* contingent upon continued participation in "Person to Person" program and appropriate governmental licensing. No deposits will be taken until formally certified. We are, however, taking tentative, non-binding reservations to interested individuals whose place will be saved on a first come, first served basis.
The tower at the Manaca Iznaga Sugar Factory and Estate
This tour is made possible because of new rules implemented in 2011 to encourage more contact between Americans and citizens of Cuba. The rules allow the Treasury Department to grant "people to people" licenses to organizations such as Collette Vacations. The tours aren't your typical Caribbean vacation. Rather, the focus is on meeting local citizensand learning about their culture. The busy itineraries include lectures on political, social and economic topics, as you will see from the itinerary. Collette Vacations has scheduled meaningful activities which promote meaningful interaction between our travelers and individuals in Cuba.
Casa Fuster, the colorful Havana home of Jose Fuster, charismatic and popular Cuban artist inspired by Gaudi'
The approximate price per person is tentatively $3,800 from MIAMI
We will finalize price from Philadelphia before taking applications. Exact date of tour in February, 2013 will be announced shortly. You should contact us immediately to be placed on the participant list in order to be considered for this tour.
Choose between printed itinerary below or a Power Point illustrated itinerary created for orientation meetings about this Cuba tour.
Visit Manaca Iznaga’s sugar factory and estate, located in the Valley of the Sugar Mills
Learn about sugar production and its importance to the Cuban economy.
Lunch at the estate
Learn from the residents about their local craft of linen-making.
Trinidad city tour with a visit to the Palacio Cantero, the city’s history museum, old cathedral and unique houses
Visit a ceramic studio and participate in a hands-on pottery class
Dinner at hotel to enjoy some grilled local specialties at its outdoor restaurant.
Day 4: Trinidad – Cienfuegos – La Perla del Sur - Trinidad
Visit the Cienfuegos Province Botanical Gardens
Lecture on the garden’s ties with Harvard University and its founding as a research center where a sugar mill once stood.
Picnic lunch
City tour highlighting the Catedral de la Purisima Concepcion
Harbor cruise in Bay of Cienfuegos
Local fishermen will share their stories and insight into their industry.
Dinner at Club Cienfuegos, an elegant restaurant in Cienfuego’s marina
Day 5: Trinidad – Bay of Pigs Museum – Havana
Scenic drive past lush mountains and forests, charming country towns and farms and the pristine Caribbean sea
Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum in Playa Giron
Interactive presentation given by museum staff, discover the history behind one of the major events of the Cold War and how the “Victory of Giron”
Lunch at La Cueva de los Peces, which is named for the nearby “Cave of the Fish,” a sinkhole filled with multicolored sea life
Travel across the countryside to Havana, Cuba’s energetic capital.
Dinner at the Divina Pastora Restaurant, overlooking Havana and its harbor
Visit to La Cabaña Castle and cannon firing ceremony
Day 6: Havana
Tour of Old Havana with visit to Catedral de la Habana (cathedral)
Visit the Maqueta de le Ciudad de La Habana Museum, housing a model of the city, and listen to a lecture from a city planner
Lunch at El Patio, located in an old 18th-century mansion overlooking the cathedral.
Meet the students of a primary school in the city’s center and enjoy a talk given by the school administrator
Visit the Caritas Cuba, a Catholic non-governmental charity focusing on at- risk persons, notably the elderly and physically challenged.
Later, visit the US Interests Section and learn about US Policy towards Cuba.
Enjoy Cuban favorites at El Aljibe Restaurant
Day 7: Havana – Collette Foundation – Guanabacoa – Havana
Visit a Collette Foundation supported orphanage in Havana.
Visit to Cuban cigar factory
Lunch at La Torre restaurant overlooking the city
Visit colonial township of Guanabacoa and learn about Afro-Cuban religion at its museum
Explore the Cuban Fine Arts Museum and enjoy a presentation given by a local art historian.
Dinner in one of Havana’s paladars, a small specialty restaurant.
Meet the proprietors of this family-run and privately owned business as they share their stories
Day 8: Havana – Ernest Hemingway Home – Casa Fuster - Havana
Visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, Finca Vigía (Lookout Farm)
Visit the Casa Fuster, the colorful home to Jose Fuster, artist inspired by Gaudi
Lunch at La Ferminia, a popular restaurant that resides at the end of the legendary 5th Avenue
Visit to the Latin American Medical School to meet American, Cuban and foreign-born medical students
Ride in an antique American car to the Plaza de San Francisco de Asis
Enjoy a classical music concert held inside a local church
Farewell dinner and drinks at the Cafe Oriente as you celebrate an amazing journey to Cuba
Day 9: Havana - Miami
Fly from Havana to Miami
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A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
A special visa is required to visit Cuba, and cost has not been included in price of tour (55 USD)
Charter flight from Miami is included in tour price
There is a Departure tax of 25 CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos, roughly 30 USD, but subject to exchange rate and exchange fees) that has not been included in cost of tour, payable in cash only at Havana airport
Americans are not allowed to purchase items in Cuba to bring back to the US
Weight Limits for Luggage on Charter Flights: 44 pounds
No American credit cards can be used in Cuba, CASH ONLY!!!! No Travelers Checks either. ATM cards do not work there either.
This tour will be locally guided with a Cuban National to accompany the tour at all times. While in Miami a local Miami guide will be used.
