A Hero’s Journey: Cuba
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival & Welcome
Welcome to Cuba! Fashioned with your essential Cuban accessories - Panama hats and folded fans – get ready to embark on a Cuban journey of a lifetime!
Your first stop is at the iconic La Guarida, which served as the backdrop for the Oscar-nominated film “Strawberry and Chocolate”. Enjoy a contemporary finger-food style Cuban lunch with a view from the terrace onto Old Havana, before arriving at your hotel in the heart of Havana.
As you embark for the evening celebrations take a step back in time and enjoy the ultimate sunset drive around the capital in classic cars. Board the vehicles in front of the hotel that date back to 50s and 60s and enjoy a ride along the Malecon, the esplanade, that stretches along the seaside and provides that iconic flair of Cuba and its lifestyle. Take in the history and culture that surrounds you while passing the statues and murals of the Cuban Revolutionary Heroes like Che Guevara, Fidel Castro and Camilo Cienfuegos that line your way to dinner.
Your destination for tonight’s dinner event celebrates one of Cuba’s most beloved (and controversial) heroes, Alberto Yarini. Well known as socialite and more famously a pimp, Yarini was the king of the San Isidro neighborhood, and a kind of Robin Hood for Havana during the 19th century. To this day he symbolizes the concept of Cubanidad, the Cuban national identity, and how to enjoy life – the Cuban way! Enjoy a night full of CUBANIDAD on the rooftops of Havana with the best in music, dancing, and entertainment.
Day 2
The Heroes of Cuba
Today, you meet the entrepreneurs, the revolutionaries, the artists and more for a truly once-in-a-lifetime exchange with extraordinary Cuban Heroes. Meet four Cuban Heroes for four distinct experiences – each adding their unique insights into the authentic story of Cuban life, society and culture.
Adan Perugorría, Arts & Culture | Meet artist Adan Perugorría, founder of Taller Gorría, an artistic workshop in the midst of one of the most neglected neighborhoods in Old Havana – San Isidro. He and his father Jorge (one of the biggest Cuban movie stars of all time) have championed freedom of artistic expression in the face of Cuba’s government censorship. Meet him and other local artists and learn about their dreams of revitalizing an entire district through the arts. Arts and culture as means of economic development!
Jose “Cueto” Castelar, Food & Beverage | Meet the legendary cigar roller “Cueto”, who holds 5 Guinness Records for rolling the longest cigar in the world. He will introduce you to the art of cigars and share the stories that make him one of Cuba’s most beloved cigar personalities. Enjoy a tasting workshop dedicated to Cuba’s 2 most iconic products – cigars and rum. Just like a fine wine, learn how to pair cigars and rum to enhance and compliment the flavors.
A Cuban Revolutionary, History (in cooperation with the Cuban government) | History is not always straight forward or always interpreted the same way. What many Cubans regarded as liberation, for others was occupation. What some thought was progress, others felt was a return of the past. Meet a revolutionary for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn firsthand the background, beliefs, motivations and ideals they were fighting for. A lesson in listening and understanding that the concept of a Hero is not universal, but a matter of perspective.
Juan Triana Cordoví, Economy | Meet Juan Triana Cordoví, doctor in economic sciences and Director at the Center for the Study of the Cuban Economy at the University of Havana. Cordoví is a recognized author of several books on Cuban Economy. As a state-sponsored economist, his analysis about Cuba and its economic transformation are the source of debate, but there is no one more versed in the economic challenges, limitations, and also the opportunities for the future of business in Cuba.
Day 2 (cont.)
The Heroes Of Cuba
Bonus Hero Experience w. Chef Justo Pérez | The lunch break between your 4 hero experiences will be no ordinary meal! Enjoy a culinary surprise with the former Chef of Fidel Castro, Ivan Justo Pérez, who will be preparing lunch. Choose from a menu selection of tapas, where traditional dishes of Cuban cuisine are reinterpreted and infused with avant-garde techniques.
Dinner will be dedicated to the small hidden places in the city - all special and unique - where the authentic and original Havana can still be found. Restaurants like the Michifu, which is one of those places that prove that you can find incredible places in the city where you least expect it. Or Casa Miglis, an oasis of amazing food, hospitality and of course a huge selection of cocktails and drinks…. Wherever you end up to be in town you will surely enjoy the company of your group - sharing the experiences and stories of the day in a private and intimate environment.
Day 3
Cuba’s Grit & Glamour
After breakfast you have the opportunity to take a deeper dive behind-the-scenes of Havana, and explore the off-site of your choice. Choose an experience that inspires you and immerse yourself in the people, passion, and perseverance that makes Cuba unique. Local heroes will offer you exclusive insights in an intimate setting, with hands-on learning and deeper connections.
The Ultimate Cuban Cooking Class w. the former Chef of Fidel Castro - Chef Ivan Justo
Explore the culinary secrets of Cuban cuisine in this once-in-a-lifetime cooking class. The former Chef of Fidel Castro is not only a hero of Cuban flavors, but also a hero of stories that only he can uniquely tell. Cook with Chef Ivan while he recounts his days with Fidel Castro and shares his entrepreneurial journey to establish one of the most successful restaurants in Cuba!
La Havana Backstage - The secret places of Old Havana w. Architect Aylin Robaina
Havana has long been overdue for restoration, and Cuba’s lack of funding and resources have contributed to its slow decay. So, it has been the skills and knowledge of local heroes that have made an impact for the city and its people. Meet Aylin Robaina, a bright and engaging architect who has played a crucial role in the restoration of the historical center of Havana. She will show you her “Havana backstage” from an architectural, cultural and a uniquely personal perspective.
Day 3 (cont.)
Cuba’s Grit & Glamour
Cuban Music & Dance w. The King of Cuban Percussion Eduardo Córdova
Music and movement define the Cuban lifestyle – in the streets, in the bars, in the private homes and of course in the big dance clubs and schools. Today, you’ll learn and dance with Cuba’s musical hero Eduardo Córdova, one of the island’s most influential figures in rhythm and movement. Join his Habana Compas Dance Company and get introduced to the Art of Cuban Dance and Percussion through innovative performances unlike anything you’ve seen or heard.
Afro-Cuban Cultural Exploration w. Elias Aseff
An exploration of Cuban culture is incomplete without understanding the massive cultural influence of the approximately 500,000 West Africans brought to the island as slaves. Elias Aseff will open the doors and introduce you to the world of Afro-Cuban culture, defined by it’s unique music, dance, beliefs and practices. Visit one of the outstanding projects that he curates - the Havana’s Hamel Alley, an important socio-cultural project aimed at telling the Afro-Cuban cultural story through music, theater, visual arts and more.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure – exploring, relaxing, shopping or simply taking a walk along the little streets of Old Havana – a time reserved for your individual discoveries!
Day 3 (cont.)
Cuba’s Grit & Glamour
The Grand Finale - Tropicana Night | Tonight will be an all-time party to remember! The Tropicana Nights are legendary in Cuba – created in the 1930s, the glitter and glamour has stood the test of time as a celebration of joy, happiness, friendship, and the Cuban Lifestyle.
The setting for your private Tropicana Night is the iconic Morro Castle – the historic 16th Century fortress guarding the entrance into the harbor of Havana. Enjoy the glow of the city, blue of the sea, green of the trees and rhythm of the Cuban dancers and musicians on this spectacular evening.
Wine, dine and enjoy the company of your friends before the evening’s main event! Prepare yourself for a legendary Tropicana performance that overflows the senses with its musical and visual impressions. The Tropicana is to Cuba what the Bolshoi is to Russia, the Moulin Rouge to Paris, or the Blue Note to New York — an enduring cultural mecca. Enjoy the music, the dancers, the performances and join in as a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 4
My Heart Is In Havana
Your last day in Cuba is to say goodbye to all the friends made and to take with you the things you’ve seen, people you’ve met, and lessons you’ve learned! One last chance to reminisce and say farewell to your fellow friends.
You can leave Cuba, but Cuba never leaves you!
