DESALES UNIVERSITY
CUBA TOUR
Mar 8-14, 2025
CUBA TOUR
Mar 8-14, 2025
OFFERED BY CARLSON MARITIME TRAVEL- YOUR CUBA CONNECTION
It is a momentous time in our history to visit Cuba! Cuba’s rich and indefinable culture makes it one of the most colorful and fascinating places on earth, full of art, culture, entrepreneurialism, culinary surprises, history and music.
Join us along with faculty and friends on this exceptional opportunity to visit Cuba yourself on a remarkable 7-day exploration. On this support for the Cuban People exchange, you will discover Cuba through the resource that has kept the country vibrant through decades of political strife and isolation from the world: The Cuban people. Their joys, challenges and unique world outlook will unfold for you through personal meetings and enjoyment of their arts and culture in this program. Encounter Cuba through intriguing excursions led by knowledgeable expert guides and personal contact with a variety of Cubans including new business owners, artists, dancers, teachers, budding entrepreneurs, and everyday people.
Explore Havana’s timeless streets, architecture and famous landmarks. Venture into Cuba’s countryside to visit one of Cuba's most notable sustainable farms and enjoy a wonderful farm to table lunch experience like no other. This program will show you Cuba’s unexpected delights and the very real struggles of its people.
DESALES UNIVERSITY CUBA TOUR
Day 1, Mar 8: (D)
Upon arrival in Havana, we begin our DESALES UNIVERSITY CUBA TOUR tour with a panoramic tour of Revolutionary Square where there will be time for some great photo ops. The square is notable as being where many political rallies take place and Fidel Castro and other political figures address the Cuban people. Pope John Paul II, during his 1998 first visit by a Pope, and Pope Francis in 2015, held large Masses there during papal visits to Cuba. We will see Havana University, the U.S. Embassy, the famous Malecon and the Paseo Del Prado. Hotel check-in and dinner tonight at a private paladar (restaurant) with a delicious welcome to Cuba dinner!
Day 2 Mar 9th: (B,L,D)
After breakfast we depart for FINCA HERMOSA- A wholly organic, rural experience a stone's throw from Havana's bustling city center. This farm offers authentic green experiences that are also 100% organic, from free-roaming animals to ethically grown crops and eco-friendly meals served in the open air. A concept that is rarely applied elsewhere in Havana, the farm-to-table approach is not just a gimmick, but a way of life. We enjoy an amazing fresh, organic, farm to table lunch.
This afternoon we will meet the mechanics that restore Cuban Classic cars. Cuta's steady flow of American cars was abruptly cut after the Revolution of 1959. Since then, mechanics have done everything imaginable to keep the original cars on the road. We will meet and talk with some of the self-made mechanics who restore these American cars.
Day 3 Mar 10th: (B,L,D)
After breakfast we begin our day with a walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. During our talking tour we will visit an unwed mothers convent where the government supports unwed mothers for the first 18 months of the infant's life. We will make donations of hand knitted infants caps. Our guide will show us a vintage pharmacy, a chocolate museum, the original aqua-duct system, famous art and sculprure, where Ernest Hemingway lived in town and many other architectural and historical highlights in this UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, Old Havana. We walk the four squares of old Havana, Plaza De Armas, the oldest square in Havana, PLAZA SAN FRANCISCO, Plaza Vieja, Plaza De La Catedral where we will also visit the Catholic Church in Old Havana.
Dinner this evening at a privately owned paladar (restaurant) to support the entrepreneurial spirit of the Cuban people.
Day 4 Mar 11th: (B,L,D)
After breakfast we visit Finca Vigia- Home of Ernest Hemingway. La Finca Vigia, near Cojimar, is a quaint fisherman's village. You’ll be able to observe Hemingway’s personal belongings, trophies, firearms and see the room where he used to write, as well as his fishing souvenirs and the other remembrances of his life in Cuba. This is where Hemingway celebrated his Pulitzer prize in 1953 with his fishermen buddies and the now legendary boat skipper, Gregorio Fuentes, captain of his yacht El Pilar, and the main character of his book, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’, which was set in this area. We’ll also have a chance to see El Pilar which is now conveniently located in a corner of the property.
After lunch we will head back to Havana to visit the Stature of Jesus commissioned in 1953. Made out of white Carrara marble weighs approximately 320 tons. The statue was built out of 67 blocks of marble that had been brought from Italy after personally being blessed by Pope Paul XII. This evening in yet another lovely paladar. (private restaurant). Time to visit COMPAS DANS! One of our most favorite and talented groups. This dance company puts their own stamp on modern dance using only percussion and old farm chairs. Dance and drum lessons after their rehearsal. You will all very much love this young musical exchange!
This evening, we enjoy another amazing dinner at one of our favorite private restaurants.
Our day is not over! After dinner- we experience some history at the CANONAZO A LA CABANA or shooting of the cannons at the second oldest fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies. This ceremony happens every evening exactly at 9:00pm. This is an 18th Century fortress complex, the third largest in the Americas.
Day 5 Mar 12th: (B,L) Breakfast at hotel, the early departure to Pinar Del Rio. If you've ever wondered where the world's finest cigars start out, it's in the lovingly cultivated tobacco plantations of Cuba's westernmost province, Pinar Del Rio. With its unusual mogotes (rounded limestone mountaines) strung along flat plains, this spectacular scenery rivals any in the world. After a stop at the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site, Vinales Valley, we find ourselves at a historic painted mural, Mural de la Prehistoria. Our guide will give us the history.
Next our our cultural agenda will be an ancient Indian Village, a walk through caves and a boat ride through the caves to the other side.
Lunch is at Finca Agroecologica- La Paraiso. This paladar is run by a young family who grow fresh vegetables and herbs, raise pigs, chickens and rabbits and serve an amazing and outstanding 10-course lunch. What a great example of a privately owned paladar. Nothing goes to waste as a portion of their left overs are shared with the towns' people.
This morning visit a very important artist and ceramist, Jose Fuster, who has transformed a poverty-stricken village into a community project and whimsical wonderland of mosaic tiles. -FUSTERLANDIA- The overall impression defies written description. He has been called the "Picasso of the Caribbean". After an authentic Cuban lunch, it's time to say goodbye to our new Cuban friends and head to the airport for our non-stop 5:45pm departure.
Day 6 Mar 13th: (B,L) Breakfast at hotel. COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND BUSINESS PROJECTS OF ENTREPRENEURS.
Today we will be seeing the real authentic Cuba and how Cubans are determined to better themselves, their children and become private business owners while working within the restraints of their government. We will visit several community projects such as a children's circus made up of neglected children who are taught an art that they are most excited to perform for us. Later t This morning we visit a very important artist and ceramist, Jose Fuster, who has transformed a poverty-stricken village into a community project and whimsical wonderland of mosaic tiles. -FUSTERLANDIA- The overall impression defies written description. He has been called the "Picasso of the Caribbean". After an authentic Cuban lunch, we head back to our hotel and get ready for a fun and interesting evening at FABRICA DES ARTE CUBANO.
Upon arrival in Havana, we begin our DESALES UNIVERSITY CUBA TOUR tour with a panoramic tour of Revolutionary Square where there will be time for some great photo ops. The square is notable as being where many political rallies take place and Fidel Castro and other political figures address the Cuban people. Pope John Paul II, during his 1998 first visit by a Pope, and Pope Francis in 2015, held large Masses there during papal visits to Cuba. We will see Havana University, the U.S. Embassy, the famous Malecon and the Paseo Del Prado. Hotel check-in and dinner tonight at a private paladar (restaurant) with a delicious welcome to Cuba dinner!
Day 2 Mar 9th: (B,L,D)
After breakfast we depart for FINCA HERMOSA- A wholly organic, rural experience a stone's throw from Havana's bustling city center. This farm offers authentic green experiences that are also 100% organic, from free-roaming animals to ethically grown crops and eco-friendly meals served in the open air. A concept that is rarely applied elsewhere in Havana, the farm-to-table approach is not just a gimmick, but a way of life. We enjoy an amazing fresh, organic, farm to table lunch.
This afternoon we will meet the mechanics that restore Cuban Classic cars. Cuta's steady flow of American cars was abruptly cut after the Revolution of 1959. Since then, mechanics have done everything imaginable to keep the original cars on the road. We will meet and talk with some of the self-made mechanics who restore these American cars.
Day 3 Mar 10th: (B,L,D)
After breakfast we begin our day with a walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. During our talking tour we will visit an unwed mothers convent where the government supports unwed mothers for the first 18 months of the infant's life. We will make donations of hand knitted infants caps. Our guide will show us a vintage pharmacy, a chocolate museum, the original aqua-duct system, famous art and sculprure, where Ernest Hemingway lived in town and many other architectural and historical highlights in this UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, Old Havana. We walk the four squares of old Havana, Plaza De Armas, the oldest square in Havana, PLAZA SAN FRANCISCO, Plaza Vieja, Plaza De La Catedral where we will also visit the Catholic Church in Old Havana.
Dinner this evening at a privately owned paladar (restaurant) to support the entrepreneurial spirit of the Cuban people.
Day 4 Mar 11th: (B,L,D)
After breakfast we visit Finca Vigia- Home of Ernest Hemingway. La Finca Vigia, near Cojimar, is a quaint fisherman's village. You’ll be able to observe Hemingway’s personal belongings, trophies, firearms and see the room where he used to write, as well as his fishing souvenirs and the other remembrances of his life in Cuba. This is where Hemingway celebrated his Pulitzer prize in 1953 with his fishermen buddies and the now legendary boat skipper, Gregorio Fuentes, captain of his yacht El Pilar, and the main character of his book, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’, which was set in this area. We’ll also have a chance to see El Pilar which is now conveniently located in a corner of the property.
After lunch we will head back to Havana to visit the Stature of Jesus commissioned in 1953. Made out of white Carrara marble weighs approximately 320 tons. The statue was built out of 67 blocks of marble that had been brought from Italy after personally being blessed by Pope Paul XII. This evening in yet another lovely paladar. (private restaurant). Time to visit COMPAS DANS! One of our most favorite and talented groups. This dance company puts their own stamp on modern dance using only percussion and old farm chairs. Dance and drum lessons after their rehearsal. You will all very much love this young musical exchange!
This evening, we enjoy another amazing dinner at one of our favorite private restaurants.
Our day is not over! After dinner- we experience some history at the CANONAZO A LA CABANA or shooting of the cannons at the second oldest fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies. This ceremony happens every evening exactly at 9:00pm. This is an 18th Century fortress complex, the third largest in the Americas.
Day 5 Mar 12th: (B,L) Breakfast at hotel, the early departure to Pinar Del Rio. If you've ever wondered where the world's finest cigars start out, it's in the lovingly cultivated tobacco plantations of Cuba's westernmost province, Pinar Del Rio. With its unusual mogotes (rounded limestone mountaines) strung along flat plains, this spectacular scenery rivals any in the world. After a stop at the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site, Vinales Valley, we find ourselves at a historic painted mural, Mural de la Prehistoria. Our guide will give us the history.
Next our our cultural agenda will be an ancient Indian Village, a walk through caves and a boat ride through the caves to the other side.
Lunch is at Finca Agroecologica- La Paraiso. This paladar is run by a young family who grow fresh vegetables and herbs, raise pigs, chickens and rabbits and serve an amazing and outstanding 10-course lunch. What a great example of a privately owned paladar. Nothing goes to waste as a portion of their left overs are shared with the towns' people.
This morning visit a very important artist and ceramist, Jose Fuster, who has transformed a poverty-stricken village into a community project and whimsical wonderland of mosaic tiles. -FUSTERLANDIA- The overall impression defies written description. He has been called the "Picasso of the Caribbean". After an authentic Cuban lunch, it's time to say goodbye to our new Cuban friends and head to the airport for our non-stop 5:45pm departure.
Day 6 Mar 13th: (B,L) Breakfast at hotel. COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND BUSINESS PROJECTS OF ENTREPRENEURS.
Today we will be seeing the real authentic Cuba and how Cubans are determined to better themselves, their children and become private business owners while working within the restraints of their government. We will visit several community projects such as a children's circus made up of neglected children who are taught an art that they are most excited to perform for us. Later t This morning we visit a very important artist and ceramist, Jose Fuster, who has transformed a poverty-stricken village into a community project and whimsical wonderland of mosaic tiles. -FUSTERLANDIA- The overall impression defies written description. He has been called the "Picasso of the Caribbean". After an authentic Cuban lunch, we head back to our hotel and get ready for a fun and interesting evening at FABRICA DES ARTE CUBANO.
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PRICING
$2299.00 Per person double occupancy- land only
$399.00- Single occupancy supplement
$439.00 Per person air from Tampa, subject to change
$100.00- Cuban visa
INCLUSIONS:
*Round-trip air from Tampa optional and separate
*Round trip airport transfers
*Accommodations at the Hotel Grand Aston La Habana located on the Malecon
*Breakfasts-4, Lunches-4, and Dinners-4
*Drink packages at all meals
*All entrance fees and venues listed herein
*Accommodations at the Hotel Grand Aston La Habana located on the Malecon
*Breakfasts-4, Lunches-4, and Dinners-4
*Drink packages at all meals
*All entrance fees and venues listed herein
**Led by Father Rousakis, Escorted by Carlson Maritime Travel
*Cuban Medical Insurance
*Cuban Visa Processing ($100.00 additional for visa)
*Private Senior Guides, Local Guides and Driver
*Most gratuities to guide and driver
NOT INCLUDED:
*Items of a personal nature
*Optional cancellation insurance-which is strongly recommended. Ask us for a quote
*Gratuities to local guides and servers at meals
*Additional food and beverage not listed herein
*Cuban Medical Insurance
*Cuban Visa Processing ($100.00 additional for visa)
*Private Senior Guides, Local Guides and Driver
*Most gratuities to guide and driver
NOT INCLUDED:
*Items of a personal nature
*Optional cancellation insurance-which is strongly recommended. Ask us for a quote
*Gratuities to local guides and servers at meals
*Additional food and beverage not listed herein
SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR PRIVATE TOUR:
*The new Hotel Grand Aston La Habana- located on the Malecon
*Greek Orthodox Church, meeting with clergy
*Jose Fuster's Ceramic Community Project-FUSTERLANDIA
*Revolutionary Square
*UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, Old Havana
*Russian Orthodox Church
*Christopher Columbus National Monument Cemetery
*Hamel's Alley Community Project
*Finca Vigia- Ernest Hemingway Finca, home and museum
*Bacardi Building
*Statue of Jesus
*Compas Dans-one of Cuba's internationally acclaimed dance troupes
*Finca Hermosa Organic Farm to Table Experience
*Revolutionary Square
*The new Hotel Grand Aston La Habana- located on the Malecon
*Greek Orthodox Church, meeting with clergy
*Jose Fuster's Ceramic Community Project-FUSTERLANDIA
*Revolutionary Square
*UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, Old Havana
*Russian Orthodox Church
*Christopher Columbus National Monument Cemetery
*Hamel's Alley Community Project
*Finca Vigia- Ernest Hemingway Finca, home and museum
*Bacardi Building
*Statue of Jesus
*Compas Dans-one of Cuba's internationally acclaimed dance troupes
*Finca Hermosa Organic Farm to Table Experience
*Revolutionary Square
*Finca Vigia-Ernest Hemingway's Home and Hemingway Museum
*Maternal Home Leonor Perex + Teresa Vaz Nursery
INFORMATION- GROUP IS BASED ON A MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (20)
FINAL PAYMENT: Your final payment is due 05 Sep for the November tour. Your final payment is non-refundable. Please ask us for an insurance quote.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: A valid passport with at least 6 month's expiration date required. A Cuban Visa is required which we will obtain for you at the cost of $100.00 per person.
CUBAN MEDICAL INSURANCE: Cuban Medical insurance is included in the cost of your tour.
OPTIONAL INSURANCE: We strongly recommend you purchase optional cancellation, baggage and medivac insurance. Please ask us for a quote.
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HOW TO JOIN!
Please fill out registration forms and mail back with copy of passport and your $500.00 deposit. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at : 727.945.1930 for assistance.
Passports must have at least 6 months validity date
CLICK FOR REGISTRATION FORMS:
Carlson Maritime Travel
623 E. Tarpon Ave
Tarpon Springs, Fl. 34689
Ph: 727.945.1930
Email: Suzanne@scarlsontvl.com
Website: http://www.scarlsontvl.com
SMALL GROUP TOUR- requires a minimum of 18 passengers to be guaranteed. Itinerary is subject to change as availability of venues, rules and regulations may change.