Discovery Cuba Photo Tour w/William Yu

specialDeparture October 15 – 23, 2015
On this discovery photo tour of Cuba with internationally acclaimed photographer William Yu, you will have people-to-people activities and cultural exchanges including discussions with locals, visits with artists, musical performances, and more. You will explore Trinidad, one of the best preserved cities in the Caribbean, with a local historian. Hear traditional Cuban music and meet the extraordinary musicians. Learn about Old Havana’s restoration projects firsthand. Explore the “Valley of the Sugar Mills”. Visit the winter home of Ernest Hemmingway. Discovery Cuba Photo Tour w/William Yu offers you the chance to better understand Cuba’s vibrant culture and photograph its fascinating people.

Tour Highlights

Photography with William Yu

• A full-time schedule of daily people-to-people activities and cultural exchanges, including discussions with locals, visits with artists, musical performances, and more
• Explore Trinidad, one of the best preserved cities in the Caribbean, with a local historian
• Hear traditional Cuban music at the Museo de Artes Decorativos, and meet the amazing musicians
• Learn about Old Havana’s restoration projects firsthand from local city planners and architects
• Witness Havana’s urban garden farming movement
• Gain insight into US-Cuba relations during a frank policy talk with an expert
• Interact with jazz musicians

Book now for this once in a lifetime chance to Discover Cuba with William Yu.

CALL 415-331-3791  Space is limited

Discovery Tours by Gate 1 has been granted a license by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury to provide People to People programs in Cuba. License #CT-2013-304783-1.

ITINERARY

Day 1, Thursday, October 15, 2015 –
Arrive in Miami

Arrive in Miami and check-in to your reserved hotel at Miami Airport. Rest and relax before this evening’s Welcome Meeting with your fellow travelers, followed by a briefing by your Tour Manager about Cuba and the adventure that awaits you. Mr. Yu will also speak.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Miami International Airport, Miami

Day 2, Friday, October 16, 2015 – Fly to Cienfuegos
Bienvenidos! Your Cuba experience begins with a short included charter flight to Cienfuegos, on Cuba’s southern coast, one of the chief seaports of the country. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your Cuban guide.

This lovely city, known as the “Pearl of the South” is adorned by architecture reflecting its French colonial roots. We begin a walking tour of the city’s highlights where you will meet some of the storekeepers in this area to hear about shopping opportunities in Cuba and understand the difference between CUC and CUP stores. Continue to Parque Marti, the serene central park flanked by the provincial government building, Palacio del Ayuntamiento and the Arco de Triunfo. Next, to the impressive Teatro Tomas Terry with its grand gold-leafed mosaics on the façade, embellished with Carrera marble and hand-carved Cuban hardwoods; in the past, this theatre has witnessed performances by Enrico Caruso and Anna Pavlova.

After some free time on El Bulevar, Cienfuegos’ quintessential shopping street you will attend a performance of the Cienfuegos Orchestra and have a chance to interact with its members. After the performance, return to the hotel for a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers
In the event of a flight delay to Cienfuegos, Gate 1 will provide clients with a sightseeing tour during their additional time in Miami

Overnight: Hotel Jagua, Cienfuegos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3, Saturday, October 17, 2015 – Gardens/Valley of the Sugar Mills & Explore Trinidad
Morning visit to the delightful Cienfuegos Province Botanical Gardens, the oldest of its kind on the island, welcoming us with a soothing setting of palms, orchids, bamboos, and a myriad of other tropical plants. As we walk, we’ll learn more about the garden’s ties to Harvard University and its founding as a research center for sugar cane. Then, on to Manaca Iznaga’s former sugar factory and estate in the “Valley of the Sugar Mills” where sugar production used to be of major importance for the Cuban economy.

After lunch at the estate, we travel to Trinidad, Cuba’s best-preserved colonial city, with its winding cobblestone streets and pastel-hued houses, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our walking tour you will see the Old Cathedral and the Palacio Cantero, the city’s history museum, housed in a restored Neoclassical palace. Stop at a rationing store to see the process of buying local staples. After, visit a ceramic studio to observe a pottery demonstration and meet the owners who will tell us about their traditions, handed down from generation-to-generation. Perhaps, take a turn at the potter’s wheel for a hands-on experience with this craft. Dinner tonight at a local “paladar” (a small, privately operated Cuban restaurant)

Overnight: Hotel Jagua, Cienfuegos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4, Sunday, October 18, 2015 – Visit to Historic Santa Clara
A scenic drive takes us to the historic city of Santa Clara, in the geographic center of Cuba. The city’s fiery personality has been shaped over time by the presence of the nation’ s most prestigious university outside Havana, and a long association with Che Guevara, whose liberation of Santa Clara in 1958 marked the end of the Batista regime.

In the center of the city, view the Parque Vidal and the Teatro de La Caridad, the Plaza del Mercado Central, and the former City Hall. Begin the day at Allegria de Vivir, a community project for the Elderly. Our insightful visit reveals how art, music, and dance play a crucial role in the everyday lives of the inspiring residents. We continue our visit to the Museo de Artes Decorativas, an 18th-century mansion, now a museum, filled with Baroque desks, art nouveau mirrors and art deco furniture that emphasizes the country’s diverse architectural heritage. Here we enjoy a performance by the Catedra Studio group playing traditional and old Spanish Renaissance music. At the end of the performance, we have the opportunity to inter-act with the musicians.

After lunch at a charming hotel, a guided stroll takes us through the local produce market, with its colorful stalls of agricultural products and crafts. Before leaving Santa Clara, we stop to visit the Monument, Mausoleum and Museum built to honor Ernesto “Che” Guevara; the imposing “Che” statue can be seen for miles around the city. Return to Cienfuegos for an evening at leisure

Overnight: Hotel Jagua, Cienfuegos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5, Monday, October 19, 2015 – Bay of Pigs and Havana
This morning, we head to the historic Bay of Pigs Museum in Playa Giron which will give us a Cuban perspective on the Bay of Pigs invasion. Afterwards, on to picturesque Cienaga de Zapata National Park, one of finest bird watching areas in the world situated on Cuba’s south coast, for a lecture by one of the park’s naturalists. A leisurely lunch follows at Casa Enrique, a private guest house. Meet the proprietors of this family-run and privately-owned business, learn about their many talents as they share their stories and views of private enterprise.

After lunch we are on our way to Havana, the energetic city that we’ve all been waiting to see — Cuba’s distinctive capital has captivated the imagination of travelers for decades. A special dinner tonight in a local restaurant celebrates our arrival in Havana. This renowned restaurant is famous for its open-air ambiance and excellent slow-roasted chicken.

Overnight: Hotel Nacional, Havana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6, Tuesday, October 20, 2015 – Havana
The first thing you’ll notice in Havana this morning are the streets filled with colorful and bright vintage “Old Styler” American cars. (Your guide will explain how these cars are obtained and what it takes to keep them running.) Today’s walking tour begins with a presentation by a Cuban architect on Havana’s rich architectural heritage, as we leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop to admire the 16th and 17th century buildings being carefully restored and transformed. Lunch at the Hostal Valencia with its old-world charm, decked out like a Spanish posada with hanging vines and huge carved doorways.

We continue on with a visit to the Muraleando Community Project featuring murals and sculptures celebrating Cuban life. After Muraleando, we visit a local artist’s home studio and enjoy a discussion on Cuban lifestyles, art, and private enterprise. Tonight’s evening of live music and dinner Jazz takes place at Casa Espanola, the former house of Batista’s finance secretary. After dinner, we are on to the fortress of San Carlos de la Cabana to observe the “Canonazo Ceremony”, a tradition held at this location since the 17th century.

Overnight: Hotel Nacional, Havana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7, Wednesday, October 21, 2015 – Havana
This morning, visit the Jose Marti’s Language School for a friendly Spanish lesson– it’s not too late to learn some great expressions to take home. Visit the Santovenia Elderly Center in El Cerro, a local center for the elderly that is a major part of Cuba’s healthcare system. Experience lunch at Havana’s Il Divino paladar , where we savor some of Cuba’s latest cuisine, supplied by the adjacent two-acre farm La Finca Yoandra, charmingly named for the owner’s wife.

Then, we learn more about Ernest Hemingway on our visit to Finca Vigia (“Lookout Farm”) in San Francisco de Paula, Hemingway’s winter home from 1939 to 1960. He loved Cuba and its people, who returned that affection to the American author by simply calling him “Ernesto.” We view the novelist’s 9,000-volume library, his yacht Pilar and the typewriter on which he wrote some of his greatest works, including his last masterpiece, The Old Man and The Sea. On our return to the city, we’re invited to attend an interesting discussion led by a Cuban scholar on the current political policies between the U.S. and Cuba. Tonight is at leisure to explore Havana’s nightlife, cafes and restaurants on your own.

Overnight: Hotel Nacional, Havana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8, Thursday, October 22, 2015 – Havana
The day begins with at Ciudad Libertad where you will have a chance to better understand the importance of the literacy campaign that occurred in Cuba in 1961. Next, be prepared for an outrageous sight as we arrive at Casa Fuster, the studio and residence of José Rodriguez Fuster who’s inspiration comes from the designs of European Masters like Gaudi, Picasso, and Dubuffet. The roofs, walls, doorways and benches stretching for blocks around the epicenter of his studio enclave are adorned with his brightly colored murals and quotations from famous writers.

Afterwards, it’s time to learn some of the secrets of Cuban cuisine at a chef-led Cooking Class. Taste your creations during lunch at La Imprenta, followed by a walk through the bustling San Jose Market. Tonight, a festive Farewell Dinner has been arranged at the elegant Cafe Del Oriente. On our last night in Cuba, bid a fond goodbye to your Cuban guide, your fellow travelers and an amazing journey in Cuba

Overnight: Hotel Nacional, Havana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9, Friday, October 23, 2015 – Depart for the USA
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for your return flight to Miami
Meals: Breakfast

Call Now for all details 415-331-3791

Cost $4999.00, per person, twin share
Single supplement applies, $550.00
Additional: Airfare to Miami

NOTE: This tour will only be guaranteed at 14 persons minimum

Cuba Travel Requirements

Includes:

Photo instruction by William Yu

• Flights Miami-Cienfuegos & Havana-Miami (included in land only pricing)
• Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
• 8 nights in accommodations that evoke the local character
o 1 night Crowne Plaza Miami International Airport, Miami
o 3 nights Hotel Jagua, Cienfuegos
o 4 nights Hotel Nacional, Havana
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers and people to people activities per itinerary in air-conditioned vehicles
• 19 meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners (including welcome & farewell dinners)
• Bottled water during educational excursions
• Services of a Cuban English-speaking Guide and a USA tour manager throughout
• Comprehensive, guided activities & cultural exchanges including entrance fees per itinerary
• Active itinerary with unique cultural features
• Health insurance in Cuba (mandatory)
• Visa to Cuba (for US Citizens) and Cuban departure tax

Additional Information:
Land only price does include flights Miami-Cienfuegos & Havana-Miami, as well as the arrival transfer. It is recommended that passengers select flights that arrive in Miami no later than 5 pm on Day 1.

Not Included:
Flights to Miami. Prices do not include gratuities for guides/tour managers. All personal expenses are excluded, as are any items or services that are not listed

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The Ultimate Learning Tour: Consistent with the requirements of the OFAC People-to-People license, this program features a full-time schedule of cultural exchange between Discovery Tours participants and your Cuban hosts. There will be little or no free time on most days, except perhaps during a free evening when you’re welcome to seek a local restaurant for dinner. Photo instruction will be given along the way.

CALL NOW 415-331-3791