Music is so essential to the Cuban character that you can t disentangle it from the history of the nation. ~Ned Sublette, American composer and author

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2 Introduction Music is so essential to the Cuban character that you can t disentangle it from the history of the nation. ~Ned Sublette, American composer and author Join Wildland founders Kurt and Anne Kutay on this cultural adventure into the arts, music, and dance of Cuba. Wandering down cobblestone streets of Old Havana surrounded by art deco buildings and music around every corner, we dive deep into the heart of the Cuban people. We also travel to the towns of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, the Pearl of the South on the glittering Caribbean coast, UNESCO cities known for their beautifully restored Spanish, French, and Caribbean architecture. Our small group of arts and music aficionados are invited guests into the homes, studios, and performance venues of Cubans eager to share their creative talents and offer us a deeper and more personal perspective of life on the island. We ll visit neighborhood dance clubs, enjoying private performances and discussions with some of the most well-known and accomplished artists and dancers in Cuba today. Throughout our journey, local historians, art and literary experts, farmers, and community leaders open our eyes and hearts to Cuba s vibrant culture, thriving arts, and rich architectural heritage. We ll engage one-on-one with the Cuban people, share in their unfeigned perspectives on the revolution and thoughts on evolving US-Cuban relations. You ll find yourself amazed at what our Caribbean neighbors have endured and be inspired to learn more of what they offer to the world. Every trip to Cuba is singularly unique and immersive because of our limited group size of 16, sometimes splitting into two smaller groups, and our expert guide duo of American trip leader, Joslin Fritz, and Cuban guide, Marlon Diaz Pino. Their spontaneity and flexibility among a vast network of friends and colleagues is our opportunity to connect with Cubans in a most personal and meaningful way.

3 Itinerary Overview DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 Sat, Nov 10 HAVANA Hotel Nacional D Arrive Havana by noon, transfer in. Plaza de la Revolution, Prado Street walk, private dinner at Jose Fuster s house 2 Sun, Nov 11 HAVANA Hotel Nacional BLD History of music by professor Alberto Faya. Walking tour of Old Havana, Fine Arts Museum. Private performance by Jazz En Trance at the premier jazz club La Zorra y El Cuervo. Dinner at Tierra Restaurant in Fabrica de Arte 3 Mon, Nov 12 HAVANA Hotel Nacional BLD Literacy Museum, Malpaso contemporary dance performance, culinary institute demo and lunch, classic car ride, Santa Amalia Dancer s neighborhood dance club. Dinner on own 4 Tue, Nov 13 HAVANA Hotel Nacional BL Visit farmer s market and ration store, Cuban artists studio visits, Art Deco highlights of Old Havana, singer-songwriter Frank Delgado concert. Dinner on own 5 Wed, Nov 14 CIENFUEGOS Casas Particulares BLD Drive to Cienfuegos (3 hrs), walking tour of Cienfuegos, Choir of Cienfuegos, Caribbean sunset yacht charter 6 Thu, Nov 15 TRINIDAD Casas Particulares BLD Drive to Trinidad (1 hr), walking tour, Lazaro studio, Lianis crochet cooperative, Santander family pottery studio, Santaria Temple, discussion with city restoration architect. Optional evening at Casa de la Musica 7 Fri, Nov 16 TRINIDAD Casas Particulares BL El Cubano National Park, Playa Ancon beach, free time to explore. Private concert with Rumba/Guaguanco band 8 Sat, Nov 17 HAVANA Hotel Nacional BLD Return to Havana (4 hrs), visit Hemingway s home, handicraft market. Farewell dinner 9 Sun, Nov 18 DEPARTURE -- B Transfer to the Havana International Airport for departure 3

4 Daily Itinerary Day 1: Arrive Havana Plaza de La Revolucion Prado Street Arrive in Havana by noon in time to make our first stop in the bustling Plaza de la Revolucion, the epicenter of Cuba s political and administrative centers since Here, Cubans amass for the most historic moments in the history of the revolution; where Fidel Castro first addressed the Cuban people after the triumph of the revolution in January 1959, and where over a million Cubans gathered for his memorial service. Classic American cars are everywhere, holdovers from the pre-embargo era of American trade with Cuba. We stroll down Prado Street, the lush, tree-lined boulevard, one of the most central avenues in the city with plenty of opportunities to engage locals amongst the stately pastel-hued colonial buildings. The wide sidewalk is a favorite stroll among locals and introduction to the Cuban way of life. Check in to the accommodation and relax before a welcome dinner at Jose Fuster s house in the eclectic Fusterlandia neighborhood to enjoy traditional Cuban food and learn about the famous Cuban painter influenced by Picasso and Dubuffet, who sculpted a studio enclave in the likes of Gaudi in Barcelona and Brancusi in Romania. Overnight at Hotel Nacional. [D] Note: Activities begin based on flight arrivals by noon, which requires red-eye flights overnight to Havana, or fly to Miami for overnight the day before in order to connect on morning flights into Havana. Day 2: History of Music Old Havana Fine Arts Museum Fabrica de Arte Discover the rich culture of rhythms and songs in a private presentation by Professor Alberto Faya who sings and strums his guitar on a virtual tour through the history of Cuban music. Stepping out of our downtown hotel we begin a walking tour of Old Havana at Central Park, the vibrant and colorful heart of the city where music streams out of balconies and open-air bars including Floridita, Hemingway s former hangout. Cuba s 400 years of rich colonial heritage and architecture is revealed in this UNESCO World Heritage historic district. After lunch in a local paladar, we are accompanied by a Cuban art specialist through the iconic Fine Arts Museum of Havana to discover works of some of Cuba s most celebrated artists. Wander through Old Havana before reuniting this evening for a private presentation of Caribbean music with Cuban influences at La Zorra y el Cuervo Jazz Club, the best place in Havana to hear Cuba s top jazz musicians. On the outskirts of the city we dine at Tierra Restaurant inside La Fabrica de Arte (The Art Factory), a restored peanut oil factory that combines architecture, design, visual arts, dance, and music all under one roof. It is one of Havana s most exciting, creative and popular spots where Cubans and visitors from around the world gather and mingle around multiple stages. Overnight Hotel Nacional. [BLD] 4

5 Day 3: Classic Cars Literacy Music Cuisine Dance One of the Revolution s most enduring legacies was Cuba s year-long 1961 literacy campaign. Visit the Literacy Museum for a private tour presented by its Director, Luisa Campos, Professor of the Pedagogic Institute of Havana and a former young leader of the campaign. Next up on our cultural immersion, Fernando Saez, Executive Director of Malpas Dance Company, hosts our group for a special performance of Cuba s most compelling and innovative modern dance troupes. Their studio, located in the heart of the Vedado neighborhood, is an airy, light space to showcase their work performed at the Joyce Theater in New York. Talk one on one after the performance with the dancers and the founders of the troupe, Osnel Delgado Wambrug and Daileidys Carrazana. We continue exploring Cuban culture at Arte Chef, Havana s leading culinary institute where we meet local food aficionados and immerse ourselves in an authentic journey in the Cuban food scene. Our lunch stop here includes a short demonstration of such Cuban classic dishes as Ropa Vieja, accompanied of course by a traditional Mojito. Our colorful classic cars await to take us cruising through Havana s highlights including the beautiful Vedado residential neighborhood, along the Malecon (sea wall), and to the Castillo de San Carlos fortress overlooking the narrow channel where treasure-laden Spanish galleons once gathered before crossing the Atlantic. We visit an intoxicating gathering known as the Santa Amalia Dancer s jazz club set in a most inconspicuous private room and intimate dance floor in the Bar Cabaña in Old Havana where the group performs in a small club style, dancing jazz, tap, and other styles. For these fun-loving Habaneros, it s all about the music and the movement, which helps keep them vibrant, fit, and hip no small feat, considering most of them are septuagenarians! Take note of the dance moves on the floor and we ll get a chance to step out if you are so moved. Dinner at leisure, together or breakaway on your own, at one of the great local paladares recommended by our guide. As the Havana night sets in there are many entertainment options to consider. Overnight Hotel Nacional. [BLD] 5

6 Day 4: Markets Artists Studios Art Deco Delgado Concert After the collapse of trade with the Soviet Union in the 1990 s and the American blockade, Cuba has struggled to provide its own food sovereignty. Today we learn more about the affects of the embargo and Cuba s food paradox, attempts to balance self-sufficiency in food production vis a vis the need to import, and different models of food production from localized agroecology vs industrial agriculture. We split the group, taking turns to learn in more personal encounters with local farmers in a neighborhood market, and going to a ration store to see how Cubans shop and use rations for their food and supplies. Here, in the heart of Old Havana, specialist guide, Ruben Perrez Busquests, takes us on a visually stunning tour of art deco buildings revealing stories about the city, not the least of which is one of the most iconic historic buildings, the incredible Bacardi headquarters. Venture deeper into Havana s neighborhoods to visit private studio-galleries of artists currently in residence including the well-established duo of Alicia Leal and her husband, Juan Moreira, and the up-and-coming artist, William Acosta Quintana. The search for her own personal expression led Alicia to a primitive, naïve manner of bringing forth an inner world populated by symbols, tales and the desire to commune with nature. On the other hand, a strict sense of proportion characterizes Juan s pictorial work where vegetation, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic elements are interwoven, marked by thick lines that rigorously delimit the spatial layout. William spent a semester teaching in North Carolina at an Art University but decided to open his own studio in the off-beat Plaza neighborhood shared with fellow artist Abel Lopez. Note: Artists galleries can change at the last minute based on the artists schedules. We conclude our day at Bar Madrigal, a breezy yet comfortable bar located on the second floor of a home, with a private concert by Frank Delgado, a famous Cuban trovador and a member of the nueva trova (new song) movement in Cuba. His songs speak about love, society, culture, and politics of Cuba. Dinner on our own. Overnight at Hotel Nacional. [BL] Day 5: Cienfuegos Choir Sunset Cruise A 3-hour drive takes us to Cienfuegos, Cuba s seductive Pearl of the South. This UNESCO World Heritage town lies on the glittering Caribbean shore among eclectic colonial architecture of French and Caribbean styles. After lunch at a local paladar we stretch our legs on a short walking tour of the historic urban center starting in the Jose Marti Plaza walking to the Triumph Arch among classic buildings and side streets. We conclude our walk at the Provincial Museum for a private performance by the Cantores de Cienfuegos, a world-renown A capella choir. Under the direction of Honey Moreira, their repertoire includes different styles and classical periods, as well as contemporary works from different countries and cultures. After the presentation singers share time with discussing their life as performing artists in Cuba. In the afternoon, we are directed to check into our casas particulares, private B&B style homes hosted by local families opening their doors to foreign visitors. Then we head for the water and take a private sunset cruise on the calm Caribbean bay. After dinner at a seaside restaurant, those with energy to burn can stroll the seaside malecón where musicians and poets thrive. Overnight at Casas Particulares. [BLD] 6

7 Day 6: Trinidad Artisan Studios Santaria Temple City Architect Drive 1 hour to Trinidad, another UNESCO World Heritage town beloved for its old-world charm. We walk around the colorfully preserved colonial settlement where the grand tastes of the past are present in the Italian frescoes, finely wrought chandeliers, and bone china still gracing the plantation-era mansions. Founded by Diego Velazquez in 1514, from the 16 th -18 th centuries the city was a major center for trading sugar and slaves. Buildings around the Plaza Mayor bear witness to the wealth of the former landowners and have recently been skillfully restored. Trinidad is home to some of the most important artisans in Cuba, and we visit studios of several including woodcarver, Lazaro Niebla who has exhibited in Los Angeles, his lovely wife, Lianis Harnandez who runs a successful crochet cooperative, and Azariel Santander, the patriarch of the Santander family, who present generations of pottery production since colonial times. Day 7: El Cubano National Park Playa Ancon Open your eyes, gaze out the wooden louvers of your room, and try to convince yourself you re still living in the 21st century. Tropical air wafts through your window and the sound of clip clop of horse s hooves on the cobbled streets is accompanied by the shouts of vendors selling bread from bicycles, El pan! El pan! Today, we delve into local life in this laid-back part of Cuba, starting with a morning escape out of urban Cuba into nature at El Cubano National Park. Enjoy a leisurely, mostly-flat walk through tropical forest and flowers following the Guaurabo River to the Javira Waterfall and refreshing natural pool if you care to take a dip. At the Temple of Yemaya, the Babalayu (priest) introduces us to Santeria, the popular Afro-Cuban religion brought by slaves combining religious beliefs of the Yoruba and Bantu people of West Africa with Catholicism. Return to our casas to enjoy the traditional Trinidadian canchanchara drink with Nancy Benitez, a respected local architect who works for the city historian. She will make you fall in love with the city explaining the history of Trinidad, the restoration process that s underway, and the lovehate relationship that many Trinidadians have with tourism. Nancy will continue the conversation at dinner at the Guitarra Mia restaurant. There are many options for night life including the Casa de la Musica where the music and the atmosphere are vibrant, mojitos are cheap, and the starry skies shine bright. Overnight at Casas Particulares. [BLD] 7

8 The historical center of Trinidad is mostly free of traffic and a great place to explore at your leisure or enjoy a walk on Playa Ancon beach. As the day wanes into evening, the houses of Trinidad glow in the warm hues of sunset and music fills the streets. After dinner at your leisure we ll reunite with a lively Rumba-Guaguanco band who will host a private performance in town. Overnight at Casas Particulares. [BL] Day 8: Hemingway Havana Handicraft Market En route back to Havana we will make our way to Hemingway s former estate at Finca Vigia and the Ernest Hemingway Museum. Wander the grounds of the estate where Hemingway lived and wrote all his possessions are still in place after so many years. Enjoy lunch in Cojimar, a small fishing village in east Havana where Hemingway got his inspiration for the Old Man and the Sea, at a local restaurant run by the beloved chef Jorgito, famous for his pork ribs. We ll make a stop to do some lastminute souvenir shopping and then freshen up before our farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel Nacional. [BLD] Day 9: Depart Havana Savor your last moments in tropical Cuba with a relaxing morning before transferring to the Havana International airport for your departing flight. [B] END OF SERVICES LEGAL TRAVEL IN CUBA This tour is conducted in accordance with a people-to-people license as authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control by the general license of 31 CFR (b). Actual routes and activities may vary and are subject to change according to local tour leaders. Due to changing developments in Cuba, some programmed activities will likely change from those described in this itinerary as new opportunities arise, and Cuban participants and services change. As required on a licensed People-to- People tour we are immersed for 6 hours a day in Cuban life and culture with our professional guide team, American escort, Joslin Fritz, and Cuban guide, Marlon Diaz Pino. Based on Joslin s many years of exploring Cuba and leading American tour groups, and Marlon s two-decades long career as a professional Cuban guide, we connect with their network of Cubans from all walks of life many of whom are colleagues and personal acquaintances. We dine in some of Cuba s best paladares, privately owned restaurants, both together as a group and leaving a few meals for you to enjoy at your leisure. Accommodations range from the classic Hotel Nacional in Havana, to renovated casas particulares, private family-run B&Bs hosted by enterprising Cubans engaging with the world by opening their doors to share their life and earn an income through tourism. 8

9 PRICES & DEPARTURE DATES For current prices click here for departure dates click here INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours, group transport, and excursions (subject to change) Group airport transfer upon arrival and departure at designated time Entrance fees, speaker fees and private concerts Two in-country Cuban specialist guides Accommodations in superior Havana hotel and private casas particulares B&Bs Meals as indicated [BLD: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners] including two drinks. Purified water during the trip Gratuities for presenters, luggage service and meals included in itinerary Limited Cuban medical insurance of only $1,000 coverage is included in your ticket price. (Additional traveler s insurance is required) People-to-People tour license Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare Tourist visa Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than those listed above Airport transfers outside group schedule Personal expenses for extra services, goods, events and optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Gratuities for principal guides and driver. Optional tips for local musicians not part of the program at restaurants and in town Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical and evacuation is offered and required Trip Notes: Gratuities The $150 gratuity for in-country trip leaders, Joslin and Marlon, and your driver, are not included in trip cost, but will be collected in advance for ease of handling so you don t have to manage this during your trip. Flight Connections and Arrival Activities on Day 1 begin based on flight arrivals by noon, which requires participants take red-eye flights overnight for morning arrival Havana or fly to Miami for hotel overnight (not included) on November 9 in order to depart on morning flight into Havana on November 10. For assistance with international air arrangements contact your travel agent, or Exito Travel, our air partner, either by at wildland@exitotravel.com or by phone at A group transfer is provided upon arrival before noon. Trip Difficulty Getting around Cuba can be challenging due to dilapidated streets and structures, including broken curbs and sidewalks, dangerous holes on walkways, stairs without railings, cobblestone streets, and lots of walking over uneven surfaces. At night on city streets and inside some buildings ambient light is low. This is an active walking trip, requiring agility and stamina to manage stairs, battered walkways, standing for some time, and dancing, of course! Most participants must be fit and agile, with good balance, a steady step, and the ability to maneuver in low light conditions. Most hotels have elevators, although due to power outages or mechanical breakdowns they may occasionally be temporarily out of service. 9

10 TRIP LEADER AND CUBAN GUIDE Joslin Fritz and Marlon Diaz Pino Joslin is our on-the-ground fixer and tour escort. She is an American and part-time resident of Cuba. After an extensive career as an international tour leader and outdoor recreational guide, Joslin became captivated by the warmth of the Cuban people and the vibrant music, culture, and history of this inimitable country. She has guided for specialized groups of Smithsonian, National Geographic, and many academic institutions, now preferring to use her talents and extensive network of friends and professional colleagues to design more in-depth and personal small group experiences with her husband, and professional Cuban guide, Marlon Diaz Pino. Born in Havana, having earned a degree in teaching from the Pedagogic University with fluency in English, he is a natural host explaining the intricate history and culture of his homeland as a tour guide for the past 18 years. Marlon has become one of Cuba s most charismatic and capable licensed tour guides accompanying groups throughout the island. He s an aficionado of Cuba s burgeoning music world and has the voice to prove it! Accommodations HOTEL NACIONAL DE CUBA, HAVANA This 8-story landmark hotel was declared a National Monument, a symbol of history, culture and Cuban identity. Situated on a hill steps from the Malecón with spectacular views over the Havana Harbor and city, it is just a 15- minute walk to Old Havana. Old-world art deco design of the 1930 s predominates throughout the public areas and 457 elegant rooms which include minibars, TV, a/c, and safe. The hotel has four restaurants and three bars, and live music can regularly be heard around the property. Other amenities include two outdoor pools, fitness room, sauna and massage services. CASAS PARTICULARES In Trinidad and Cienfuegos we stay in casas particulares. Spanish for private house, casas particulares are owned by enterprising Cubans who want to share their homes and their lives with guests. Operated similar to Bed and Breakfasts, these modest homes are renovated for comfort with private bath, natural light, and a/c or fans. Room styles and sizes vary and are limited to 1 or 2 beds. Each casa is different with unique décor reflecting every family s personal charm and style. Although modest in amenities and service, these experiences offer a truly memorable and personal people-to-people experience that support the Cuban people. Wildland Adventures ECA Group Cuban Art, Music and Dance Adventure 10

11 Booking Your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows: * $1000 per person *Additional deposit may be required to hold room reservations depending on time of booking CUBA PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure Cancellation fee per person 91 or more: $500 (plus non-refundable hotel deposits) days: 50% of land and air cost 60 or less: 100% of land and air cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Pre- Departure Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary; however, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality (if upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply). All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions. Wildland Adventures ECA Group Cuban Art, Music and Dance Adventure 11