Journey to Havana & the Viñales Valley, Cuba

with Ron Mayhew

Monday November 30 – Sunday December 6, 2015

Ron  invites you to join them on a once in a lifetime adventure to Cuba. Our journey will take us to Havana, the capital of the country and its commercial and cultural center since colonial times. You will  experience the wonderful rustic charm of a city that has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years.

Cuba is a vibrant and complex blend of history, people, and contemporary culture, a tropical paradise with a storied history. Since the revolution, there has been an aggressive program of cultural reforms that has promoted artistic talent on the island. The result is a highly respected collection of art, music, and dance institutions and academies that have gained international acclaim. Even in the face of economic difficulties, Cuba continues to place a high value on artistic creativity and maintains its cultural integrity.

During our stay, we will be hosted by a variety of local scholars and artists who will offer commentary on art, history, architecture and religion. We will meet leading artists in their studios, attend dance and music performances and enjoy the company of students, professors, and historians.

In addition to the vibrant city of Havana, we will include a day trip to the stunning Viñales Valley in the Province of Pinar del Rio. Designated a  UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is  known for the finest tobacco produced in the world. Its traditional methods of agriculture have survived unchanged for several centuries. The karst landscape is unique to the valley and most importantly,  the region preserves a rich tradition in its architecture, crafts and music.

We will be traveling legally under the auspices of Cuba Cultural Travel, an organization that has specialized in travel to Cuba since 1998. In 2011, the U.S. Government passed an executive order making it easier for Americans to visit Cuba. The federal government has issued licenses to a select number of tour companies to operate what are known as “People to People Cultural Exchanges” and Cuba Cultural Travel is one of them.

This trip will not only bring us together with the people of Cuba, but will enable us to develop friendships and a new understanding of the rich and varied cultural fabric of this unique island nation. A true people to people exchange!

Possible Itinerary Highlights include:

• Visits to leading artists in their homes and studios.
• Unique performances and reception by prominent dance companies and musicians.
• Exploration of the fascinating neighborhoods of Havana in the company of professional guides.
• Walking tours that include museums, local history, churches, parks, monuments and a cemetery.
• Day trip to the stunning Viñales Valley known for the finest tobacco produced in the world.
• Catch a home game with Havana’s favorite baseball team, the Industriales.

Trip Dates for this unique visit are November 30, 2015 through December 6, 2015.

Costs are as follows:

$3795 Double occupancy, including Miami-Havana-Miami airfare

$4095 Single occupancy, including Miami-Havana-Miami airfare

The tour is limited to just fourteen travelers. With the recent easing of travel restrictions, Cuba has become a very popular destination and the trip should fill quickly. The tour includes round trip air charter from Miami, accommodations at the five-star Parque Central Hotel, three English-speaking guides, an air-conditioned bus.

Meals include a fabulous breakfast buffet each morning at the hotel, and four lunches and four dinners at some of the best Paladars (privately run restaurants) in Havana.

We will ask for a $1000.00 deposit per person to hold your place, to be received by July 1, 2015. Following receipt of your reservation form and deposit, further information regarding travel arrangements and a detailed itinerary will be provided to each traveler.

For more information and a registration form contact me.

My Cuba photography: www.ronmayhewphotography.wordpress.com

For general information and frequently asked questions, please go to www.cubaculturaltravel.com.