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March, 2013
A Better Way to See the World
Cuba, Here We Come! |
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Dear Traveler,
We can barely contain our excitement: Backroads' license for travel in Cuba has been approved by the United States' Office of Foreign Assets Control. We've worked hard over the past two years to craft an incredible itinerary that brings you the most immersive, rewarding cultural exchange possible. We are thrilled to see this trip finally coming to life!
Because of the remarkable interest in this trip, we anticipate departures will fill quickly. To book, visit us online or call 800-462-2848. Our Trip Consultants are here 7 days a week from 7 am to 5 pm, Pacific time.
Michelle Muench
Latin America Regional Manager,
with Backroads since 2001
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Backroads is licensed (CT-2012-298314-1) by the United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control to engage, organize and conduct authorized people-to-people travel to Cuba that engages participants in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba.
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The People-to-People Educational Exchange
Days 1-2 In Habana Vieja (Old Havana), join a discussion with members of the local Cuban community and an expert from the city planning office  As the rumble of 1950s Cadillacs and the melodies of street corner bands fill the air, converse and share personal accounts with locals about the city's conservation efforts, view restoration firsthand and engage with the people doing this important work During a cultural exchange session with members of a community art project, gain perspectives on the role of the arts in U.S. community development compared to Cuba Discuss Cuban religions with members of the Yoruba Association of Cuba Our gathering ends with a brief performance presented by the association's dancers.
Day 3 Partake in an educational exchange alongside the resident veterinarian and staff at the Rancho Charco Azul livestock breeding center Continue to Las Terrazas, a sustainable community within the Sierra Rosario Biosphere Reserve, where you'll meet naturalists and have an in-depth exchange about the community's history and reforestation projects At a privately owned and operated restaurant, or paladar, sit down to a delicious meal and engage with our hostess and her employees on topics such as private enterprise and the importance of food in Cuban culture Learn about the coffee industry from workers at Cafetal Buenavista, a restored French coffee plantation.
Days 4-6 Starting off in the morning, gain insight into Havana's innovative Organipónico de Alamar, a neighborhood agricultural project with a sustainably run urban farm, produce market and restaurant Delve into "Papá" Hemingway's influence on Cuban literary culture during an exchange at the Museo Ernest Hemingway Participate in a special educational exchange at the Centro Andaluz with Cuban dancers from the Spanish Ballet of Cuba Travel to the delightful—and off-the-beaten-track—colonial town of Remedios and participate in an educational exchange with historians as we explore the quiet streets and charming city center, discussing examples of preservation efforts along the way Learn about one of the oldest Cuban traditions, the carnival-like Parrandas, from the community members who reveal how they passionately prepare for this popular Christmas celebration; festivities include lively music, dramatic fireworks and colorful floats representing different neighborhoods.
Days 7-8 On the way back to Havana, stop at the vibrant city of Santa Clara and interact with the community members at NaturArte, a unique project that mixes art and nature Back in La Habana we learn more about the different influences in Cuban dance before our last dinner together Head to the airport the following morning.
Itinerary subject to change.
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Hotels
Hotel Parque Central
Havana (5 nights)
Located in the heart of historic Old Havana, this distinctive property offers modern amenities, timeless charm, and sweeping views of Havana from the rooftop. (pool)
Hotel Barcelona
Remedios (2 nights)
A recently refurbished hotel set on the main square of one of Cuba's most historically rich towns.
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2013 Spring Departures in Cuba - Confirmed | |
May 4-11 (Sat departure)
May 18-25 (Sat departure)
May 25-June 1 (Sat departure)
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June 1-8 (Sat departure)
June 8-15 (Sat departure)
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2013/14 Winter Departures in Cuba – Pending
The following dates are pending confirmation and will most likely be confirmed by April 15, 2013. To secure your spot now, a $600 deposit is due. If your trip date is not confirmed we will refund your deposit. | |
2013 Dates
Dec 7-14 (Sat departure)
Dec 9-16 (Mon departure)
Dec 14-21 (Sat departure)
Dec 16-23 (Mon departure)
Dec 21-28 (Sat departure)
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Dec 23-30 (Mon departure)
Dec 25-Jan 1 (Wed departure)
Dec 27-Jan 3 (Fri departure)
Dec 29-Jan 5 (Sun departure)
Dec 31-Jan 7 (Tues departure)
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2014 Dates
Jan 4-11 (Sat departure)
Jan 6-13 (Mon departure)
Jan 11-18 (Sat departure)
Jan 13-20 (Mon departure)
Jan 18-25 (Sat departure)
Jan 20-27 (Mon departure)
Jan 25-Feb 1 (Sat departure)
Jan 27-Feb 3 (Mon departure)
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Feb 1-8 (Sat departure)
Feb 3-10 (Mon departure)
Feb 8-15 (Sat departure)
Feb 10-17 (Mon departure)
Feb 15-22 (Sat departure)
Feb 17-24 (Mon departure)
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Trip Details
Meet/Depart Miami, FL
Length 8 days, 7 nights
Trip Price from $5,198 pp dbl. occ. + $550 internal air (+ $700 sgl. occ.)
Visa obtained by Backroads (passport valid for 6 months beyond your departure date is also required)
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Flight Arrangements to Miami
For Monday departures: Meet at noon at Miami International Airport for our 3 pm charter flight to Havana. Return to Miami the following Monday at 6 pm; we advise booking your onward flight after 10 pm or overnighting in Miami.
For Saturday departures: Meet at 6 am at Miami International Airport for our 9 am charter flight to Havana. Return to Miami the following Saturday at noon; we advise booking your onward flight after 4 pm.
For Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday departures: Flight details will be available by April 15, 2013.
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In order to adhere to the US government requirements for travel to Cuba, this trip will not allow for nearly the degree of flexibility we build into all other itineraries; as a guest, you will have a full schedule of enriching people-to-people education exchange activities.
Beware of any travel companies that claim their Cuba trips are designed to run just like their standard itineraries. It's simply not true.
The educational exchanges on this trip will allow for some walking. However, the overall level of physical activity will be much less than on other Backroads walking trips.
Please note that the quality of the hotels will not be on par with Backroads lodgings in other destinations. The hotels are the best available, but for the most part even the nicest properties in Cuba do not come close to equaling the accommodations on other Backroads trips. And while the meals will be fresh and healthy, they will be quite simple.
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All contents and photography © 2013 Backroads | 801 Cedar Street, Berkeley, CA, 94710 | 800-462-2848
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