Cuba Booklet

Visit Unforgettable

CUBA

A People-to-People Experience Featuring a NEW tour of Eastern Cuba

2017 Departures Inside

Book by September 1, 2016 and save $300 per person!

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877-338-8687

The Smithsonian Journeys Cuba Experience Travel to Cuba and take part in an immersive People-to-People experience. Smithsonian Journeys now offers two unique itineraries to visit this enigmatic island nation. On both itineraries, you will learn about Cuba’s fascinating culture by meeting with local artists, musicians, students, teachers, and environmentalists who are eager to exchange views with you on Cuban contemporary life.

Begin your trip in Miami, where you will attend a special panel discussion with Cuba experts whose candor and background add an extra dimension to the overall educational experience. Then travel to Havana and meet with a representative from the U.S. Embassy to deepen your understanding of U.S.-Cuban relations. After exploring Havana, travel to charming Cienfuegos and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trinidad.

Or on our new program, visit Eastern Cuba, including Baracoa, the island’s oldest town, and Santiago de Cuba, the center of Afro-Cuban culture.

“Discovering Cuba was an intensely educational program that opened my eyes to this Caribbean country, its people, and its culture that for so long have been off limits to me.” – Jerry M.

“I have been on a lot of very good tours, but nothing compares with this Smithsonian experience.” – Mary-Jeanne M.

What Can I Expect in Cuba?

Europeans and Canadians have been traveling to Cuba for many years, but Cuba has only recently begun to receive travelers from the United States with the reinstatement of People-to-People licenses in 2011. As a result of these licenses, Americans are flocking to Cuba, especially Havana, in record numbers, putting a significant strain on a fragile infrastructure. Hotels and restaurants are in very high demand, and often show some of the wear and tear that comes with it. Service throughout the country can be slower than in other countries, and not always up to the expected standards of our travelers.

Maintaining a sense of humor and adventurous spirit will help you enjoy your experience in Cuba to its fullest. The dramatic changes occurring in Cuba make it a compelling place to visit now.

What’s Inside: Two Unique Ways to Explore Cuba!

Havana’s Capitol Building

Discover Cuba

Featuring Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad 9 days from $6,495

During this popular People-to-People program, explore Old Havana and its colonial charm; the French influenced provincial city of Cienfuegos; and the town of Trinidad, one of the best-

Photograph by Jia Han Dong

Cuban musicians

preserved cities in the Caribbean. Learn about Cuban culture through firsthand contact with Cuban artists, musicians, students, teachers, environmentalists, and others who are eager to exchange their views with you on Cuba’s past and present as well as their visions for the future.

Highlights •

Preservation: Explore World Heritage sites and learn about preservation efforts from Cubans who are passionate about their architectural heritage.

•

Art Traditions: Discover Cuba’s sophisticated art traditions during visits with artists in their studios.

•

Religion: Learn about the African origins of the Cuban Santeria religion as you engage with practitioners at a local art museum.

•

Music: Hear the complex rhythms of Cuban music, from son to rumba and jazz, and learn about these uniquely Cuban music styles.

•

Attend an in-depth panel discussion! Enjoy an overnight stay in Miami with a reception and a special panel discussion with a diverse group of experts, a unique feature of Smithsonian Journeys’ Cuba programs. Learn about the Cuban economy, political structure, and culture, then engage in a lively Q & A session with the experts.

For full Terms & Conditions please visit SmithsonianJourneys.org

Overnight

F LORIDA

Featured Site Air

Miami

Motorcoach

Straits of Florida

Gulf of Mexico

Itinerary Day 1 — Miami, Florida Arrive in Miami and check into the Pullman Miami Hotel. Begin your People-to-People program with a

Havana

CUBA Bay of Pigs Cienfuegos Playa Giron Trinidad

Caribbean Sea

welcome reception and lively, thoughtprovoking panel discussion on the most vital issues facing Cuba today. Your Smithsonian Journeys Expert joins two other Cuba experts to share insights into

2017 Departures

the Cuban economy, political structure, and culture. A Q & A session concludes

January 13-21

the panel, preparing you for the week

January 20-28

ahead. This valuable meeting with a

February 17-25 March 3-11 April 7-15

range of Cuba scholars is a special feature of Smithsonian Journeys’ Cuba programs. (R,D) Day 2 — Miami to Havana, Cuba Depart Miami this morning on a charter

Check SmithsonianJourneys.org for newly announced tour dates!

flight to Havana. Upon arrival to Cuba, continue on to lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, take an orientation bus tour of the city, including Revolutionary Square and Morro Castle. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception with an introductory talk by your Smithsonian Journeys Expert, and dinner at one of the city’s paladars, a privately owned restaurant. (L,R,D) Day 3 — Havana Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Habana Vieja (Old Havana) to view the city’s colonial architecture and plazas. Visit a restoration training facility to meet with workers responsible for the rehabilitation of the city’s crumbling buildings. Later this afternoon, visit a local community project for children utilizing acrobatic performances as a social development tool. (B,L,D)

Trinidad

Book your trip online at SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 877-338-8687

Havana sunset

Day 4 — Havana to Cienfuegos

Finca Vigia, Ernest Hemingway’s home

Today, travel through the countryside

for 20 years. With an expert, explore the

to Cienfuegos. After lunch, explore

12-acre property and house that contains

the French influenced city center of

original furniture, artwork, and personal

Cienfuegos (a World Heritage site). Walk

memorabilia. Visit the community of

down the Paseo del Prado, a pedestrian-

Guanabacoa for a discussion about the

only boulevard lined with stores. Visit

Afro-Caribbean religions, and enjoy a

an artists’ cooperative at Parque Martí,

musical performance dedicated to various

where some of the city’s most prominent

deities. (B,L)

architecture frames this central square.

Then attend a performance by the Choir

Day 7 — Havana

of Cienfuegos. (B,L)

Today, meet with a representative from the U.S. Embassy in Havana. Afterwards,

Day 5 — Trinidad

explore the vibrant neighborhoods of

En route to Trinidad (a World Heritage

Vedado and Miramar with a city historian

site) stop at the Cienfuegos Botanical

to learn about their roles in the history of

Garden, the largest of its kind in Cuba.

Havana. This afternoon, visit the University

Afterwards, visit a former sugar mill

of Havana and meet with students to

town and with a historian, tour the town

discuss higher education in Cuba. (B,L,D)

and meet the modern-day inhabitants.

Continue to Trinidad and discover

Day 8 — Havana

its pastel-colored colonial buildings,

Begin the day with a visit to the Felix

cobblestone streets, and beautiful

Varela Cultural Center to gain a deeper

plazas. Meet with a representative of

understanding of the developmental

the City Historian’s Office to discuss the

programs offered to enrich the lives of

achievements and the challenges of

Cubans, including Cuba Emprende, a

preserving this 16th-century city. During

training and advisory service for aspiring

your exploration of Trinidad, meet with

entrepreneurs. After a visit to the Fine Arts

shopkeepers, owners of Casas Particulares,

Museum, engage in a Q & A session with

or privately owned Bed and Breakfast

a panel of Cuban experts to explore such

enterprises, and other members of the

topics as economic reform, women’s rights,

community. Return to Cienfuegos and after

and Cuba’s future. This evening, gather for

dinner mingle with neighborhood residents

a farewell reception and dinner. (B,L,D)

at an informal gathering. (B,L,D) Day 6 — Cienfuegos to Havana

Day 9 — Depart Havana for Miami Bid farewell to Cuba and transfer to the

This morning, return to Havana, stopping

Havana Airport for your return charter flight

at the Bay of Pigs, and visit one of the

to Miami. (B)

landing sites of the 1961 invasion, and the Playa Giron Museum, containing artifacts

(B,L,R,D denotes included breakfasts,

from the conflict. This afternoon, stop at

lunches, receptions, and dinners)

Book your trip online at SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 877-338-8687

Accommodations Pullman Miami

La Union, Cienfuegos

City

Nights

Hotel

Miami

1

Pullman Miami

Havana

5

Hotel Parque Central*

Cienfuegos

2

Hotel Union*

* Hotels in Cuba are subject to change.

SAVE! Tour Cost (per person, based on double occupancy) Departure Dates

Early Booking Price Through Sept. 1, 2016

Regular Price After Sept.1, 2016

Jan., Feb., March

$6,695

$6,995

April

$6,495

$6,795

Oct., Nov., Dec.

*Register your interest on our website.

SmithsonianJourneys.org Miami-Havana Charter Air is an additional $600 Solo Travelers, please add $795 to the tour price

Havana’s architecture

Havana and NEW! Eastern Cuba

Featuring Baracoa and Santiago 10 days from $6,695

Explore eastern Cuba on this new program.

You’ll travel to the country’s first settlement, Baracoa, which is known for its unique culture, then explore Santiago de Cuba, birthplace of

Baracoa Bay, Cuba

the Cuban Revolution and center of Afro-Cuban culture and traditional Cuban rhythms. Plus in Havana, you’ll meet with architects, professors, journalists, and entrepreneurs to hear their views on the country’s future direction.

Highlights •

Culture: Throughout your program, meet with experts to gain insight into the complexity of Cuba and learn about the unique cultures of eastern Cuba, including the indigenous Taino.

•

History: See where Europeans first stepped on the island, trace the footsteps of Teddy Roosevelt's "Rough Riders" at San Juan Hill, and learn about the birth of the Cuban Revolution.

•

Music: Explore the roots of Cuban son (music) and learn about its influence on the country. Plus, listen to the evocative sounds of Tumba Francesa, a traditional dance style from resettled Haitian slaves.

•

Attend an in-depth panel discussion! Enjoy an overnight stay in Miami with a reception and a special panel discussion with a diverse group of experts, a unique feature of Smithsonian Journeys’ Cuba programs. Learn about the Cuban economy, political structure, and culture, then engage in a lively Q & A session with the experts.

For full Terms & Conditions please visit SmithsonianJourneys.org

F LORIDA

Overnight Air

Miami

Motorcoach

Straits of Florida

Itinerary Day 1 — Miami, Florida

Gulf of Mexico

Arrive in Miami and check into the

Havana

Pullman Miami Hotel. Begin your CUBA

Caribbean Sea

People-to-People program with a Baracoa Santiago de Cuba

welcome reception and dinner. Engage in a lively, thought-provoking panel discussion on the most vital issues facing Cuba today. Your Smithsonian Journeys Expert joins two other Cuba experts to

2017 Departures

share insights into the Cuban economy,

February 15-24

session concludes the panel, preparing

April 5-14

you for the week ahead. This valuable

Check SmithsonianJourneys.org for newly announced tour dates!

political structure, and culture. A Q & A

meeting with a range of Cuba scholars is a special feature of Smithsonian Journeys’ Cuba programs. (R,D) Day 2 — Miami to Havana, Cuba Depart for Havana this morning. Upon arrival to Cuba, visit Finca Yoandra, a community agricultural farm, or organiponico. Interact with farmers and members of the community and learn about projects designed to connect the community with nature. Then have lunch at Il Divino, a restaurant located on the farm that uses the fresh ingredients grown there. Before checking into your hotel, meet with a representative from the U.S. Embassy to discuss the normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations. Gather for a welcome reception, followed by dinner at one of the city’s paladars, a privately owned restaurant. (L,D) Day 3 — Havana Begin the day with a historical overview of Havana led by a prominent architectural historian. Gain a deeper understanding of the city’s urban layout and architecture, as well as the successes and challenges

Finca Yoandra farmer

of preservation efforts. Afterwards,

Book your trip online at SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 877-338-8687

Panoramic view of Havana

take a walking tour of Habana Vieja (Old

accompany the group on a walking tour

Havana) to see firsthand the city’s colonial

of Baracoa. Learn about the city’s history

architecture and plazas. After lunch, visit

as it transformed from a settlement of the

the Felix Varela Cultural Center to learn

indigenous Taino population to the first

how non-state community projects support

capital of Spanish Cuba. Afterwards, visit

the society, including the Cuba Emprende

the local Casa de la Cultura, a national

Project, a program that trains Cuba’s

program aimed at promoting the arts

emerging entrepreneurs. Before dinner,

among the country’s youth, and speak with

attend a performance by the Angeles de

instructors and performers. (B,L,D)

Futuros, a community project that teaches disadvantaged children to overcome their

Day 6 — Baracoa

emotional and social anxieties through

Visit a rural farming community and enjoy

circus performance training. Afterwards,

a performance of the area’s traditional

depart for dinner. (B,L,D)

music and dance. Then mingle with local community members and participate in a

Day 4 — Havana

cooking demonstration of Taino-influenced

Visit one of Havana’s cigar factories to

cuisine, followed by lunch. Afterwards,

learn about the importance of this iconic

visit a plantation and listen to local farmers

product. Next, engage in a Q & A session

discuss Baracoa’s most important crop,

with a panel of Cuban experts to explore

cacao, and the process of turning the

such topics as economic reform, women’s

seeds into chocolate. (B,L,D)

rights, and Cuba’s future. After lunch, meet with a representative from the University

Day 7 — Baracoa to Santiago de Cuba

of Havana for a tour of the campus and a

Depart for Santiago de Cuba. En route,

discussion on Cuba’s economic reforms.

stop in the town of Guantanamo and visit

Then, visit Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s

the British West Indies Welfare Center to

home for 20 years. With an expert, explore

discover the history of English-speaking

the 12-acre property and house, featuring

Cubans in Eastern Cuba. After lunch

original furniture, artwork, and personal

overlooking Guantanamo Bay, continue

memorabilia. The remainder of the

to Santiago. Upon arrival, check into the

evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Melia Santiago, and then enjoy a group dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Havana to Baracoa Fly to Baracoa this morning. After lunch,

Day 8 — Santiago de Cuba

visit Fuerte Matachin, one of the three

Visit the City Historian’s Office of Santiago,

original forts built to protect the city,

and meet with a representative who will

and meet the city historian who will

discuss the city’s storied history and its

For full Terms & Conditions please visit SmithsonianJourneys.org

importance in Cuban history. Then, take

Hoyos, a community dance project for the

a walking tour of the historic district to

neighborhood’s children. Tonight, gather

see the city’s diverse architecture. Have

for a farewell reception followed by dinner.

lunch on the patio of the Hotel Casa

(B,L,D)

Granda, made famous in Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana. After lunch, visit

Day 10 — Depart Santiago

the Moncada Barracks, the site where

de Cuba for Miami

Fidel Castro and a small group of rebels

Depart Antonio Maceo Airport

launched the first attack of the Cuban

for your return flight back to Miami. (B)

Revolution. Now a museum dedicated to the attack, tour the grounds with an expert

(B,L,R,D denotes included breakfasts,

who will give insight on both the attack

lunches, receptions, and dinners)

and the Revolution. Next, visit San Juan Hill, famous site of the greatest victory of Teddy Roosevelt's "Rough Riders," and meet with a local historian to learn about the decisive battle of the Spanish-American War. Later this evening, learn about La Tumba Francesa, a traditional dance style emerging from resettled Haitian slaves.

Afterwards, speak with members of the Afro-Haitian community and learn how they keep their traditions and customs alive. (B,L) Day 9 — Santiago de Cuba Meet with a cultural studies expert, who will give a presentation on the religious cultures of Cuba, followed by a Q & A session. Then visit the Teatro Heredia to watch a rehearsal of the Ballet Folklórico de Oriente, one of the first dance troupes to showcase AfroCuban dance. Afterwards, speak with the dancers, musicians, and directors to learn more about the group and its history. After lunch, visit Congo de los

Iglesia de Jesus de Miramar, Havana

Book your trip online at SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 877-338-8687

Accommodations Hotel Melia, Santiago

Poolside Hotel Melia

City

Nights

Hotel

Miami

1

Pullman Miami

Havana

3

Hotel Parque Central*

Barcoa

2

El Castillo*

Santiago de Cuba

3

Melia Santiago*

* Hotels in Cuba are subject to change.

SAVE! Tour Cost (per person, based on double occupancy) Departure Dates

Early Booking Price Through Sept. 1, 2016

Regular Price After Sept. 1, 2016

Feb., April

$6,695

$6,995

Nov.

*Register your interest on our website.

SmithsonianJourneys.org Miami-Cuba Internal Charter Air is an additional $795 Solo Travelers, please add $750 to the tour price

For full Terms & Conditions please visit SmithsonianJourneys.org

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Providing in-depth understanding and a sense of wonder

Our Experts have dedicated their careers to pursuing their passion. Their contagious enthusiasm and expertise bring depth, excitement, and meaning to your travel in Cuba.

Emilio Cueto is a retired attorney, currently doing research on various aspects of Cuban culture, particularly music and colonial prints. An avid collector of Cuban memorabilia, he has exhibited portions of his collection in Miami´s Historical Museum of Southern Florida and prepared the three catalogs accompanying those exhibitions Mialhe´s Colonial Cuba (1994), Cuba in Old Maps (1999), and Illustrating Cuba’s Flora and Fauna (2002).

Departures: (Discover Cuba) February 17–25 (Havana and Eastern Cuba) April 5–14 Felix Masud-Piloto was born and raised in Havana, Cuba and immigrated with his parents to the U.S. in 1961. In 1975 he graduated from Florida International University with a B.A. in Political Science, and later earned an M.A. in International Relations, and a Ph.D. in History, both from Florida State University. Before joining DePaul University in 1990, Dr. Masud-Piloto was Visiting Professor at Cornell University, where he helped organize and launch that institution’s Latino Studies Program.

Departures: (Discover Cuba) March 3–11 (Havana and Eastern Cuba) February 15–24

Franklin Knight was graduated from the University College of the West Indies-London in 1964 where he earned a B.A. He also earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Professor Knight joined the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University in 1973 and in 1991 was appointed the Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Professor of History.

Departures: (Discover Cuba) January 20–28, April 7–15 Teresa Prados-Torreira is Professor of History and Cultural Studies at Columbia College Chicago. She received her B.A. in History from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in American Intellectual History from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Her areas of study are the United States and Cuba, and her research interests include women’s history, cultural history, and political satire.

Departures: (Discover Cuba) January 13–21

For more information about our experts, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org/experts

2017

FAQ 1. How does Smithsonian Journeys offer travel to Cuba?

Smithsonian Journeys was one of the first tour providers to receive a license to operate People-to-People programs from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury. We have operated successful tours in Cuba since 2012, and our travelers benefit from experience, excellent guides, and contacts in the region.

2. What is People-to-People travel?

The People-to-People educational exchange initiative allows Americans to travel to Cuba with a full-time schedule of meaningful interaction for cultural exchange.

With ample time to have direct and purposeful communication with Cuban citizens, the program includes full, but very worthwhile days. Our small groups allow for this rewarding cultural exchange.

3. What are the travel regulations for People-to-People travel to Cuba?

• • •

Travelers must participate in a full-time schedule of meaningful interaction, including all activities planned (unless you become ill) and may not deviate from the itinerary.

Travelers must keep a daily log of and/or receipts from any expenditures made during the trip for up to five years.

General tourism to Cuba is still not allowed under current OFAC regulations.

4. What is OFAC? •

•

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals. Many of the sanctions are based on United Nations and other international mandates, are multilateral in scope, and involve close cooperation with allied governments.

Due to trade and travel restrictions established by the current U.S. government sanctions on Cuba, all matters relating to travel of U.S. citizens are regulated by OFAC.

For more information please visit SmithsonianJourneys.org

5. Will I have any free time while in Cuba?

Due to license parameters and the purpose of our travel, travelers will be engaged in scheduled People-to-People interactions throughout the day (roughly from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and occasionally later). You will have less free-time than on other Smithsonian Journeys’ trips. Please note some evenings will be unscheduled.

6. What documentation is needed for travel to Cuba?

A valid passport, visa, and a signed Certification of Travel form that demonstrates your understanding of our authorized category and the restrictions of the category permitted by the U.S. Government’s Treasury Department for your travel to Cuba (People-to-People Exchanges).

“Cuba should be experienced NOW!” – Pat N.

Book your trip online at SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 877-338-8687

The Malecon, Cuba

Smithsonian Institution P.O. Box 23182 Washington, DC 20026

Book your trip online at SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 877-338-8687

Featuring a NEW tour of Eastern Cuba

NON PROFIT U.S.POSTAGE PAID SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION