding the hotel.
Hotel Parque Central
Neptuno, esquina Prado y Zulueta, Havana, Cuba
53 7 860 6627
Meet your Photo Guide who will accompany the group for the duration of your time in Havana. On some occasions the group will split into smaller groups. Daily meeting times can be arranged on a day-to-day basis so as to best suit the program.
Walk along the Paseo de Marti (El Prado), a tree lined pedestrian promenade leading to the sea. This area includes the home of Cuba's former president Jose Miguel Gomez and the lavish Palacio de los Matrimonios.
Palacio de los Matrimonios
We will visit Havana’s Central Park and the first monument erected in Cuba (1904), dedicated to National hero Jose Marti.
See the massive renovation project of the Capitolio and continue to the Parque de la Fraternidad. This is “Old Taxi” central; here you will find all make and models of American cars from the 50’s. It is a great opportunity to mingle and converse with taxi drivers and engage in their favorite subject; their cars.
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Return to the hotel to unpack, relax and freshen up for dinner.
Walk across the street from the hotel to Centro Asturianos for a private musical performance and dinner. Our evening begins with demonstrative lecture on Cuban Music at Bar Asturias by Professor Alberto Faya who, since 1973, has been working as a musician, professor and researcher within the Cuban musical world. He has won national awards in music and musicology. He will be joined by a trio of musicians who will take us on a musical journey through the history of Cuba.
7:30 PM
Dinner at La Guarida. One of the best restaurants in Havana and famous not only for its delectable dining, but also as the location for the film “Strawberry and Chocolate.” It is housed on the third floor of a large, old town house carrying the charming ambience of the 1920's.
9:00 PM
Return to the hotel.
For those who choose, the concierge can arrange for tickets to the show at the world famous Tropicana. Individual pays for admission fees. For a group of 10+ transportation will be provided.
Day 2
Sunday, February 8
Complimentary breakfast is served everyday at the restaurant in the lobby 7 AM - 10 AM.
6:00 AM
Optional early morning street photography with Cuban photo guide. Meeting time may be adjusted on a day by day basis.
8:30 AM
Meet your Cuban photo guide in the hotel lobby and depart for our ferry to Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Regla: Santeria Church. As important as it is diminutive, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla, which lies just behind the boat dock in the municipality of Regla, has a long and colorful history. Inside on the main altar you’ll find La Santísima Virgen de Regla, a black Madonna venerated in the Catholic faith and associated in the Santería religion with Yemayá, the orisha (spirit) of the ocean and the patron of sailors (always represented in blue). Individual pays ferry fee < 1 CUC.
Explore the Malecón. This broad esplanade, roadway and seawall stretches for 4 miles along the coast from the mouth of Havana Harbor in Old Havana, along the north side of the Centro Habana neighborhood to the Vedado neighborhood. There is no other place which shows more of the Havana's soul, or attracts more locals and tourists than the Malecon.
Lunch on your own. Suitable recommendations will be provided.
3:30 PM
Visit Callejon de Hamel located in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood. The buildings have been decorated with colorful murals that celebrate Cuba’s African cultural roots and religious roots. Our host and guide will be Cuban scholar Elias Aseff, who will explain the role of African religion and culture in Cuba and the importance of Santeria in everyday life. He will also explain how Afro Cuban religion has influenced the evolution of Cuban culture.
We will visit the home of a Babalawo, (Yoruba Priestess) who will receive the group and explain via Elias the religious deities and elaborate alters in her home. The home is very large and many visitors pass thru during the day to give offerings.
5:30 PM
7:30 PM
Return to the hotel.
Dinner at Atelier. Atelier is equally known for its atmosphere and exquisite cuisine. The lighting and textures of the house, coupled with walls adorned in modern art, create a cozy, romantic setting. The chef boasts international experience, serving a range of cuisine from traditional Cuban dishes, Paella, and seafood. This meal is complimentary.
6:00 AM
Optional early morning street photography with our Cuban photo guide. Meeting time may be adjusted on a day by day basis.
8:30 AM
Orientation meeting in lobby with our Cuban photo guide and begin our walking tour of Havana Vieja. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes!
Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym located across the street from the Iglesia de las Merced is this local amateur boxing gym. This boxing gym is the place for the young and not-so-young athlete to learn and train for their country’s second favorite sport. The determination and focus of these young boxers will inspire you as they train with the aspirations to compete on the national level.
Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym
11:00 AM
We will meet with the Director at the Escuela de Taller where we will learn about the Restoration Project that is underway in Havana Vieja. This urban rehabilitation project is preserving the architectural history and cultural heritage of this beautiful city. We will visit a construction site and meet with engineers, builders, woodworkers and other craftsman utilizing traditional handcrafting methods to preserve the authenticity of these once – and soon to be once again - resplendent structures. Faced with challenges such as lack of materials, tools, equipment and even vehicular access to some of these sites, these monumental projects are a testament to the indomitable Cuban spirit to succeed in the face of adversity.
12:00 PM
Visit Fototeca, the leading photographic guild in Cuba and the most prestigious venue for showcasing work from leading Cuban photographers. We will be received by Nelson Ramírez, who is Director of Fototeca and a very successful photographer. Nelson will be joined by fellow photographers who help us understand the professional challenges of being an artist in Cuba, government censorship issues, and building professional relationships without the use of the internet.
We see the Plaza de San Francisco, a cobbled plaza surrounded by buildings dating from the 18th century, dominated by the baroque Iglesia and Convento de San Francisco dating from 1719.
1:00 PM
Lunch at Paladar Mercaderes. This impeccably restored mansion is a welcome retreat from the bustling streets of the old city. Our affable host Yamilys will entertain us with his charming anecdotes as will the house musicians.
Visit the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. The palace currently houses the Museo de la Cuidad and was the former residence of the Spanish Captains.
We will visit the Plaza de Armas, a scenic tree-lined plaza formerly at the center of influence in Cuba. It is surrounded by many of the most historic structures in Havana as well as important monuments.
Optional visit to the Taller de Grafica Experimental. The Taller is Havana’s printmaking and lithographic workshop. It is a studio, a school and most of all, an art institution that preserves and develops the sophisticated art of print making with relative freedom of spirit and form. We will be welcomed by artist Yamilis Brito and several fellow printmakers that belong to the guild.
See the beautifully restored Hotel Ambos Mundo where Hemingway lived for several years. Hemingway's room has been preserved to remain as it was when Papa Hemingway resided in Havana.
Optional tour of the El Museo del Ron Havana Club located in Havana Vieja.
Remainder of afternoon free for People-to-People activities. Your Cuban guides will have suggestions for suitable destinations and visits based on your personal interests and will accompany you to these locations.
5:30 PM
Meet in Conference Room located in the Parque Central Business Center.
Dinner on your own. Some may choose to dine at El Cocinero in Vedado. This chic and elegant bar & restaurant is located in a converted power station is considered a world class establishment popular with Cubans, Diplomats and foreigners alike. will be provided.
7:00 AM
Optional early morning street photography with our Cuban photo guide. Meeting time may be adjusted on a day by day basis.
9:30 AM
Meet in the hotel lobby and board our bus.
10:00 AM
Visit to Centro Pro Danza. Founded by Laura Alonso in 1988, this school of dance serves 850 students. The center has held many highly professional Cuballets not only in Cuba itself but also abroad, in countries such as México, Brazil, Argentina, Sweden and the United States. You will have an opportunity to meet and talk with the dancers will offer their own stories, giving our guests a glimpse of life as a dancer. Donations are encouraged.
See the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA). One of the few major architectural projects completed in Cuba in the early 1960s, this remarkable post-revolution campus is the premier school in Cuba for students studying music, visual arts and performing arts.
Visit the whimsical home of artist Jose Fuster who has made a major contribution to rebuilding and decorating the fishing town of Jaimanitas, in the outskirts of Havana, where he lives. Jaimanitas is now a unique work of public art where Fuster has decorated over 80 houses with colorful ornate murals and domes.
1:00 PM
Lunch at the floating restaurant El Laurel in Playa. This meal is complimentary.
Walk through the Christopher Colon Cemetery. This elaborate massive necropolis covers nearly 8% of the City of Havana, and contains and endless sea of poignant memorials, architectural jewels and human interest stories.
Visit private and independent produce vendors at a Cuatro Caminos Marketplace. While the Cuban government controls nearly every element of commerce in the country, these vendors are part of a new generation of private entrepreneurs. The market has many organic fruits, vegetables and meats that are grown and subsequently transported from the countryside into Havana. Cubans rely on these marketplaces to supplement the monthly food rations they receive from the State and as well as those items that are not readily available in State run ration stores.
4:00 PM
Return to the Hotel.
Dinner on your own. Suitable recommendations will be provided.
7:00 AM
Optional early morning street photography with our Cuban photo guide. Meeting time may be adjusted on a day by day basis.
9:30 AM
Meet in the hotel lobby and board our bus.
Drive to the picturesque fishing village of Cojimar. Ernest Hemingway loved this little town. He kept his boat, El Pilar, in harbor of Cojimar, and he used this village setting for his story The Old Man and the Sea, which won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954.
See the Cathedral in Santa Maria del Rosario.
Visit the former residence of Ernest Hemingway, La Finca Vigia. This beautiful estate, known as La Vigia was his primary residence in Cuba during some of his most productive years. The recently restored house remains completely intact and looks exactly as Hemingway left it 60 years ago.
1:00 PM
Lunch at Paladar Il Divino. This farm has a very large wine cellar and a beautiful backyard that’s nice for a walk before or after the meal. This meal is complimentary.
Remainder of afternoon free for People-to-People activities. Your Cuban guides will have suggestions for suitable destinations and visits based on your personal interests and will accompany you to these locations.
5:30 PM
Meet in Conference Room located in the Parque Central Business Center.
Dinner at La Bodeguita del Medio, probably the most popular of Hemingway’s haunts. Live music, dancing, and fun in this watering hole known for the famous mojitos oft enjoyed by the famous author. Hemingway famously declared, “mi mojito en La Bodeguita, mi daiquiri en el Floridita”.
After dinner and on your return to the hotel, you may choose to venture on your own for a nightcap at Bar Floridita in Havana Vieja - a short and easy stroll from the Hotel. This popular tourist destination and hangout of Hemingway offers the legendary Daquiri, live music and a life size bronze of a smiling Hemingway leaning against the bar – a great photo opportunity. This bar is often crowded so please be prepared to jostle for a place to sit.
7:30 AM
Optional early morning street photography with our Cuban photo guide. Meeting time may be adjusted on a day by day basis.
9:30 AM
Board our bus and depart for the village of Bacuranao in Alamar. We will interact with habaneros in this mostly tourist-free location.
Lunch on your own. Your guide will make suitable recommendations.
We will visit the Arts and Crafts Market, a great place to interact with local, everyday artisans. You’ll find just about anything here, a great place to find souvenirs or gifts for your friends and family back home.
Remainder of the afternoon free to explore Havana. Your Cuban guides will have suggestions for suitable locations based on your personal interests.
5:30 PM
Meet in Conference Room located in the Parque Central Business Center.
8:00 PM
Dinner at the stylish Paladar Rio Mar located at La Puntilla in Miramar. Enjoy views of the bay gentle ocean breezes from the terrace. The food is upscale and contemporary with European influence. The service is impeccable and refined.
Optional late night entertainment: Visit the cool bohemian club El Gato Tuerto (“One-eyed Cat”), a laid back venue featuring various styles of traditional Cuban music from sultry Boleros known as Feeling, a soul- like genre heavily influenced by jazz, and Trova, another unique musical style that gained its popularity in the 70s
7:30 AM
Optional early morning street photography with our Cuban photo guide. Meeting time may be adjusted on a day by day basis.
10:00 AM
Attend a private dance performance of the Compañía Irene Rodríguez (flamenco). We will receive a warm welcome by Irene Rodriguez, who is considered by many to be the finest flamenco dancer in Cuba. Irene will introduce us to the dancers and discuss the cultivation of artistic talent in Cuba.
11:00 AM
Visit the Museum of Cuban Art (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) with art historian & independent curator Nelson Herrera. This museum is dedicated to the latest generation of contemporary Cuban artists.
Lunch on your own. Today you may choose to dine at the contemporary Paladar Casa Vieja located in an impeccably restored colonial building a short walk from the hotel. The interior is a gallery unto itself, the food is a gastronomic international adventure and the chef and staff are warm and friendly.
Optional visit to the Museum of the Revolution. The museum is housed in what was the Presidential Palace of all Cuban presidents from Mario García Menocal to Fulgencio Batista. It became the Museum of the Revolution during the years following the Cuban revolution.
Artist studio visit with painter Antonio Jimenez. His depictions of the seemingly mundane are rich in meaningful message and esoteric significance.
Artist studio visit with sculptor Wilay Mendez. A sculptor, painter and poet, he is one of the most exciting artists to come out of the new generation of contemporary Cuban art world. A self-proclaimed cimarrón or "runaway slave," Wilay's work utilizes commonplace materials that have been recycled and discarded; often decomposing.
Remainder of the afternoon free to explore Havana. Your Cuban guides will have suggestions for suitable locations based on your personal interests.
8:00 PM
Farewell Dinner at San Cristobal. This cozy paladar has a reputation of excellence in both atmosphere and local cuisine. The food is refined and balanced (enjoy dishes like gazpacho, tender lobster, crème caramel) and the nostalgic atmosphere is unforgettable, adorned in a unique style of art nouveau. This meal is complimentary.
Optional: Enjoy an evening of music at Habana Café, a venue that features a nightly variety-type show that includes Cabaret dancers combined with comedy and music. With a 1950’s, nostalgic décor, Habana Café attracts locals and tourists alike. Be ready to get on the dance floor and dance all night to the rhythm of great Caribbean music.
11:30 AM
2:40 PM
3:40 PM
Check out at Hotel. Depart hotel for airport.
Depart for Miami on ABC Charter Flight #AA9451
Arrive in Miami.