Cuba: A Cultural Odyssey

In Havana, we’ll take a walking tour with local architectural historian Ayleen Robainas, who calls Havana “a living museum.” Architectural landmarks in Havana are many, and include the monument dedicated to Cuban national hero José Martí and the grandiose Capitolio Nacional, built in 1929. At La Casa del Son, a popular dance school, we’ll be introduced to Cuban dance styles by a troupe of professional dancers. Later, we are joined by art historian Nahela Hechavarría at the Museo de Bellas Artes, dedicated exclusively to Cuban art.

We’ll visit La Finca Vigia, the house once owned by Ernest Hemingway, then tour the Instituto Superior de Arte, which has shaped the Cuban contemporary art scene since 1981. It’s housed in the former Havana Country Club, once a place for the elite of pre-Revolutionary Cuba. In Havana Vieja (Old Havana), with its mix of architectural styles dating to the 16th century, we’ll walk the tree-lined Plaza de Armas, once the political epicenter of Cuba, lined by historic structures including the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, former residence of Cuba’s Spanish governors. We’ll also stroll Calle Obispo, with its art galleries and music venues.

Driving across the island to historic Cienfuegos, we enjoy a private performance by Cantores de Cienfuegos, an award-winning choir, then continue to Trinidad, Cuba’s colonial gem, founded in 1514. This tiny village has a charming ambiance all its own. We’ll stroll the streets past plazas and pastel-colored houses and hear the live music that fills the air. Outside Trinidad, we tour a sugar plantation, hike to the natural pool below the Salto Rocio waterfall, and visit Ancon Beach. We depart Day 8 via Santa Clara, where we’ll visit the small home of famed revolutionary Ché Guevara, now a museum.