TASTES OF CUBA | Food and Misic Unites Us

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 Revolucion) – 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.

Day 2: Hemingway – Alamar – Cojimar – a Cuban “marriage” – Artisans Market – La Fabrica del Arte

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.
Panoramic drive 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.
Rarely experienced by visitors to Cuba, be hosted to a Cuban cigar “marriage ceremony” by Pedro Ramos Zuelata, Havana’s Cigar Sommelier of the Years 2012 / 2013 in which a fine cigar is “married” with assorted Cuban rum tastings, Cuban coffee and chocolate!
Visit to the Almacenes de San Jose Artisans Market located on the Malecon.
Remainder of afternoon free.
Dinner at Paladar Los Naranjos in the Vedado neighborhood.
Visit 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.

Day 3: Las Terrazas - Fusterlandia

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.
Stop at the nearby San Juan River for a swim in the crystal clear waters with local Cubans.
Return to Havana. En route, stop and wander “Fusterlandia”, the home and surrounding street-art neighborhood of “The Picasso of the Caribbean”, Jose Fuster.
Remainder of day free.
Dinner on own account.
Optional after dinner suggestion (not included): Club La Taberna featuring the sounds of the Buena Vista Social Club.

Day 4: Belles Artes – Santacana – Clave del Sol – Classic Cars – La Guarida

Docent guided visit to Cuba’s Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Belles Artes) concentrating on the Cuban fine arts section.
Visit the private home and art gallery of famed artist Beatriz Sala Santacana and view her highly unique ceramics, sculptures and oils.
Lunch at Paladar Rio Mar overlooking the river in Miramar.
Panoramic tour of the Miramar neighborhood which house the finest mansions from “back in the day” and many current foreign embassies and consulates serving Cuba.
Visit Clave de Sol – a wonderful community project teaching music, especially stringed instruments, to local children ages primary school through high school.
Remainder of afternoon free.
Evening panoramic tour of the Malecon and Vedado in a vintage American convertible car.
Farewell dinner at one of Havana’s famed Paladars, La Guardia.