Until the middle of the 20th century, ordinary Americans puddle-jumped to Cuba for quick getaways. The door is now ajar again. But this time it opens to deeper, longer, more thoughtful interactions with the people of Cuba on the Educational Exchange Program that Classic Journeys has been licensed to offer. In the company of expert local guides, you’ll meet a remarkable cross-section of the society: school students and cigar-makers, naturalists and artists, farmers, historians and more. On the streets of Havana, in a mountainous eco-village, at the home of Ernest Hemingway or in the fields of a peasant farm, every moment is a revelation – and a meaningful opportunity to absorb the island’s rich culture. To broaden your perspective, accommodations range from highly regarded Havana landmarks to a beautifully situated hotel overlooking the Valle de Viñales. This is sure to be one of the most enriching travel experiences you’ll ever have. 

DAYS 1-3 - URBAN LIFE IN HAVANA
Following an overnight in Miami and a brief flight to Cuba, we check in to our hotel in Old Havana. In our explorations of this vibrant city, we’ll take a guided walk in Old Havana. You’ll shop the local markets on a typical Cuban’s budget for food. We’ll interact with the inhabitants and artists on a stroll in the vivid streets of La Muraleando. We’ll retrace Hemingway’s footsteps as we visit small bars he favored, hear the local music, and sip an authentic Cuba libre.

DAYS 4-5 - THE AGRARIAN WORLD OF VALLE DE VIÑALES
Beyond the city, we visit Las Terrazas, a sustainable community in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve where we learn about reforestation and the unique program to encourage small-scale private enterprise. From our hotel with impressive views of the valley, we visit a local school for a fascinating back-and-forth conversation with students and teachers. To experience the scenic Cuban countryside, we’ll take rural walks that offer chances to talk with peasant farmers and learn about cigar making, and have lunch at an organic farm where they views are amazing.

DAYS 6-7 - THE CULTURE OF HAVANA
On our return to Havana, we’ll stop in at the workshop where Cuba’s famous car lovers refurbish and maintain their tail-finned treasures. Then, we’ll hop in for a ride to Revolution Square and other points of interest. We’ll get a cooking instruction at a typical restaurant and visit Finca Vigia, Hemingway’s home where he wrote some of his greatest work. In addition to some generous free time for you to explore on your own, we’ll also visit Hotel Nacional, go down into tunnel shelters built during the Missile Crisis, and see the recently reopened U.S. Embassy.

DAY 8 – RETURN TO MIAMI
We return to Miami via flight.