Havana, Cuba Photography Immersion, with Mary Buck
Cuba Photography Immersion Workshop
We are so excited to talk with Mary Buck and her travel agent to bring you more information about her Photography Immersion Workshop in Havana, Cuba. Listen in to learn more!
Interested? Sign Up Now for the February 2019 Cuba Photography Immersion Workshops!
Here’s the itinerary:
La Havana Ethnic Photo Tour and more…
Thursday, February 21 – Arrival; Panoramic Havana City Tour (L,D)
Arrive at the US airport about 4 hours prior to flight time.
VISA: We will secure your VISA in advance- You will also receive an affidavit to complete; check the box for General License for People-to-People 525-565 (it may combine educational in the same box)
Exchange some money at the airport exchange booth into the CUBA currency CUC (enough for your first day before you get to hotel, recommended amount $200 per person). You should be able to exchange additional money at the hotel. US Credit cards will not work in CUBA
Upon arrival in Cuba clear customs and immigration, gather your luggage and then meet your Cuba representative at SALON D, PUERTA/GATE 7-8. Your Cuban Tour Guide will accompany you throughout your journey. Unless noted, all pick up/transfer/tour times will be determined on site with your guide. After collecting your bags and exiting customs, you will enjoy a Panoramic Havana City Tour. You will also learn about the different neighborhoods in Havana. We will learn firsthand about the recent restorations and the historical importance of many of its glorious buildings, many dating back to Colonial times. There are four major squares in Havana which you will vvisit Historic Old Havana. Walking tour of Havana’s four historic plaza’s: 1. San Francisco de Asis, 2. Plaza Vieja, 3. Plaza de Armas, and 4. Plaza de la Cathedral Lunch provided at El Torre, perched 25 stories above Havana. Incredible views in the city
-Walking tour of Havana Club Rum museum. Taste some of Cuba’s best rum!
Return to casas
Special Welcome dinner provided at El Ajibe, Cuba’s most famous chicken restaurant Day completed
Accommodations at the Hotel Nacional
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Friday, February 24 – Old Havana and Fusterlandia (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the Hotel
Visit “Fusterlandia”, home and neighborhood of Jose Fuster, known as the “Picasso of the Caribbean” for his amazing and world famous ceramic artistry. You will have an opportunity to have your person tile placed in this neighborhood to mark your spot for perpetuity. This will be unforgettable
Lunch provided at El Rejoneo, a true Cuban neighborhood “paladar”-Visit Revolution Square and Revolution Museum, the Cuban government’s military museum of past wars and conflicts–Stop by San Jose
market to purchase Cuban arts, clothing and paintings
Dinner provided at paladar El Canonazo, walking distance from the Canon Ceremony- 9:00 pm Attend historical Canon Firing Ceremony
Accommodations at the Hotel Nacional
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Interested? Sign Up Now for the February 2019 Cuba Photography Immersion Workshops!
Saturday, February 23 –Havana and Hemingway (B,L,-)
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart after breakfast and board bus at 9am to visit Hemingway’s house, a fascinating museum to the great American writer, -.
Visit the Jose Fuster project and the Callejon de Hammel. José Rodríguez Fuster (born August 1946 in Villa Clara, Cuba) is a Cuban naïve artist specializing in ceramics, painting, drawing, engraving, and graphic design. As a professional, he was commissary of several exhibitions and was a member of the Cuban Association of artist and craftsmen.
Afternoon open to interact with local Cubans exchanging political and cultural views Optional – add-on – Parisian show at the Hotel Nacional $40 pp
Accommodations at the Hotel Nacional
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (Buffett style)
Interested? Sign Up Now for the February 2019 Cuba Photography Immersion Workshops!
Sunday, February 24 – Havana (B,L,-)
Breakfast at the Hotel
Today we have a very exciting day. Meet with a faculty member of the University of Havana to discuss the
economic history of Cuba from the perspective of the past, present and future. One hour lecture will also include historical facts about how the Mafia affected Cuban culture. This will include a 1 hour tour of Mafia “hot spots” in Havana. Very, very interesting
-Remainder of day devoted to creating art via photography with local Cubans to include a 2 hours antique car ride
Accommodations at the Hotel Nacional
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Interested? Sign Up Now for the February 2019 Cuba Photography Immersion Workshops!
Monday, February 25 – School Visit Matanzas and Varadero (B,
Breakfast at the Hotel
Visit an elementary school to visit a classroom. See how a student spends a normal day. We ask that everyone bring at least one lined notebook with pencils for the kids
-Transfer to Varadero, considered the “French Riviera” of Cuba. We will stop in Matanzas along the way to explore this beautiful city and interact with the locals.
Lunch provided in Varadero
-Remainder of day spent visiting historical sites and immersing ourselves in the culture of Cuba Return to Havana Special Farewell dinner provided at seaside restaurant 1830
Accommodations at the Hotel Nacional
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Farewell Dinner
Interested? Sign Up Now for the February 2019 Cuba Photography Immersion Workshops!
Tuesday, February 26 – Flight Home
After breakfast. Check out
Pick up by your guide for a transfer to the Havana airport for your departure flight.
End of Services
Interested? Sign Up Now for the February 2019 Cuba Photography Immersion Workshops!
Pricing:
8 Pax $2890 pp in double Single supplement $635
INCLUDES:
- 5 nights Hotel Nacional
- Daily breakfast
- Mentioned Lunches and dinners
- Private round-trip airport transfers as a group – any transfers outside of group will incur and added charge
- Panoramic Havana City Tour
- Havana’s famous traditional Cannon Firing Ceremony
- Modern Havana and Hemingway
- Visit the project Jose Fuster
- Visit the Callejon de Hammel
- Varadero and Matanzas visit
- School visit
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Required VISAs
- University Professor Mafia Tour and discussion
NOT INCLUDED:
- International air
- Early check in, late check out
- Services and food not listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages during the meals
- Hotel extras and personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers, ($70.00 CUC per person) and in restaurants
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
- Rates are per person, based on number of passengers indicated on the rates
- Based on 6 Passengers MIN
- Accommodations are per person in double room
- Prices are subject to change until paid in full.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Remember your Passport and VISAs
- Upon arrival in CUBA locate your Representative for transfer service to your hotel if applicable.
- Work with your local guide for $ to CUC exchange
- CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN CUBA. Make sure to take cash for purchases and for currency exchange.
- When in a foreign country your mobile phone may or may not receive coverage and when in use you may be charged a roaming fee. Prior to departure check with your service company for your plan information.
- We recommend that you do not use the mini bars inasmuch as their prices are very high. However, if you do choose to use the mini bars or make personal, local, or long distance phone calls, or charge any other incidentals to your room, we ask that you settle those charges upon your check-out.
- Tipping: We are frequently asked about tipping. Tips for the driver and local guide(s) are not included and are up to each individual as to what they want to tip. We recommend $7.00 CUC per person per day Porter tips are $2 per bag, Maid service at $2 per room night, 10% in restaurants.
- Services are contracted and paid for in advance and there will be no refunds if not used.
- Confirm excursion times with tour representative if applicable
- Limited Internet services may be available.
- Please use in room safes for items of value. We recommend leaving passports, IPods, hand held games, etc. in the safe. Condor Tours & Travel and Condor Outfitters are not responsible for lost or stolen valuables.
Your itinerary, to include tours and accommodations, is approved by the Cuban government. Not noted in your itinerary is a daily
“People-to-People” encounter that is assigned on site at the discretion of the government that may affect your itinerary. Although it is uncommon, the Cuban government reserves the right to change your itinerary (tours and/or accommodations) onsite without notice. Your final documents include what we are required to send to all clients visiting Cuba.
REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS TO ENTER CUBA – TOURIST TRAVEL
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- U.S. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay
- VISA
- Required to hold travel insurance to cover medical expenses while in Cuba and must be purchased at point of origin – we have included their insurance but recommend additional US company
- Tickets and Documents for return or onward travel
- Cuban Departure Tax $28 payable at airport prior to departure
Each client is responsible for obtaining the proper documentation and vaccinations to enter the country (ies) they are planning to visit prior to travel. It is important to remember to contact the airline directly at least 24 hours prior to departure to verify you have the most up-to-date details incase of a schedule change or flight delays and luggage restrictions.