Sample Itineraries
Each group traveling to Cuba with Batia receives a customized itinerary reflecting their interests, particularly the opportunity to meet and support Cuban professionals representing different areas of Cuban life. We are including some general itineraries so you can see the breadth and depth of the possibilities for these essential "Support for the Cuban People" experiences.
Four Nights in Havana
Even if Havana is your only destination you will encounter Cuban history, art, architecture and much more in Cuba’s capital city and have the opportunity to learn from and support experts in Cuban history, architectural historians and Cuban artists.
· During walks in the restored old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site you will have opportunities to speak with the residents of Havana and see the glories of yesteryear while at the Museum of the Revolution you will hear a very different story than the one you may be familiar with from the American perspective. ·At the Museum of Fine Arts you will learn about the art of various periods in Cuban history and encounter the extraordinary work of contemporary artists working in today’s Cuba, some of whom you will have the opportunity to meet and suport with during your stay in Havana. ·You’ll enjoy the sounds of Cuban music everywhere - in restaurants, clubs, concert halls and on the street - and have the pleasure of meeting and supporting Cuba's fabulous musicians. ·Depending upon your interests you will be able to exchange ideas with Cubans working in fields such as education and medicine and those responsible for developing programs specifically for women. ·You'll be astounded by the fabulous art being created and installed everywhere around town and you'll get to know the extraordinarily creative artists of Cuba by visiting their homes and galleries. |
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Seven Nights in Havana and Beyond
·If you’re fortunate enough to spend a few more days in Cuba you will have the opportunity to go “out island” to one or more of the historic cities that represent important aspects of Cuba’s past.
·In the beautiful city of Trinidad de Cuba you will see a wonderfully preserved colonial city from the period of Spanish rule when the rise of the sugar cane industry brought great wealth - and economic inequality - to Cuba. The cobblestone streets and the wonderful buildings - many with artists’ galleries opening off the street - convey a sense of preRevolutionary times. You will have the opportunity to meet and support not only the artists and craftsmen of Trinidad but also the musicians and the local people who will join you in dancing and enjoying the music outdoors in the town squares. ·The city of Cienfuegos is - like Trinidad - a city on the bay and features its own remarkable remnants of Cuba history such as the Terry Theater dating from the early 20th century and the Palacio de Vaille, an extraordinary architectural hodge podge once the home of an enormously wealthy Cuban family. As you walk along the pedestrian promenade you will have the opportunity to meet and support the people of Cienfuegos as well as the artists and craftsmen representing Cuba's new entrepreneurial opportunities who are now able to sell their work to visitors. ·In Santa Clara - as in Cienfuegos - you will also be able to exchange ideas with members of the local Jewish community. In Cienfuegos these encounters will happen in a private home that serves as the Jewish community center while in Santa Clara it will be in the recently completed synagogue building. Members of the community will also proudly show you the beautifully maintained Jewish cemetery with its Holocaust memorial. |
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The Natural Wonders of Baracoa
While virtually every Cuba trip begins with arrival in Havana, this outstanding itinerary begins with a Miami departure for a flight to Santiago de Cuba and a drive to Baracoa on the island’s remote northeastern corner where you’ll discover an almost unspoiled colonial village surrounded by a virgin rainforest. This part of the island of Cuba is said to be the site of Columbus setting foot in the Americas.
Located farther inland from Baracoa’s cobblestone streets one can find the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known as Cuchillas de Toa (The Ridges of River Toa). It is one of the world’s last untouched rainforests and it contains many endangered plant and animal species. At a time of grave international concern about the environment Baracoa will provide visitors with opportunities to talk with the Cuban experts working to preserve this unique environment and to offer support regarding the critical environmental issues facing the entire world. This visit to Baracoa will be part of a nine night itinerary including other towns such as Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara and Camaguey as well as two nights in Havana before departure from its airport. |
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