Text taken from the “Journey to Cuba” brochure, created by CLE Abroad.

Click here to view the original brochure.

At A Glance: Cuba

The San Diego Diplomacy Council invites you and your guest(s) to join our delegation for an eye-opening journey at this pivotal moment in U.S.-Cuba relations.

Our specially designed program will explore Cuba’s rich and varied cultural heritage and go beyond tourist corridors by engaging with local academics, entrepreneurs, musicians and artists who offer in-depth commentary on the Cuban political system, economics, art, history, architecture and religion.

Please Note: This program will require high-intensity walking on cobblestone and uneven pavement, streets and stairs where an elevator is not always available. Participants must be able to walk unassisted.

Included

Accommodations as selected (Hotel Grand Aston La Habana – Deluxe or Deluxe Ocean view room)
All ground transportation
Full time private tour escort and local specialized guides
Daily breakfast in Cuba and meals as listed in itinerary (including tips)
Custom Lecture Series
Entrance fees (if applicable)
Gratuities for restaurants and all group meals
Compliance with US Treasury Department
Cuban Visa/Tourist Card

Not Included

Round trip airfare to/from Cuba and associated fees
Airline baggage fees
Gratuities for guide and driver
Additional meals not listed
Incidentals/Individual hotel expenses
Trip cancellation insurance

Itinerary Subject to Change and Final Confirmations

Day 1: Monday, March 31

Morning
Upon arrival at Havana International Airport (HAV): Clear immigration, customs and baggage. You will be greeted and escorted to your ground transportation.
Welcome lunch for early arrivals.

Afternoon
Check into your hotel.
Our hotel boasts a privileged location along Havana’s famous sea wall, the Malecon. This brand new property offers stellar sea views and a modern architectural design while still paying homage to the rich history of El Vedado neighborhood.

Evening
Private musical performance in Vedado. The band leader is Professor Alberto Faya who has been working as a musician, professor and researcher within the Cuban musical world since 1973, winning national awards in music and musicology. He will be joined by several young musicians for a historical journey of Cuban music.
Welcome dinner at the famous La Guarida restaurant. 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 19201 s.

Day 2: Tuesday, April 1

Morning
Complimentary breakfast is served daily at your hotel.
CUBA IN TRANSITION: The Evolving Socialist Model. Lecture by Rafael M. Hernandez.
Rafael is a historian, author, and editor of Temas, a Cuban quarterly in the field of social sciences and humanities. Temas is considered the leading intellectual publication in Cuba and an important source of independent thought. Rafael has taught as a visiting professor at Harvard, Columbia, the University of Texas, the University of Puerto Rico; CIDE and !TAM in Mexico, and served as visiting scholar at the Wilson Center
(Washington, DC) and other US and Latin American academic institutions. Rafael has published widely on Cuban and U.S. policies, inter-American relations, international security, human rights, migration, as well on Cuban culture and civil society.
Depart for a walking tour of Havana Vieja. Please make sure to wear comfortable shoes!
We start at 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.
We continue to Plaza de la Catedral before visiting Plaza Vieja. Learn about the massive historic preservation program which began in this Plaza under the leadership of City Historian, Eusebio Leal.
Before lunch, we visit the Plaza de San Francisco, a cobbled plaza surrounded by buildings dating from the 18th century.

Afternoon
Group lunch at the trendy 5 Sentidos in Old Havana.
After lunch, we take a leisurely stroll back towards Central Park via Obispo Street in Havana Vieja, before returning to Vedado.

US-CUBA RELATIONS: Diplomatic Perspectives
Presentation by former diplomat and University of Havana professor, Camilo Garcia Lopez Trigo. In addition to his experience at the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, or MINREX) and foreign diplomatic missions, Camilo has served leadership roles at the Cuban Writers and Artists Union (Union de Escritores y Artistas de Cuba, or UNEAC) and other prominent institutions. Camilo will address the most current status of U.S. -Cuba relations. Tough questions are encouraged for a free and open dialogue.

Evening
Depart Casas for our group dinner at El Cocinero.
After dinner, suggested visit next-door to the Fabrica de Arte Cubano (F AC). Once an old cooking oil factory, this repurposed complex is without doubt the hippest place in Havana. Part Miami Art Basel, part Williamsburg warehouse party, the F AC is taking the Cuban arts scene by storm hosting viewings, performances and exhibitions of cinema, theatre, dance, music, literature, fashion, architecture, graphic design, photography, and the visual arts.

Day 3: Wednesday, April 2

Morning
We depart for our Day Trip to Western Cuba and Viiiales (Approx. 3 hour drive).
Arrive in Pinar del Rio for our visit to Proyecto Grabadown. The Grabadown Project was started 10 years ago by Jesus Carrete and his daughter Linianna, who was born with Down Syndrome. What began as way for Jesus to share his love of art with his daughter has grown into a
well-respected community project supported by many other families who have discovered the benefits of engaging their special needs children with art and music.
Depart for the Vinales Valley. Considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Cuba, this area holds stunning landscapes and jaw-dropping views. The region is also famous for being the premier tobacco growing area in the world.
We enjoy lunch at Finca Confianza in the valley with stunning views of the mogotes.

Afternoon
After lunch, we visit a local tobacco farm to learn about the cigar-making process and explore the charming town of Vifiales.
Return to Havana

Evening
Dinner on your own

Day 4: Thursday, April 3

Morning
ECONOMIC REFORM & THE NEW CUBAN ECONOMY
Lecture by Juan Triana of the University of Havana. In his lecture, Mr. Triana will discuss Cuba’s recent economic reforms including the evolution of private property rights in Cuba, the relaxation of state intervention and Cuba’s integration into the global economy.
AND/OR
GENDER & SEX EQUALITY IN CUBA
Presentation by Alberto Roque, MD. This presentation will cover gender and sexual rights in Cuba with an emphasis on the heavily debated amendments to the Cuban Constitution, civil and family codes which have opened the door for same-sex marriage in Cuba.
After today’s lecture, our group divides into Two (2) Tracks (pre-selected by participants)

Option/Track 1: Cuban Art & Art Studio Tour
Visit the Museum of Cuban Art with art historian. The museum is dedicated exclusively to Cuban Art from the earliest days of colonialism to the latest generation of Cuban artists.
Lunch at the nearby Al Carbon by Chefs Ivan & Justo.
Following our lunch, we continue our Art tour with one additional curated visit to private art studio(s).
Remainder of afternoon free.
Optign/Track 2: ‘Under the Hood’ Tour of Cuba s Classic Cars
Visit the workshop of a family owned and operated business dedicated to the restoration of 19501s American luxury automobiles. See the workshop, meet the mechanics, check out the vehicles and depart for the next destination in one of these beauties.
Lunch at Costa Vino in the upscale Havana suburb of Miramar.
After lunch, remainder of afternoon/evening free.

Evening
Farewell Dinner and entertainment at Oscar’s.

Day 5: Friday, April 4

Airport transfers for departure

Tour Cost & Conditions

Grand Aston La Habana Hotel (4-5 Star) Standard Room

Double occupancy deluxe (city view) $3800 per person

Single occupancy deluxe (city view) $4200 per person

Upgrade to Ocean View rooms

Total supplement per person for four nights: $250 (higher floor rooms with sea view)

Payment Due Dates

$1000 per person deposit due at registration

Final payment due by: January 15, 2024

For questions concerning payment, please contact Catalina Sykes at catalina@cubaculturaltravel.com

How to Register

Registration for this trip is completed through a physical registration form, as required by our partners at CLE Abroad and Cuba Cultural Travel. Click here to download the brochure, which includes the registration form on pages 8-9.

Alternatively, please reach out to Lulu Bonning Elamri at lulu@sandiegodiplomacy.org for a copy of the registration form, and for further support.