Cuba - Contemporary Tours

DAY 1: OUTBOUND FLIGHT/HAVANA: Depart from your college in the USA. Then, you and your college students arrive in Havana Cuba later in the day. You are a very lucky professor! Cuba has been cut off to Americans for generations and you will most likely be the first person in your family to visit this small island nation. The thawing of American-Cuban relations and certainly the recent Papal visit has made this once-in-a-lifetime moment possible for you. Drink in the historic significance of this moment as you plant your feet on Cuban soil. Drop your bags and your hotel and set out to see the sights of Havana with its majestic boulevards and antique cars (most of which are American cars from the 1950s). Gather with colleagues later for dinner and an evening of Cuban flair and feel the rhythm of traditional Cuban music and dance.

DAY 2: HAVANA: Wake up to the sounds of Havana coming to life. After a breakfast of Café con Leche (coffee with milk), multiple tropical fruits, and eggs prepared a million ways, hit the ground running, and explore Havana with your college students! The Museum of Fine Arts offers exhibits paying tribute to the art of colonial times through the revolution. View the Cuban nation through the lens of renowned contemporary photographer Rene Pena at his studio. Cuba is steeped with history for your students but boasts a modern side that she is eager to show you as a new visitor. Cuba is proud of its revolution and will offer you glimpses of its monuments celebrating that effort; the Capital, Prado Promenade; and most importantly Revolution Square where Pope Francis celebrated a historic mass with the “blessings” of the Castro regime. End your historic first full day in Cuba with the nightly ritual of “the Firing of the Cannon” at the Fortress de San Carlos de la Cabana. The ceremony dates back to days of Spanish rule. Originally it was meant to signal the end of the day but took on new meaning in 1959 when Fidel Castro declared victory in the revolution and fired the cannon to declare his victory over the regime of President Fulgencio Batista.

DAY 3: HAVANA: Time to experience Old Havana. This section of town is virtually a museum of the Colonial days of Cuba. Visit the impressive Cathedral. For years religion was discouraged in Cuba, but the Cathedral still stands! Marvel at the Scale Model of Old Havana detailing every building and block of this storied section of town. Stroll through Francisco Square, a cobblestone public area with miraculous views of the harbor featuring an impressive fountain. Stroll around Old Havana on your own. Perhaps this is a good time to buy a souvenir for your family or that special someone at home. Get some dinner and end your day with Jazz at the El Cuervo Latin Jazz Club. Be sure to leave a wake-up call!

DAY 4: HAVANA: Havana is alive with the arts. A communist regime could not keep the artistic spirit down and today you will be treated to that spirit that has always bubbled under the surface of Cuban society. Visit various art studios in town that display pictures and sculptures that pay tribute to Cuba’s past and present. Attend the African-Cuban dance ceremony at Callejon de Hummel that pays tribute to the African population that has contributed so much to Cuban history and culture. Return to your hotel and get some rest. Dinner tonight will be a low-key experience with your friends.

DAY 5: HAVANA: Many Americans have been associated with Cuba throughout the ages. John F. Kennedy comes to mind because of the Bay of Pigs, The Cuban Missile Crisis, and of course, his trade embargo that isolated the island for generations. We cannot forget the multitude of Cubans who fled the island and their descendants who now call themselves American. However, if we dig deeper we find famed American author Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway felt a kinship with the Cuban people. He participated in Marlin fishing competitions on the island and wrote his heart out in his home of 21 years just east of Havana. Visit his home and view his fabled typewriter where literally thousands of words poured out of his brain onto blank sheets of paper. Tonight, enjoy yourself and say goodbye to Havana in your own special way. Prepare yourself to go home and answer questions about this special visit that will amaze and delight your family and friends.

DAY 6: FLIGHT HOME: Depart Havana. Arrive in the USA later in the day. Welcome home!

DAY 1: OUTBOUND FLIGHT/HAVANA: Depart from the USA. Arrive in Havana Cuba later in the day. You are a very lucky traveler. Cuba has been cut off to Americans for generations and you will most likely be the first person in your family to visit this small island nation. The thawing of American-Cuban relations and certainly the recent Papal visit has made this once-in-a-lifetime moment possible for you. Drink in the historic significance of this moment as you plant your feet on Cuban soil. Drop your bags and your hotel and set out to see the sights of Havana with its majestic boulevards and antique cars (most of which are American cars from the 1950s). Gather with your MBA students later for dinner and an evening of Cuban flair and feel the rhythm of traditional Cuban music and dance.

DAY 2: HAVANA: Wake up to the sounds of Havana coming to life. After a breakfast of Café con Leche (coffee with milk), multiple tropical fruits, and eggs prepared a million ways, hit the ground running, and explore Havana! The Museum of Fine Arts offers exhibits paying tribute to the art of colonial times through the revolution. View the Cuban nation through the lens of renowned contemporary photographer Rene Pena at his studio. Cuba is steeped with history but boasts a modern side that she is eager to show you as a new visitor. Cuba is proud of its revolution and will offer you glimpses of its monuments celebrating that effort; the Capital, Prado Promenade; and most importantly Revolution Square where Pope Francis celebrated a historic mass with the “blessings” of the Castro regime. End your historic first full day in Cuba with the nightly ritual of “the Firing of the Cannon” at the Fortress de San Carlos de la Cabana. The ceremony dates back to days of Spanish rule. Originally it was meant to signal the end of the day but took on new meaning in 1959 when Fidel Castro declared victory in the revolution and fired the cannon to declare his victory over the regime of President Fulgencio Batista.

DAY 6: FLIGHT HOME: Depart Havana. Arrive in the USA later in the day. Welcome home!

DAY 1: OUTBOUND FLIGHT/HAVANA: Depart from the USA. Arrive in Havana Cuba later in the day. You are a very lucky traveler. Cuba has been cut off to Americans for generations and you will most likely be the first person in your family to visit this small island nation. The thawing of American-Cuban relations and certainly the recent Papal visit has made this once-in-a-lifetime moment possible for you. Drink in the historic significance of this moment as you plant your feet on Cuban soil. Drop your bags and your hotel and set out to see the sights of Havana with its majestic boulevards and antique cars (most of which are American cars from the 1950s). Gather with friends later for dinner and an evening of Cuban flair and feel the rhythm of traditional Cuban music and dance.

DAY 2: HAVANA: Wake up to the sounds of Havana coming to life. After a breakfast of Café con Leche (coffee with milk), multiple tropical fruits, and eggs prepared a million ways, hit the ground running, and explore Havana! The Museum of Fine Arts offers exhibits paying tribute to the art of colonial times through the revolution. View the Cuban nation through the lens of renowned contemporary photographer Rene Pena at his studio. Cuba is steeped with history but boasts a modern side that she is eager to show you as a new visitor. Cuba is proud of its revolution and will offer you glimpses of its monuments celebrating that effort; the Capital, Prado Promenade; and most importantly Revolution Square where Pope Francis celebrated a historic mass with the “blessings” of the Castro regime. End your historic first full day in Cuba with the nightly ritual of “the Firing of the Cannon” at the Fortress de San Carlos de la Cabana. The ceremony dates back to days of Spanish rule. Originally it was meant to signal the end of the day but took on new meaning in 1959 when Fidel Castro declared victory in the revolution and fired the cannon to declare his victory over the regime of President Fulgencio Batista.

DAY 6: FLIGHT HOME: Depart Havana. Arrive in the USA later in the day. Welcome home!

DAY 1: OUTBOUND FLIGHT/HAVANA: Depart from the USA. Arrive in Havana Cuba later in the day. You are a very lucky traveler. Cuba has been cut off to Americans for generations and you will most likely be the first person in your family to visit this small island nation. The thawing of American-Cuban relations and certainly the recent Papal visit has made this once-in-a-lifetime moment possible for you. Drink in the historic significance of this moment as you plant your feet on Cuban soil. Drop your bags and your hotel and set out to see the sights of Havana with its majestic boulevards and antique cars (most of which are American cars from the 1950s). Gather with friends later for dinner and an evening of Cuban flair and feel the rhythm of traditional Cuban music and dance.

DAY 2: HAVANA: Wake up to the sounds of Havana coming to life. After a breakfast of Café con Leche (coffee with milk), multiple tropical fruits, and eggs prepared a million ways, hit the ground running, and explore Havana! The Museum of Fine Arts offers exhibits paying tribute to the art of colonial times through the revolution. View the Cuban nation through the lens of renowned contemporary photographer Rene Pena at his studio. Cuba is steeped with history but boasts a modern side that she is eager to show you as a new visitor. Cuba is proud of its revolution and will offer you glimpses of its monuments celebrating that effort; the Capital, Prado Promenade; and most importantly Revolution Square where Pope Francis celebrated a historic mass with the “blessings” of the Castro regime. End your historic first full day in Cuba with the nightly ritual of “the Firing of the Cannon” at the Fortress de San Carlos de la Cabana. The ceremony dates back to days of Spanish rule. Originally it was meant to signal the end of the day but took on new meaning in 1959 when Fidel Castro declared victory in the revolution and fired the cannon to declare his victory over the regime of President Fulgencio Batista.

DAY 5: HAVANA: Many Americans have been associated with Cuba throughout the ages. John F. Kennedy comes to mind because of the Bay of Pigs, The Cuban Missile Crisis, and of course, his trade embargo that isolated the island for generations. We cannot forget the multitude of Cubans who fled the island and their descendants who now call themselves American. However, if we dig deeper we find famed American author Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway felt a kinship with the Cuban people. He participated in Marlin fishing competitions on the island and wrote his heart out in his home of 21 years just east of Havana. Visit his home and view his fabled typewriter where literally thousands of words poured out of his brain onto blank sheets of paper. Tonight, enjoy yourself with your performing arts group and say goodbye to Havana in your own special way. Prepare yourself to go home and answer questions about this special visit that will amaze and delight your family and friends.

DAY 6: FLIGHT HOME: Depart Havana with your Performing Arts students. Arrive in the USA later in the day. Welcome home!

Country Description

Be a part of history and take an exciting educational tour with your students all at the same time. With the United States and Cuba opening up diplomatic doors again, now is the perfect time to visit the island. Listen to some of the world’s best jazz at La Zorra y el Cuervo. Walk the streets of Old Havana, soaking in two hundred years of history while still experiencing all the sights, sounds, and smells of the modern Caribbean world. Climb the walls of the Parque Historico Militar to see impressive views of both Havana and the sea, while learning about Cuba’s military history, from Spanish invaders and Cuban revolutionaries to pirates. Then head back down to Havana to walk through Santa Clara and Plaza de la Revolucion to be immersed in the island’s recent history and revolution followed by Communist rule. Most importantly, spend time getting to know the people—with our two countries moving closer together, visiting Cuba and its people is a great opportunity for you to learn about a new country while serving as an ambassador of your own.

The Cuban economy is mostly dictated by the country’s Communist government, with state-run companies largely responsible for most of its goods and services, although the country also receives some foreign investment. Cuba’s government has largely flattened out economic inequality among its citizens and provided, among other things, free universal health care and education. It remains to be seen what impact the recent thaw in U.S.-Cuban relations will have upon international investment, state policies, and the overall growth of the Cuban economy.

Country Description

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