A CULTURAL TASTE OF CUBA
Nov 11-15, 2023

A CULTURAL TASTE OF CUBA ITINERARY:



NOV 11th, DAY 1 (D)

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.

NOV 12th, DAY 2 (B,L,D)

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 in Old Havana, we will tour the remaining four squares with a stops at several important landmarks, churches, and later, the Statue of Jesus. Dinner this evening will be at one of our favorite paladars.
Optional tour: The colorful and lively Tropicana Show including 1/2 carafe of rum and a glass of champagne. We will give you pricing and arrange transportation.

NOV 13th, DAY 3 (B,L,D)

After breakfast we depart for FINCA HERMOSA- A wholly organic, rural experience a stone's throw from Havana's bustling city center. This farm offers authentic green experiences that are also 100% organic, from free-roaming animals to ethically grown crops and eco-friendly meals served in the open air. A concept that is rarely applied elsewhere in Havana, the farm-to-table approach is not just a gimmick, but a way of life. We enjoy an amazing fresh, organic, farm to table lunch. 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)

NOV 14th DAY 4 (B,L)

After breakfast we 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. This afternoon we visit Christopher Columbus Cemetery, declared a National Monument and considered one of the most important monumental cemeteries in the world. This 56 hectacre is famous for its incredible religious iconography and its detailed modern sculptures. We will also visit the Neo-Romanesque central chapel dating from 1886. This evening, we enjoy an amazing farewell dinner at one of our favorite private restaurants, complete with special desert rum and cigars.

NOV 15th, DAY 5 (B,L,D)

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". After an authentic Cuban lunch, it's time to say goodbye to our new Cuban friends and head to the airport for our non-stop 5:45pm departure.
Airport and departure.

$2299.00 Per person double occupancy- land only
$399.00- Single occupancy supplement
$439.00 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