HARMONY IN HAVANA
YOGA GROUP TOUR OCTOBER 31st - NOVEMBER 7th, 2015
Embark on an adventure of Cuba, a country with strong historical, cultural, and political roots. Combine your exploration of this unique country by practicing yoga in Havana. This 8-day tour of Havana and the surrounding area begins with morning yoga sessions with a well respected instructor Ernesto Carulla.You will be challenging yourself physically, mentally and spiritual in the company of fellow Yogis and Yoginis. Following these sessions you will experience the richness of Cuban history and traditions by exploring the area with an experienced professional guide. Listen to the live music spill out onto the streets, grab a seat at the bar or in the restaurant to sip on a mojito or daiquiri. Each day will have a theme, exposing you to all that is Cuban. Harmony in Havana is a self-exploration through yoga as well as a blend of cultural, architectural, social immersion. And for the full immersion, you will stay in recognized approved family homes, casa particulars. Unite your soul and investigate your curiosity. Namaste! DAY 1: Welcome to Cuba! Upon arriving in Cuba, make your way to Havana to meet with you tour guide who will take you to your family home to get settled in. Everyone on the tour will be in close proximity to one another. As a group, there will be an official meet & greet with a group dinner. (D) DAY 2: Discover Havana - History and Architecture. Rise and shine! Grab your mat and begin your day with a yoga session. The focus of your sessions will include alignment, asanas, pranayama breathing, meditation and chanting. After your refreshing yoga session return to your casa to freshen up. We begin our exploration of Cuba, hop aboard the AC bus as it is time to visit Habana Vieja, the historical centre of Havana. Your local Cuban guide will take the group on a walking tour of key historic colonial squares including: Cathedral Square, Plaza Vieja, San Francisco de Assiz Square and Obispo Street up to Floridita bar. In the afternoon, visit the Museum de la Ciudad: The ancient Palace of Captain Generals by the
Arms Square. Afterwards, stroll through the Handicraft market. Conclude the day with an exciting 1-hour tour by an old American convertible along the sea promenade. (B) Day 3: Beach and Art. After breakfast start the day with a yoga practice with the group. In each practice the instructor will have a focus for that day. Continue the mind-body-spiritual experience with a time at one of Havana’s Eastern beaches, Playa Santa Maria. Soak up the sun, enjoy the water, and listen to the rhythms of Cuban musicians. Enjoy lunch at the beach or try a local specialty, called a Tamal. Following this, visit the atelier of famous plastic artists in Havana, meeting with the artist. There is opportunity to purchase a piece of work if so desired. Return to Havana for dinner out with your fellow travelers. (B, D) Day 4: Visit with the Local farmers. With your mat in hand, pick your spot on the floor for your yoga practice with the group. Under the skillful eye of the teacher, you will be guided through an
enriching session of movement and mindfulness. Following your yoga, travel by bus to Guanabacoa to visit a local private farm. Learn of the agricultural practices and how the farmers produce food for their people. Travelers have the choice of a 45-minute walk or going by horseback riding or tractor to the next farm. The farmers from the first farm at their private paladar will provide lunch. The meal consists of such foods as ham, salad, and cheeses. The bus will then transfer back to Havana for the evening is to your own or with the group. (B, L) DAY 5: All about Hemmingway. After breakfast, step onto your mat. Unite yourself and feel the energy within and the other yoga practitioners that surround you. Upon completion of the yoga session Hemingway awaits. Travel by bus to the Hemmingway Museum outside of Havana. Witness yourself, where Ernest Hemmingway was inspired to write. Next, you are off to Cojimar, a fishing town Hemingway visited. Enjoy lunch at a paladar before returning to Havana. You would-
n’t have the full Hemmingway experience without a Daiquiri at the famous bar El Floridita, where the writer used to go every afternoon. After the daiquiri the group will walk to Hotel Ambos Mundos, where the writer used to live for nearly 10 years. On the terrace, there is a wonderful view to the old city surrounding the Bay. (B, L, D) DAY 6: Yoga & Nature. When the sun is rising in the sky but the day still cool, it is time for yoga. Listen to the sounds around you and pay attention to the sensations of your body. Prepare to sweat, mediate, and relax. The day is best followed by a visit to Las Terrazas, a cooperative project carried out by the Revolution to restore the natural beauty of the surrounding area devastated by deforestation. Stroll through the community, have a café, and learn coffee preparation. Sit and relax at a restaurant, once a Coffee farm settled by the French in the 19th century. The day will conclude here with the bus returning to Havana.
Dinner is on your own. Check out and enjoy the Cuban nightlife. (B, L) +DAY 7: Cigars and Rum. Today is your final yoga session. Absorb all that you can from your teachings, your practice, and those around you. Be thankful for all that you are. As a group with your guide, visit a Cigar factory. Observe the process and skill behind the world famous cigars. Next, venture into the Rum Museum to learn of how rum came to be in Cuba and how it’s created. Included in your visit is Rum tasting. The rest of your day is at leisure. The evening will end with a farewell dinner. (B, D) DAY 8: Hasta Luego. Today is the final day as a group. Enjoy breakfast together, laugh, and reminisce of your experiences of yoga and travels in Havana before transferring to the airport for a safe flight home. (B)
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Price includes: • 7 nights accommodation in government approved family homes • Daily yoga 1.5-2HRS • 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners • Discover Havana Tour: History and Architecture • Museum de la Ciudad • American car ride • Playa Santa Maria Beach day and Havana Plastic artists tour • Local Farmers of Cuba Tour, • All About Hemmingway Tour • Las Terrazas Tour • The Rum and Cigar Tour • All taxes
$1379 CAD Price is per person, DBL. SGL sppl. 135 CAD Group size 8-15 people
Not included: • Airfare • Airport transfers • Additional yoga • Salsa sessions (10-12 CUC/ hour with partner) • Night Time activities • Taxis/ Local buses • Tourist visa $25CUC • Travel insurance (mandatory for Cuba)
1200 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 891,Toronto, ON, M3C 1H9 * Ph: 416-484-8144 * Toll Free: 1-800-657-8721 * Fax: 416-484-6963 * info@sunspotsholidays.com www.sunspotsholidays.com
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