CUBA

Its Culture and Its People November 5-13, 2016

Highlights J

oin the World Affairs Council of Seattle in Cuba to take part in an immersive People-to-People cultural experience. During our specially designed nine-day program, you’ll learn about this enigmatic island nation’s fascinating culture through firsthand contact with Cuban leaders, educators, professionals, local citizens and others who are eager to exchange views with you on Cuban contemporary life as well as their views of their country’s role in the future. Explore the World Heritage sites of Old Havana, the eco-conscious, self-sustaining community of Las Terrazas, the historic center of Cienfuegos, and the colonial city of Trinidad.  Meet artists and writers and experience Ernest Hemingway’s legacy as well as authentic Cuban rumba rhythms. You’ll meet with Afro-Cuban spiritual leaders, park rangers at a bio-reserve, and traditional farmers. This People-to-People Cultural Exchange is permitted under a general license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

• Engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas with Cubans from all walks of preservation, music, architecture, planning, art, cuisine, and literature. • Meet with students and professors at the University of Havana for a panel discussion on education and preservation. • Visit the Felix Varela Cultural Center to hear about the fascinating programs offered to Cuban citizens including the Cuba Emprende Project, a training and advisory center for Havana’s future entrepreneurs. • Meet the Mayor of Havana to hear about the successes and challenges that her city faces.  • Attend a briefing at the U.S. Embassy to learn about the complexities of normalizing relations with Cuba. • Visit the colonial cities of Trinidad and Cienfuegos and see some of Cuba’s finest preserved 17th- and 18th-century Spanish architecture. • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Viñales Valley and take a guided walk with a local geologist viewing the spectacular limestone formations.

Itinerary

Sunday, November 5 — Miami to Cienfuegos Depart Miami this morning on a charter flight to Havana. After clearing customs and claiming your luggage, continue to Cienfuegos, also known as “The Pearl of the South.” Enjoy lunch en route. Stop at the Bay of Pigs and visit the nearby Playa Giron Museum to view the collection of artifacts from the conflict. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception before dinner at one of the country’s paladars, a privately owned restaurant. (L,D) Monday, November 6 — Trinidad Today, visit Cuba’s most well preserved colonial city, Trinidad, stopping first at Pepito Tey, a former sugar mill town. Upon arrival in Trinidad, discover the city’s pastel-colored colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and beautiful plazas. Meet with a representative of the City Historian’s Office to discuss the achievements and the challenges of preserving the 16th-century city. During your exploration of Trinidad, meet with shopkeepers, owners of Casas Particulares, or privately owned bed and breakfasts, and other members of the community.  (B, L, D)

Tuesday, November 7 — Cienfuegos - Havana This morning, explore the French-influenced city center of Cienfuegos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk down the Paseo del Prado, a pedestrian-only boulevard lined with various stores, to Parque Martí. Some of Cienfuegos’ most prominent architecture frames this central square. After lunch, depart for Havana. (B, L, D) Wednesday, November 8 — Havana This morning, visit the University of Havana. With students and campus representatives, enjoy a guided tour of the historic campus. Afterwards, embark on a walking tour of Habana Vieja to see the city’s colonial architecture and plazas. After lunch at a local restaurant, meet the Mayor of Havana to hear about the successes and challenges that her city faces. Dinner tonight will be at your leisure. Our staff will be on hand to make suggestions. (B, L) Thursday, November 9 — Havana Begin the day with a briefing at the U.S. Embassy to learn about the complexities of nor-

malizing relations with Cuba, followed by a visit to a tobacco factory. Meet with cigar experts and rollers to learn about the role that tobacco has played in Cuban history. This afternoon, meet with a local economist to discuss the recent economic reforms and the effects that if will have on local Cubans. End the day with a performance by an Afro-Cuban dance troupe. (B, L, D) Friday, November 10 — Havana Visit Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s home for 20 years.  With an expert, explore the 12 acre property and house that contains original furniture, artwork and personal memorabilia. Then continue on to lunch at a local restaurant that sources ingredients from their organiponico, or urban garden. After lunch, visit the Felix Varela Cultural Center to hear about the fascinating programs offered to Cuban citizens including the Cuba Emprende Project, a training and advisory center for Havana’s future entrepreneurs. (B, L) Saturday, November 11 — Pinar del Rio Today, depart Havana for a drive through the lush Cuban countryside, heading to Pinar del Rio province. En route, stop at the tobacco farm of Benito Camejo. Learn about the cultivation and harvesting of the legendary crop. Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Viñales Valley and take a guided walk with a local geologist viewing the spectacular limestone formations. (B, L, D) Sunday, November 12 — Las Terrazas and Havana Return to Havana this morning and along the way, stop at Las Terrazas, an eco-community and Cuba’s most important reforestation project. On a guided walk, learn about the coffee plantations that once occupied the area and visit with community members. After returning to Havana, attend a farewell gathering and dinner. (B, L, D) Monday, November 13 — Return to the U.S. Bid farewell to Cuba and transfer to the Havana Airport today for your return charter flight to Miami. (B)

SPACE IS LIMITED! RESERVE TODAY

800.556.7896

A ccommodations About Your Accommodations We have chosen the best available hotels for this trip in locations that are conveniently located. While comfortable, most hotels in Cuba are modest in décor and furnishings. All rooms include a private bath. Specific hotels will be announced closer to departure.

program cost

Early Bird Pricing Available until June 15, 2016! $5995 Member Pricing (Available after June 15, 2016) $6195 Non-Member Pricing $6395 Single Room Supplement $795 This People-to-People Cultural Exchange is permitted by a license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control

SPACE IS LIMITED RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!

800.556.7896 For full terms and conditions please visit here

inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Comprehensive educational program and professional on-site guides • All accommodations and meals as outlined in the itinerary • All ground transportation within the itinerary unless otherwise indicated • All sightseeing as specified in the itinerary • Entrance fees • Gratuities to porters, drivers, and guides • Transfers to and from airports for those arriving or departing according to the designated itinerary • The assistance of a tour manager for comprehensive logistical and customer service management on the trip • The assistance of a professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights, or other services. • Comprehensive pre-departure information about the destination and what to expect on the trip, including a suggested reading list • Airfare from Miami to Havana and return, including baggage handling for one checked piece and one carry on piece per person.

• U.S. domestic airfare from your home to Miami and from Miami to your home • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Passport, visa, airport departure and excess baggage fees • Meals not specified in the itinerary; food and beverages not part of the included meals • Personal items such as telephone, fax and internet charges, laundry, room service, alcoholic or other beverages not specified as included • Gratuities for non-group services • Expenses resulting from delays due to bad weather, road conditions, sickness, government action, and flight delays • Expenses incurred in making individual travel arrangements in conjunction with the trip

SPACE IS LIMITED! RESERVE TODAY

800.556.7896 For full terms and conditions please visit here

TO RESERVE TODAY The quickest way to make a reservation is to call Academic Travel Abroad at 202-785-9000 or 1-800-556-7896. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. Early reservation is recommended to ensure your space on this program. You may also email us at [email protected].