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CREST Charter Club:

Exploring Eastern Cuba

November 4-11, 2017

1225 I St., NW ■ Suite 600 ■ Washington, DC 20005 ■ P: 202-347-9203 ex. 414

www.responsibletravel.org ■ staff@responsibletravel.org

WELCOME TO CUBA The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) is hosting a unique responsible-

travel oriented trip to Eastern Cuba. Once considered the forbidden fruit of

the West, our neighbor to the south is now closer than ever. Its fascinating

history, stunning terrestrial and marine environment, breathtaking

architecture, warm people, rich music, and art make it the perfect place to

learn about the Cuba of today, and have the time of your life while doing so.

Travel to Cuba remains regulated, but Cuba Educational Travel, our partner

tour operator, holds a license from the U.S. Treasury Department (CT-2013-

300203-1) to arrange educational "people to people" trips, meaning your

memorable visit is fully sanctioned by the U.S. government.

Cuba is undergoing a series of interesting and important changes. Fidel

Castro has passed away and his brother Raul has instituted a number of

economic reforms. As the “historicos” attempt to pass the torch to the

younger generation of leaders, many factors such as relations with the U.S.,

the success of market-oriented reforms, emigration, and the aspirations of

young Cubans will determine the country’s future.

There is no better time to visit. Cubans, who strongly value family and

friendships, are ready to welcome you. A tropical paradise with a storied

past, Cuba offers us a unique view of a world from a place few Americans

have been able to see.

This trip is particularly geared towards small groups of adult family and

friends. You will spend an intellectually stimulating, but fun and interesting,

week of speaking with Cubans from many walks of life, exploring the natural

environment and cultural heritage, and learning about the country’s unique

political and economic system. A number of activities have been

coordinated for us, and there will also be ample time for you to explore on

your own.

ABOUT SANTIAGO DE CUBA

Santiago de Cuba celebrated 500 years of history in 2015. The

city has played an important role in Cuban development, from

the beginnings of the wars for independence to the launching

of the Revolution. No wonder it has earned the title Ciudad

Héroe ("hero city"). It has fostered an independent spirit,

bred through its isolation from Havana and its tradition of

trading with and welcoming settlers from neighboring

Caribbean islands.

The city's unique architecture blends Caribbean, Spanish, and

other European influences. The African roots of Cuba's people

are the most pronounced in Santiago, and this adds

considerable flavor to the food as well as a lyrical lilt to the

Spanish that's spoken here. You'll hear music in the air, from

hypnotizing Cuban salsa to the folksy nueva trova to the latest

Latin hits.

After 10 minutes here, you'll shorthand the city's official

name to "Santiago," like the half-million people who live here

do. After a couple of days here, soaking up the uniquely

santiaguero vibe, you may say, "Havana? Where's that?"

There's good reason why many visitors who make it this far

east count Santiago as their favorite Cuban city.

City description courtesy of Fodor’s Travel.

ABOUT BARACOA

Baracoa is a small city on the southeastern coast of Cuba and is

located among fantastic beaches and tropical rainforest. It is

one of the most beautifully located places in all of Cuba and has

a distinct tropical feeling.

It was visited by Admiral Christopher Columbus on November

27, 1492, and then founded by the first governor of Cuba, the

Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar on August 15,

1511. It is the oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba and was its first

capital (the basis for its nickname Ciudad Primada, "First City").

Baracoa is located on the spot where Christopher Columbus

landed in Cuba on his first voyage. It is thought that the name

stems from the indigenous Arauaca language word meaning

"the presence of the sea".

Baracoa lies on the Bay of Honey (Bahía de Miel) and is

surrounded by a wide mountain range (including the Sierra del

Purial), which causes it to be quite isolated, apart from a single

mountain road built in the 1960s.

City description courtesy of Travellerspoint.

ABOUT HOLGUÍN

Holguín is a charming city in the middle of the Holguín

Province in the East of Cuba. Full of colonial architecture and

classic cars, a trip to Holguín seems to transport you back in

time. The city is definitely less touristy than the capital,

Havana, so it’s a great place for travelers who like to go a little

off the grid. It’s also only an hour’s drive away from beautiful

beaches including Guardalavaca beach where you can often

see dolphins.

However, there is still such a vibrant culture to be

experienced in Holguín and it’s not short of sites to visit.

Chorro de Maita, which consists of an indigenous cemetery

and cultural museum, where displays of rituals and daily life

are performed, gives a fascinating insight into Cuban history

and shows what life was like before Cuba was colonized. It is

also worth visiting the beautiful San Isidoro Cathedral, which

is one of the city’s original constructions.

Like the rest of Cuba, Holguín is breathtakingly beautiful. The

best place to take in the views is the Hill of the Cross (Loma de

la Cruz). There are 458 steps to the top of the hill, but if you’re

not much of a hiker you can drive up it instead. Holguín has a

very laid-back atmosphere and with so many pretty squares,

it’s easy to find somewhere to sit and watch the world go by

with a cold Cuban beer brewed in Holguín itself.

City description courtesy of Fareconnect.com.

Saturday, November 4

Afternoon Fly in to Holguín International Airport (HOG) (pending

flight information), where our ground transportation to

Santiago de Cuba will meet us.

Arrive to Santiago de Cuba, the capital of Cuba's

southeastern Santiago de Cuba Province, facing a bay

off the Caribbean Sea, it's known for colonial

architecture and revolutionary history.

Check-in at bed and breakfasts, known as “casas particulares,” or “private homes.” Since the 1990s Cuban families have been permitted to rent rooms out of their family homes to foreigners. Featuring comfortable accommodations and ample privacy, it’s a great way to interact with every day Cubans.

6 pm Orientation meeting with your trip leader and Cuban

guide. 7 pm Welcome dinner at El Palenquito restaurant, followed

by a private performance by La Tumba Francesa. Tumba Francesa is a traditional cultural dance and musical style that emerged in the 18th century in Oriente, Cuba. It combines music from West Africa and traditional French music. "Tumba" derives from "tambours", which is French for drums. It is one of several Haitian drumming styles that produce a very infectious beat, often accompanied by trumpets, the instrument responsible for the distinctive Cuban sound.

Itinerary

Sunday, November 5 9 am Interactive discussion with Arch. Norka Cabrales,

Santiago’s leading expert in Preservation and Conservation of Historical Patrimony, followed by visits to key historical landmarks: Parque Cespedes and Museo de Arte Colonial, the residence of Diego Velazquez. Visit to Plaza Dolores.

11 am Visit Santiago’s most famous landmark, Santa

Ifigenia Cemetery, lined in white marble. Cuban national hero, Jose Marti, is buried here as well as Compay Segundo of the Buena Vista Social Club. We will receive a tour from Cemetery Staff followed by an interactive discussion.

1 pm Enjoy lunch at Restaurant Setos Cuba. 3 pm Visit the Moncada Barracks, where the first armed

assault of the Revolution took place. Led by Fidel Castro, a group of 90 men took to the Barracks on July 26, 1953 to attack the second largest military on the island. Outnumbered 10 to 1, Fidel Castro and his men were defeated in the assault. Despite the defeat, once in power Fidel converted the Barracks into a school and established part of the building as the 26 of July Historical Museum.

7:30 pm Dinner at El Morro Restaurant. Located next to El

Morro Fortress at the Bay of Santiago. Arrive early enough to enjoy the sunset.

Monday, November 6

11 am Visit the Basilica del Cobre, located northwest of Santiago. Built in 1926, this is the only Basilica on the island and is considered the most sacred place in Cuba for both Catholics and those that practice Santeria. This shrine houses the important statue of the Virgin of Charity, Caridad del Cobre, the named patron saint of the island. It is this Basilica that the Pope visited this spring on the 300th anniversary of the Saint. We will learn about the history of the Basilica within the context of Cuban religious history.

12:30 pm Lunch at Roy's Terrace Inn, Trip Advisor’s selection as the best restaurant in Santiago. It is located on a beautiful terrace on the second floor of a Colonial house, featuring a great view of the city.

2 pm Visit to the Casa Heredia, the birthplace of the 19th century poet, Jose Maria Heredia, the first Cuban poet to champion independence. Enjoy a private performance by the Vocal Divas.

3:30 pm Visit to art galleries and studios, including

Alberto Lescay Merencio and Carlos Rene. Evening free

Tuesday, November 7

9 am Depart for Baracoa. Set on a beautiful bay, this colonial town is one of the most beautiful in Cuba. The town was only accessible by sea until 1960. Even after a road linking Baracoa to Guantanamo was built, the settlement maintained a small-town colonial feel.

10:30 am City tour on Guantanamo city. Visit La

Casa del Changüí and learn about the local traditional music.

12 pm Lunch at paladar Villa La Lupe in

Guantanamo. 4 pm Arrive in Baracoa. City tour, including a

visit to the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion which boasts a bust of the indigenous leader Hatuey, who was burned at the stake for refusing to accept the Spanish and their Catholicism.

5:30 pm Check-in at casas particulares.

Photo courtesy of Bud Ellison.

Wednesday, November 8

10 am Visit to the Casa de Chocolate. Baracoa’s chocolate is famous across the island. Enjoy sipping chocolate while learning about local production.

11 am Discussion with local development

officials, including talks regarding the recent hurricane that hit the city in 2016.

12 pm Visit to Rancho Toa, a farm and

agricultural museum next to the Toa, the deepest river in Cuba. Enjoy a tour around the farm, a boat ride through the river and a family style Cuban traditional meal.

Evening free

Photo Courtesy of Juliet Barclay.

Thursday, November 9 8 am Check-out and depart for Holguín, set in rugged,

mountainous territory in the east, Cuba’s fourth largest city is known as the City of Parks.

11 am Visit La Loma de la Cruz, a beautiful lookout of

the city. A cross was raised on the top if this hill in 1790 in the hope of relieving a drought. Over the years, it has become a religious place where devotes climb to the summit through a 465 steps stairway.

12:30 pm Lunch at El Royal Paladar, located in the city

center. Calle Marti # 72. 2:30 pm City tour of Holguín. Including a visit to its main

parks: Calixto Garcia, Peralta, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes and Colon.

4 pm Performance by a local dance group. 5:30 pm Check into casas particulares. Dinner and evening free

Friday, November 10

Day trip to Guardalavaca, a white sandy beach of warm waters located 35 miles to the north of the city of Holguín, including a visit to the Bahia de Naranjo National Park, known for extensive mangrove swamps.

8 pm Farewell dinner at paladar 1910. This restaurant offers the

perfect mix of traditional and modern décor in the heart of Holguín, and is especially known for vegetarian and seafood dishes.

Saturday, November 11

TBD Depart Holguín for the U.S.

*If you are interested in extending your trip to Havana, let us know, and we

can coordinate with CET for a separately priced add-on. Please note: our

trip will be on the Eastern side of Cuba, while Havana is in the West. The

internal flight to Havana from Holguín must be coordinated on your own.

Photo courtesy of Miguel Discart.

COST Double Occupancy: $3,700 per person Single Occupancy: $4,050 per person

INCLUDED

• 7-night hotel accommodations in Cuba

• Daily breakfast

• Meals (as specified on the itinerary) • Full time, professional, bilingual guide

• Local ground transportation to listed activities

• Airport transfers to and from Holguin's Frank Pais International Airport (HOG) (ground transportation)

• Pre‐trip departure information

• Compliance with U.S. Treasury Department regulations

• Speaker fees and tips to specialists

• Admission to all museums and public buildings listed in itinerary

• Coordination of all listed activities

NOT INCLUDED • Round-trip Airfare (travelers should arrive and depart from

Holquin's Frank Pais International Airport) • Cuban insurance (health insurance is included with airline

ticket)

• Cuban Visa (you can purchase your visa directly through your airline provider for $50)

• Meals or activities other than listed on itinerary

• Individual house/hotel expenses (mini bar, room service, laundry fees, etc.)

• Gratuities:

-Recommended tips for guides and drivers range from $12 to $20 per person per day, depending on group size. -Recommended tips for meals is 1 – 2 CUC per person per meal. -Recommended gratuities for hotel staff is 2 CUC per person per day.

For inquiries and reservations, please contact CREST managing director

Samantha Hogenson, at shogenson@responsibletravel.org.