Accredited Continuing Education Travel Seminars for Medical, Dental, Nursing and Health Related Professionals.
This program offers up to 14 hours of CE Credit for healthcare professionals.
Meet PES tour host Charlotte "Chuck" de Frances, Director of Development for PES Healthcare and Educational Programs. Click here to read her biography and personal invitation to join this exciting research trek.
CONTACT US
For details on program content and CE credits call:
Witness Cuba on routes less traveled. Meet the people. Experience their culture. Learn their history. ®
Exclusive professional exchange program
Sharing Cross Cultural Perspectives:
Exploring Cuban Healthcare and Culture Tour
March 16 - 24, 2012
Eight-story Che Guevara sculpture in the Plaza de la Revolución. Click here to enlarge.
AN ISLAND EXPEDITION focused on people-to-people education and cultural exchanges. Islanders, eager to meet their American cousins, are thrilled to host this tour. While in Cuba, you'll candidly examine island medicine, prevention and healthcare from prenatal to elderly care. You'll get a rare glimpse into Cuba's acclaimed system of free universal medical services plus a healthy dose of island culture and history.
PROGRAM INSPIRATION, concept and design is modeled on similar international seminars organized by the Professional Education Society. Since 1980, PES has offered accredited continuing medical education (CME) and continuing dental education (CE) learning trips for dentists, physicians, nurses and health related professionals.
Services, operations and licensing for this research program are provided by Cuba Education Tours.
An opportunity for health professionals to receive CME and CE credits.
An up close highly personal examination of Cuba's renowned healthcare system and island culture.
Be part of the authentic daily life of Cubans mornings, afternoons and evenings.
Experience island history, social and ecological achievements first hand.
Glean insights into dynamic citizen engagement in all aspects of urban development and social policy.
Establish enduring personal and professional relationships with your Cuban counterparts and North American tourmates.
You're in good hands while on the island
SAFE, FUN, people-to-people cultural travel. Your tour is fully escorted by Cuban experts from the minute you touch down in Havana until you return home. You're in the conscientious care of our fulltime multilingual guide together with a professional bus chauffeur. They're there for you and eager to assist in everyway.
OFFICIAL Cuban medical insurance is included in tour cost. This excellent coverage applies to all health issues that may arise during travel. There are no out-of-pocket expenses while in Cuba.
TRAVEL FOR CHANGE. Cuba Education and Explorer Tours is an American and Canada based organization dedicated to green, ethical travel that benefits Cubans and our guests. Read what past travelers say about our tours.
Apple indicates meals included in program in your hotel and at fine restaurants
Tour day
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Breakfast
In Air
Lunch
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Dinner
In Air
Get to know Cuba in comfort and safety
YOU EXPLORE CUBA in a modern air-conditioned tour coach with a fulltime professional chauffeur from arrival to departure. Havana is one of the oldest and most architecturally stunning cities in the New World. During your many excursions around the capital, and beyond, your guide provides ongoing historical commentary for all points of interest. We want you to learn everything about our beautiful island.
Several site highlights are Modern Havana, the Capitol building, the Grand Theatre, Central Park, Prado promenade, Plaza de la Revolución, Coppelia Ice Cream Park, Plaza José Martí (in front of U.S. Interests Section), Malecón seawall, Monument to the Battleship Maine, Hotel Nacional, University of Havana, Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón, and the Miramar, Central Havana and Vedado neighborhoods.
Your tour map
Day 1 in Cuba
Friday 16 March :: Hello Cuba
Cuban girls perform folk dance.
Welcome mojito.
Sunset on the Malecón seawall near your hotel – a place for relaxation and new friendships.
Arrive at Havana's José Martí International Airport. Proceed through Cuban immigrations and customs.
You are welcomed at the airport arrivals lobby by your Cuba Education Tours guide and professional bus chauffeur.
Private group transfer to your Hotel Santa Isabel located in the heart of Habana Vieja [Old Havana], the city's cultural hub.
Enjoy a welcome cocktail with tourmates, hotel staff and your guide.
Free time to settle in to your hotel room and freshen up.
Dinner tonight is included in cost at your hotel
Highlight This evening you'll enjoy a group welcome dinner with your guide and tourmates.
Evening activities
Your guide will keep you posted on entertainment options around the city.
Day 2 in Cuba
Saturday 17 March :: Getting to know Old Havana
Incredible detail hallmarks the Maqueta de La Habana Vieja. It's a great way to get a sense of the city.
Decorative mail drop box in Old Havana.
Inside view of the dome of El Capitolio.
Plaza Vieja in Old Havana.
Exterior and interior of the Cathedral of Havana initiated by Jesuits in 1748 and completed in 1777. Click photos for larger view.
Modernist sculpture by noted Cuban artist Rita Longa stands outside the entrance to Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Left Contemporary Cuban soldier in 18th century British military attire guards the Carlos de la Cabaña fortress (click his photo to enlarge). Right Cabaña turret.
This British occupation of Havana from 1762 shows the original walled city of La Habana (founded in 1519). Spain ended British rule by trading Florida for Havana. Click here for another old map. Check out this interactive Google Map of Cuba.
Breakfast this morning is included in cost at your hotel
Lay of the land We'll visit the Maqueta de La Habana Vieja [Scale Model of Old Havana] to learn about this community and its development plans. It's a 1:500 scale model of Old Havana complete with an authentic soundtrack meant to replicate a day in the life of the city. It's incredibly detailed and provides an excellent way of geographically acquainting yourself with the city’s original core.
Followed by a walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit four of the five historic plazas that make Havana unique in the western hemisphere. It contains the largest collection of remaining colonial-era architecture. This is a private tour led by your Cuba Education Tours guide. You'll witness:
Cathedral Square, the most beautiful and private 18th century colonial plaza on the island. Named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture: the Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana built by the Jesuit order.
Square of Arms, an ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers, surrounded by impressive buildings such as:
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, former seat of colonial government. Today the building houses the Museum of the City.
Palacio del Segundo Cabo [Palace of the Second Lieutenant], dates from 1770. Today it houses the Instituto Cubano del Libro [Cuban Book Institute] and the Galería Raúl Martínez (famed poster artist).
Museo de Artesanía at Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the oldest remaining fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies.
We continue onto San Francisco Square, one of the oldest plazas in the historical quarter. The square is named after magnificent Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco de Asís dating from the 16th century. The basilica is a striking example of Cuba baroque architecture.
And later to Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Absent are churches and government buildings, and is in contrast surrounded by opulent aristocratic 17th century residences. Here we'll visit an important center for the visual arts.
Lunch this afternoon is included in cost
Group welcome lunch at Restaurante El Templete. This bayside fish joint is the latest newcomer to the city’s list of upscale eateries. Basque chef Arkaitx Etxarte does delightful things with seafood. It sits near its namesake temple that marks the spot where the city of La Habana was founded in 1519. Overlooking the harbor, it features two dining spaces: an outdoor alfresco area accommodated under a large awning, and a pleasant indoor dining room with starched tablecloths, expensive-looking wine glasses and cutlery. The quality of the food lives up to its pretentious decor. Shrimp and lobster spearhead its seafood specialties. Many tour participants return to this eatery during their free time.
Followed by a private guided tour of the Palacio de Bellas Artes [Palace of Fine Arts] dedicated exclusively to housing Cuban art spanning three centuries. Sections are devoted to landscape, religious subjects and narrative scenes of Cuban life. A gallery devoted to the 1970s displays the latest generation of Cuban artists whose works reflect the strong symbolic imagery prevalent in recent decades. Together the exhibits account for the richness of the island's Spanish, French, Chinese, African and Aboriginal cultural roots. Notable works include those of René Portocarrero and Wilfredo Lam.
Return to your hotel and freshen up.
Highlight Meeting in hotel with Michele Frank, MD, an American physician who did her medical training in Cuba. Dr. Frank will provide us with an overview of the Cuban medical system from her experience.
Dinner tonight is included in cost
Now for a special group dinner at Restaurante La Divina Pastora at which Dr. Michele will be our guest. This seafood palace sets just behind the big cannons below Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña where Che Guevara established his headquarters after the Revolution came to power in 1959 – four hundred years after it was built on the backs of African slaves and endentured European laborers. La Divina is noted for its good service, tasty seafood and live music. You'll eat near the water on the north side of Havana Harbor overlooking Old Havana to the south.
Evening activities
Highlight We witness a most dramatic ceremony – El Cañonazo – the Firing of the 9PM Cannon at the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña. This enchanting colonial reenactment dates back to 1519 when the city of Havana was enclosed by a tall thick rock wall to ward off attacks from pirates and the English. The cannon firing signaled the closing of the city gates for the night. If you were outside at the time, you were in "vedado" or the forbidden zone. Today Vedado is an important cultural hub and beautiful section of modern Havana.
Day 3 in Cuba
Sunday 18 March :: Hemingway, organic agriculture, Afrocubanismo
War reporter, activist, man of letters, journalist and literary titan Ernest Hemingway.
In preparation for this afternoon's activity, watch this riveting British Broadcasting Corporation feature from Around the World in 80 Gardens on urban organic farms in Havana.
The Black Yoruban "Virgen de Regla" Yemayá is paraded across the community on the Day of All Saints.
Dancers perform traditional moves connected to the religion of Santería.
Group dinner at El Patio Restaurant.
Breakfast this morning is included in cost at your hotel
This morning we're off to visit Finca Vigía [Lookout Farm] where North America's literary giant Ernest Hemingway spent twenty-one of his most important and productive years penning building blocks of English literature. Claimed by both the United States and Cuba as their son, it was Hemingway himself who declared the island his true home. The house has been preserved just as it was when Hemingway lived there. You'll see his personal objects, thousands of books and photographs, as well as some "trophies" bagged on his frequent safaris.
We'll visit the UBPC Vivero Organopónico Alamar, 15 km (9.3 miles) east of Havana. It's one of the most successful urban organic farms in Cuba raising ornamental plants, medicinal herbs, and millions of seedlings for neighboring residential and collective farms. Established in the early 1990s, the Alamar cooperative has over 20 members and provides a range of healthy, organic vegetables to the community. Produce is raised employing the practice of permaculture: no chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, natural biological methods are used to nourish the soil, frustrate pests and conserve water. The result is an increased rate of yield and reduced costs.
Lunch this afternoon is included in cost
We'll stop and have lunch at Hemingway's favorite bar and diner La Terraza. Our suggestion is a glass of ice-cold lemonade, and camarones al ajillo [garlic shrimp] fried in olive oil, and seasoned with garlic and parsley – delicious! The young boy in the novel "Old Man and the Sea," Manolin, was based on the young son of the original owner of La Terraza, Manolito.
Next we'll cross Havana harbor to the Municipality of Regla. This Afrocuban community has a long, rich and still active tradition of African-inspired religions.
We'll visit Regla's church dedicated to the black "Virgen de Regla" Yemayá, the African goddess of the sea in the Yoruba religion and the patron saint of sailors.
We'll tour the Museo Municipal de Regla and learn of the origins of this unique community and its Afrocuban cultures.
Highlight Our time in Regal presents an opportunity to discuss traditional African-influenced healing practices and the role of herbs and plants as medicines.
Return to your hotel and freshen up.
Dinner tonight is included in cost
Group dinner at the popular El Patio Restaurant. Located in the Cathedral Square, in the heart of Havana's colonial district, El Patio is housed in a beautiful 18th century residence, the former Palace of "Marqués de Aguas Claras." Construction began in 1751 and ended in 1755, with distinguishing elements that makes the house one of the most interesting among Cuban architecture of that era. El Patio's menu will please the most diverse tastes. It offers stellar service and tasty international cuisine.
Evening activities
Evening highlight Tonight we have a Cuban band playing for us. You'll learn how to perform and dance to Salsa, Son, Rumba, Mambo and other popular Cuban rhythms from the band members of the Afrocuban Grupo Dulce María.
Day 4 in Cuba
Monday 19 March :: Cuban industry and social programs
Partagás cigar factory.
View of Vedado and Central Havana as seen from Restaurante a Torre Restaurant. This fine eatery occupies the rooftop of the 39-story FOCSA Building – the tallest in Cuba.
CENESEX president Dr Mariela Castro Espín is the daughter of the Cuban president. She works to promote sex education and dignity and equality for LGBT people.
Dancer at the world famed Cabaret Tropicana.
Why is this photo of John Lennon here? Click it to find out.
Breakfast this morning is included in cost at your hotel
Morning tour of the Partagás Real Fábrica de Tabacos established in 1845. It has supplied fine cigars to connoisseurs, as well as European and Asian nobility, for over sixteen decades. Today some 400 workers toil for up to 12 hours a day rolling such famous cigars as Montecristos and Cohibas among other big names. You'll witness the steps of the craft from selection of the cured leaves to expert rolling by skilled workers. It was on the island of Cuba that Europeans first savored tobacco in 1492. Cuban aboriginals had long cultivated the crop and enjoyed it in ceremonial practices. The words tobacco and cigar both derive from the Taíno Indian language. Natives gave two crew of Christopher Columbus, Rodrigo de Xerez and Luis de Torres, tobacco. They introduced the product and custom to Europe several months later. Today, aficionados consider Cuba's product the best in the world.
Highlight Follow by a meeting with Dr. Jose Portilla Garcia of the Cuba's Ministry of Health.
Lunch this afternoon is included in cost
Fabulous lunch Now we dine atop the tallest building in Cuba, and one of Havana's best and most distinguished eateries. Restaurante La Torre specializes in international cuisine.
Followed by an exclusive meeting with members and representatives of CENESEX (Centro Nacional de Educación Sexual / National Center for Sexual Education). This organization and its founder Mariela Castro Espín campaign for equality and dignity for lesbians, gays, transsexuals and transgendered people. Its work consists of advocacy at the community and political level combined with national education efforts and sensitivity training. In particular CENESEX leads in the areas of HIV/AIDS awareness and support services, and gender and sexuality counseling. The heroic work of CENESEX has rocketed Cuba into the stratosphere of the most progressive nation in Latin America for queers. As such, Cuba today is ahead of the United States on matters of legality, compassion, safety, health and government supported promotion of equality.
Return to your hotel and freshen up.
Highlight Follow by a meeting with Dr. Aleida Guevara. She is the daughter of Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara and practices pediatrics in Havana and consults on healthcare issues across Latin America.
Dinner tonight is not included in cost
You are free to explore different eateries. Your guide will advise on restaurants for every taste and budget.
Optional evening entertainment activities
Depending upon event and performance schedules you could attend a Cuban baseball game, spend an evening with the Buena Vista Social Club, or take in fabulous Cabaret Tropicana that set the benchmark for Las Vegas floorshows and Hollywood musicals.
Day 5 in Cuba
Tuesday 20 March :: Cuba and the future of its universal services
Restoration of Belén Convent began in 1991 and continues today. It serves as a public health facility for the elderly in the neighborhood and a permanent residence for 50 retirees. Eventually a section of the facility will house a small hotel.
Giant mosaic of crab by José Fúster. Click photo to enlarge. Photo Richard Harris.
Dr. Marta Núñez Sarmiento, will discuss the role of the social worker in healthcare delivery.
Attorney Rita M. Pereira Ramírez will discuss women's health issues in relation to the law.
Dr. Manuel Eugenio Yepe Menéndez will discuss the future of universal services in Cuba.
Island billboard reads: 200 million kids in the world sleep in the streets, none of them are Cuban.
Cuban students in Havana say, "Welcome. Come down and meet us!" Photo Henk van der Leeden.
Breakfast this morning is included in cost at your hotel
Visit to the Convento de Nuestra Señora de Belén [Convent of Our Lady of Belén], a humanitarian health project in Old Havana. Construction on the Convent was begun in 1712. It was expanded and remodeled several times over the centuries. Finally abandoned in 1925, it fell into grave disrepair. In 1991 restoration began and continues with amazing results. Today the Office of the Historian, local Public Health authorities and the Order of the Sisters of Charity jointly manage the Belén Convent. It is home to fifty elderly people and provides physiotherapy and ophthalmological services to many more elderly in the community. Other activities include exercise classes, board games, cognitive rehabilitation, films, crafts workshops, and "love among the elderly" lectures. We'll meet with project Director Nelson Águila and tour the facility.
During our visit to Belén we'll spend time with its pharmacy and medical staff to discuss delivery of local services. This is a wonderful ocasion for tour guests to give medical and material donations to this community organization.
Lunch this afternoon is included in cost
Lunch is joined by special guests We'll feast on a delicious meal hosted by José Fúster, one of Cuba's most important ceramists and painters at his whimsical studio in Jaimanitas, just outside of Havana.
Special guest This afternoon we'll participate in a roundtable discussion led by University of Havana professor, sociologist and feminist author of note Dr. Marta Núñez Sarmiento. Ms Núñez holds a Master's in Sociology from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences in Santiago de Chile, a PhD in Economics from the Academy of Sciences in Moscow, Russia, and has served as a visiting professor at universities in the Dominican Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Canada, Spain and Argentina. Núñez is an engaging presenter who will explore with you many fascinating and unique aspects of Cuban society including family rights, property laws and gender issues.
Theme Women's Health Issues and Gender Perspectives in Cuba
Special guest Our afternoon roundtable discussion is also joined by attorney Rita M. Pereira Ramírez. She'll address issues of women and the law in Cuba. Ms Pereira worked for many years with the Federation of Cuba Women and currently serves as a guest speaker on topics of law and gender on the island. She has represented Cuba at the United Nations Human Rights Commission and hosted many foreign delegations to Cuba.
Theme Women's Status in Cuba and Their Contribution to Well-Being
Special guest Followed by a presentation by Dr. Manuel Eugenio Yepe Menéndez. Dr Yepe is a lawyer, economist, and former ambassador to Rumania. His memberships include: the National Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution, National Association of Economists and Accountants, and the Cuban National Union of Lawyers. Dr. Yepe is a prolific writer and lecturer on topics such as the Cuban Revolution, USA-Cuba Relations, Cuban Foreign Policy, Cuban Economic Policy and Political System, Race Relations in Cuba, Contemporary Cuban Society, Terrorism and State Terrorism, the Cuban Movement for Peace, the Cuban Five, Environmental Issues in Cuba, Cuban Electoral System and Freedom of Religion in Cuba. As a youth he was an assistant to Ernesto Che Guevara.
Theme Cuba Today and a View to Tomorrow
Time to rest and freshen up.
Dinner tonight is not included in cost
You are free to explore different eateries. Your guide will advise on restaurants for every taste and budget.
Optional evening entertainment activities
Depending upon event and performance schedules you could attend a Cuban baseball game, spend an evening with the Buena Vista Social Club, or take in fabulous Cabaret Tropicana that set the benchmark for Las Vegas floorshows and Hollywood musicals.
Day 6 in Cuba
Wednesday 21 March :: Discovering central Cuba and the Caribbean
Cienfuegos, founded by French colonists, has a replica of the Arc de Triomphe in its central plaza.
Teatro Tomás Terry was built in 1889 by the sons of Tomás Terry (a Venezuelan immigrant, slave trader and later as mayor of the city). It's clad in Carrara marble; sports carved wooden seats, ornate ironwork, and an impressive fresco on its arched ceiling. It's hosted Enrico Caruso and Sarah Bernhardt.
Construction of the Cathedral of Cienfuegos took from 1833 to 1869. Click photo to enlarge.
Mansion in Cienfuegos.
Breakfast this morning is included in cost at your hotel
Following breakfast we check-out of our hotel.
Early morning departure to the city of Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. Founded by French immigrants at the beginning of the 19th century, Cienfuegos is renowned for its wealth of stunning neo-classical buildings.
Upon arrival, your guide will recount the story of the origins of this beautiful cosmopolitan city You'll walk its main Plaza Martí where the ceremony of its foundation took place, as do many important events still today. We'll visit such neoclassical buildings as the Cathedral built with donations from wealthy slave owning families – enduring names like Lebranc, Albi, and Terry. Inside the Cathedral a marvelously rendered stained glass mural of the Twelve Apostles imported from Paris will awe you. The original machinery of the Cathedral's tower clock was also crafted in France and keeps on ticking to this day.
Lunch this afternoon is included in cost
We'll enjoy a scrumptious seafood lunch at the bayside Club Náutico Restaurant. Time to sample Cuba's famed harvest from the sea.
Afterwards we'll visit the elegant art gallery Galería de Arte Maroya and review its impressively displayed collection of paintings, sculptures and antiques.
Now we journey on to the historic city of Trinidad and check to your all-inclusive resort hotel Brisas del Mar Trinidad. You'll have time for a swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, and to enjoy the resort's entertainment amenities.
Dinner tonight is included in cost
Dinner is served at your all-inclusive Brisas del Mar. All-inclusive means all meals, snacks and beverages. Choose dinner from among several different snackbars, grills, restaurants and cafeterias.
Optional evening entertainment activities
Evening entertainment options Explore the sea and beach. Enjoy your hotel amenities. Or, take a taxi into town wander the lively streets of Trinidad. How about live Cuban popular music on steps of Casa de la Música or Casa de la Trova? They're both great sound venues and opportunities to dance with Cubans and your tour companions. Your guide will make it happen for the asking.
Day 7 in Cuba
Thursday 22 March :: Getting to know Trinidad and its people
FIRST HERO OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE
Taíno Indian Chief Hatuey from the island of Hispanolia traveled to and warned his Cuban counterparts about the horrific dangers of the impending Spanish invasion in the year 1511. Read about his legendary struggle – that of the premier independence and resistance fighter in our Americas.
Trinidad's Manaca Iznaga tower was built in 1816 to watch over cane-field slaves.
Fisher returns home with catch from Península de Ancón near your resort.
Santander family member spins tiny pot.
Cuban cane cutter. Sugar was king in Cuba for centuries. Spaniards introduced the sweetener in 1512. It enriched conquistadors and nobles and helped make the island wealthiest nation in Latin America. The crop was the engine for the African slave trade, redefining ownership of human beings along color lines for the first time in history. Today sugar plays a greatly diminished role in the economy. Click photo to enlarge.
Breakfast this morning is included in cost at your hotel
This morning we explore one of the oldest cities founded by the Spaniards in the West Indies, Trinidad de Cuba, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. It was established in 1514 on orders of the conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar who traveled to Cuba with Columbus in 1493.
It was from Trinidad de Cuba that conquistador Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro (1485–1547) launched his attack on the Aztec Empire, toppling its capital Tenochtitlan, the world's largest, most opulent and hygienic metropolis of the day.
We visit its Plaza Mayor, Museum of Architecture, Museum of the Romantic Era, the main town parish and other amazing sites, some dating back centuries.
We have free time to wander the streets of Trinidad's historical center and examine the oldest architecture in the Americas, and inspect local art and shop for souvenirs.
Trinidad is well known for its pottery makers. We'll meet a family that has been passing on the tradition for generations: the Santanders.
Lunch this afternoon is included in cost
We hop back on to our bus and stop at a mirador (lookout) overlooking the Valle de los Ingenios [Sugar Mill Valley], also an UNESCO World Heritage Site, where sugar slave barons constructed their lavish countryside mansions and huge refineries [ingenios]. They amassed great riches off the backs of thousands of African slaves putting their bank accounts on par with the Warren Buffetts and Paul Allens of today.
The balance of the day is free for you to enjoy the amenities of your all-inclusive resort hotel – and the beach!
Dinner tonight is included in cost
The Beach Don't forget your swimwear and sunscreen; el sol shines stronger on the island! This is a great occasion to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, relax and spend time with your new Cuban friends and tourmates. Other more exotic aquatic activities and services are available for very reasonable fees.
Optional evening entertainment activities
Evening entertainment options Explore the sea and beach. Enjoy your hotel amenities. Or, take a taxi into town wander the lively streets of Trinidad. How about live Cuban popular music on steps of Casa de la Música or Casa de la Trova? They're both great sound venues and opportunities to dance with Cubans and your tour companions. Your guide will make it happen for the asking.
Day 8 in Cuba
Friday 23 March :: Understanding Cuba's largest industry
A Soviet Army truck is deployed to educate about nature. You'll ride in one to the top of the Escambray Mountains.
Peasant hut in the high altitude jungles of Topes de Collantes.
One in ten cars in Havana is pre-1959. Tonight we tour the Malecón in a fleet of old American convertibles.
Welcome dinner at 1830 Restaurant on Havana's Malecón seawall.
Breakfast this morning is included in cost at your hotel
Check-out of your resort hotel.
This morning we board Soviet Army trucks to climb the peaks of Topes de Collantes in the Escambray Mountains. The Escambrays comprise the island's second highest range, reaching to 3,700 feet atop Pico San Juan. The Escambrays are home to small villages and a true delight for birders and naturalists alike. Dramatic slopes are swathed in Caribbean pines, ancient tree ferns, bamboo and eucalyptus.
Lunch this afternoon is included in cost
Upon arrival at Hacienda Codina, an old Spanish coffee plantation, we'll enjoy a traditional Cuban lunch, followed by a walking tour of the area to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the animals and plants it hosts.
After some exploration by foot, we descend the mountain and return to Havana.
We check-in to our Havana hotel. You have time to freshen up and relax.
Dinner tonight is included in cost
En route to our restaurant, we tour the Malecón in a motorcade of old American convertibles.
Special event Farewell group dinner at the 1830 Restaurant in the western edge of the Vedado neighborhood. Many consider the 1830 as the best example of high Cuban cuisine – a gastronomical heaven. Fidel and Che were regulars at this eatery in the early days of the Revolution.
Evening activities
The balance of the evening is free for you to explore the sights and sounds of the city.
Day 9 in Cuba
Saturday 24 March :: Goodbye Cuba
We'll miss you and hope you return soon! In Cuba we say: A true friend remembers the song in your heart when you have forgotten the lyrics.
Breakfast this morning is included in cost at your hotel
Check-out of your hotel.
Transfer to Havana's José Martí International Airport for your return home.
Don't forget to save 25.00 CUC for your Cuban airport departure fee and some money for meals on the airplane and while in transit home.
Want to stay longer in Cuba following your tour? Contact us and we will help make it happen at a price you can afford.
In preparation for this afternoon's activity, watch this riveting British Broadcasting Corporation feature from Around the World in 80 Gardens on urban organic farms in Havana.
