SIGNATURE CUBA TOURS

Transcription

1 SIGNATURE CUBA TOURS

2 DISCOVER The True Spirit of Cuba Step off the plane and back in time. Cuba, an enchanting island brimming with history, culture, and warm, welcoming people, is calling. From its timeless Spanish architecture to its soul-stirring music, to its people, who are as warm and welcoming as its tropical climate, Cuba has a deep-rooted culture all its own. Just 90 miles off the coast of the United States, Cuba is a captivating journey back in time, with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cobblestone streets filled with classic cars, and a landscape almost untouched by Western influence. It s time to discover Cuba through its people. Join us, the experts in legal, small and private group travel to Cuba, as we explore the mystique behind this fascinating country and the gracious, welcoming spirit of the Cuban people. insightcuba is the proud recipient of Condé Nast Traveler s Top Travel Specialist award three years in a row. insightcuba.com CUBA 1

3 DISCOVER CUBA Why Visit Now? For more than 50 years, Americans have been all but forbidden to travel to Cuba. Now, travel to this enigmatic country is possible for any American, and insightcuba will take you there in ways no one else can. People-to-people travel to Cuba became possible in 2000 and we have led the way, sending more than 20,000 Americans to Cuba for nearly two decades. I signed up for a tour because I wanted to go now, before the United States ends its travel-and-trade embargo and the island is transformed faster than you can say, Hard Rock Café Havana. JOHN FLINN, TRAVEL WRITER, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Now is the time to discover Cuba before it changes forever. 2 insightcuba.com CUBA 3

4 El Malecón, the winding seaside esplanade along Havana s northern coastline, hums with the spirit of Cuba and its people. DISCOVER CUBA With the Experts Leading the way. InsightCuba specializes in this once-in-a-lifetime experience for Americans. Our in-country knowledge and expertise is unmatched in the industry, allowing us to provide travelers with unique access to people and places the average person rarely sees. Simply said, we do Cuba better than anyone else. The exceptional travel experience we provide is built on nearly two decades of detailed research, comprehensive knowledge of Cuba, and our longestablished relationships there. We ve explored Cuba extensively and our connections and friendships in the country allow us to create unforgettable travel experiences and lifelong memories for our guests. 4 insightcuba.com CUBA 5

5 THE INSIGHTCUBA DIFFERENCE Invaluable Advantage InsightCuba has such a deep, long-standing connection with Cuba that we re treated like family, and when you travel with us, you will be too. A trip to Cuba is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Americans, so choosing the right company is important. InsightCuba s highly trained and experienced team is dedicated to providing you with: AMAZING CUBAN GUIDES Discover Cuba with our favorite English-speaking Cuban tour guides, specially chosen for their knowledge and passion for the country they call home, and who will ensure that your trip exceeds your expectations. EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES We ve explored every inch of the country, which has given us a deep understanding of how to create unique experiences with people and places most visitors seldom see. Our tours include exclusive activities and provide memories you will cherish forever. THE MOST CHOICES AVAILABLE Backed by nearly two decades of experience in Cuba, insightcuba offers the most tours, departures, and destinations. Travel when, where, and how you want in this exciting country. 6 I believe the program was the best of what people-to-people tours are intended to be. B. BLADES insightcuba.com CUBA 7

6 THE INSIGHTCUBA DIFFERENCE Invaluable Advantage InsightCuba offers superior programming, guides, exceptional customer service, and the travel experience of a lifetime. Here are a few other benefits: SMALL GROUP SIZE Our average group size is 10, but you ll never find more than 24 guests. This allows you to travel with like-minded people while sharing intimate experiences with our friends in Cuba. WE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING Due to more than 50 years of travel restrictions, travel to Cuba for Americans can seem complicated. We make it easy by taking care of all the details, from beginning to end. You can rest assured knowing your trip is 100 percent legal, so you can focus on discovering Cuba. The programming and execution of all of our activities was of the highest caliber, with people in Cuba to help us unconditionally all along the way. SUPERIOR GUEST SERVICE AND EXPERTISE Each guest s satisfaction is paramount. Every employee visits Cuba, meaning he or she personally knows the same places and faces you ll meet during your trip. Our top priority at insightcuba is providing the best travel experience and service possible. K. DAVIS 8 insightcuba.com CUBA 9

7 SIGNATURE CUBA TOURS Incredible Value InsightCuba invites you to choose from six carefully crafted Signature Cuba tours, offering unique access to the people and places the average tourist rarely sees. Whether it s an epic 12-day, coast-to-coast excursion or a weekend of discovery in Havana, your journey is designed to inspire meaningful, engaging experiences with the lifelong residents who give Cuba its spark. EACH TOUR INCLUDES: Superior accommodations at the Meliá Cohiba or similar when in Havana Superior accommodations at the Meliá Varadero Beach Resort (Varadero + Havana tour) Superior accommodations at the Meliá Santiago when in Santiago de Cuba (Undiscovered Cuba tour) Standard accommodations in provincial hotels or casa particulares when outside of Havana Expert local Cuban guide Private Cuban driver insightcuba exclusive-guided activities All meals while in Cuba, except for one or two paladar evening dining experiences on your own Flight concierge service (flight cost additional) U.S. Department of the Treasury authorization under a general license Small group size (usually 10 or fewer guests; never more than 24) All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events All in-country ground transportation and airport transfers* Gratuities for luggage handling, restaurant service, and programmed activities throughout tour Fresh bottled water while touring insightcuba travel guidebook 24-hour customer-service hotline SIGNATURE CUBA TOURS UNDISCOVERED CUBA PAGE 12 CLASSIC CUBA PAGE 14 LEGENDARY CUBA PAGE 16 JAZZ IN PAGE 18 WEEKEND IN PAGE 20 VARADERO PAGE 22 * Transfers available only for group blocks or recommended flight arrival and departure times. Customary end-of-tour gratuities for the Cuban guide, driver, and tour leader are left to the guest s discretion and should be based on the guest s satisfaction with the level of service received. Not included: Cost of airfare and Cuban visa. 10 insightcuba.com CUBA 11

8 UNDISCOVERED CUBA UNDISCOVERED CUBA 12 DAYS 11 NIGHTS SANTA CLARA CAMAGÜEY BAYAMO THE INTRIGUING ISLAND OF CUBA is roughly 780 miles long. It s a culturally and geographically rich country with virgin forests hugging rustling tobacco fields, colonial cities sprouting from the foot of rugged mountains, and rivers carving blue tentacles into fertile valleys with the generous, warm spirit of Cuba s people enhancing your journey every step of the way. We wouldn t blame you if you wanted to explore it all. In fact, that s why our 12-day Undiscovered Cuba tour is our most sought-after trip. This is the ultimate excursion for travelers with a zest for adventure. Follow your Cuban guide on a cross-country tour that gets you behind the scenes and into the art, beats, and everyday lives of the people who give this fascinating country its soul. SANTIAGO DE CUBA BARACOA HOLGUÍN TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Explore the historic corridors of Old Havana Visit the Che Guevara memorial and museum Enjoy a heartwarming visit with children at a local elementary school Visit a Cucurucho farm and taste these local treats Engage with farmers, fishermen, and ballet dancers in the community SAMPLE ITINERARY* SANTA CLARA CAMAGÜEY HOLGUÍN BAYAMO SANTIAGO DE CUBA BARACOA DAY 1 After clearing immigration and customs at José Martí International Airport in Havana, you ll take a short drive to the Meliá Cohiba for hotel check-in and tour orientation.** Later, enjoy your first taste of Cuba at dinner with your travel companions. Meals Dinner DAY 2 Begin the day with a lecture by a representative of the National Union of Writers and Artists in Cuba (UNEAC), who will tell you about the challenges Cuba faces today. Take a walking tour of historic and colorful Old Havana, and chat with students who restore the country s buildings and monuments. Back at your hotel poolside, participate in a discussion about life in Cuba with young professionals. Join your companions for dinner at a popular paladar. DAY 3 Today begins with a discussion about social dynamics in contempo - rary Cuba. Next, we ll visit a farmers market and learn about more than just vegetables. Continuing the theme, discuss and participate in culinary activities with chefs at the Culinary Association and enjoy a delicious lunch there. Chat with leaders in Cuba s film industry and take a private tour of the screening rooms at the film institute. Tonight, you ll dine on your own at a paladar, a private, family-owned restaurant. Your insightcuba tour leader, who is an expert in the dining scene, will make the best recommendations. Meals Breakfast, Lunch DAY 4 SANTA CLARA After breakfast, we ll depart for Santa Clara and lunch at the highly regarded SaboreArte. Engage in a lively discussion with a specialist at the community children s project at a renowned art gallery. Then, meet a band that plays 19th century Cuban music accompanied by the Alegrias de Vivir dancers, who will teach you their national dance. Before gathering for dinner, we ll tour the Che Guevara memorial and museum. DAY 5 SANTA CLARA CAMAGÜEY After breakfast, you ll depart for Camagüey and lunch at El Paso in the beautifully restored Plaza de Carmen square. Meet with artists in their studios and visit an art school. After checking in to your hotel, continue today s artistic theme with a visit to a ballet company, followed by dinner at a paladar. DAY 6 CAMAGÜEY On your second day in Camagüey, meet the creative minds at a writer s association, then visit an inspiring community project for children. After lunch at the renowned Campana de Toledo, explore the maze-like colonial center of Camagüey with a resident by bicitaxi (bicycle cab). Tonight, you ll have dinner at the hotel with your traveling companions. DAY 7 CAMAGÜEY BAYAMO SANTIAGO DE CUBA After breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for Santiago by way of Bayamo. There, you ll meet the members of the famed Choir of Bayamo, followed by lunch at the Hotel Royalton. On the way to Santiago de Cuba, stop at Cuba s most important church, La Caridad del Cobre, visited by the pope whenever he s in Cuba. After check-in, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at your hotel. DAY 8 SANTIAGO DE CUBA After breakfast, tour a polyclinic to get a feel for how healthcare works in Cuba. Next, learn about local rhythms from the musicians who create them. Travel to lunch by a quick, scenic boat ride, then visit El Morro, an impressive colonial fort guarding the Bay of Santiago. Tour the beautiful city of Santiago de Cuba, then enjoy dinner on your own. Meals Breakfast, Lunch DAY 9 SANTIAGO DE CUBA BARACOA Today begins with a discussion with a popular university professor about Afro-Cuban culture and traditions. We ll depart for Baracoa along one of Cuba s most scenic highways, driving along a breathtaking coastal and mountainous route. After checking in to your hotel, gather for a delicious dinner with your traveling companions. DAY 10 BARACOA Your first morning here will include a visit with a renowned historian, who will explain Baracoa s history and traditions. Then, stop at the Matachin Fort Museum. Enjoy a typical Baracoa lunch at Rancho Toa, which overlooks a breathtaking river and seascape. Visit a coconut farmer and learn about the regional delicacy, the cucurucho. Dinner tonight is at a paladar. DAY 11 BARACOA SANTIAGO DE CUBA After breakfast, you ll be treated to an exclusive home visit for a taste of Cuban hospitality and a close-up look at rural life on the island. Visit an artist s studio to meet with young artists, and interact with the members of a traditional Baracoa music-and-dance ensemble. After enjoying a traditional lunch, we ll depart for Santiago de Cuba and a farewell dinner with your traveling companions. DAY 12 SANTIAGO DE CUBA HOLGUÍN Adiós, Cuba! After breakfast, depart for Holguín and visit and artist community, where you ll meet local painters. Then, bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight from Holguín s Frank Pais Airport back home. Meals Breakfast, Lunch PRICES STARTING AT $5,395 For a complete list of departure dates and prices, please refer to our dates and pricing catalog accompanying this brochure or visit our website. * Activities in this itinerary should be considered a sample only. Final itineraries are sent to guests one-to-two weeks prior to departure. ** Check-in begins roughly at 3pm ET. The tour start-time will vary slightly depending on flight arrivals. 12 insightcuba.com CUBA 13

9 CLASSIC CUBA PLAYA LARGA CIENFUEGOS TRINIDAD One of the best trips I have ever taken. M. JENSEN 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS PLAYA LARGA CIENFUEGOS TRINIDAD CLASSIC CUBA BUSTLING AND CHARMING TRINIDAD stir visions of brightly painted colonial buildings, pulsating mambo rhythms, and bustling barrios. This exciting, eight-day tour of Cuba s most famous cities will provide the brushstrokes you ve been longing to add to the unfinished canvas of your vision of Cuba. Your experience begins in the boisterous harbor city of Havana and ends in the artistic enclave of Trinidad and Cienfuegos, a jewel of a city known as the Pearl of the South. At each destination, a generous Cuban spirit unfolds as residents open their hearts and shed light on their colorful and often complex way of life. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Walking tour of historic Old Havana Visit with La Colmenita, Cuba s most famous children s performing group Discover the enchanting cobblestone streets of Trinidad Visit Ernest Hemingway s home, Finca Vigía Feel like a Cuban at a local farmers market SAMPLE ITINERARY* DAY 1 After clearing immigration and customs at José Martí International Airport in Havana, you ll take a short drive to the Meliá Cohiba for hotel check-in and tour orientation.** Tonight, you will enjoy a delicious dinner with your travel companions. Meals Dinner DAY 2 Start your day by meeting an expert in Cuban architecture, who will discuss Old Havana s rich architectural heritage and UNESCO designation. Then, put your newfound knowledge into practice on a walking tour of Old Havana, where you ll lunch at a popular paladar. Meet the community members, staff and directors of the Casa de los Abuelos, an innovative rehabilitation and care center for seniors, and learn about their organization. By your hotel poolside, interact with Cuban students and young professionals to gain better insight into daily life in Cuba. For dinner, enjoy the island s best chicken and secret sauce at El Aljibe, a favorite of Anthony Bourdain. DAY 3 After breakfast, tour a local farmers market to experience Cuban grocery shopping firsthand. Then, meet the students at a dance company visited exclusively by insightcuba. After lunch at paladar La Casa, tour the Literacy Museum to learn how Cuba became a world leader in literacy. Meet the director and enchanting young members of La Colmenita children s theater. Tonight, we dine at one of Havana s best-known paladares. DAY 4 This morning, we ll visit one of the most important burial grounds of the Caribbean, the magnificent Cemetery Colon, with a local guide. After touring a polyclinic, enjoy lunch with a view at a well -regarded paladar in Old Havana. Explore Cuba s impressive collection of national art with a specialist at the Fine Arts Museum. This evening is yours to enjoy as you choose. We suggest you try one of Havana s many paladares for dinner. Your insightcuba tour leader, an expert in the dining scene, can make the best recommendations. Meals Breakfast, Lunch Morro Castle and its lighthouse, perched on a seaside fortress at the mouth of the harbor in Old Havana, can be viewed from miles away. DAY 5 PLAYA LARGA CIENFUEGOS After breakfast, we ll depart for Cienfuegos by way of Playa Larga, where you ll meet a representative of the national park on the Bay of Pigs. Visit a local paladar owner and enjoy a fabulous seafood meal at his home. Learn about our countries histories at the Bay of Pigs museum before continuing to Cienfuegos where you will check in to your casa particulares and enjoy dinner. DAY 6 CIENFUEGOS TRINIDAD After breakfast, depart for Trinidad where we ll explore the cobble - stone streets of this picturesque UNESCO World Heritage town. Visit one of Trinidad s most beautiful museums with a local specialist. We ll have lunch and meet a local plastics artist, ceramicist, and wood engraver who will welcome you into their respective studios. Tonight, dine on your own at a paladar. Ask your tour leader for recommendations. Meals Breakfast, Lunch DAY 7 CIENFUEGOS After breakfast, you ll return to Havana, stopping first at an inspiring graphic art cooperative center. Then, meet the talented musicians of the Concert Chamber Orchestra of the South, who perform around the world. After lunch, stop at Ernest Hemingway s home at Finca Vigía, birthplace of many of the author s best works. Tonight, reminisce with new friends over a farewell dinner at the beautiful Café Oriente in Old Havana. DAY 8 Adiós, Cuba! After breakfast, bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight home. Meals Breakfast PRICES STARTING AT $4,495 For a complete list of departure dates and prices, please refer to our dates and pricing catalog accompanying this brochure or visit our website. * Activities in this itinerary should be considered a sample only. Final itineraries are sent to guests one-to-two weeks prior to departure. ** Check-in begins roughly at 3pm ET. The tour start-time will vary slightly depending on flight arrivals. 14 insightcuba.com CUBA 15

10 VIÑALES VALLEY PINAR DEL RÍO LAS TERRAZAS LEGENDARY CUBA LEGENDARY CUBA 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS VIÑALES VALLEY PINAR DEL RÍO LAS TERRAZAS DISCOVER CUBA FOR YOURSELF AND UNCOVER A HISTORY SO RICH, its legacy is memorialized in its architecture and its people. Learn why icons such as Hemingway, Churchill, and Sinatra felt an affinity for this rare place. Experience the music, which, for generations, produced global superstars who shook the world. On our Legendary Cuba tour, spend your days and nights discovering Havana, Cuba s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, where breathtaking sixteenth-century Spanish colonial buildings line cobblestone streets, Buena Vista-style guitar riffs emanate from courtyards, and friendships form along the Malecón, the city s magnificent seaside boulevard. Get to know people so warm and welcoming, you ll long to return after a single visit. From Havana, you ll journey west to the province of Pinar del Río, where Cuba s world-famous tobacco is grown. Discover the majestic Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as Cuba s Yosemite National Park, where forested hills with exposed dome-like limestone outcrops, known as mogotes, soar from the valley floor. You ll explore the Sierra del Rosario, a wooded range and UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve that boasts waterfalls and flower-lined paths. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Visit three of Cuba s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites Visit Ernest Hemingway s home, Finca Vigía Step onto a tobacco field and visit a factory where cigars are made by hand See Viñales Valley, known as Cuba s Yosemite National Park Meet with artists and musicians at a local community project SAMPLE ITINERARY* DAY 1 After clearing immigration and customs at José Martí International Airport in Havana, you ll take a short drive to the Meliá Cohiba for hotel check-in and tour orientation.** After orientation, enjoy dinner with the group. Meals Dinner DAY 2 After breakfast, we ll hear a lecture by a local expert on contemporary Cuba. Take a tour of an organic farm where you will learn about Cuba s native plants and agriculture and enjoy a farm-to-table meal. Then, visit with lively artists and musicians at the Muraleando community project. At your hotel pool side, meet young Cuban professionals and enjoy candid discussions about daily life in Cuba. For dinner, savor the island s best chicken and secret sauce at the famed El Aljibe. DAY 3 After breakfast at the hotel, you ll take a walking tour of Old Havana and view its sights from the city s renowned Camera Obscura. Engage in a dialogue about Russian-Cuban relations and the Russian diaspora in Cuba with an expert, and continue learning about Russia s relationship with Cuba over lunch. Visit Hemingway s home, Finca Vigía, with a local specialist, then see the enchanting town of Casablanca. Cross the port to Old Havana by commuter ferry. Enjoy dinner and an evening on your own. We suggest you try one of Havana s many paladares. Your insightcuba tour leader, an expert in the dining scene, can make the best recommendations. Meals Breakfast, Lunch The mecca for tobacco growing in Cuba, Pinar del Río produces what many aficionados say are the best cigars in the country and the world. DAY 4 PINAR DEL RÍO After breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for Pinar del Río province. Along the way, we ll stop at Patio de Pelegrin, an organic farm, art space and community project. There, we ll enjoy lunch prepared for you by community residents. Next, we ll meet a popular artist at his home studio to learn about his work, displayed in galleries in the U.S. and museums in Cuba. After checking in to the hotel, you ll meet with the members of an infamous opera and theater group, who perform around the world. Dinner tonight will be at a local paladar. DAY 5 PINAR DEL RÍO VIÑALES VALLEY On your second day in Pinar del Río, we ll head north toward Viñales National Park. We ll meet a local guide, who will take you on a short walk into the valley where you ll visit a tobacco-drying house and meet a tobacco farmer who will teach you how to roll cigars. For lunch, you ll walk through a carved cave to reach el Palenque de los Cimarrones, where traditional Afro-Cuban music will be playing. After a savory smoked pork lunch, we ll wander into Viñales Valley, Cuba s Yosemite-like habitat, where you ll admire the giant limestone rocks that make Viñales famous. At the end of the day, treat yourself to a coco loco (honey, rum, and coconut water) in the town of Viñales. Dinner tonight is on your own. Meals Breakfast, Lunch DAY 6 PINAR DEL RÍO After breakfast at the hotel, we ll check out, then visit a cigar factory, where you ll see firsthand how these legendary cigars are made. On our way back to Havana, we ll stop for lunch at Las Terrazas, an artistic community in a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. On our way back into Havana, we ll meet with dancers in the Marianao neighborhood for a performance. In Havana, enjoy a farewell dinner as you reminisce with your traveling companions. DAY 7 Adiós, Cuba! After breakfast at the hotel, bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight home. Meals Breakfast PRICES STARTING AT $3,895 For a complete list of departure dates and prices, please refer to our dates and pricing catalog accompanying this brochure or visit our website. * Activities in this itinerary should be considered a sample only. Final itineraries are sent to guests one-to-two weeks prior to departure. ** Check-in begins roughly at 3pm ET. The tour start-time will vary slightly depending on flight arrivals. 16 insightcuba.com CUBA 17

11 JAZZ IN In eras past, jazz musicians in the U.S. and Cuba would travel on the twice-daily ferry between Havana and New Orleans. MATANZAS Cuba s most famous song, Guantanamera, has several reported origins, including a poem. Its title means woman from Guantánamo. SAMPLE ITINERARY* JAZZin 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS MATANZAS CUBA S WORLD-FAMOUS MUSIC SCENE IS one of its strongest draws. That s why we take you deep into the groove with our Jazz in Havana tour. We ve teamed up with Cuba s leading jazz artists and aficionados to offer this rare insider plunge into the thriving Cuban music scene. Immerse yourself for five music-rich days of Afro beats, freewheeling jazz, and swirling salsa. When you re not swaying to a toe-tapping performance, your Cuban guide will usher you behind the scenes to discover where the beats are rooted and to engage in meaningful, memorable dialogue with musicians, music teachers, producers, and engineers. It s an extraordinary tour that goes well beyond what you ll find in any guidebook. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Engage with experts in Cuban jazz Discuss jazz culture and history in Cuba with an influential Cuban musician Experience a live music session at Cuba s most famous recording studio Visit with AfroCuba de Matanzas, Cuba s most respected African song and dance group DAY 1 After clearing immigration and customs at José Martí International Airport in Havana, you ll take a short drive to your hotel for check-in and tour orientation.** Later, enjoy your first taste of Cuba at dinner with your travel companions. Meals Dinner DAY 2 After breakfast, get into a lively discussion about Cuban jazz, culture, and history with one of the island s most influential musicians and musicologists. Meet young jazz musicians during a live music session at Cuba s top recording studio, where Nat King Cole, the Buena Vista Social Club, and other notables recorded their best work. After lunch at El Aljibe, famous for its chicken and secret sauce, chat with a professional musician about the influence of Cuban jazz around the world. Tonight, dine on your own at a paladar, a private, family-owned restaurant. Your insightcuba tour leader, who is an expert in the din ing scene, can make the best recommendations. Meals Breakfast, Lunch DAY 3 MATANZAS This morning, you ll depart for Matanzas, where your first stop will be an art school. Meet the directors and students before visiting a publisher who produces handmade paper and hand-bound books. After lunch at one of our favorite paladares, the beat goes on during a special visit with members of one of Cuba s most respected folkloric dance groups, which performs traditional African dances, percussion and songs. Afterward, take a leisurely journey back to Havana, where the evening will be yours to spend as you choose. We suggest you try one of Havana s many paladares and visit a jazz or music club. Your insightcuba tour leader can make great recommendations. Meals Breakfast, Lunch DAY 4 After breakfast, tour a local farmers market, a favorite activity of insightcuba travelers. Explore Cuba s impressive collection of national art with a specialist at the Fine Arts Museum, then enjoy lunch at a paladar. After visits with local artists in their studios, wrap up the day with a farewell dinner at a popular paladar. DAY 5 Adiós, Cuba! Adiós, Cuba! After breakfast at the hotel, bid farewell to Cuba and travel to the airport for your flight home. Meals Breakfast PRICES STARTING AT $3,395 For a complete list of departure dates and prices, please refer to our dates and pricing catalog accompanying this brochure or visit our website. * Activities in this itinerary should be considered a sample only. Final itineraries are sent to guests one-to-two weeks prior to departure. ** Check-in begins roughly at 3pm ET. The tour start-time will vary slightly depending on flight arrivals. 18 insightcuba.com CUBA 19

12 WEEKENDin WEEKEND IN 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS LIKE THE SIZZLING SALSA RHYTHMS that ripple through its cobblestone streets, Havana springs to life with warmth and vivaciousness that never stops taking you by surprise. Cuba s largest city is a place of rambling colonial architecture, endless adventure, and unfettered discovery. It s where a trip to this Caribbean country, long forbidden to U.S. travelers, truly begins. Our Weekend in Havana tour is more than a brush with exotic culture. It s an immersive journey that lets you experience Cuba s dynamic rhythm and color, and dive in and become part of the canvas. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy an intimate gathering with a Cuban artist and friend of insightcuba in her studio Enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana s cobblestone streets Meet with an editor of a Cuban newspaper to learn firsthand about Cuba s socio-economic reforms SAMPLE ITINERARY* DAY 1 After clearing immigration and customs at the José Martí International Airport in Havana, you ll take a short drive to the Meliá Cohiba for hotel check-in.** Later in the day, we ll have a tour orientation at the hotel followed by a delicious welcome dinner. Meals Dinner DAY 2 We ll kick off the day by meeting the editor of a popular Cuban newspaper for a presentation on Cuban social issues, economic reforms, and the impacts of U.S.-Cuba policy in Cuba. Then, you ll have a very special visit in Centro Habana with a friend and self-taught Cuban artist who opens his home to teach neighborhood children the art of papier-mâché. Then you ll have lunch at a local paladar or private, family-owned restaurant, where you ll be treated to a special performance by a Latin jazz band. After, you ll stop for a visit to a local food co-op a where you ll see firsthand Cuba s dual currency at work. We ll wrap up the day by visiting a local photographer in his studio to learn more about his art and photography in Cuba. Tonight, you ll dine on your own at one of Cuba s many delicious paladares. Your insightcuba tour leader, who is an expert in the dining scene, will make the best recommendations. Meals Breakfast, Lunch DAY 3 Begin the day with a walking tour of Old Havana s cobblestone streets, and admire the beautiful sixteenth-century Spanish colonial architecture. Then, meet with local residents in their homes to learn about new private enterprises that are gaining popularity in Cuba. For lunch, we ll enjoy a delicious meal at a paladar in Old Havana. After lunch, you ll visit with an internationally known choral group to participate in an educational exchange. In the evening, share your favorite stories about your time in Cuba with your travel mates during a farewell dinner. DAY 4 Adiós, Cuba! After breakfast at the hotel, check out and travel to the airport for your flight home. Meals Breakfast PRICES STARTING AT $2,695 For a complete list of departure dates and prices, please refer to our dates and pricing catalog accompanying this brochure or visit our website. Cuba s capital city is home to approximately 2.5 million residents, 15 municipalities, and a UNESCO World Heritage site in its Habana Vieja neighborhood. * Activities in this itinerary should be considered as a sample only. Final itineraries are sent to guests one to two weeks prior to departure. ** Check-in begins roughly at 3pm ET. The tour start-time will vary slightly depending on flight arrivals. 20 insightcuba.com CUBA 21

13 VARADERO VARADERO + VARADERO CARDENAS CARDENAS VARADERO + 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS CUBA IS A COLORFUL COUNTRY WITH WARM AND FRIENDLY PEOPLE. Its Spanish colonial cities and 3,500 miles of unspoiled Caribbean coast line make it one of the most sought after destinations in the Caribbean. We ll take you to the heart of it all. Join insightcuba, the most trusted name in legal people-to-people travel and get an inside look at two of Cuba s most popular cities, Havana and Varadero. We ll show you what makes each of these cities so popular with people-to-people excursions that let you dive right in. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Walking tour of Old Havana Explore Cardenas to meet its people Visit The Sugar Cane Museum and ride an antique train Tour the Museum of Fine Arts in Havana One UNESCO World Heritage Site SAMPLE ITINERARY* DAY 1 VARADERO Arrive on your direct flight to Varadero s Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport. After clearing immigration and customs, you ll head to the Meliá Varadero resort for check-in and orientation.** Then you'll meet with a local artist on a visit to a ceramic workshop before having lunch at the hotel, where you will be joined by a guest speaker and friend of insightcuba who will discuss the local environment. Then, take a walking tour of your surroundings with a local expert to learn about the ecology of Varadero. Later you ll return to the hotel for a welcome dinner. Meals Lunch, Dinner DAY 2 VARADERO CARDENAS After breakfast, join us on an excursion to Cardenas, a small town just south of Varadero, for a visit to the farmers market. After, visit the Sugar Cane Museum to learn about sugar processing and how sugar cane is used to make Cuba s famous rum. Then, ride the Sugar Cane antique train. We ll return to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, we ll visit the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, known for its hiking trails and unique flora and fauna. We ll visit one of the area s caves, where pre-columbian pictographs and 2,000-year-old burial plots can be found. DAY 3 VARADERO After breakfast, we ll drive along the beautiful coast for a day of exploration in Havana. We ll begin our full-day excursion with a walking tour in Old Havana, a splendid UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most incredible examples of preserved Spanish Colonial architecture. You ll stop for a visit at a local artist studio before getting a special panoramic look at this historic neighborhood. After lunch on your own in Old Havana, we ll tour other areas of the city, including Centro Havana, Vedado and Miramar. Our day trip will also include a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts accompanied by a local specialist. After dinner on your own, we ll return to your hotel in Varadero. Meals Breakfast DAY 4 VARADERO Adios, Cuba! After breakfast, bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight home. Meals Breakfast PRICES STARTING AT $2,295 For a complete list of departure dates and prices, please refer to our dates and pricing catalog accompanying this brochure or visit our website. * Activities in this itinerary should be considered a sample only. Final itineraries are sent to guests one-to-two weeks prior to departure. ** Check-in begins roughly at 3pm ET. The tour start time will vary slightly depending on flight arrivals. Please note: The U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requires your full participation in our full-time schedule of educational exchange activities. 22 insightcuba.com CUBA 23

14 Our Private Cuba Tours Value PRIVATE CUBA TOURS PRIVATE CUBA TOURS OUR SINGLE FOCUS AT INSIGHTCUBA IS to create the most memorable, engaging, and authentic Cuba travel experiences. Our private group department and in-country staff are unmatched in their ability to craft the ideal trip tailored to your group s schedule, needs, and interests. No one does private group travel to Cuba better than insightcuba. Whether you choose one of our six Signature Cuba tours or customize your own, insightcuba will ensure that your group receives superior programming, seamless service, and an experience your guests will talk about for years. As a private group organizer, you ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that our staff will work tirelessly to handle every detail, so you don t have to. PRIVATE CUBA TOUR BENEFITS Online booking for your guests We take care of everything, so you don t have to Excellent fundraising opportunity for your organization Unparalleled expertise YOUR PARTNER IN TRAVEL InsightCuba is your partner in providing your private group with a travel experience they will talk about for years to come. Simply leave the details to us. HANDPICKED EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR GROUP You ll be working with a team of experts who have traveled extensively on the island, and personally led numerous tours to every province in Cuba. Our knowledge of Cuba and the relationships we ve cultivated for nearly two decades ensure unique access to people and places the average tourist rarely sees. SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE You ll have peace of mind knowing our dedicated and expert team will be with you from the first time you contact us until the moment you return home. In Cuba, an insightcuba tour leader and a Cuban guide will provide highly personal guidance, and our U.S.-based travel specialist team will make sure your trip goes smoothly. EXCELLENT FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY Many associations and organizations use their trips as a way to raise funds to support their work. It s an all-around win: Your organization provides a unique member benefit, generates funding, and everyone gets to discover Cuba! Our private group team will work with you on how to accomplish all of your goals. Your Group is in the Best Hands The depth of my gratitude is endless for the opportunity that you gave me Our expert private group team is ready to help you plan your trip. We ve designed hundreds of tours for a variety of clients, including: Alumni Associations Historical Societies Universities Families Travel Clubs Professional Associations Museum Groups Affinity Groups Art Groups Music Societies Women s Groups Lifelong Learning Groups and the 14 Americans on our private tour. S. LUCIA GET STARTED: Call a private group specialist: CUBA (2822) Request a proposal: insightcuba.com/private-cuba-proposal us: travel@insightcuba.com 24 insightcuba.com CUBA 25

15 I ve lived in and traveled to many countries around the world and this was the best trip I ve ever experienced. R. ANDERSEN 26 insightcuba.com CUBA 27

16 UNDISCOVERED CUBA CLASSIC CUBA 12 DAYS 11 NIGHTS 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS SANTA CLARA CAMAGÜEY BAYAMO DATE SANTIAGO DE CUBA BARACOA HOLGUÍN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PP Apr 23, 2018 May 4, 2018 $5,995 May 14, 2018 May 25, 2018 $5,995 Jun 4, 2018 Jun 15, 2018 $5,495 Jul 2, 2018 Jul 13, 2018 $5,495 Aug 20, 2018 Aug 31, 2018 $5,395 Oct 29, 2018 Nov 9, 2018 $5,495 Nov 26, 2018 Dec 7, 2018 $5,695 Dec 31, 2018 Jan 11, 2019 $5,995 Jan 21, 2019 Feb 1, 2019 $5,795 Feb 18, 2019 Mar 1, 2019 $5,795 Mar 11, 2019 Mar 22, 2019 $5,795 Apr 15, 2019 Apr 26, 2019 $5,695 May 20, 2019 May 31, 2019 $5,695 Jun 10, 2019 Jun 21, 2019 $5,495 Jul 1, 2019 Jul 12, 2019 $5,495 Aug 5, 2019 Aug 16, 2019 $5,495 Sep 16, 2019 Sep 27, 2019 $5,395 Oct 21, 2019 Nov 1, 2019 $5,495 Nov 18, 2019 Nov 29, 2019 $5,795 Dec 23, 2019 Jan 3, 2020 $5,995 PLAYA LARGA DATE CIENFUEGOS TRINIDAD DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PP Apr 1, 2018 Apr 8, 2018 $5,095 Apr 8, 2018 Apr 15, 2018 $4,895 Apr 15, 2018 Apr 22, 2018 $4,895 Apr 22, 2018 Apr 29, 2018 $4,895 May 20, 2018 May 27, 2018 $4,895 Jun 17, 2018 Jun 24, 2018 $4,495 Jul 1, 2018 Jul 8, 2018 $4,495 Jul 15, 2018 Jul 22, 2018 $4,495 Aug 19, 2018 Aug 26, 2018 $4,495 Sep 16, 2018 Sep 23, 2018 $4,495 Sep 30, 2018 Oct 7, 2018 $4,495 Oct 21, 2018 Oct 28, 2018 $4,495 Nov 4, 2018 Nov 11, 2018 $4,895 Nov 18, 2018 Nov 25, 2018 $4,895 Dec 9, 2018 Dec 16, 2018 $4,895 Dec 23, 2018 Dec 30, 2018 $5,095 Dec 30, 2018 Jan 6, 2019 $5,095 Jan 20, 2019 Jan 27, 2019 $4,895 Feb 10, 2019 Feb 17, 2019 $4,895 Mar 17, 2019 Mar 24, 2019 $4,895 Mar 31, 2019 Apr 7, 2019 $4,895 Apr 14, 2019 Apr 21, 2019 $4,795 May 12, 2019 May 19, 2019 $4,795 Jun 9, 2019 Jun 16, 2019 $4,695 Jul 14, 2019 Jul 21, 2019 $4,695 Aug 11, 2019 Aug 18, 2019 $4,695 Sep 8, 2019 Sep 15, 2019 $4,795 Oct 6, 2019 Oct 13, 2019 $4,795 Nov 3, 2019 Nov 10, 2019 $4,895 Nov 24, 2019 Dec 1, 2019 $4,895 Dec 22, 2019 Dec 29, 2019 $4,995 Dec 29, 2019 Jan 5, 2020 $5,195 For single occupancy or more dates, please see website. For single occupancy or more dates, please see website. BOOK YOUR TRIP CUBA (2822) info@insightcuba.com insightcuba.com BOOK YOUR TRIP CUBA (2822) info@insightcuba.com insightcuba.com

17 LEGENDARY CUBA JAZZ IN 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS VIÑALES VALLEY PINAR DEL RÍO LAS TERRAZAS MATANZAS DATE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PP Apr 14, 2018 Apr 20, 2018 $4,295 Apr 28, 2018 May 4, 2018 $4,295 Jun 23, 2018 Jun 29, 2018 $4,195 Aug 4, 2018 Aug 10, 2018 $3,895 Sep 8, 2018 Sep 14, 2018 $3,995 Oct 27, 2018 Nov 2, 2018 $3,995 Nov 24, 2018 Nov 30, 2018 $4,295 Dec 22, 2018 Dec 28, 2018 $4,495 Dec 29, 2018 Jan 4, 2019 $4,595 Jan 19, 2019 Jan 25, 2019 $4,295 Feb 2, 2019 Feb 8, 2019 $4,295 Mar 2, 2019 Mar 8, 2019 $4,295 Mar 30, 2019 Apr 5, 2019 $4,295 Apr 27, 2019 May 3, 2019 $4,295 May 18, 2019 May 24, 2019 $4,195 Jun 15, 2019 Jun 21, 2019 $4,095 Jun 29, 2019 Jul 5, 2019 $4,095 Jul 20, 2019 Jul 26, 2019 $4,095 Aug 24, 2019 Aug 30, 2019 $4,095 Sep 21, 2019 Sep 27, 2019 $4,195 Oct 12, 2019 Oct 18, 2019 $4,195 Nov 9, 2019 Nov 15, 2019 $4,295 Dec 28, 2019 Jan 3, 2020 $4,595 For single occupancy or more dates, please see website. DATE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PP Apr 4, 2018 Apr 8, 2018 $3,895 May 2, 2018 May 6, 2018 $3,895 May 30, 2018 Jun 3, 2018 $3,695 Jul 4, 2018 Jul 8, 2018 $3,495 Nov 14, 2018 Nov 18, 2018 $3,595 Dec 29, 2018 Jan 2, 2018 $3,995 Feb 6, 2019 Feb 10, 2019 $3,595 Mar 6, 2019 Mar 10, 2019 $3,595 Apr 17, 2019 Apr 21, 2019 $3,495 Jun 26, 2019 Jun 30, 2019 $3,495 Aug 21, 2019 Aug 25, 2019 $3,395 Oct 23, 2019 Oct 27, 2019 $3,495 Nov 13, 2019 Nov 17, 2019 $3,595 Dec 28, 2019 Jan 1, 2020 $3,795 For single occupancy or more dates, please see website. BOOK YOUR TRIP CUBA (2822) info@insightcuba.com insightcuba.com BOOK YOUR TRIP CUBA (2822) info@insightcuba.com insightcuba.com

18 WEEKEND IN VARADERO + 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS VARADERO CARDENAS DATE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PP Mar 29, 2018 Apr 1, 2018 $3,195 Apr 12, 2018 Apr 15, 2018 $2,995 Apr 26, 2018 Apr 29, 2018 $3,195 May 10, 2018 May 13, 2018 $3,195 May 24, 2018 May 27, 2018 $2,995 Jun 7, 2018 Jun 10, 2018 $2,795 Jun 21, 2018 Jun 24, 2018 $2,795 Jul 5, 2018 Jul 8, 2018 $2,795 Jul 19, 2018 Jul 22, 2018 $2,795 Aug 2, 2018 Aug 5, 2018 $2,795 Aug 16, 2018 Aug 19, 2018 $2,795 Aug 30, 2018 Sep 2, 2018 $2,795 Sep 13, 2018 Sep 16, 2018 $2,695 Sep 27, 2018 Sep 30, 2018 $2,795 Oct 11, 2018 Oct 14, 2018 $2,795 Oct 25, 2018 Oct 28, 2018 $2,795 Nov 8, 2018 Nov 11, 2018 $2,995 Nov 15, 2018 Nov 18, 2018 $2,995 Nov 22, 2018 Nov 25, 2018 $2,995 Nov 29, 2018 Dec 2, 2018 $2,995 Dec 13, 2018 Dec 16, 2018 $2,995 Dec 20, 2018 Dec 23, 2018 $2,995 Dec 27, 2018 Dec 30, 2018 $3,095 Dec 30, 2018 Jan 2, 2019 $3,295 Jan 17, 2019 Jan 20, 2019 $2,995 Jan 31, 2019 Feb 3, 2019 $2,995 Feb 14, 2019 Feb 17, 2019 $2,995 Feb 28, 2019 Mar 3, 2019 $2,995 Mar 14, 2019 Mar 17, 2019 $2,995 Mar 28, 2019 Mar 31, 2019 $2,995 Apr 11, 2019 Apr 14, 2019 $2,995 May 2, 2019 May 5, 2019 $2,895 May 23, 2019 May 26, 2019 $2,895 Jun 6, 2019 Jun 9, 2019 $2,895 Jul 4, 2019 Jul 7, 2019 $2,795 Aug 1, 2019 Aug 4, 2019 $2,795 Aug 29, 2019 Sep 1, 2019 $2,795 DATE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PP Mar 29, 2018 Apr 1, 2018 $2,495 Apr 5, 2018 Apr 8, 2018 $2,495 Apr 12, 2018 Apr 15, 2018 $2,495 Apr 26, 2018 Apr 29, 2018 $2,495 May 17, 2018 May 20, 2018 $2,495 May 24, 2018 May 27, 2018 $2,495 May 31, 2018 Jun 3, 2018 $2,295 Jun 14, 2018 Jun 17, 2018 $2,295 Jun 28, 2018 Jul 1, 2018 $2,295 Jul 5, 2018 Jul 8, 2018 $2,295 Jul 26, 2018 Jul 29, 2018 $2,295 Aug 9, 2018 Aug 12, 2018 $2,295 Aug 23, 2018 Aug 26, 2018 $2,295 Sep 6, 2018 Sep 9, 2018 $2,395 Sep 20, 2018 Sep 23, 2018 $2,395 Oct 4, 2018 Oct 7, 2018 $2,395 Nov 8, 2018 Nov 11, 2018 $2,495 Nov 22, 2018 Nov 25, 2018 $2,495 Dec 13, 2018 Dec 16, 2018 $2,495 Dec 27, 2018 Dec 30, 2018 $2,595 Dec 30, 2018 Jan 2, 2019 $2,895 Jan 10, 2019 Jan 13, 2019 $2,495 Jan 24, 2019 Jan 27, 2019 $2,495 Feb 7, 2019 Feb 10, 2019 $2,495 Feb 21, 2019 Feb 24, 2019 $2,495 Mar 7, 2019 Mar 10, 2019 $2,495 Mar 21, 2019 Mar 24, 2019 $2,495 Apr 4, 2019 Apr 7, 2019 $2,395 Apr 18, 2019 Apr 21, 2019 $2,395 May 9, 2019 May 12, 2019 $2,395 May 30, 2019 Jun 2, 2019 $2,395 Jun 13, 2019 Jun 16, 2019 $2,395 Jun 27, 2019 Jun 30, 2019 $2,395 Jul 4, 2019 Jul 7, 2019 $2,395 Jul 25, 2019 Jul 28, 2019 $2,395 Aug 15, 2019 Aug 18, 2019 $2,395 Sep 5, 2019 Sep 8, 2019 $2,395 For single occupancy or more dates, please see website. For single occupancy or more dates, please see website. BOOK YOUR TRIP CUBA (2822) info@insightcuba.com insightcuba.com BOOK YOUR TRIP CUBA (2822) info@insightcuba.com insightcuba.com

19 TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE Flights & Accommodations When you book with insightcuba, we automatically confirm your space on the tour and handle all of the details of your trip. We ll even take care of your flight arrangements. It s that simple. FLIGHTS & CUBAN VISA Once you are registered on one of our tours, our flight concierge team will work with you to find the best flight option. InsightCuba will provide all guests with their Cuban visa, which is required to enter the country.* Classic Cuba, Legendary Cuba, Weekend in Havana, and Jazz in Havana tours travel round-trip between the U.S. and Havana. Vintage Cuba tour travels round-trip between the U.S. and Santa Clara and then between Havana and the U.S. Undiscovered Cuba tour travels round-trip between the U.S. and Havana and then between Holguín and the U.S. Meliá Cohiba ACCOMMODATIONS Since 2000, insightcuba has carefully sought out accommodations that are centrally located and provide the best rooms and service available. In Havana, you ll find your oasis at the Meliá Cohiba, a five-star member of the Meliá chain of hotels located on the famous Malecón, Havana s winding seaside esplanade. In Santiago de Cuba, you ll enjoy the fabulous Meliá Santiago. In the provinces, accommodations are limited and more representative of the region. While the hotels and casa particulares** we ve selected provide great service and are often charming, standards in Cuba differ from those elsewhere around the world so it s important to keep in mind that traveling there isn t about your hotel stay; it s about the opportunity to visit Cuba, and the unforgettable experiences you will have. Meliá Santiago SANTIAGO DE CUBA *Please note that airfare and Cuban visa are separate from your tour fee. **Currently available on Undiscovered Cuba and Classic Cuba tours, a casa particular is a privately owned bed-and-breakfast run by a Cuban family. The casa particu lares we provide have been carefully chosen for you based on their central location, comfort, the gracious hosts, and, typically, the beautiful colonial architecture Cuba is known for. 28 insightcuba.com CUBA 29

20 TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE Mentions in the Media Noted for our expertise and unwavering commitment to providing a unique travel experience, insightcuba has received hundreds of accolades from the most trusted and prestigious sources in travel. As part of a newly approved people to people tour in Cuba last summer, a group of Americans met with 40 blind Havana residents, who welcomed them with poetry and conversation. Then, Cubans being Cubans, four of them pulled out instruments and within minutes, arms and legs were intertwined as Americans and Cubans danced with abandon in the front yard of Cuba s National Association for the Blind. Many Cuban children like to pose for photos and especially love to see themselves on the digital screen of the camera. ALSO SEEN IN InsightCuba has also received high praise from these well-known outlets: DAMIEN CAVE, NEW YORK TIMES For half a century the vast majority of Americans have been barred from traveling to Cuba With insightcuba, visitors interact with ordinary Cubans and get a taste of the forbidden fruit. SHASTA DARLINGTON, CNN Within minutes of our arrival in the living-room-turned-museum, we re comrades in arms picking up the finer points of swing, boogieing to vinyl recordings of Sonny Rollins and Dizzy Gillespie, and discovering the true meaning of people-to-people. LAURA BLY, USA TODAY 30 31

21 Cuba was remarkable, insightcuba was outstanding, and I couldn t wait to book my next trip before I got home. P. LEAHY TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE InsightCuba Value Programs TRAVEL AGAIN PROGRAM When you choose to travel with us again, we know we ve done our job. As a way of saying thanks to our loyal travelers, we ve developed our insightcuba Travel Again program.* PREFERRED GROUP RATES Booking your family or a group of friends? Take 5% off the tour price** if you are booking 5-9 guests, and 10% off the tour price for groups of 10 or more. Return guests receive $300 off any of our tours. * Discount cannot be combined with any other offers. * * Discount applies only to tour price, is not combinable with any other offer, and may not be applied to airfare or other fees. Does not apply to cruises. 32 insightcuba.com CUBA 33

22 TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE Frequently Asked Questions InsightCuba offers an unmatched level of travel expertise. Here are a few of your top questions and answers. For the most comprehensive list, please visit insightcuba.com/faq. DO I NEED A CUBAN VISA TO TRAVEL TO CUBA? A Cuban visa, which is referred to as a tourist card, is required for all visitors traveling to Cuba. InsightCuba will provide all guests with their Cuban visa. Cuban American Travelers - If you are a Cuban American born in Cuba, you may need a special visa. Please call insightcuba for more information. HOW MUCH FREE TIME IS THERE? The U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requires that individuals traveling under a people-topeople license participate in a fulltime schedule of educational exchange activities that result in meaningful interaction between travelers and individuals in Cuba. Because of this, full participation by guests on our Cuba tours is required. However, guests on one of our authorized people-to-people tours will have free time in the evening, or at night. A typical day on an insightcuba guided group tour is packed with exciting and memorable adventures and activities that you don t want to miss. WHAT ITEMS SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP TO CUBA? Seasons in Cuba correspond to the seasons in the United States. Weather is similar to Florida. During the summer months (May through September), pack light clothes, as it will be very hot. During the rest of the year, it s advisable to bring a long-sleeved shirt or light sweater for the evenings. Casual walking shoes or sneakers are recommended, as you ll be walking from place to place throughout your stay. Dress can be casual, but should be presentable. You may also want to pack a nicer outfit for evening dining if you choose. Reasonable laundry and dry-cleaning services are often available at hotels in Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Bringing a bathing suit is wise if you want to go swimming, as some hotels feature pools. In Cuba, goods aren t as readily available as most travelers are accustomed to. As a result, it can be challenging to find specific items in a pinch. When traveling to Cuba, you should bring what you need in daily life. HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY SHOULD I BRING TO CUBA? Most of your expenses are covered on your tour, however you will want additional spending money for dinner on your own, nights out, personal purchases and inciden tals. How much an individual spends when traveling varies a great deal and depends on personal preference. We recommend bringing a minimum of $100 -$200 per day per person. If you think you might want to purchase artwork, music, cigars, rum, enjoy evening entertainment, or buy gifts for friends and relatives, you may want to plan on bringing more. It s always easier to bring your excess money home with you rather than to run out of money while in Cuba. IS WIFI AVAILABLE WHILE I M IN CUBA? Many hotels have WiFi, a business center with internet access, or both. Internet access in business centers is often charged by the hour. Complementary WiFi is available for insightcuba guests staying at the Meliá Cohiba in Havana. Please note that inter net and WiFi access in Cuba is much slower than in the U.S. and many personal device applications (apps) do not work in Cuba. WHAT CAN I BRING BACK TO THE U.S. FROM CUBA? As of October 2016, the monetary value limitations on what authorized travelers may bring back to the United States as accompanied baggage has been removed. Authorized American travelers may now bring back Cuban goods, including rum and cigars in quantities typically allowed by U.S. Customs, duty-free. IS THERE AN AGE POLICY FOR INSIGHTCUBA S PARTICIPANTS? Yes. Due to the educational and cultural nature of our people-to-people exchanges, participants in insightcuba s Signature Tours must be at least 8 years old, with the exception of Undiscovered Cuba which is 12 years. If you are a family with children under 8 years of age, we recommend creating your own Private Cuba tour with one of our Private Cuba tour specialists. IS CUBA SAFE FOR AMERICANS? Yes. Cuba is very safe. In fact, Cuba has the lowest crime rate in Latin America. The aver age traveler has little reason to worry about personal safety in the streets, hotels, or any other places he or she might visit. While petty crime does exist, it occurs only rarely and poses little problem for attentive travelers. IS MY TRIP WITH INSIGHTCUBA 100% LEGAL? Absolutely! Our tours operate on a peopleto-people general license issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This license allows any American who books a tour with insightcuba to travel to Cuba legally. As a registered guest on one of our people-to -people tours, you will receive a certificate of travel to Cuba authorized by the U.S. Depart ment of the Treasury, allowing you to travel to Cuba and re-enter the U.S. legally. For more answers to your questions, please visit: insightcuba.com/faq 34 insightcuba.com CUBA 35

23 DISCOVER CUBA Vamos a Cuba! InsightCuba has the most departures available. Reserve your spot today. Such a rich variety of experiences and contacts with people there. It truly is a trip of a lifetime. I am so glad I chose this tour and insightcuba. D. LAWSON CALL CUBA (2822) VISIT CHAT LIKE US TWEET US insightcuba.com travel@insightcuba.com insightcuba.com 36

24 Cuba takes a hundred lifetimes to understand, but only a moment to fall in love. D. SMITH 16 School Street Rye, NY 10580, USA CUBA (2822) info@insightcuba.com insightcuba.com