Meet with career Cuban diplomat Camilo García López-Trigo for a talk about US/Cuba relations; Dr. García is a professor at University of Havana International Relations School and an expert in US political studies. You will also visit a daycare center run by The Sisters of the Love of God, visit a classroom in session, learn about the remarkable work the sisters do for families in need and be inspired by the humanitarian work of their order.

Our headquarters will be Havana’s newest and most stylish hotel, Grand Aston La Habana on Havana’s historic Malecón. Grand Aston is one of the finest hotels in the Caribbean. After a busy day, relax, have a cold drink, check your email with available Wi-Fi, look at the sea and be inspired by Havana coming to life after dark.

Traditional music and its evolution over the centuries is at the heart of the Cuban soul and mystique. The history of music in Cuba is the story of its people; from slavery, political upheaval, revolt and a joyful celebration of Cuban life. As part of our Cultural Exploration, noted Cuban musician and University of Cienfuegos Professor Giraldo Pérez will teach the origin of Cuban music and dance. Cuban jazz begins here.

Some of the most exquisite historic buildings in the Caribbean are in Cuba. Despite more than six decades of embargo, Cuba has managed to preserve and restore some of its most important heritage structures, neighborhoods and monuments. Using tourist dollars and financial incentives, much of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is gradually being rehabilitated to its former beauty. A noted Cuban architect or urban planner will provide our patrons with an insight into what it takes to gradually restore one of the world’s great cities, one building at a time.

In Cuba, the classical arts are revered by every walk of life. During our trip, patrons will experience performances by such renowned groups as: Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional; Ballet Nacional de Cuba; Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba; Ballet Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba; Camerata Romeu; Cantores de Cienfuegos; Orquesta de Cámara de la Habana; and more. Events will include opportunities to attend rehearsals as well as performances, mingle with the performers as well as sharing a meal. These People-to-People experiences will be truly awe-inspiring.

Cuba has some of the finest young jazz musicians in the world. The Afro-Cuban tradition has evolved into a robust jazz scene that has a solid foundation in the classical music training musicians receive at the prestigious music schools throughout the country. In Havana, jazz thrives. Our patrons are not only immersed into Havana’s jazz nightlife, but will be treated to private, one-on-one concerts from the best and brightest of Cuba’s jazz elite. This unique exposure to one the world’s most active jazz scenes is a Cuba Rhythm and Views exclusive.

As part of our cultural exchange, our patrons will visit notable Cuban artists’ studios, galleries and homes. They will discuss their work and their artistic visions and the state of Cuba’s control of artistic expression. These personal encounters will help you understand cultural life in Cuba before the Revolution as well as today. Artwork will be for sale at all studios and galleries. In addition, a CR&V exclusive private show of original art for sale by Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) professors and students is always on our itinerary.

The growing movement of private restaurants, or paladares, in people’s homes is flourishing in Havana. This movement is the vanguard of economic change in Cuba. The best dining in Cuba is in paladares along the backstreets and alleyways of Old and New Havana. The restaurants are being reviewed internationally and Havanaphiles are slowly finding their way to these wonderful free-enterprise culinary destinations. Most of our meals will be in paladares. And, for the evening meal, our patrons will be given the names and locations of Havana’s best private restaurants, all within a ten-minute cab ride from the Meliã Cohiba.