6 Days/5 Nights
Havana-Pinar del Rio
Discover Cuba’s contemporary art scene under the expert guidance of our unparalleled team of gallerists, curators and art historians who have been integral to the formation an entire generation of artists as you immerse yourself in one of the most exuberant cultural scenes in the Americas.
Our People-to-People cultural journey includes established Cuban artists represented by distinguished art galleries as well as a new generation of visual and performance artists making inroads in the international art world. Our customized studio visits are the ideal setting for dialogue and the exchange of ideas, and live performances demonstrate the eclectic range and dynamic character of Cuba’s ever-evolving art community.
Celebrated scholars from Havana’s famed Instituto Superior de Arte, the cradle of future generations of Cuban artists, greet us for informal Q&A over fine cuisine, and renowned architects lead us through Old Havana as they impart details surrounding the extensive restoration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join us for this enlightening journey into the rich, diverse and inspiring world of Visual Arts Havana.
Inclusions:
- One night in 4-Star Miami Hotel including breakfast and airport transfer
- Exclusive welcome reception and pre-tour overview
- Airport meet & greet and private luxury ground transfers In Cuba
- Superior accommodations and all meals in Cuba
- S. Department of the Treasury license and TOCA Trips letter of authorization
- Group size not to exceed twenty-four (24) guests
- Travel health insurance
- Refreshments including fresh juices, snacks and waters while touring
- TOCA Trips exclusive programming and custom designed cultural encounters
- Expert logistical staff, tour guides and cultural docents
- All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events
- Flight package (cost additional) including: round-trip charter air from Miami to Havana, Cuban visa, priority check-in at Miami International Airport, and baggage fee for first checked luggage
- TOCA Trips staff on-call 24 hours
- Gratuities for luggage handling, restaurant services and programmed activities
NOTE: All tours based on minimum group enrollment. Final tour itinerary distributed two (2) weeks prior to travel and subject to change. Extensions and customized itineraries available upon request.
Additional information
| Tour type | Arts |
|---|---|
| Destination | Cuba |
| Month | Apr, Aug, Dec, Feb, Jan, Jul, Jun, Mar, May, Nov, Oct, Sep |
Day 1: Miami
Your journey begins in Miami where you and your fellow travelers join us for a cocktail reception and pre-tour discussion of our cultural program.
Day 2: Miami - Havana
Guests are transported to Miami International Airport following breakfast and escorted to their charter flight check-in to Havana. Once guests have cleared Cuban immigration and customs, they are greeted by our Havana-based tour staff. Butler passed mimosas followed by lunch await guests at the hotel’s rooftop terrace where they are serenaded by a jazz trio. After lunch, we are treated to Part I of our walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Havana culminating with a private visit to the Museo de Bellas Artes. The museum’s chief curator is our host for our private tour. Dinner will be served at Cafe de los Artistas, where a group of emerging Cuban artists will join us as we indulge in the delicacies prepared by one of Havana’s most inspiring chefs.
Day 3: Havana
Our fleet of vintage convertible sedans picks us up at the hotel for a tour of Metropolitan Havana, the modern side of town teeming with galleries and artist’s studios. The impressive modernist architecture of El Vedado features classic buildings with indoor and outdoor murals by Cuban masters such as Amelia Peláez, Wifredo Lam, and Mario Carreño. We’ll visit the studio of Havana’s most celebrated painters, who will also join us for a French-inspired lunch at Cafe Laurent offering sweeping views of the city and the world famous Malecon. During the afternoon, we’ll return for Part II of our Old Havana encounter, which leads us to The Wifredo Lam Center for open mic artist dialogue followed by cocktails set to the background sounds of a traditional Cuban musical ensemble. From the museum, guests are escorted to the relaxed sophistication of Doña Eutimia paladar for the best traditional Cuban food with a contemporary twist.
Day 4: Havana
We start the day with a visit to maestro Manuel Mendive’s studios for a conversation with the artist followed by a performance steeped in the secrets of Afro-Cuban imaginary. Manuel Endive is one of Cuba’s most internationally recognized artists. An Afro-Cuban inspired lunch will be served following the presentation. We’ll dine at Cafe del Oriente overlooking the centuries-old St. Francis Square. The night ends following on Ernest Hemingway’s footsteps as we visit his favorite bars in Havana: El Floridita, La Bodeguita del Medio, and Sloppy Joes
Day 5: Havana
We propose a body activation session at the hotel’s rooftop pool to align all our senses before visiting Havana’s fabled Instituto Superior de Arte, a masterpiece of postmodern architecture, where the future generation of Cuban artists is already being formed. The visit will be followed by lunch at a seaside restaurant in the posh neighborhood of Miramar. From there, guests can opt for a free afternoon to revisit their favorite Havana spots or continue with the tour through street markets and galleries to purchase that piece of art they’ve been dreaming of. Our farewell dinner takes place at La Guarida, with a menu of Cuban gourmet dishes, followed by a pairing of the world’s best cigars and rums. We can dance the night away at the restaurant’s lively rooftop bar.
Day 6:Havana - Miami
After an intense art immersion program, nothing will feel better than a mid-morning picnic at Havana’s Botanical Garden, where we will sample the island’s best organic cuisine. After lunch, we’ll be transported to the airport for our return trip to Havana.
*Extensions available upon request
