January 25-30, 2023
ALL FULL!!
I Love Being Black & Traveling.black have teamed up again to curate this global experience centered around an Afro-Cuban immersion (space very limited). The US government recently made it possible to travel to Cuba legally so let’s slide on in while this amazing opportunity still exists! We will dive deep into Cuban culture experience the world famous International Havana Jazz Festival first hand.
After you submit your deposit we will assist you in booking a flight. All of our tours have a focus on diasporic Black experiences, Black businesses and Black guides whenever possible. So, whether it’s your first time in Cuba or your tenth, you can look forward to the following amazing itinerary as you Experience Cuba:
DAY 1. LET’S EXPERIENCE CUBA
First day in an exciting new part of the world. After you land at the airport we will collect you and the rest of the group then head to check-in to our privately owned condos. We will be staying together in 2 or 3 condos where you can choose a single room or shared room. If you want to nap, charge your gadgets or explore you can do that now. For dinner we’ll take you to a local restaurant famous for their tasty dishes, live music and fantastic piña coladas. For those that have energy later, you’ll get your first glimpse of the nightlife. Click here for 8 reasons to visit Cuba.
DAY 2. AFRO-CUBAN MUSEUM
After our daily home-cooked breakfast we will head straight to an Afro-Cuban museum that will give you the history of Black people in Cuba. This includes existing religions and other parts of African culture that survived Cuban slavery. After lunch we’ll head out into Havana Vieja. This is the Cuba you usually see photos of with rustic vintage looking scenery, an abundance of old classic cars and cobblestone streets. Churros con chocolate anyone?? At night we will be guests at a Cuban house party that loves hip hop music; normally only locals are allowed here but they make an exception for us.
DAY 3. SHOPPING
Today we will visit an authentic cigar factory. They will demonstrate how the leaves are cultivated and rolled into one of Cuba’s most famous pastimes. Afterward we’ll coach you on how to get the best deals at the shopping bazaar. Here you will find amazing gifts that you can buy for those who couldn’t make the trip, or for yourself. After dinner we’ll hit up a trendy hot spot that is a factory turned art gallery mixed into an eclectic night club. Great place for taking in the sights and sounds of nightlife in Cuba.
DAY 4. BEACH DAY
Cuba’s beaches have beautiful white sand, warm water with a crystal blue-green hue and palm trees galore. In 1958 (1 year before the infamous Cuba embargo) Gordon Parks took photographs on some of these same beaches. For lunch you must try the fresh seafood (you can get vegan options too) and drink fresh coconut water out of the coconut (you can add rum too). For dinner you are in for a special treat; we’ll make a reservation to dine at the same restaurant that the Obamas went to! And yes, it’s Black-owned. And then… we hit the Jazz Festival in style for their main night as world-renowned musicians grace the stage.
DAY 5. CLASSIC CONVERTIBLES
We’ll start the day out cruising in convertible classic cars, the photos will be amazing! Next up, a Sunday rumba is truly something to savor. A rumba is loosely translated as a party, in this case an Afro-Cuban day-party with strong religious influences and traditions. There will be a lot of dancing and energy as the musicians let the Orishas from the Santeria religion flow through them. This area of Havana also has some amazing murals and other street art to see. After the rumba you will be free to do anything remaining on your list, or just go back to the condo and pack.
DAY 6. EXPERIENCE CUBA CONCLUSION
Today is the sad day that the Experience Cuba tour has to end. We’ll drop you off at the airport in the morning to make sure you are on time for your flights home. As you head back to the grind you will go forth with memories that will last a lifetime.
AFTER YOU BOOK:
- After you submit your deposit we will schedule a time to call you within 48hrs to answer any remaining questions and to assist you in finding a good flight
- Book your flights to land in Havana (HAV airport) by 2pm on Jan. 25th
- Tourist cards are typically about $35-$100 and are usually collected at the airport before your final flight to Havana
INCLUDED:
- Shared Condo Accommodations
- Ground Transportation (including airport transfers)
- Travel Health Insurance (bundled with flights to Cuba)
- Excursions Listed Above
- Havana Jazz Festival Tickets
- Guided Shopping Tour
- Professional Photographer
- Breakfast
- Nightlife Outing
- Fly Swag Bag
- Experienced Cuban Guides
NOT INCLUDED:
- International Flight To/From Cuba
- Internet (up to $4/hr, you can use a few minutes at a time though)
- Gratuities
OTHER INFO:
- As of today there are no required shots to enter Cuba, but you should read the info on CDC recommendations, and please consult your doctor as well.
- This trip is for Black people who want to show support for Cuban people and enjoy the art, history, jazz, beaches, rum, etc that Cuba has to offer
- You must have a valid passport with 2+ blank pages. A tourist card is required for US citizens, others click here
- The stated itinerary may change at any time due to weather, or any other unforeseen issues.
PRICING:
Early Bird pricing is over for most bookings!
The following prices are for days 1-6 above:
$2599: SHARED OCCUPANCY
You will be paired with 1 person in the room of our condo
If you have a friend taking the trip you can choose each other as roommates
**Price is per person
$2999 $2799: SINGLE OCCUPANCY
A single occupancy room
$3199: VIP OCCUPANCY
You will have your choice of the room in the condo
You can choose from several bottles of Havana Club rum
A BOX of authentic Cuban cigars
Classic car photo shoot starring you
Extra swag such as tanktop or sunglasses, etc