Summer in Cuba 2015

A memorable drive along the southern coast – small towns, Cuba’s desert, and the fabulous Farola Highway.

Exploration of the life of the original inhabitants of Cuba continues in many parts of the island. Thousands of years of human endeavour are found in the petraglyphs, pottery shards, and ornaments. Visit with descendents of these original inhabitants. The arrival of Columbus, quickly brought an end to an enduring, agricultural way of life. Understand the history of that first contact and the beginnings of what is now Cuba.

Mid –afternoon departure for Santiago

From Indians and slaves, buccaneers and Spanish grandees, pirates and indentured servants, has come a vibrant people. Explore their history and their struggles. From the oldest house in the Americas (quite a few others burned down) to the solid fortress at the harbour, and the living rememberence of the Peace Tree, Cuban history is told in stone and wood, and the faces of its people.

A century of turbulence and civil war has led to over five decades of relative calm. The struggle to become an independent nation in the face of US opposition is a poignant and triumphant story. Come with us to explore the Revolutionary Civil War as played out around Santiago. Have history come alive and tangible.

Join us in the enchanted world of ferns and clouds. We journey out of the city to a cloud forest with ancient fern trees and simple pines which existed in the time of the dinosaurs. Visit to a high altitude garden with beds of bird of paradise flowers and many exotic tropical plants. Visit a private garden hidden among the slopes and trees. Walk in the magical world of bromeliads and orchids, brightly colour butterflies and brilliant birds. Lunch at the beach

From the time of Columbus, Spanish Catholicism with it panoply of saints and many festivals was the principal religion of Cuba. Here and there were tiny pockets of Indians, still practicing their religions, but much of their culture had been swept away by the middle of the 16th century. The influx of African slaves building to major imports by the mid-19th century changed the face of Cuba and its religions. At first allowed to practice their own religions, their sheer numbers became a threat especially during their festivals. Their religions were suppressed and Christianity imposed. However, the Yoruba transferred the attributes of their African gods to Christian saints and so found a way to stay within the law and practice their religion. This tour explores the importance of these mixtures as they inform art, music and dance in Cuba.

Depart for Camaguey

These stories of romance, self-sacrifice, undying love and miracles, are the stuff of opera and the much loved telenovellas. Join us to explore the meaning of the white vulture, the miraculous appearance of the virgin, the silver coffin, and the everlasting grave marker. Each story is identified with a church of this city. This tour takes you to some of the most visually exciting areas of the city, to catacombs, and tiny churches. See Camaguey through the eyes of the 18th century.

Depart for Santa Clara

Come back with us to December 1958. Santa Clara is under bombardment from the skies and from the hills overlooking the city. The revolutionaries have blocked the way south for an armoured train, which is now holding the revolutionary army at bay. With a participant of that battle relive his life, his time in the Lucha Clandestina and the days of that battle in and around Santa Clara. Visit to the monument of Che Guevara.

Depart for Trinidad The Escambray Mountains

The mountains between Santa Clara and Trinidad are beautiful in all seasons. Cool streams, deep forests, small villages, and country farms make this a spectacular drive. Lunch on a local farm with time for a swim. A great way to rest between tours of these two cities.

Join us in the exploration of the colonial sugar trade. For a period in the 19th century Trinidad was wealthy beyond belief. Visit the Valley of the Sugar Mills, explore the archeological sites which are once more bringing to life the past. Explore the life of the city which depended on the wealth of both of the trades.

African religion

A visit to an Afro-Cuban Cabildo where the sacred congas are kept, and worship is maintained in the traditional style.

Depart for Cienfuegos

Centred on a sheltered, deep water, port, Cienfuegos was the natural successor to the town of Trinidad. Built by Haitian refugees, American sugar barons, and investors in Cuba’s wealth, the city of Cienfuegos has a tranquility in its public spaces which belies the frantic money making which underlay it. Our tour takes you to some of the benefits of this enormous personal wealth. A 19th century theatre built to honour the man who first electrified his sugar mills.

This tour is led by a senior architect from the Office of the Conservador; responsible for many of the restorations and rebuildings of Cienfuegos’ architectural treasures.

Depart for Habana

From the earliest works of the artisans through to the explosion of work in the 20th century, Cuban artists have contributed to the lively debates, the civil and religious life of the country, and the interpretation of our understanding of society.

The tour begins with a survey of the fine Cuban collection in the Fine Arts Museum and continues on with visits to galleries and collections and finally through some of Habana’s striking murals both past and present.

This splendid walking tour of Habana Vieja takes you through the 4 principal squares of the old city and some of its principal streets, into projects and private homes. The story of Habana Vieja and its growing financial capability, the preservation of the social integrity of the old city, and the continuation of the preservation of buildings in face of hurricanes and floods is fascinating. For tourists and residents alike there are street performers, theatre, music and art.

Departure.