Cuban Cigar Journey - othercubanjourneys.com

Cuban Cigar Journey
November 16 – 22, 2015
For the Cuban Cigar aficionado
On an in-depth “Cigar Journey” back in time… A world away, in less
than an hour
Be part of adventure …
!
Join like-minded enthusiasts on this unique opportunity to discover the
many faces of Cuban culture… Cigars and more!
We will focus on a smoking experience while we immerse in all things
Cuba. This cigar adventure will expose you to …old cars, art, music and all
that Cuba has to offer. You will be able to enjoy these venerated cigars
when we meet with Cuban people from all generations in many facets of
the cigar industry and learn what makes these cigars world renown!
Purposeful travel for passionate people
Itinerary November 16- 22, 2015
Day 1, Monday: Miami / Havana (L,D)
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Your adventure begins when we arrive in Havana after a short charter flight from
Miami (it’s only an hour!) where you will met our Cuban guide. We will begin our
journey of this timeless island which Christopher Columbus proclaimed to be “the
most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen” and some of others have said,
“so many cigars, such little time”. Enjoy your first cigar upon arrival as we have a
meet and greet before departing.
Enjoy a panoramic city tour in route to Havana; we’ll stop at Plaza de
Revolucion, the largest square in Cuba and learn about Che Guevara, the
Argentine Marxist revolutionary hero, as we use his face as a backdrop for our
first group photo.
Lunch at a paladar, a privately owned restaurant. Paladars are part of the new
economic reforms that Raul has allowed.
Visit the Partagas Cigar Shop, a true mecca for cigar lovers. Today is a special
day at Partagas and the store is abuzz with activity. Hundreds of Cigar
Aficionados from around the world descend on the Capital to unite for the
Encuentro Amigos de Partagas. The Encuentro takes place this week; today is
the kickoff, when many cigar experts and enthusiasts reunite. We will enjoy a
private tour and visit the walk-in humidor. This will be the beginning of our
“Cuban cigar education” as we meet some of the luminaries of the cigar industry.
Hamlet and La China, two of the best rollers in Cuba and known worldwide, will
be there for us to meet and give you your very first custom roll cigar!
Drive along the Malecon on our way to our hotel. The Malecon is Havana's
famous seaside walkway and hub of life for many Cubans who congregate along
this 7 km “couch” every evening,
Our first dinner will be at El Aljibe, known for its secret orange sauce, chicken,
black beans, boniato, plantain and more. The restaurant is in exclusive Miramar
area, once the bastion of the Cuban aristocracy before the Revolution; the grand
old homes are set along wide boulevards and are now mostly occupied by
embassies and foreign investment firms.
If you're a little bit excited about being in Cuba and can't imagine going back to
the hotel after dinner (we don't blame you). We suggest you have a nightcap &
cigar at the Hotel Nacional Patio where there's a good chance you'll see some of
the people you met earlier today at the Partagas Shop. It's a cigar smoker's
favourite spot to have a smoke....and their mojitos are rumored to the best on the
island!
Day 2, Tuesday: Havana (B,L,D)
• After breakfast at the hotel, we will go on a walking tour of the UNESCO World
Heritage site “Havana Vieja”- Old Havana; Exploring the restored plazas, which
date back to the 16th century, you will witness the greatest wealth of Spanish
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colonial architecture in the western hemisphere. Many of the old residences,
government buildings, and churches are actively being renovated under the
leadership of Eusebio Leal, official historian of the city; we will learn how this
renaissance is having a financial impact on Old Havana.
Stop at the Maqueta de la Habana, the scale model of the old city and meet with
a specialist to learn about the city planning and growth of old Havana.
Visit the Hotel Ambos Mundos, where Hemingway stayed for several years and
where he wrote some of his most renowned novels including 'For Whom the Bell
Tolls". We will have a guided visit of his room “511” before we make it to the
Rooftop Patio for a Photo-op
Lunch included in Old Havana
We will stop at the Conde Villanueva (the former mansion of Claudio Martinez de
Pinillos), one of the best known Cigar Shops in Havana. Here we will meet with
expert cigar rollers. They have made this shop a haven for lovers of Custom
Rolled Cigars; cigar aficionados come from all over the world to smoke and buy
their cigars. We will be treated to a discussion about the craft of cigar making.
Continue the day with a visit at Emiliano Nelson Guerra's world famous
'Guayabera Shop'. Although the exact origins of the Guayabera remain a
mystery, Emiliano has perfected the making of this garment. The 53 year old has
made shirts by hand for the rich and famous both in Cuba and abroad. His shirts
are in the closets of such luminaries as the late Hugo Chavez, Sting, Danny
Glover, Prince Albert of Monaco and even Fidel Castro. A Cigar Lover himself,
Nelson (as his friends call him) will take you through the process of what is
involved in the making of a Guayabera. The Cuban Guayabera almost
disappeared from the island but has made a comeback over the last couple of
decades.
A stop at the Historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a must… we will visit the Cuban
wall of fame, the gardens, and its renowned two floor cigar store where we will
meet Milagro, a female cigar roller. Discussion will be very interesting as we will
learn about the role of women in Cuba and the cigar industry.
Tonight dinner is a treat as we join the festivities of the Encuentro de Amigos de
Partagas for a special event. Details to be announced closer to departure.
Day 3, Wednesday: Pinar del Rio / Viñales (B,L)
After breakfast, we will check out of hotel for one night. We will drive west for 3
hours through the stunning province of Pinar del Rio, known to be the premier
tobacco region in the world! On our drive we will have the opportunity to discuss
politics, education, the medical system, housing and more.
• Visit the town of Pinar del Rio and learn about the history of tobacco growing, the
daily life of tobacco farmers, and cigar production.
• Next on our day is a stop at the most famous Tobacco Farm on the island. This
farm was once headed by the late Alejandro; it is now in the hands of his
grandson, Hirochi. Hirochi and his staff will educate us on tobacco growing from
the planting to harvest and all the many steps that are involved before the leaf
makes it to the factory. Meet with local farmers and see how the relaxed
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restrictions with the US have helped them.
• Afterwards, explore the Valley of Viñales, arguably the greenest and most
beautiful region in all of Cuba and stop at Mirador Los Jardines to take in the
breathtaking view.
• Check into our hotel/casa particular for one night. Time to relax and enjoy the
scenery with one of your freshly rolled cigars.
• Dinner is on your own but don't worry, your guide will be around to steer you in
the right direction.
Day 4, Thursday: Vinales, Havana(B,L)
• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Vinales before we explore this stunning valley. One
of our stops will be to meet a local farmer and his family to learn how they have
made a business out of tobacco and coffee growing. Discuss the hardships of
owning a private farm, with its owner, Benito. He will delight us by making us
'farm rolls' inside the curing barn. Spark up that cigar as you are treated by the
women in the family to fresh brewed coffee and conversation about life in the
interior.
• Later that morning we will arrive at Finca Paradiso, a privately run organic farm
where we will have lunch. Here we will meet with the owners and learn why
organics are so prevalent in Cuba.
• Our last stop before returning to Havana is 'Las Cuevas de Los Portales', a series
of caves at the base of a 'Mogote'. Here, Che Guevara set up his command post
during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A local guide will share with us the history of the
caves, from centuries ago when they were discovered until the time that Che
spent there.
• Check back into our Havana hotel and tonight you are free to explore Havana as
dinner is not included.
Day 5, Friday: Havana (B,L)
• Breakfast is included at the hotel before we leave for a visit to one of Havana's
famous Cigar Factories for a special private tour. Making cigars is truly an art;
here we will see the "artists" in action. The last few days we have seen how cigar
leaves are grown and dried; now you will see the next steps that transform the
leaves into the prestigious Cuban cigar!
• Before heading to lunch we will visit the area of the Capitol which is commonly
referred to as a “living car museum”. Here is a chance to talk with car owners and
find out how they keep their relic cars running.
• We will also visit Parque Central where the “esquina calliente” is the official
meeting spot of Cuban baseball enthusiasts.
• Lunch is at the former Biltmore/Havana Yacht Club built in 1928, now known as
Club Havana. Enjoy the beautiful grounds set on the beach and visit the cigar
store which is often referred as the best in all of Cuba. Meet the house roller at
the cigar shop and try one of his famous Monsdales.
• Continue to Jaiminitas to visit Casa-Estudio de Fuster, the studio-home of Jose
Fuster, who is commonly called the “Picasso of the Caribbean”. Tour his unique
studio and property and visit his neighborhood whose homes are adorned with
Fuster’s ceramics.
• Dinner is on your own – did you know there is a Chinatown in Havana? After
dinner you may want to visit one of the Casa de Habanos for a smoke or stroll up
Obispo Street and enjoy traditional Cuban music in one of the many open air
bars.
• Optional - to join the grand Gala Dinner for the Encuentro de Amigos de
Partagas. Tickets will be available for purchase upon day of arrival. This will be
an evening of great smokes, entertainment and rubbing elbows with some of the
most knowledgeable connoisseurs in the industry.
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Day 6, Saturday: Havana (B,D)
• Breakfast at the hotel and then a visit to the Hotel Melia Cohiba to meet the
enchanting Juanita, the House Roller.
• Continue to Finca Vigia, Hemingway’s home where he lived for 21 years, now a
museum where all of his personal items are kept intact. Hear about the Cuban
perspective on Hemingway, his associations with the isle, and the difficulties of
restoring and maintaining his former home
• Lunch today is on your own. You can grab a quick sandwich at beer (or Cuban
rum) at the Cerveceria, Cuban style pub that happens to be right next door to our
next destination.
• Visit Almacenes San Jose (La Feria), a former harbor warehouse restored by the
Office of the City Historian to facilitate an environmental structure. This Flea
market is where many local artists display and sell their handmade crafts.
• Visit La Casa de Habana in Miramar, more commonly known as “La Quinta”.
Discussion will focus on the future opening of relations with the US and what this
will mean for the future of Cuban cigars in the US.
• At farewell dinner in one of Havana’s finest paladars we will toast to our new
Cuban friends and fellow travelers.
Day 7, Sunday: Havana
• Breakfast included at hotel.
• After our last breakfast, we will check out of the hotel
• Visit sites as time allows on the way to the airport
• Say our goodbyes to Cuba and leave a little of our hearts with our new friends
• Connection flight to your home destination (please make this as late as possible)
* *Travel authorized by license granted to “Other Cuban Journeys, LLC”, license
#CT-2014-3069104-1 by the Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) which
authorizes registered guests of our programs to legally travel to Cuba, to participate and engage in a
full time schedule of authorized exchange activities in Cuba, which will involve meaningful interaction
between our travelers and people in Cuba." Trip itineraries are subject to change due to factors
outside of our control but we promise to make any substitutions just as exciting.
Prices:
Per person double occupancy………………………………….$4250
Single supplement………………………………………………..$450
Due dates:
Deposits and paperwork due………………………………………April 1, 2015
Balance due………………………………………………………….June 1, 2015
For paperwork and forms please contact Matteo at
Your trip includes:
➢ Seven days in Cuba, 6 nights
➢ Round Trip Air from Miami – Havana
➢ Meals of breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 3 dinners at some of Cuba’s finest
restaurants
➢ Opportunity to try privately owned Paladars and sample some of the best cuisine
of Cuba
➢ Opportunity to fine tune your palate and learn about the perfect smoke – cigars
included at several visits
➢ Land transportation in Cuba by a driver with many years of service
➢ Services of an experienced Cuban, English speaking professional guide who has
much knowledge of the Cuban community, politics, education, medical system,
arts, economics, etc.
➢ Entrance fees to the important cultural and historic sites
➢ Medical insurance while in Cuba – this does not cover preexisting conditions
➢ US airport departure tax
➢ Cuban visa fee (if Cuban born, additional fees apply)
➢ Gratuities to wait staff at included meals and bellboys in Cuba
Not included:
➢ Trip cancellation insurance – highly recommended. Cancellation for any reason
prior to trip can cause you to lose all money paid.
➢ Tips for guide and driver - suggested is $8-$10 per person per day for guide and
$4-$5 per person per day for driver
➢ Departure tax from Cuba approximately $30 USD
➢ Extra drinks with meals ( you will have one or two included at each meal)
➢ Domestic airfare to Miami and hotel in Miami
➢ Excess baggage charges
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Your passport must be valid for 6 months from date of departure.
• You must be in the Miami area the night prior to departure. Check-in for your
charter flight to Cuba is very early –as early as 5:30 am. On your day of return to
the US make your connecting flight as late as possible – preferably after 7 pm to
allow for delays and to clear customs. You will not be given confirmed flight
information until a few weeks before departure as this is the nature of Cuba
travel.
• There are many hotels in Miami near to the airport with a free shuttle, however
we find that the Miami International Airport hotel, located within the airport is the
most convenient.
• If you are Cuban born and departed Cuba before December 31, 1970, you will
need a special visa and must notify OCJ as soon as possible. This is a timely
and lengthy process and can take up to 12 weeks to receive. You must let us
know immediately.
• Trip cancellation is highly recommended – we do not offer it but you can get it
through Eileen Brenner at [email protected] or call 1-561-715-9947 or
1-561-488-1945
• All payments are by check only to Other Cuban Journeys, LLC
• Each traveler must fill out an application, liability form, travel affidavit and
reservation form.
• Cuban health insurance is included (and compulsory) in the cost of the trip. It
covers medical expenses in Cuba due to illness and accident up to $25,000 and
repatriation and transport up to $7000. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• Cuba is not a non-smoking country. If you have issues with smoke, be aware that
even non-smoking accommodations and establishments may still have smoke.
• Although this is not considered a very strenuous trip, you have to get on and off a
bus, walk on streets in Old Havana that are cracked and with cobblestones and
many times the elevators in museums may not be working and you will have to
take steps.
• Checked- in luggage to Cuba is charged at $20 per bag. Your total free
cumulative baggage allowance is 44 lbs (carry-on + checked bags). Any weight
over 44 lbs, airlines charge $2 per lb cash in Miami (Do not let the cost of extra
weight keep you from bringing much needed aid!)
• As a participant on this people to people trip, you are required by OFAC to
participate in the full time activities of this itinerary.
• You will receive all travel documents in the Miami airport morning of departure –
air ticket, visa, letter of authorization and copy of OCJ license.