Educational Cuba Tours are a Brilliant Way of Witnessing the Authentic Cuba. This Cuba Journey is a Unique Opportunity for K-12 Teachers, School and University Professors and Staff to travel from Coast to Coast!
Let Authentic Cuba Travel® take you from Old Havana to Santiago de Cuba
Stay at Cuba's Presidente & Casagranda Hotels for as little as $2,799 (2 domestic flights + all taxes included)
Referral Discount: $100
Invite 1 Friend and Pay $2,699 only
Invite 2 Friends and Pay $2,599 only
Invite 3 Friends and Pay $2,499 only
Invite 4 Friends and Pay $2,399 only
Invite 10 Friends and Pay $0 only
And remember every person you invite
will also receive a $100 discount!
Authentic Cuba Travel® in coordination with Cuba’s Teachers Union, the
University of Havana and the University of Santiago de Cuba warmly invite US University and College Professors, Faculty & Staff, K-12 Teachers, and other Education Professionals interested in learning more about Cuba’s Educational System from Canada, United States and all over the world to join this official Cuba education tour taking place from July 6 to July 13, 2024.
This is the only tour for educators that travels from coast to coast! No other company offers this type of opportunity. Actually we run it twice a year only!
Cuba, with its mix of Spanish and African roots, is the largest, least commercialized, and most exciting island in the Caribbean. Nowhere in Cuba is it more evident that in the eastern city of
Santiago de Cuba, the second major metropolis in the largest Antillean Island, boasting the privilege of being considered the capital of the Caribbean, due to its centuries-old history.
Cuba educational tours are a great opportunity for educators, historians, anthropologists, sociologists and scholars keen on African and Caribbean heritage to witness the profound influence of African culture on the social fabric of our Americas. Cuba is also one of the world's last bastions of communism with a fascinating modern history. Cuba's relative political isolation has prevented it from being overrun by tourists, and locals are sincerely friendly to those who do venture in.
Our study tours to Cuba are also a brilliant way of seeing the real Cuba; such a passionate and patriotic people have transformed this country into a very environmentally friendly place (Cuba is one of the few self sustainable countries in the world); partly because of the trade embargo, meaning that nearly everything the Cuban people uses is made and produced in Cuba and as a result is sustainable.
Please, check the day-by-day itinerary below. Welcome Aboard!
Notice to US Academic Institutions, US Secondary Schools and other US Educational Organizations on Cuba Travel:
In January 2016, the US Government announced further enhancements to the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba that previously required a specific license (this is, lengthy applications to OFAC). Now travel to the Caribbean island is allowed under a general license (this is, self-completed paperwork with no application to OFAC needed).
After President
Biden’s policy change on USA Cuba travel on June 9, 2022, the General License for Educational Activities remains in place. Accredited U.S. graduate or under graduate degree-granting institutions; U.S. Academic Institutions; and U.S. Schools can organize and sponsor an educational trip to Cuba for their students, faculty and staff under the General License for Educational Activities, provided that the trip meets OFAC guidelines; and that an employee or other representative of the organization escorts the trip to make sure such guidelines are followed by all participants.
The purpose of the Cuba travel should be for:
_ the participation in a structured educational program offered for credit as part of a course of the sponsoring institution;
_ educational exchanges sponsored by Cuban or U.S. secondary schools involving secondary school students’ participation in a formal course of study or in a structured educational program offered by a secondary school or other academic institution, and led by a teacher or other secondary school official are authorized. This authorization allows for participation of a reasonable number of adult chaperones to accompany the secondary school students to Cuba.
_ attendance at non-commercial academic seminars, conferences and workshops related to Cuba sponsored or co-sponsored by U.S. academic institution.
_ non- commercial academic research related to Cuba for the purpose of obtaining a graduate or undergraduate degree;
_ the participation in a formal course of study at a Cuban academic institution provided that credits will be accepted toward the student’s graduate or undergraduate degree;
_ participation in a 10-week structured educational program in Cuba as part of a course offered at the U.S. institution;
_ participation in a formal 10-week course of study at a Cuban academic institution, provided the formal course of study in Cuba will be accepted for credit toward the student’s undergraduate or graduate degree at the U.S. institution;
_ teaching for 10 weeks at a Cuban academic institution by an individual regularly employed in a teaching capacity at the U.S. institution.
We take care of all details both in North America and in Cuba, including VISA and flight arrangements to Cuba's main destinations via USA ports (Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, or other) or through third countries like Canada and Mexico. Authorized US organizations can travel through a third country subject to the same restrictions and requirements as those flying directly from USA.
At Authentic Cuba Travel®, we have been organizing such educational and cultural travel experiences from the United States of America for years with great success.
Santiago de Cuba is the former capital of the country and the second largest city in Cuba. The city experienced an influx of French immigrants in the late 18th century and early 19th century, many coming from Haiti after the Haitian slave revolt of 1791. This added to the city's eclectic cultural mix, already rich with Spanish and African culture.
San Pedro de la Roca Morro Castle, a XVII century military construction atop the cliffs at the narrow entrance to Santiago Bay and one of the settings of the Spanish American War.
The shrine of Our Lady of Charity is housed in Cuba's only basilica,
a cream-colored square church with red domes overlooking the town of El Cobre. The Virgin of Charity (La Virgen de la Caridad) is a
miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary in the mining town of El Cobre in
Santiago de Cuba. Her shrine is the most
important religious site on the entire island.
In our quest to explore the most authentic destinations in Cuba, we have to travel by road, by air and now by sea! Included in your educational travel to Cuba, it is a very pleasant panoramic boat ride into the Bay of Santiago de Cuba to a little key named after the famous Granma boat.
Visit to the Cathedral Square, in
Old Havana, the most beautiful and private 18th century colonial plaza of Cuba, named after the masterpiece
of Cuban baroque architecture: the Cathedral of Havana built by the Jesuit order.
Every night a cannon shoot rumbles at 9pm so called
Cañonazo de las 9, a custom kept from colonial times, signaling the closure of the city wall doors. Night after night
hundreds of people attend to this tradition of Havana. In today´s ceremony, voices and movements of the Infantry Colonial
Regulations of Spain are used. Also the uniforms of almost every force that formed the Royal Spanish Army are used.
Tour of Cuba's Literacy Museum in Havana City.
Meeting with museum director Luisa Campos for an introduction on the history of the literacy campaign. Cuban students and volunteers
went to rural areas to teach other country men to read and provide information on current Cuban politics.
Rural women received schooling and job training if they choose to, which allowed them to work outside of agriculture.
Casino styling includes men being "machisimo" and women being femininely sexy, with major body and muscle isolations, through the influence of Rhumba dancing.
Day 1. Saturday 6 July 2024.
Hello Cuba
Arrival at
Havana's International Airport.
You are welcomed by your Authentic Cuba Travel® tour guide and bus driver.
Transfer to your
Luxury Casa Particular, located in Vedado (Havana Entertainment District).
Group check-in.
Breakfast is complimentary from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Day 2. Sunday 7 July 2024.
Havana- Santiago de Cuba
Morning: Check out your hotel and transfer to Jose Marti Airport. Flight to
Santiago de Cuba. Estimated flight time: 2 hours.
Santiago de Cuba is the former capital of the country and the second largest city in Cuba. Founded by Diego Velazquez in 1514, the city was built on the east side of the bay.
This was the starting point of the expeditions led by Juan de Grijalba and Hernan Cortes to the coasts of Mexico in 1518, and in 1538 by Hernando de Soto's expedition to Florida. The first cathedral was built in the city in 1528. From 1522 until 1589 Santiago was the capital of the Spanish colony of Cuba.
The city experienced an influx of French immigrants in the late 18th century and early 19th century, many coming from Haiti after the Haitian slave revolt of 1791. This added to the city's eclectic cultural mix, already rich with Spanish and African culture.
Lunch at
Paladar El Pirata, serving delicious local seafood dishes and boasting nice views of Santiago de Cuba bay and Sierra Maestra Mountains.
Afternoon: Followed by visit to
San Pedro de la Roca Morro Castle, a XVII century military construction atop the cliffs at the narrow entrance to Santiago Bay and one of the settings of the Spanish American War.
The fortress was declared a
World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, cited as the best preserved and most complete example of Spanish-American military architecture.
Check in at your
Luxury Casa Particular.
Evening: enjoy traditional local music at
Casa de la Trova. Your guide will give you options the days before so that you plan ahead this day or just play as it goes!
Evening Special Event: participation in the different musical venues taking place in the historical center around the annual
Fire Festival. There are over 50 locations holding activities during the fire festival, many of them in natural open settings (optional).
Day 3. Monday 8 July 2024.
Santiago de Cuba
Morning: meet with professors of the
University of Santiago de Cuba, also known as the Eastern University of Cuba. Founded in 1947, it is organized in 11 Faculties: Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Economics, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Distance Education, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Construction.
Professors Lloga and Sanz will be your escorts for the rest of the morning.
Visit to
Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Cobre. This is the country’s most
sacred pilgrimage site since the Virgin of Charity is the patron saint of Cuba. In the Afro-Cuban religion she is associated with Ochun, the Yoruba goddess of love.
Visit to
Moncada barracks, one of the largest military barracks of Batista government. On July 26, 1953, it was the site of an armed attack by a small group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro. This armed attack is widely accepted as the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.
Today it houses the
largest primary school of Eastern Cuba with over 1600 students and 245 teachers.
Panoramic bus ride of
Modern Santiago de Cuba. We will visit the Heredia Theatre, San Juan Hill, Square of Revolution Antonio Maceo, baseball stadium Saturnino Lora, Palacio de Justicia, among others.
Lunch is optional today so you can try one of the many
paladares (private restaurants) flourishing in the city due to the economic overture of Cuba in recent years.
Afternoon: visit to
Parque Cespedes, located at the heart of the historical center of the city.
The Plaza is surrounded by important buildings such as:
The
Cathedral, originally built in 1522 and where the remains of Diego Velasquez are buried.
Ayuntamiento (City Hall) erected in 1950’s. From the balcony of this building Fidel Castro gave his victory speech
immediately after the success of the Revolution on January 1rst, 1959.
Visit the oldest house in Cuba, today
Museo de Ambiente Historico Colonial and formerly the residence of Diego
Velázquez in the XVI century.
Return to your private rental accomodation.
Evening Special Event: participation in the different musical venues taking place in the historical center around the annual
Fire Festival. There are over 50 locations holding activities during the fire festival, many of them in natural open settings (optional).
Day 4. Tuesday 9 July 2024.
Santiago de Cuba (Cayo Granma)
Morning: ferry boat ride to
Cayo Granma, a picturesque little island of red-roofed dwellings just inside the Bay of Santiago de Cuba.
Seafood lunch at local paladar in Cayo Granma (included).
Afternoon: free time.
Evening Special Event: participation in the different musical venues taking place in the historical center around the annual
Fire Festival. There are over 50 locations holding activities during the fire festival, many of them in natural open settings (optional).
Day 5. Wednesday 10 July 2024.
Santiago de Cuba- Havana
Check out your hotel. Check in at Santiago de Cuba airport to take flight back to Havana City.
Check in at your
Luxury Casa Particular in Havana City.
Day 6. Thursday 11 July 2024.
Havana
Morning: visit to
Workshop School in Old Havana. High school graduates enroll in this institution
to learn the arts and crafts necessary to authentically restore the ancient buildings of Old Havana. The school teaches young people
archeological and restoration work that helps preserving the heritage and cultural wealth of Old Havana.
Followed by visit to
Primary School “Angela Landa”. Exchange with teachers and students to learn Cuba’s primary education level. Tour the schools and
enjoy educational and cultural activities by students. Meet the principal of the school Prof. Sonia Garcia. Tour of the school.
Followed by guided walking tour of
UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Old Havana.
Visit to the
Cathedral Square, named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture:
the
Cathedral of Havana built by the Jesuit order.
The Cathedral's baroque facade is simultaneously intimate and imposing, and one of the two towers is visibly larger,
creating a pleasing asymmetry. As with many churches in the city, the building material of Havana
Cathedral includes coral, cut and hauled from the edge of the sea by slaves. Look carefully and you'll see fossils of marine
flora and fauna in the stone of the cathedral.
Visit to
Square of Arms, ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers and surrounded by impressive
buildings such as:
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, the former official residence of the governors (Captains General) of Havana,
Cuba. It is home to the Museum of the City of Havana. It houses exhibitions of art and historical artifacts and many of the
rooms are preserved with their original Colonial decoration.
Palacio del Segundo Cabo. The seat of the second authority of the island. Today it houses important publishing
concerns.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza. The second oldest fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies. The castle was recently renovated
and reopened in June 2008 to hold the impressive maritime museum. Well laid out exhibits chart Spain and Cuba's naval history.
Continue walking tour onto
San Francisco Square, named after the
Convent of San Francisco,
this square was conceived in 1628, with the objective of supplying water to the ships trading with the metropolis. For many years it also served to stockpile
the goods arriving from the harbor. Chronicles of the time say that the square had a busy commercial life. The people, in humble
carts or afoot, sold and bought a variety of goods. It’s important to know that through this place the Spanish immigrants
arrived to Cuba.
Visit to
Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Notice it doesn't have a church or government building around.
Here we will visit important institutions for visual arts.
Lunch is optional today so you can try one of the many
paladares (private restaurants) flourishing in the city due to the economic overture of Cuba in recent years.
Free time in the famous
handicraft market of Old Havana, located inside the Almacenes de Depósito
San José, an old warehouse on the harbourside where you can purchase all sorts of crafts and souvenirs by local artisans.
Return to your private rental accomodation.
Evening: attend one of the most traditional and popular ceremonies in Cuba, the
Fire of the Cannon of 9 O'Clock at the
Fortress of
San Carlos de La Cabana.
Day 7. Friday 12 July 2024.
Havana
Morning:
The
University of Havana has long been a cornerstone of higher education in Cuba. As first a religious institution, and then a secular one, it has been the birthplace of important cultural and political ideas for the country. During your tour of the campus, you’ll have an opportunity to meet with students from the Law School—whose most prominent graduate is the long-time leader of Cuba, Fidel Castro.
We are now "leaving" Havana and entering
Fusterlandia, the studio, residence and wild kingdom of José Rodriguez Fuster,
one of the most important Cuban ceramists and painters today. Lunch hosted by
Jose Fuster.
Afternoon: visit to the
Literacy Museum in the Liberty City neighborhood of Havana.
Meeting with museum director Luisa Campos for an introduction on the history of the
literacy campaign and the new
literacy campaigns
taking place in Venezuela, Bolivia and other regions based on the Cuban Campaign model.
Farewell dinner: a new wave of paladares (privately-owned restaurants) has recently swept the Cuban dining scene offering excellent food and charming ambient. Today we’ll enjoy a welcome lunch at the stylish
Paladar San Cristobal, one of Havana's top ten private restaurants.
Day 8. Saturday 13 July 2024.
Departure
Early morning departure to
Havana City International Airport for departure.
Cuba is a paradise in the Caribbean, just 90 miles off Key West. In fact, Cuba is so close that swimmers have made it from coast to coast, even without a shark cage! Yet Cuba is the forbidden fruit for most American travelers due to the US travel restrictions and the frozen diplomatic relations in between the two countries. The discerning travelers are taken off guard when joining our people-to-people tours to Cuba. They are surprised to find a bubbly atmosphere charged with the smoke of Cuban cigars, the loud music that pours out of the windows of 1950’s vintage cars, the lively salsa dancing in every corner, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Cuban people. Not what they have anticipated for sure! Absorb it all in a short time by the hand of the USA Cuba travel experts!
