Transcript
Havana Cuba October 15-19, 2017 As of May 3rd, 2017
Itinerary for Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester Fly to Havana (Cuba) • 4 nights at Parque Central Hotel Havana
BON VOYAGE!
Day 1 Sunday October 15 Depart Rochester to NYC and on to Havana on Jet Blue, reaching Havana at 1:20pm. Please try to avoid checked luggage, as it takes long to retrieve them at the airport You guide and private transportation with your driver awaits you at Jose Marti airport, terminal 3 Our first stop in Cuba will be Revolution Square. Catch the tail end of Sunday Rhumba event in Cuba (available from 12-3pm) Check in Hotel Parque Central Enjoy walking on the Prado and watch the display of art by emerging artists and people who are trying to sell their homes independently on the street, walk all the way to the Malecon, the sea side wall where Cubans come to rest and meet friends. Enjoy a tour of the Fabrica de Arte Cubano followed by dinner at Cocinero (pay in cash)
Day 2 Monday October 16 Buffet Breakfast at Hotel The day will begin with a visit to a cigar-rolling factory. Followed by a nice walking day (but the bus is available ) Our guide will lead you on a beautiful and interesting walking tour of Old Havana (La Habana Vieja). Founded in 1519, Old Havana was built around the natural port of Havana Bay. Our walking tour continues to San Francisco Square, one of the oldest in the historic quarter and to Plaza Vieja, the only surviving civic square from colonial times. Note that it doesn’t include a church or government building. Here we visit important institutions in the visual arts. Stop at the scale model of the city. Stop at Taller de Gráfica de la Habana, one of the most important graphic arts establishments, preserving the old printmaking techniques and producing some of the most significant works of graphic art in Havana. Lunch at Ivan Justo restaurant
Then we go to our first history lesson at the Museum of Revolution, where you learn about history of the Revolution. Enjoy a dance class, try your feet and learn the Cuban way.
Back to the hotel 6:30pm: Enjoy a cocktail party at Titina’s house Dinner will be at paladar Cocina Lilliam (included)
Day 3 Tuesday, October 17 Buffet Breakfast at Hotel Depart the hotel. First stop is the Jewish cemetery where we will hear about some of the history of the Jews who came to Cuba in the early 20th century, notice the first Holaucost Memorial in the western world to the Jews who perished, Kadish will be recited. Hemingway House Having a long-lasting mutually shared respect, Cuba has meticulously maintained the Finca La Vigia. A special treat is a look-see of Hemingway’s boat, “Pilar”. Followed by a visit to an independent business : humidor workshop Lunch at paladar Mediteraneo Visit the Sefardic synagogue and meet the president Dr. Myra Levy. Also see a special Holaucost exhibit, the only exhibit about this subject in Cuba. Enjoy a private tour of the fine Arts museum, with the collection of Cuban art from the early 20th to the 21st century. Back to the hotel We will be driving to the Patronato Synagogue to view the Rikudim program . for services led by members of the community, with kids and adults alike. Enjoy Kiddush and say Hamotze with the congregation. We will then walk around the corner and have dinner at Le Chansonier walking distance from the Patronato synagogue. While there, also enjoy an art exhibition by emerging artists.
Day 4: Wednesday, October 18, 2017 Buffet Breakfast at Hotel 9:am :Enjoy a briefing at the American Embassy and hear about the relationship between the US and Cuba.(to be confirmed)Drive by or visit inside the Art School that was built on the grounds of the former Golf course. It’s considered by some an amazing architectural wonder.
Lunch at Aljibe, a restaurant famous for its chicken recipe, (vegetarian food is available) This afternoon we will drive through Cubanacan, the Mega mansions of Havana that belonged to the richest Havaneros who left the country after the Revolution and were taken over by the Cuban government. This is followed by a visit to the incomparable home of artist and ceramicist Jose Fuster.
We will return to the hotel riding in vintage, convertible American cars. Cocktails at Mabel Poblet studio Enjoy dinner at paladar la Guarida(to pay in cash ) do not miss the rooftop bar Spend your last night at the famous Tropicana show (included)
Day 5 Thursday October 19 Buffet breakfast at hotel We will visit Adath Israel Synagogue and see the Menorah that celebrates the immigrants who originated the Jewish community in Old Havana, followed by a quick visit to the craft market . Stop by Macondo to pick up sandwiches and to the airport for your jet Blue flight departing at 2:20pm
