HIGHLIGHTS

Join Pulitzer Prize winner and Nikon Ambassador Deanne Fitzmaurice on a photographic Quest to photograph the culture and people of Cuba while traveling and learning in an informal small group setting  Experience the rich culture of indigenous, African and European roots. Meet artists in their Old Havana studios, Afro-Cubans in Spanish Colonial Trinidad, and agriculturists at a "coincidental" farm in Cardenas.

From salsa dancing beneath the night sky in Havana and the sweet and earthy smell of hand-rolled cigars to colorfully painted casas and the bright smiles of warm and welcoming locals—experiencing the authentic side of Cuba is a bucket list item every photographer should check off! 

December 29: Miami-Havana

Depart Miami International Airport (MIA) for Havana. After clearing Customs transfer to the Hotel in Havana. Depart for La Guarida for drinks and sunset photo shoot on the rooftop. Concordia’s story begins in 1913 as the Camagüey mansion, a space known for its opulent parties and visitors. In 1994, it appeared in the ground-breaking and Oscar-nominated Cuban film Fresa y chocolate as the home of this movie’s gay hero. In 1996, Enrique Nunez opened La Guarida, one of the early private eateries in Cuba’s long state-controlled dining scene. Today, the winding staircase ushers you into this time-worn mansion that showcases Cuba's love affair between antiquity and modernity. (Sunset will be around 5:50 pm). Welcome dinner. (D)

December 30: Havana

Photo walk along the Malecon, Havana’s seawall (Malecon) and the Prado Promenade. Catch Cubans on their way to work and school, and all the hustle and bustle of the city, followed by breakfast in old Havana

Visit the Morro Castle for the best panoramic views of the City.

Behind-the-scenes walking tour of Old Havana. Explore the historic center and learn about the history and architectural importance of Old Havana. Visit the main streets and plazas, stopping along the way at places of special architectural value like.

Visit a boxing training facility run by former Gold metallist Dioguenes Luna. Unraveling the Cuban Cigar: A private tasting and education with a cigar specialist will explain the cultural staple’s history and importance to Cuban culture. Return to the hotel

Dinner at La Guarida is considered the finest dining experience in Havana. Owner Enrique Nuñez is well known as one of the new entrepreneurs in Cuba. This restaurant was the location for the trailblazing Cuban movie, Strawberry and Chocolate. Nuñez himself is an innovator, working on community service projects, urban renovation, and art projects.

December 31: Havana-New Year's Eve

Sunrise Old Havana walk.

Discuss historic preservation and learn about current restoration efforts. Founded on 1519, Old Havana has maintained unity of character through its adherence to its original urban layout. Its overall sense of architectural, historical and environmental continuity makes it the most impressive historical city centre in the Caribbean, and one of the most notable in the American continent as a whole. Visit artist studios and a cigar factory.Return to the hotel.

Havana New Year’s Eve dinner and party. Celebrate under the stars at one of Havana’s favorite rooftops. Expect a young, hip crowd of entrepreneurs, artists and rooftop party (Included)

January 1: Havana -Christopher Colon Cemetery,

Tour and photo shoot at Christopher Colon Cemetery, a national monument and one of the oldest and most prestigious cemeteries in Latin America.. Sunset photo shoot in classic convertibles. We’ll hop in classic cars from the 1950s, stopping at scenic locations including the Morro Castle and colonial township of Guanabacoa in eastern Havana. (Sunset will be around 5:50 pm)

Dinner at Paladar Yarini, situated in the middle of Havana’s new Art District, San Isidro. This bar restaurant is located on top of the Galeria Taller Gorría, an art gallery and socio-cultural project created by musician Adan Perugorría, becoming a confluence space for the best of the national and international artistic avant-garde.

January 2: Havana

Visit the Carlos Acosta Dance Academy. This private foundation is inspired by Carlos’ own lifeexperience which took him from a disadvantaged neighborhood of Havana to becoming the best male dancer of his generation. Visit the Hotel Nacional: the home to many important dignitaries during their visits to Cuba and the site of annual Mafia meetings throughout the 1950s. The beautiful grounds are unbeatable and take you back in time.

Cooking lesson and lunch with a Cuban family At Altamira. Enjoy an authentic cooking experience where you will have a meal cooked for you in a regular Cuban home. Behind-the-Scenes Art Tour. Visit the homes and studios of independent Cuban Artists.

Visit the studio of Cirenaica Moreira. Cirenaica is one of the most renown women photographers in Cuba.

Farewell dinner reservation at Tierra, Havana’s newest international dining spot. Located inside a container in the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, the restaurant mirrors the eclectic crowd, serving dishes from around the world.

January 3: Havana/Miami (B)

This morning delegates will check out of the hotel and transfer to the International Airport Jose Marti for your flight to Miami (10:00AM flight). Book your flights after 3 pm back home.

Itinerary is subject to change.

DOCUMENTS

We will be traveling under a special legal License . We will give you a copy of the license authorizing you to participate in such mission.

You must bring your US passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry to Cuba. Cuban visas are issued by the airline and you will receive them at the MIAMI airport. It is basically a tourist card, which has two parts. It will be with your airline ticket, which you will also receive at the airport. The first part of the visa will be retained by an immigration officer upon arrival in Cuba. You will need your second part to present immigration officers in Cuba upon your departure. I suggest that you store this inside your passport and keep in the hotel’s safe.

It is very important we follow the itinerary in Cuba approved by the authorities there.

BAGGAGE

There is a limit of 44 lb on luggage - this includes carry-on and donation parcels. There is a charge of $2 per lb for any overweight. We recommend using soft-sided luggage or duffel bags to reduce weight. We will be leaving Havana for Trinidad for one night. You could bring a smaller overnight bag for the nights outside of Havana.

PRECAUTIONS

It is recommended that you drink bottled water only which is readily available. The most common afflictions for travelers to Cuba is mild diarrhea and sunstroke. we will provide waters on the bus every day.

MEDICAL COVERAGE

Your travel package includes Medical Insurance which covers medical treatment at selected private hospital or clinics in Havana and throughout Cuba.

CURRENCY

US Currency or credit cards cannot be used in Cuba. You must convert your US Dollars to the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Conversion fees for the US Dollars are approximately 11-12%. We will exchange our US Dollars at the airport in Havana. We will be bringing $1500-$20000 in US Dollars with us. You will be responsible for 4 dinners, incidentals, drinks, and whatever art, books or music you decide to buy. You will be surprised as to how fast cash disappears.

This rate is comparable to the exchange rate for the Canadian Dollar. Credit Cards, ATM Bank Cards or Checks cannot be used in Cuba.

Passports

We recommend bringing two photocopies of your passport. Leave the original in the safety box at the hotel. The same with cash; don’t take too much with you. If you are going out, take just the money you might need and put the rest in the safety box.

WEATHER

Be prepared for hot weather, with a chance of brief periods of rain. November to April is the dry season. The temperature averages 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the evening. May to early October is the rainy season when showers are brief but heavy. The temperature averages 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit in the evening. In addition evenings are generally breezy.

TIME

Eastern Daylight Savings Time

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

In general, clothing should be on the informal side. It is recommended that you bring a light jacket, sweater, shawl, etc. for cool evenings (and very cold air conditioned restaurants). Bring comfortable shoes. We will be doing a lot of walking. If you bring prescription drugs make sure the druggist’s identification label is on the container. Other recommended items to pack:

• Sun Screen

• Sunglasses & Sun Hat

• Mosquito Repellent

• Over the counter medications such as aspirin, anti-diarrheal medication,

  etc.

• First aid items such as band aids, antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)

• Soap, shampoo, conditioner

• Tissues, Q-tips

• Snacks

  ELECTRONICS

  Cell Phones/Smart Phones issued by US based Carriers will not function in Cuba. Personal Computers for your personal use may be brought into Cuba. Internet access is available at the Hotel and at Wi-FI Cafes throughout Havana. A Wi-Fi Card is necessary for access. The cost of these is 8-10 CUC for a1 Hr.Card

  Cameras are allowed.