Sample Itinerary

Day One- Havana
Most participants will arrive in Havana in the afternoon. You will be met at the airport by the program host who will escort you to the hotel.

Day Two - Havana
After receiving a brief orientation about Cuba we will then begin our program walking down the streets of historic Havana Vieja, Vedado and the Plaza of the Revolution. A highlight for us will be Havana Vieja whose narrow streets, refined colonial mansions, countless churches, cobblestone plazas and densely populated communities will leave a penetrating impression. A visit to Hamel's Alley with its surrounding murals and street performers will entice us into the heart of Havana. In the evening we will visit the San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress, a jewel of 18th-century military architecture situated on the high bank of the entrance to Havana Bay. It offers incredibly beautiful views of the city, and each night is the scene of one of Cuba's best known traditions, the 9:00 pm cannon blast. (Optional dinner available at a wonderful paladar Dona Carmela fantastic setting and great food at very reasonable prices. Transfers included)

Day Three - Havana
After breakfast, your day is free to explore in greater detail the wondrous sights of Havana. Walk along the Malecón (waterfront boulevard), investigate one of the many museums in walking distance of "Old Havana" hotels. This evening's activities offer a choice of cabaret show or dinner at your hotel.

Day Four - Pinar Del Rio
Today we leave Havana for a relaxing day-trip into the province of Pinar del Rio which contains some of the loveliest scenery in all of Cuba. While in Pinar del Rio we will visit the community of Las Terrazas, an ecological settlement that was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. We will tour the community by visiting a local doctor and a daycare center. Meeting with some artists or craftsmen will also be on our agenda. We will have lunch at a family-run restaurant and return to Havana in the evening.

Day Five - Santa Clara
This morning we will leave Havana for a trip to the eastern town of Santa Clara, located in the Villa Clara Province. On arrival, we will be welcomed by our local guide who will lead our visits to a number of monuments and museums commemorating the Triumph of the Revolution. One particular stop of interest will be Dr. Ernesto 'Che' Guevara's Memorial.

Day Six - Santa Clara
Cuba has a reputation for having excellent health care systems in place. Today we will receive a special presentation about the Medical Emergency System in the province including visits to a local doctor, community medical clinic and a General Hospital. The afternoon will allow us time to immerse ourselves in the daily life of Santa Clara. This city is home to cigar factories, electrical appliance factories, and a textile mill. The central square of the city, Parque Vidal, offers a very relaxing atmosphere.

Day Seven - Havana
While traveling back to Havana we will make some stops along the way to discover the Cuban countryside. We will arrive in Havana in the afternoon, in time to pursue individual interests.

Day Eight - Havana
Participants who do not fly out immediately in the morning will have the opportunity to explore Havana on their own before catching flights home.