Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/621051
DAY 4: TRINIDAD–CIENFUEGOS–HAVANA Pack your bags and depart for Havana. Stop in the elegant city of Cienfuegos with its French influence and scenic location along a large bay. Walk through the main "Bulevar" and learn about shopping practices in Cuba and the daily challenges its people face. Visit the Thomas Terry Theater, then enjoy lunch before continuing toward Havana. Stop at Playa Giron, also known as the Bay of Pigs, and learn from a local expert about this important historical conflict. Arrive in Havana in late afternoon and check into your hotel and home for the next 4 nights. Enjoy dinner at a fantastic spot along the Malecón. INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch, Dinner DAY 5: HAVANA Today you'll stop at the "Plaza de la Revolucion," the city's most important square and center for political talks and cultural happenings. Learn about the different neighborhoods in Havana, including the vibrant Vedado district and home to the University of Havana. Stop at a private restaurant for an introduction to Cuban cuisine before heading toward Old Havana along the seaside Promenade and the Prado. Arrive at the Capitol building in Old Havana and learn from an architect about the recent restorations and the historical importance of its glorious buildings. Visit the 4 major squares in Havana: Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Francisco. Next, take an interactive salsa lesson from local dancers. Enjoy lunch in the Santo Angel neighborhood within Old Havana, and interact with the residents as they share stories on how their lives have recently changed due to new opportunities and changes in local regulations. Head over to the San Jose Craft Market before returning to the hotel. In the evening, venture out to a local restaurant or join the group for dinner and a show, including the Buenavista Social Club Group. INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch DAY 6: VIÑALES–HAVANA Start your day with a scenic drive along the countryside en-route to Pinar del Rio Province. You'll stop in the heart of the Viñales Valley, where information on tobacco production will be shared and the art of cigar rolling will be demonstrated. Enjoy lunch at an organic garden overlooking the beautiful Valle del Silencio, then stop in the town center of Viñales. In the evening, experience Havana's famous Cannon Firing Ceremony (optional). INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch DAY 7: HAVANA Today you'll enjoy an informative visit to a local health clinic for a discussion on Cuba's healthcare system, and then make a stop at a local artist's home studio before heading to a restaurant in the Vedado neighborhood. Next, you'll visit the Angeles del Futuro Children's project that teaches youngsters acrobatics to prepare them for the Cuban circus. Interact with the children, learning about their strict daily rehearsals and occasional performances. Return to the hotel to relax before your transport by an antique American car to dinner at one of Havana's most elegant restaurants. INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch, Dinner DAY 8: DEPARTURE DAY Transfer to Havana Airport for your flight to Miami. INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast (hotel) INCLUDED IN PROGRAM: • Round-trip Miami airport/hotel shuttle • Pre-trip briefing with welcome cocktail and 1 night accommodations at Miami airport hotel • Round-trip Miami to Cienfuegos or Santa Clara/Havana to Miami charter flight • 2 nights hotel accommodations in Trinidad and 4 nights in Havana • Most meals and beverages–6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Dinners • Gratuities for porterage, wait staff, local guide and driver • Activities and visits indicated in the itinerary • Transportation with driver and local Cuban guide • 24-hour tour director to host welcome briefing in Miami and accompany the group • Cuban tourist visa and application fee • Cuban medical insurance (excluding pre-existing conditions) NOT INCLUDED IN PROGRAM: • Tips for housekeeping staff and tour director • Cuban departure tax of $25 USD, payable at Miami airport prior to departure • Optional AV-OK Total Vacation Security Plan including cancellation/change waiver • Some meals, see itinerary