HAVANA QUICK TRIP

Day 1: USA – Havana

Fly from USA to Havana, Cuba.
Clear Cuban Immigrations and Customs and meet private Cuban English speaking guide outside the Arrivals Terminal.
Private transfer directly to Old Havana.
Visit Revolution Plaza (Plaza de la Revolución) – great photo op!
Lunch at local Paladar (private enterprise restaurant) in Old Havana.
Guided walking tour of Old Havana (Habana Vieja) including the Plaza de Armas, the Used Booksellers Market, Plaza de la Catedral, a stroll down Obispo Street (Havana’s version of Rodeo Drive) ending at El Floridita Bar where, according to local legend, Ernest Hemingway “discovered” the Daiquiri.
Late afternoon check-in at accommodation.
Welcome dinner at a local Paladar.
Optional after dinner suggestion (not included): Club La Taberna in Old Havana featuring music from the Buena Vista Social Club.

Day 2: Havana - Fine Arts Museum – Muraleando – Art Gallery

Docent guided visit to Cuba’s Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Belles Artes) concentrating on the Cuban fine arts section.
Visit the vibrant barrio known as Muraleando, founded in 2001 by several Cuban artists. Muraleando is an ongoing cultural and social community art project. During the so-called “Special Period” in Cuba, following the withdrawal of Soviet support, the project arose mainly in response to the community’s concern over rising crime rates and a neighborhood physically deteriorating. A small but devoted group of artists came together to volunteer their time and skills to help establish a center for arts, music, dance and theatre here; that it might help engage the young and old alike, in constructive activities, neighborhood beautification, and community enrichment.
Visit a Cuban art gallery.
Lunch at a local Paladar.
Afternoon and evening at leisure.
Dinner on own account.
Optional after dinner suggestion (not included): La Zorra y El Cuervo Jazz Club. The best jazz in all of Havana!

Day 3: Havana - Las Terrazas – Artisans Market – Classic Cars

1 ½ hour drive to Las Terrazas in ARTEMISA Province, a “must see” in Cuba and known worldwide for its magnificent scenic beauty.
A brief stop at the Clinica Las Terrazas to learn how medical services are handled in rural Cuba.
Visit Café Maria – “best coffee in the country”.
Optional Zip Line Experience above Las Terrazas.
Visit to the home and private studio of artist Lester Campa (subject to him being in residence).
Visit the Buena Vista Coffee Plantation to discover breathtaking views and a brief history on coffee farming and slavery in Cuba.
Country-style Cuban lunch prepared and served outdoors at a local farmhouse near Las Terrazas.
Visit the massive San Jose Almacenes Artisans’ Market located on the Malecon.
Remainder of the afternoon to explore independently. There is no better venue in the world than “people watching” with a cup of Cuban coffee on one of the squares in Old Havana.
Evening panoramic tour of the Malecon and Vedado in a vintage American convertible car.
Farewell dinner at one of Havana’s famed Paladars.
Optional after dinner suggestion (not included): Havana’s iconic Tropicana Cuban Cabaret Review.

You may elect to return to the USA on day 4 or continue your exploration of Havana as follows:

Day 4: Havana – Hemingway – Alamar – Cojimar

½ hour drive to Finca Vigia, Ernest Hemingway’s Cuban home; currently a national museum.
A drive through the communal District of Alamar (on the outskirts of Havana) with its community gardens called Organoponicos and Soviet-style pre-fabricated concrete apartments.
Walk through the local fishing village of Cojimar, the setting for “The Old Man and the Sea”.
Lunch at the open-air, Paladar El Ajiaco, in Cojimar.
Afternoon at leisure. Consider taking a taxi to Jibacoa Beach to enjoy afternoon sun and swim in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters with local Cubans.
Farewell dinner at one of Havana’s famed Paladars.
Optional after dinner suggestion (not included): La Fabrica del Arte – the “in” place in Havana. La Fabrica showcases works of art by some of Cuba’s most talented young artists while live salsa and rumba dance music can be enjoyed throughout the club.