Journey to Havana, Cuba
Phoenix Art Museum
A People to People Educational exchange
Itinerary Tuesday, April 22 – Wednesday, April 30
Organized by Cuba Cultural Travel
Day 1
Tuesday, April 22
Participants will fly independently to Miami and congregate at the Fairfield Inn & Suites
located near the airport at 4101 NW 11th Street, Miami 33126. 786-456-2100.
Accommodations for the night in Miami will be included in the cost of the trip.
Day 2
Wednesday, April 23
8:00 am
Meet in lobby of the hotel for our bus transfer to airport. Our flight from Miami to Havana is
on ABC Charter flight #AA9440, operated by American Airlines. Check-in is located in
Concourse D. Enter through Door 1 and check-in at the AA counter. Baggage fees will
apply, typically $20 per bag up to 44 pounds, $2 for each pound thereafter. PLEASE NOTE:
Charter flight schedules cannot be confirmed until 30 days prior to trip departure dates.
Please consider this when booking your flights to and from Miami.
11:00 am
Depart for Havana. Flight time is 1 hour.
12:00 pm
Arrive Havana. Clear customs and immigration, a process that takes about 1 hour.
En route to lunch, we will stop by the Plaza de la Revolucion. The center of government,
this area contains most of the major ministries and is commonly used for massive rallies. Our
bus tour of Havana continues from Miramar along the Malecon to El Morro where we will
make a quick stop to see the Havana skyline and harbor.
2:00 pm
We will have late lunch at the famous El Aljibe restaurant. Cuban food at its best; the
roasted chicken soaked in orange garlic sauce is a favorite, located in the Havana
neighborhood of Miramar, home to many embassies and residences of foreign diplomats.
4:00 pm
Check into Hotel Parque Central, considered the finest hotel in Havana and perfectly
located in the central part of Havana. All rooms include a safe deposit box free of charge.
Breakfast is complimentary and served between 7:00 and 10:00 AM.
Orientation tour of Havana Vieja. Your bags will be dropped off at the hotel and will be
waiting for you upon check-in.
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Hotel Parque Central 
Neptuno, esquina Prado y Zulueta, Havana, Cuba
Tel. 53 7 860 6627
8:00 pm
Dinner at La Guarida. One of the best restaurants in Havana and famous not only for its
delectable dining, but also as the location for the film “Strawberry and Chocolate.” It is
housed on the third floor of a large, old town house carrying the charming ambience of
the 1920's.
(L,D)
Day 3
Thursday, April 24
Breakfast is served every day at the restaurant in the lobby level from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.
9:30 am
Meet in the lobby for our walking tour of Havana Vieja. Make sure to wear comfortable
shoes! We will walk down Obispo Street, a pedestrian promenade, stopping at some of
the most significant buildings like the Art Deco Style La Moderna Poesia, the Ambos
Mundos Hotel, and the banks of the former Havana Wall Street.
Visit the Plaza de Armas, a scenic tree-lined plaza formerly at the center of influence in
Cuba. It is surrounded by many of the most historic structures in Havana as well as
important monuments. We also see the Plaza de San Francisco, a cobbled plaza
surrounded by buildings dating from the 18 th century, dominated by the baroque Iglesia
and Convento de San Francisco dating from 1719. Wander through the Plaza Vieja, the
oldest plaza in Havana, dating from the 16th century.
11:00 am
We will visit the Escuela de Taller where we will learn about the Restoration Project that is
underway in Havana Vieja. This urban rehabilitation project is preserving the architectural
history and cultural heritage of this beautiful city. We will visit a construction site and meet
with engineers, builders, woodworkers and other craftsman utilizing traditional
handcrafting methods to preserve the authenticity of these once – and soon to be once
again - resplendent structures.
Visit the Plaza Vieja. This plaza is the oldest plaza in Havana, dating from the 16th century.
Learn about the massive historic preservation program which began in this Plaza under
the leadership of City Historian, Eusebio Leal.
12:30 pm
Lunch at Paladar Mercaderes. This elegant and private restaurant in Havana Vieja is
receiving rave reviews for the excellent food, service and ambience.
2:00 pm
Visit the Taller de Grafica Experimental. We will be welcomed by artists Julio Cesar Pena
and Yamilis Brito. The Taller is more than Havana’s printmaking workshop. It is a studio, a
school and most of all, an art institution that preserves and develops the sophisticated art
of print making with relative freedom of spirit and form.
3:00 pm
Studio visit: Esterio Segura graduated from the ISA in Havana. Working in painting,
sculpture and installation, Segura makes use of humorous imagery to address socially and
politically charged themes from Cuban history. He has been exhibited extensively in Cuba,
US, Germany, Spain, England, Argentina, Brazil and elsewhere in the world.
4:30 pm
Return to the hotel.
6:30 pm
Group meets in hotel lobby and departs for dinner at Doña Carmela with driving
orientation en route of Bay and viewpoints.
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Enjoy the Cannon Blast ceremony, one of the oldest and attractive traditions of Havana. In
colonial days, the shots signaled the closing and opening of the gates of the walled city
and the rising of the chain across the entrance to the harbor. The tradition of firing a
cannon every night at 9:00 pm was kept even after the wall was torn down.
(B,L,D)
Day 4
Friday, April 25
9:30 am
Walk across the street from the hotel and attend a private dance performance of the
Compania Irene Rodriguez. We will receive a warm welcome by Irene Rodriguez and her
company at the Centro Asturianos. Irene is considered by many to be the finest flamenco
dancer in Cuba. Irene will introduce the dancers, many of whom speak English; describe
the history of her own dance career and formation of her independent dance company;
and discuss the cultivation of artistic talent in Cuba, opportunities and challenges of being
a professional dancer, and the arts more generally in Cuba.
11:00 am
Board our bus for our visit to the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA). One of the few major
architectural projects completed in Cuba in the early 1960s, this remarkable postrevolution campus is the premier school in Cuba for students studying music, visual arts and
performing arts. English speaking students will be assigned to us and we will break into
small groups to better enjoy a personalized tour of the school.
12:30 pm
Lunch in the whimsical fishing village of Jaimanitas, home of artist Jose Fuster, who has
made a major contribution to rebuilding and decorating the neighborhood. Jaimanitas is
now a unique work of public art where Fuster and his neighbors have decorated over 80
houses with colorful ornate murals and domes. We have asked Jose and his son Alex to
invite some of his neighbors over to join us for lunch and give us a tour of neighborhood.
2:00 pm
Visit the studios of Kadir Lopez Nieves & Kelvin Lopez Nieves. The brothers are considered
by art collectors and critics to be two of the finest young artists in Cuba today. Kadir’s
paintings reflect fragments of human existence seen with refined humor and expressed
with extraordinary creative freedom. Both use existing imagery to make social and
political statements about Cuban culture and history, especially in relation to the U.S.
3:00 pm
7ma y 60. This is an art studio of four young and very talented Cuban artists: Adrian
Fernandez, Alex Hernandez, Frank Mujica, and Maria Cienfuegos, who belong to an
emerging constellation within the island’s contemporary visual arts scene. By three different
mediums (photography, painting, and drawing) and refine technique, the artists explore
conflicts and problems existing in present day Cuba. The artists will receive us in their studio
space and discuss their work.
4:30 pm
Experience the beautiful home of collector and art dealer, Milagros Borges who will
receive the group and give a short explanation of her collection. Mrs. Borges has made a
name for herself by supporting young artists for many years and we expect to have a
handful attend our meeting to discuss their work and careers.
5:30 pm
Return to the hotel.
6:30 pm
Group meets in hotel lobby and departs for a private reception and visit to the Ludwig
Foundation, greeted by director Helmo Hernandez. The Ludwig Foundation of Cuba is an
autonomous, non-governmental and non-profit institution in Cuba created to protect and
promote contemporary Cuban artists and culture. The LFC encourages the creation of
bridges of understanding in Cuba and abroad. We will also be welcomed by artists
supported by the Foundation.
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8:00 pm
Dinner at the stylish Paladar Rio Mar located at La Puntilla in Miramar. Enjoy views of the
bay gentle ocean breezes from the terrace. The food is upscale and contemporary with
European influence. The service is impeccable and refined.
Optional: Enjoy an evening of music at Habana Café, a venue that features a nightly
variety-type show that includes Cabaret dancers combined with comedy and music. With
a 1950’s, nostalgic décor, Habana Café attracts locals and tourists alike. Be ready to get
on the dance floor and dance all night to the rhythm of great Caribbean music.
(B,L,D)
Day 5
Saturday, April 26
10:00 am
Lecture by Prof. Carlos Alzugaray Treto on U.S./Cuba Relations. Professor Alzugaray was the
Former Cuban Ambassador to the European Union and former Director of the Institute of
Foreign Relations. Professor Alzugaray will then lead a question and answer session with the
group and we have time for open dialogue and exchange. This presentation will take
place in a conference room in the Parque Central.
12:00 pm
Enjoy lunch and fabulous views La Torre Restaurant, which boasts the highest view point in
Havana and one of the first buildings in the world to have used reinforced concrete and
one of the best representations of modernism in Cuba
2:00 pm
Group boards our bus for our tour of modern architecture in Western Havana with
Architect Pedro Vazquez Rodriguez, Founding Member of Cuba’s National Union of
Architects and Engineers. Few people realize the important place Havana holds as a
treasure trove of 20th Century architecture. Pedro will highlight some
of the best
examples to be found in this incredibly diverse area of the city, including the
University of Havana and the Christopher Colon Cemetery.
On our return to the hotel we visit the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba and enjoy a
traditional Cuban cocktail, mojito, overlooking the Straits of Florida. Hotel Nacional is a
historic landmark located on the Malecón. When it opened in 1930, Cuba was a prime
travel destination for Americans.
6:00 pm
Depart for cocktails at the home of independent curator Pamela Ruiz and artist Damian
Aquiles. Pamela and Damian will host the group for cocktails at their residence.
Pamela Ruiz, an American expat who has been based in Cuba for more than a decade, is
an independent curator that has organized hugely successful shows such as the
retrospectives of Robert Mapplethorpe and Louise Bourgeois on the island.
Damian Aquiles is an artist, graduate of Graphic Design that has studied at the Academia
de San Alejandro in Fine Art. He has co-curated several exhibitions with Jonathan Ferrara.
His work has been shown in Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Argentina, Italy, Nicaragua and
the United States.
8:00 pm
We dine at the stylish Paladar Atelier, equally known for its atmosphere and exquisite
cuisine. The lighting and textures of the house, coupled with walls adorned in modern art,
create a cozy, romantic setting. The chef boasts international experience, serving a range
of cuisine from traditional Cuban dishes, Paella, and seafood.
Optional late night entertainment: Visit the cool bohemian club El Gato Tuerto (“Oneeyed Cat”), a laid back venue featuring various styles of traditional Cuban music from
sultry Boleros known as Feeling, a soul-like genre heavily influenced by jazz, and Trova,
another unique musical style that gained its popularity in the 70s.
(B,L,D)
Itineraries are subject to change
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Day 6
Sunday, April 27
9:00 am
Group meets in the hotel lobby and boards our bus for our day trip to Viñales Valley.
Considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Cuba, the Viñales Valley National
Monument holds stunning landscapes. The area is also famous for being the premier
tobacco growing area in the world.
12:00 pm
Visit the home of Ramón Vázquez León, an artist born in Viñales, Pinar del Río, who
graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in Havana. Ramon creates fantastic
worlds full of allusions with his bright colors.
Our first visit will be to a private farm in the valley owned by the large family of Concha
and Paco Hernandez. The descendants of Concha and Paco have farmed the same plot
of land for many generations and their land is involved in the production of a multitude of
fruits, vegetables, grain and tobacco. Members of the family will give us a tour of this
beautiful 40 acre farm before bringing us back to the farmhouse.
Afternoon
Lunch will be a community event on their private farm, organized by the extended family
of Concha and Paco Hernandez.
3:30 pm
On our return to Havana we visit small country town where a remarkable man named
Mario Pelegrin has created a charming community project dedicated to local children. In
this tranquil setting, a collection of rustic cabins provide a home for amateur art programs.
Local children are provided with the space and resources needed to allow their creative
juices to flow in the areas of music, dance, theatre and art. This wonderful program gives
local kids the opportunity to have fun while learning new skills.
Evening
Return to Havana. Dinner on your own.
(B,L)
Day 7
Monday, April 28
10:00 am
Lecture by Dr. Marta Nunez, professor and a researcher at the University of Havana. Her
research has concentrated on transition projects for Cuba proposed by Cuban American
and U.S. scholars, and women and employment in Cuba. Marta was a visiting scholar at
the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard in 2010. She’ll discuss
with you many fascinating and unique aspects of Cuban society including family rights,
property laws and gender issues. This lecture will take place in a conference room in the
hotel.
12:00 pm
Lunch at Casa Vieja located in an impeccably restored colonial building a short walk from
the hotel. The interior is a gallery unto itself, the food is a gastronomic international
adventure and the chef and staff are warm and friendly.
1:30pm
Studio visit: Jose Toirac received his degree from ISA in 1990. His interests have been
focused in those historical and cultural processes that transcend the local geography for
their meaning and that don’t belong to a specific society. Toirac’s work is part of several
collections including at MoMa and the Cuban National Museum of Fine Arts.
2:30 pm
Visit to Callejon de Hamel with host and guide will Elias Aseff, a Cuban scholar, who will
explain the role of African religion and culture in Cuba and the importance of Santeria in
everyday life. He will also explain how Afro Cuban religion has influenced the evolution of
Cuban culture.
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We will be invited into the home of a Babalao, (Yoruba Priestess) who will receive the
group and explain via Elias the religious deities and elaborate alters in her home. The
home is very large and many visitors pass thru during the day to give offerings.
4:00 pm
Visit to Lázaro Salsita’s Moviemento Forestal & Children’s Art Project. Lázaro Salsita a
Cuban sculptor who creates art using recycled newspapers to sculpt in papier mache
oftentimes incorporated with found of objects. In his children’s workshops they create
“papeleros” are meant to educate and teach others about human and social conviction
while providing a creative outlet for participants. We will have a chance to meet with the
artist and his students and discuss the Art In Public Places programs that they have created
in Havana.
Visit to the Arts and Crafts market, a great place to interact with local, everyday artisans.
You’ll find just about anything here, a great place to find souvenirs or gifts for your friends
and family back home.
Return to the Hotel.
Dinner on your own. This evening you may want to dine at Paladar Le Chansonnier one of
the most progressive and stylish restaurants in Havana. You may choose to travel to the
restaurant in classic 1950’s era American convertible taxis that, despite being cut off from
factory support for 50 years, remain the most prevalent automobiles seen on the streets
and roadways of Cuba.
Optional: Enjoy an evening of music at Habana Café, a venue that features a nightly
variety-type show that includes Cabaret dancers combined with comedy and music. With
a 1950’s, nostalgic décor, Habana Café attracts locals and tourists alike. Be ready to get
on the dance floor and dance all night to the rhythm of great Caribbean music.
(B,L)
Day 8
Tuesday, April 29
10:00 am
Visit the Museum of Cuban Art. We will be greeted by art historian Nelson Herrera. The
museum is dedicated exclusively to Cuban Art from the earliest days of colonialism to the
latest generation of Cuban artists.
12:30 pm
Cuban cuisine cooking lesson with the Chef de Cuisine in the professional kitchens at the
Hotel Parque Central. We will learn about traditional cooking methods and enjoy our lunch
after our lesson. Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisine.
Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with Spanish and African cooking, with some
Caribbean influence in spice and flavor. This results in a unique, interesting and flavorful
blend of several different cultural influences.
2:30 pm
Artist studio visit with painter Antonio Jimenez and sculptor Wilay Mendez.
Remainder of afternoon free.
6:00 pm
Demonstrative lecture on Cuban Music at Bar Asturias by Prof. Alberto Faya who has been
working as a musician, professor and researcher within the Cuban musical world. He has
obtained national awards due to their work in the field of music and musicology. They will
be joined by a quartet of extraordinary young musicians who will take us on a musical
journey thru the history of Cuba. This will be an interactive experience, with the audience
encouraged to engage the lecturers and musicians. Bar Asturias is located just a few steps
from the hotel and complimentary beverages will be served.
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8:00 pm
Farewell dinner at Paladar San Cristobal. About a 10-minute walk from
Parque Central, this cozy paladar has a reputation of excellence in both atmosphere and
local cuisine. The food is refined and balanced (enjoy dishes like gazpacho, tender lobster,
crème carmel) and the nostalgic atmosphere is unforgettable, adorned in a unique style
of art nouveau.
(B,L,D)
Day 9
Wednesday, April 30
10:00 am
Check out of the hotel and depart for the airport.
1:15 pm
Flight departs Havana for Miami on ABC Charter Flight #AA9441, operated by American
Airlines. Flight duration is 1 hour.
2:15 pm
Arrive in Miami. Clear customs. Please allow 3 hours to make your connecting flights.
(B)
*Tips may be given to your Cuban guide and driver at this time. The recommended tip is 5CUC per day, per
passenger for your guide and 3CUC per day, per passenger for your driver.
BE SURE TO COLLECT YOUR BELONGINGS FROM THE SAFE DEPOSIT BOX IN YOUR ROOM
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PASSPORT
VISA
PLANE TICKET
OFAC LICENSE AND LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION
25 CUC DEPARTURE TAX (TO BE PAID AT THE AIRPORT)
*Please Note: This is a “Working” Itinerary. There may be some changes, additions
and/or subtractions to the Final Itinerary. All venues and artist’s studios are subject to
final confirmations. Be assured that any changes made will be done to enhance the
total program, and to promote a smooth operation of the tour.
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