CUBACULTURE & HISTORY WITH JEFF KEITH

April 14-23, 2017

PHOTO BY GUILLAUME BAVIERE

• Discover the many historical influences that have impacted Cuba during a tour of Old Havana’s colonial architecture, tree-lined avenues, and plazas and squares.

• Visit the Castillo de Jagua fortress, restored main square, and the Malecón promenade in Cienfuegos, the “Pearl of the South” and a center for sugar, coffee and tobacco production.

• Stroll the cobbled streets and view the colorful houses of Trinidad, a well-preserved colonial town.

• Enjoy the opportunity to snorkel, swim, and kayak in the coastal town of Jibacoa.

• Tour Finca Vigía, where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote some of his most well-known works.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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CUBA

Examine how Cuba’s cultural heritage has been shaped by indigenous, European, and African influences during this 10-day journey with Jeff Keith, from the 19th century sugar trade and its lasting impact, to the incorporation of various religious identities, to more recent history, like the 1959 revolution. Interact with Cuban people as you meet with art students and senior citizens, listen to a live musical performance, and visit a family-run pottery workshop. Plus, have the chance to go snorkeling and enjoy some leisure time at the beach.

palaces on the Plaza Mayor that used to belong to wealthy sugar barons. Upon arrival visit the Painting School of Trinidad, where you’ll have the chance to take a look around the school and meet students and staff. Also visit a “Casa de Abuelos” (grandparents’ house), where seniors meet during the day to take part in social activities. Before lunch listen to live traditional music at the bar La Canchanchara, where you can taste the Cuban drink of the same name. Lunch will be in the Manaca Iznaga ruins, at the heart of the sugar cane valley of San Luis. This historical site belonged to the Sanchez Iznaga family, and you’ll learn about the history of the sugar barons and the development of the sugar cane industry in the first half of the 19th century. After lunch return to the village and explore more the cobblestone streets on a walking tour. Go to the Tres Cruces square and to the former Fisher House. Also visit El Cabildo de San Antonio, the first cult house where African slaves got permission from the Spanish authorities to worship their deities. Stop at a family-run pottery workshop, where the tradition of making pottery has been passed on for generations. Later in the day return to Cienfuegos. Dinner will be on own to try local restaurants. Overnight at Hotel Jagua. (BL)

APRIL 19 - JIBACOA Today travel to Jibacoa to the all-inclusive retreat nestled between the mountains and the gorgeous Arroyo Bermejo Beach, 50 miles from Havana. Optional snorkel activity this afternoon or enjoy the resort amenities after swimming or kayaking. Later dine in one of three specialty restaurants. Transfer is approximately three hours. Overnight at Memories Resort. (BLD)

APRIL 20-22 - JIBACOA Enjoy leisure time at Memories Resort. Overnight at Memories Resort. (BLD)

APRIL 23 - DEPARTURE Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the U.S. (B)

APRIL 14 - HAVANAUpon arrival in Havana transfer to your hotel. In the evening receive a welcome orientation. Overnight at Hotel Ambos Mundos. (D)

APRIL 15 - HAVANA Today take a day trip to explore Old Havana. Havana is a living time capsule, from its Spanish colonial history to the enduring legacy of the Revolution, characterized by 1950s American cars and colonial architecture. Havana can be divided into four main areas: the old quarter, which as the name suggests is the historical heart of the city and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982; central Havana, containing the famous Paseo del Prado, Capitolio building, and many outstanding museums; Vedado, the modern political and cultural center, including Revolution Square; and Miramar to the west, Havana’s most elegant quarter, whose main, tree-lined avenue, Quinta Avenida, is flanked by splendid villas. This afternoon visit the model of Old Havana and have lunch at a local restaurant in Plaza Vieja before continuing the exploration of the city treasures. This evening dinner will be at the hotel, then enjoy the grounds. Overnight at Hotel Ambos Mundos. (BLD)

APRIL 16 - HAVANA This morning visit Ernest Hemingway’s house, Finca Vigía, where the author lived on and off for 20 years. Here, Hemingway wrote two of his most celebrated novels, “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Old Man and the Sea.” “A Movable Feast” was also written here. Lunch at a local restaurant. Have some time to explore Old Havana and the National Museum of Natural History. This evening we will walk to a local paladar or restaurant for dinner. Overnight at Hotel Ambos Mundos. (BLD)

APRIL 17 - CIENFUEGOS Today travel to Cienfuegos. Established in 1819, more recently than most major Cuban cities and the only city in the country founded by French settlers, Cienfuegos is an easygoing place, noticeably cleaner and more spacious than the average provincial capital and deserving of its label as the “Pearl of the South.” After lunch explore the town, which is one of the chief seaports of Cuba and the center of the sugar, coffee, and tobacco production. During your exploration visit Castillo de Jagua, a fortress erected in the 1740s for protection against Caribbean pirates, as well as the restored main square, the Catedral de la Purísima Concepción, and the Teatro Terry. You will also see its Prado, decorated by monuments and important buildings such as the former Rotary Club building, today the Casa de la Cultura. Afterward, drive along Punta Gorda on a 1.8-mile-long peninsula where the Malecón promenade is bordered by imposing villas, vestiges of the American period under Batista. Overnight at Hotel Jagua. (BLD)

APRIL 18 - CIENFUEGOS Today visit nearby Trinidad. Trinidad is the perfect example of a colonial town, which has earned it a position on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cobbled streets are lined with colorful houses from a bygone era which remain well-preserved even today. A particular highlight is the impressive

LAND PRICING

$3,127Price includes Cuban visa; all meals, accommodations, and activities as indicated in the itinerary; in-country transportation; local guides; and carbon offset.Does not include international airfare estimated at $325 from Newark (based on a minimum of 10 travelers), gratuities, or items of a personal nature.

THE FINE PRINTPrice is based on double occupancy; for a single room throughout the trip, add $675 per person. A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form are required to secure your space on the trip. This deposit is refundable minus a $100 cancellation fee until January 9, 2017, at which time final non-refundable payment is due. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL: Visit holbrook.travel/jeffkeith-cu17 or contact Laura Hare at 352-377-7111 x356 or laura@holbrooktravel.com

ITINERARYBLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER