The Cuba Jewish Heritage tour will take tour participants to explore Jewish communities beyond Havana City and into the heart of authentic Cuba. We will meet with passionate and energetic Jewish community leaders such as Adela Dworin, a Jewish community leader.
Dating back from 1914, the Chevet Achim Synagogue is the oldest one in Cuba. Unfortunately it is closed today due to the advanced estate of disrepair which has doomed the building as inhabitable and structurally unsound. Havana’s Jews are working hard to restore the building into a museum.
The orthodox shul serving the city is the Adath Israel located in Old Havana, the historical center of Cuba’s capital city. Our Jewish heritage Cuba tours take tour participants to meet with the Jewish congregation and attend services at this synagogue that has been financially supported by Jewish communities in Canada, USA and other countries in recent years. This Cuban synagogue proudly maintains social and religious programs conducted by their own trained leaders and even serves meals (twice a day) for members in attendance.
The Beth Shalom gathers the largest Jewish congregation in Cuba. Its modern temple, known as El Patronato was built in 1952 in the Vedado district and it was refurbished in the 1990’s with the support of the international Jewish community. It contains a library, pharmacy and other facilities to serve its members.
The Sephardic Hebrew Center in Vedado neighborhood is housed in a modern building from the 1950’s that we will tour as part of our Cuba travel to the world of the Cuban Jews. Offering Kabbalat Shabbat services and Saturday morning Shacharit each week, the Centro Sefardita celebrates all Jewish festivals and host several educational programs such as the School for Adults every Sunday.
Ernest Hemingway and Fidel Castro met only once at a marlin fishing contest in 1960. Yet several pictures were taking of this historical moment such as the one above. Another great picture was published by
Life Magazine showing the moment when the famed American novelist hands over to young Fidel a trophy for catching the largest marlin. Yes, Fidel won the contest!
Our Cuba tours will take American Jewish travelers to central Cuba to meet with members of the Jewish community, Tikun Olam of Santa Clara. Accompanied by David Tacher, the congregation leader, tour participants will visit the Jewish cemetery and newest synagogue to complete the Cuba travel experience.
Once a wedding present to Del Valle family, Palacio del Valle has become one of the most visited palaces in the Caribbean city of Cienfuegos. Housing an iconic restaurant today where tour participants will have lunch, the palace showcases Moorish style architecture, an elaborate marble staircase and four distinct lookout towers at the rooftop.
Immersing in the authentic Cuba that extends from coast to coast outside secluded all inclusive beach resorts is the goal of our Cuba tours and this cultural journey is no exception. So UNESCO World Heritage Site Trinidad and the Valley of the Sugar Mills are authentic Cuban destinations we cannot miss. Founded by the Spaniards in the early 16th century, the city flourished in the 19th century. But at the turn of that same century, the economic development was halted all of a sudden. What happened back then?
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Day 1. Thursday 8 August 2024.
Hello Cuba
All connecting flights to Havana arrive at the
Jose Marti International airport in
Havana City. You will meet your Authentic Cuba Tours guide at the designated waiting lounge once you go through customary airport procedures.
Orientation will be provided during the short bus ride from the airport to the your
Luxury Casa Particular in
Vedado district.
After some refreshment, we will go out to start our evening exploration of the city. The first visit would be to the
Beth Shalom synagogue, better known as El Patronato de La Comunidad Hebrea to meet the Jewish congregation.
Day 2. Friday 9 August 2024.
Sephardic Hebrew Center
Morning: US Jewish travelers will join services this morning at the
Centro Sefardita. Next we will tour the temple and other facilities of this modern building by the hand of Mayra Levy, one of the Jewish community leaders who will tell us about the history of the Sephardic Jews in Cuba. Talking to members is also a great chance to learn firsthand about the daily life of the Jews in Cuba’s capital today.
Afterwards, and escorted by leaders of the Sephardic Centre we will visit the
Chevet Achim Shul in Old Havana which is the city oldest temple. Even though, this synagogue is not in use today due to the unstable structure of the building, it is a good opportunity to learn about the plans of the Sephardic Jews to turn it into a museum. This trip also serves as an introduction to the historical centre of the city.
Before embarking on a more in depth exploration of Old Havana this afternoon, we will enjoy a complimentary lunch at
Paladar San Cristobal which is popular because of its authentic Cuban dishes and a host band which plays traditional rhythms live.
Afternoon: the best way to explore the sights and sounds of the historical center is by foot. Our Authentic Cuba Tours guide will show us to four out of the five oldest colonial squares in
Old Havana today.
We will start at the religious square of the city, the
Cathedral Square which takes its name from the
Catedral de La Habana completed in the late 18th century. Surrounded by majestic palaces such as the
Palace of the Counts of Lombillo, the
Palace of the Marquises of Arcos and the
Palace of Marquises of Aguas Claras this is the most secluded plaza in the city and the prettiest one.
Next we are off to visit the oldest colonial plaza in the city, the
Square of Arms which was a symbol of the Spanish power in the Caribbean island nation for more than 400 years. Used in the mornings for the military exercises of the garrison of the adjacent
Fortress of the Royal Force in the 16th and 17th centuries, the plaza was also the stage for official celebrations and political rallies in colonial times and even during the first years of the Republican times.
On a spot marked by a huge ceiba tree and a small neoclassical building known as
El Templete, the
Villa of San Cristobal de La Habana was founded in 1519, an event that was depicted by French painter Jean Baptiste Vermay in three large paintings contained inside the building since 1828. Next to El Templete we find the 18th century
Palace of the Counts of Santovenia that houses today the
Santa Isabel hotel.
The
Palace of the Captains General and the
Palace of the Vice- Governor have stood on the west side of the Square of Arms since the late 18th century. The imposing buildings were erected using local coral stones from the area and slave labor and were the seat of Spanish rulers until Cuba gained its independende at the beginning of the 20th century.
In our Cuba tours we also include a visit to the
Square of San Francisco de Asis which is named after the convent and church on the south side of the square which displays the highest bell tower in
Old Havana. This colonial square dates back to the times when Spanish galleons unloaded Spanish immigrants and African slaves in Havana’s harbor front.
All along colonial and Republican times the square had a busy commercial life, and even today
La Lonja del Comercio, the pretty domed building that takes the north side of the square provides office space for foreign companies and joint ventures operating in Cuba.
Plaza Vieja is the last colonial plaza we will visit today. Used for years as a market and a forum for the people of Havana to discuss their daily affairs, Plaza Vieja is today an important epicenter for the promotion of Cuban visual arts with institutions such as the
Cuban Photo Gallery, the
Center for the Development of Visual Arts and other art galleries occupying the one- time palaces of Havana’s aristocracy.
Tour participants of this Cuban Jews discovery tour will then enjoy free time at Old Havana’s famed
handicraft market, where locally made souvenirs and crafts are available for purchase.
We will then return to our private rental accomodation for some refreshments before tonight's evening venue.
Evening: learn such popular Cuban dances as
Rumba,
Salsa, and the authentic Cuban
Son with the help of bandleaders as we enjoy the sights and sounds of a local Cuban band playing just for Authentic Cuba Travel® guests!
Day 3. Saturday 10 August 2024.
Ernest Hemingway in Havana
Morning: this morning we go up front to meet with the president of the Adath Israel congregation in Old Havana. The
Adath Israel synagogue is the orthodox shul serving the city. It was built in 1959, the same year that the Cuban Revolution came to power. The founding members left to the United Sates within a few years. Today the synagogue showcases a fully restored 600-seat sanctuary in the second floor which is used mainly on holidays.
Next we are off to
Guanabacoa, a humble town at the other side of the bay of Havana to visit the
cemeteries of the Jewish community in Havana, one for the Sephardic Jews and one for the Ashkenazic Jews. Dating back the beginning of the 20th century, a Spanish gate with the star of David marks the entrance to the cementer that also contains a Holocaust Memorial.
The rest of the day will be devoted to follow in the footsteps of famous American novelist, Ernest Hemingway. Our Cuba travel takes us to
Cojimar first, a fishermen coastal town where the famed writer used to hang out in the afternoon after he finished his morning writing sessions at
Finca La Vigia. Here Hemingway docked
El Pilar, his provervial boat.
We will visit
Las Terrazas de Cojimar bar-restaurant. This is the same “The Terrace” that Hemingway depicts in his book
The Old Man and the Sea and where the author enjoyed spending time drinking with the local fishermen.
We will have lunch at another privately-owned restaurant,
Paladar Casa Grande serving delicious Cuban food in a charming environment.
From Cojimar, we will go on to tour
Finca La Vigia, an estate house located atop a hill about twenty kilometeres east of Havana. This property is where
Ernest Hemingway lived from 1939 until 1960, more than 20 years. World known Hemingway's works such as
Islands in the Stream,
The Old Man and the Sea, and
Across the River and Into the Trees were written here.
Since 1961, a museum was established to preserve the thousands of books, art collection, guns, fishing tackle and other properties of Hemingway. Among the most precious belongings of the famed journalist, the museum also contains original manuscripts, over three thousand photos and letters and other documentation.
The museum draws millions of visitors and scholars every year looking to learn more about the life and work of Ernest Hemingway. And it is included in the
National Trust for Historic Preservation List of of Endangered Places as well as in the
World Monuments Fund.
Evening: before the night draws to a close, tour participants of this authentic Cuba tour will have the opportunity to attend the
Fire of the Cannon of 9 O'Clock, a tradition held at the Fortress of San Carlos de Cabana that dates back to colonial times and it is considered one of Havana’s oldest and most popular ceremonies.
Day 4. Sunday 11 August 2024.
Cultural Attractions in Havana
Morning: guided tour of one of the most iconic cigar factories in Cuba, the
Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas founded in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagas, the most influential businessman in the Cuban cigar industry of the 19th century who also named a cigar brand after himself the very same year.
He realized that quality tobacco leaves were the key to produce the finest cigars so he bought plantations in Vuelta Abajo, a region in the western province of Pinar del Rio that has traditionally been recognized as Cuba’s prime tobacco growing lands. He also came up with the best methods for tobacco leave fermentation, aging and curing. The way of decorating and packing the cigar boxes today are also partially its very own ideas that were soon imitated all through the industry.
Lunch is not complimentary today which presents as an excellent opportunity to try a
Cuban Paladar (family- owned private restaurant) (optional/ not included in costs). Your Authentic Cuba Tours guide will help you booking. No worries.
Afternoon: regardless the reason you decided to travel to Cuba, a visit to the
Palace of Fine Arts (Cuban Collection Building) is always an authentic Cuban attraction not to be missed. This world class museum showcases the largest collection of Cuban art in the planet. Period. It is impeccably curated into 8 thematic rooms dedicated to distinct historical periods from colonial arts to the conceptual art of the last decades.
Evening: there are countless evening entertainment venues around the National hotel every night. We recommend the Cuba explorer to walk a couple of blocks to the Jazz club,
La Zorra y El Cuervo, Havana’s top Jazz venue to enjoy Latin jazz, Cuba jazz, and other rhythms by Cuba’s leading
Jazz Musicians (optional/ not included).
Day 5. Monday 12 August 2024.
Cuba Explorer Hats On! Travel to Central Cuba
Morning: today marks the beginning of our exploration of Cuba’s countryside so put your Cuba explorer caps on!
Along the journey, we will discover the authentic Cuba that exists in historical cities like
Santa Clara our first destination which is renowned for being the last battleground in the war against the army of dictator, Fulgencio Batista.
Tired of the attacks of Caribbean pirates and buccaneers, the inhabitants of Remedios, a coastal town in the northern shoreline of central Cuba, founded Santa Clara inland in 1689.
The city is also a popular destination for those seeking to understand better the life of Argentinean guerilla fighter
Ernesto “Che” Guevara whose remains rest in a
Mausoleum at the
Square of the Revolution which will be our first visit upon arrival at the city. The crypt-like resting place also contains the remains of sixteen of Che Guevara’s companion guerilla fighters who were killed in Bolivia in 1967. Adjacent we find a
Museum showcasing photos, belongings, documentation and artifacts related to the guerilla fighter.
From the museum, we will go for some complementary lunch and refreshments to the
Paladar Saboreate.
Afternoon: we will meet with one of the most thriving Jewish communities outside Havana, the
Tikum Olam congregation in Santa Clara. Escorted by
David Tacher, its leader and other members we will pay a visit to the
Jewish cemetery and the refurbished
synagogue to learn more about the Cuban Jews of central Cuba.
In the late afternoon, we will say farewell to our new Cuban friends in
Santa Clara and hit the road again. This time we will go south to the Caribbean city of
Cienfuegos,
The Pearl of the South where we will spend the next two nights.
Upon arrival at the city we will head straight to your
Luxury Casa Particular.
Dinner is included at
Paladar Ache, one of Cienfuegos top ten private restaurants, serving local specialties in a pleasant courtyard.
Day 6. Tuesday 13 August 2024.
Connecting with the Jews of Cienfuegos
Morning: unfortunately Cienfuegos lacks a synagogue or temple for the local Jewish congregation to gather around holidays and to attend Shabbat services, so the apartment of
Rebecca Langus is considered by all as the epicenter of Jewish life in the city. And that includes our tour participants who will be welcomed by Rebecca, her family and other Jews of Cienfuegos this morning for a chat about the origins and challenges of the congregation today.
We will have lunch at another privately-owned must-go restaurant,
Paladar Prado overlooking Paseo del Prado, Cienfuegos central street.
Afternoon: our North American Jewish travelers will embark next in a guided tour of the historical center of Cienfuegos. The old town has been declared as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the large number of well preserved neoclassical buildings contained within this area. Our Authentic Cuba tour guide will start the afternoon exploration at
park Jose Marti, the original site of foundation of the city in 1819.
Inaugurated in 1895 with a performance of Verdi’s Aida, the
theatre Tomas Terry stands on the north side of the park. This remarkable 950 seat auditorium still showcases most original elements such as the hardwoods carved seats, the detailed ironwork of the balconies and the wall murals and ceiling fresco.
The east side of the square is occupied by the neoclassical
Catedral de la Purisima Concepcion which also showcases several original pieces such as the made-in-France clock tower machinery and the stained glass windows.
The provincial
Art Gallery La Maroya on the south side of
Parque Marti has one of the best collections of local arts and crafts for sale in the city. Therefore, all our Cuba tours provide some free time for personal explorations and free souvenir shopping.
Evening: your Authentic Cuba Tours guide will keep you posted on entertainment venues in the city tonight. Usually
Casa de La Musica, within a walking distance from the Jagua hotel, features the most popular Cuban bands and it is a great place to meet locals and dance all night long (optional/ not included in costs).
Day 7. Wednesday 14 August 2024.
Day trip to Trinidad
Morning: today we will embark on the exploration of one of Cuba’s most authentic colonial cities. In fact, no other city is Cuba is charge with such a colonial atmosphere as beautiful
Trinidad.
The best way to explore this
UNESCO World Heritage Site is by foot. Trinidad is a faultless remnant of the early colonial days with beautifully conserved cobblestone streets and mansions with barely a trace modern times.
We will visit the
Architecture Museum of Trinidad which houses an incredible array of samples representative of the Trinitarian architectural development in the 1700’s and 1800’s. The mansion was the former residence of one of Trinidad’s wealthiest families, the Sanchez Iznaga who owned extensive sugar cane plantations in the Sugar Mill Valley.
Another mansion surrounding the
Plaza Mayor (town’s central square) is the one of the Counts of Brunet housing today the arguably most visited of museums in Trinidad. The
Romantic Museum showcases the typical domestic daily life and decorative objects (porcelain, glass, paintings and furniture) of Trinidad’s aristocracy.
Displaying a collection of trucks, weapons, items related to the Cuban Revolution struggle to get rid of counter-revolutionary military gangs operating in the Escambray Mountains in the early 1960’s, we will visit the
Museo de La Lucha contra Bandidos that occupies the area of the former
Convento de San Francisco.
Trinidad is famous for its many pottery makers, and before departing, we will take the time to meet
The Santanders; a family that’s been passing down the authentic Cuba’s tradition of making pottery for generations.
We will make a stop at a lookout point over the
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
Sugar Mill Valley for a panoramic view of the breathtaking natural beauty of the fertile plains where Trinidad’s sugar cane plantation owners established their estates and mills.
Before heading back to our hotel in
Cienfuegos, we will enjoy some free time in the historical center for some last minute shopping in the array of
street markets that of the city.
Day 8. Thursday 15 August 2024.
The Jewish Heritage Cuba Tour Comes to an End
We will depart early in the morning to Havana City International Airport so that our tour participants may catch their flights back home.