A CULTURAL TASTE OF CUBA
FEB 08-13, 2025 *6 DAYS

A CULTURAL TASTE OF CUBA ITINERARY:



FEB 8TH , DAY 1 (D) HAVANA

Flight to Havana, non-stop from Tampa on Southwest. After customs and collecting baggage we begin our adventure at the Plaza de la Revolucion. Take time to admire all the vintage cars lined up on display. We proceed to the famous Hotel Nacional for a lesson on how to make and drink traditional mojitos, With a visit to the Hall of Fame. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba boasts a long list of famous guests including Gary Cooper and Erroll Flynn in the 1930’s, Fred Astaire, Rita Hayworth, and Cantinflas, an actor from Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema in the 1940’s, and Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner and Walt Disney in the 1950’s. Pictures line the halls include Al Capone, Meyer Lansky and more. Time for our Hotel Check-in. Dinner at local paladar.

FEB 9TH , DAY 2 (B,L,D) HAVANA

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a walking tour of a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE of Old Havana and the four squares. We will visit Taller de Grafica a very important Print Workshop, private art studios such as Wilfredo Lam, a vintage pharmacy, a chocolate museum and local private shops. Lunch will be at a privately owned restaurant for Support for the Cuban People.
* After lunch we will experience Compas Dans which is an amazing and enterprising troupe of talented young people who have created a magical show of dance expression with only hand made wooden chairs, drum sticks and percussion. This is truly one of our favorite cultural experiences in Havana to visit. This group travelled and performed at the Straz Center several years ago to a sell out audience. After lunch we will head back to Havana to visit the Stature of Jesus commissioned in 1953. Made out of white Carrara marble weighs approximately 320 tons. The statue was built out of 67 blocks of marble that had been brought from Italy after personally being blessed by Pope Plus XII. This evening in yet another lovely paladar. (private restaurant)
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FEB 10TH, DAY 3 (B,L,D) VERADERO
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Breakfast at hotel. This morning we venture east to the beach town of Veradero (87 miles). Here we will visit XANADU MANSION which serves as the clubhouse of Veradero Golf Club. Xandu Mansion was the former home of the DUPONTS, formerly called the "Dupont Mansion". After a tour of the mansion, we will enjoy lunch overlooking the ocean.
* After lunch we head to Museo del la Ruta Del Esclavo- a museum depicting the history of black slaves in Cuba. Free time in Havana before another amazing dinner at one of our favorite paladars.
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OPTIONAL: This evening you may wish to enjoy the colorful and lively Tropicana Show including 1/2 carafe of rum and a glass of champagne. We can assist with the purchase of the tickets and transportation. Show starts around 10pm. Approx: $95.00 USD per person

FEB 11TH , DAY 4 (B,L,D) VINALES VALLEY, PINAR DEL RIO

Breakfast at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel. Early departure for a full day trip to Pinar Del Rio and Vinales Valley for landscape and village exploration. Vinales is another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for having some of the richest soil in the world. Today’s lunch is something to be remembered! FINCA AGROECOLOGICA- LA PARAISO.This paladar is run by young people who grow fresh vegetables and herbs, raise pigs, chickens and rabbits and serve an amazing 14- course lunch. Fresh pumpkin, green beans, squash soup, all kinds of vegetables, roasted pork, chicken, fish, beef, seafood, rice, beans, chips, and it is topped off with gramma’s Cuban flan and coffee. There are no choices on the menu, you get it all. They serve an “anti-stress” drink that is full of fresh herbs and is just wonderful. (with or without “vitamin R”) (rum)
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After a huge lunch we visit SOROAS orchid farm boasting hundreds of different species of gorgeous plants and orchids. We head back to Havana. Evening and dinner on own.
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FEB 12TH , DAY 5 (B,L) HAVANA- COJIMAR


Breakfast at hotel. Today we visit FINCA HERMOSA, an amazing organic farm that is a must-see. Our fresh farm to table lunch will include water buffalo cheese, freshly raised meats and vegetables.
* This afternoon we venture out to visit Finca Vigia- Home of Ernest Hemingway. La Finca Vigia, near Cojimar, is a quaint fisherman's village. You’ll be able to observe Hemingway’s personal belongings, trophies, firearms and see the room where he used to write, as well as his fishing souvenirs and the other remembrances of his life in Cuba. This is where Hemingway celebrated his Pulitzer prize in 1953 with his fishermen buddies and the now legendary boat skipper, Gregorio Fuentes, captain of his yacht El Pilar, and the main character of his book, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’, which was set in this area. We’ll also have a chance to see El Pilar which is now conveniently located in a corner of the property.
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We have a surprise for you this evening before dinner! We dine at yet another individually owned paladar to Support the Cuban People.

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FEB 13TH , DAY 6 (B) HAVANA

Breakfast at hotel, then hotel check-out. This morning visit a very important artist and ceramist, Jose Fuster, who has transformed a poverty-stricken village into a community project and whimsical wonderland of mosaic tiles. -FUSTERLANDIA- The overall impression defies written description. He has been called the "Picasso of the Caribbean". It's time to say goodbye to our new Cuban friends and head to the airport for our non-stop 3:45pm departure.
Airport and departure.

$2799.00 Per person double occupancy- land only
$399.00- Single occupancy supplement
$469.00 Per person air from Tampa, subject to change
$100.00- Cuban visa

CUBA GENERAL LICENSE- All travel to Cuba is currently regulated by the office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Each traveler will be provided with documentation showing that their travel is authorized according to OFAC's Comprehensive Guidelines. This tour will be conducted under General License "Support for the Cuban People" 31 CFR 515.574
PASSPORT- Be sure your U.S. Passport is current and valid for 6 months beyond your return from Cuba.
VISA-You will be issued a Cuban Tourist Card/Visa with your travel documents.
INSURANCE-Cuban Medical Insurance is included in your program by the airline. This policy covers major medical emergencies with the exception of pre-existing conditions. The policy is in effect throughout the country. We strongly urge that you purchase travel insurance in addition. Please ask us for a quote.

Carlson Maritime Travel is a legal OFAC compliant travel service provider as authorized by OFAC.

To discuss your travel plans to Cuba, contact:

Suzanne Carlson
Carlson Maritime Travel
623 E. Tarpon Ave
Tarpon Springs, Fl. 34689
727.945.1930

Visit our website: www.scarlsontvl.com
Carlson Maritime Travel (CU-2014-307835-1) has been a licensed travel service provider as authorized by OFAC (Office of Foreign Asset Control) and is presently OFAC compliant to provide travel to, from, and within Cuba for those who are licensed to engage in travel-related transactions involving Cuba either under a general or specific license. Carlson Maritime Travel is providing services as authorized by OFAC under general license. Each traveler has will be provided with the proper visas, documentation, and authorization to participate in this visit. You must retain these documents for 5 years.