CUBA GOLF GRAND TOURNAMENT
OCTOBER 23-29, 2018
ABOUT CUBA EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
Cuba Educational Travel (CET) is a leader in cultural travel to Cuba. CET unlocks the best of Cuba by providing access to the country’s top artists, academics, tastemakers, and cultural figures. CET’s tailor-made programs enable clients to experience Cuba’s vibrant culture and gain a deeper understanding of the island, while ensuring full compliance with all U.S. regulations.
CET has been on the frontlines of cultural collaboration, helping to bring Cubans to the U.S. and Americans to Cuba. From Yoga retreats to concerts to dance performances, CET has wide-ranging experience and contacts. Recent highlights include organizing the Diplo Major Lazer concert in Havana, which drew a crowd of over 500,000 people and bringing Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba, the country’s top dance group, to perform at the Latin Grammys.
OUR VALUE PROPOSITION
By leveraging this expertise and curated travel capabilities, Cuba Educational Travel offers a product that is unrivaled. Our strong presence on the island and in important cultural circles gives us unparalleled access and knowledge. This combined with the beauty and intrigue of Cuba and its people make for truly unforgettable experiences.
ITINERARY
Tuesday, October 23
Arrive to Havana. (pending flight information)
Lunch at Paladar Atelier. This restaurant is equally known for its atmosphere and exquisite cuisine. The lighting and textures of the house, which was home to a pre-revolutionary senator, coupled with walls adorned in modern art, create a cozy but modern setting.
Check-in at accommodations.
Orientation talk with your local guide: overview of the agenda, discussion about local transportation, nearby markets, internet access and other logistics, safety, cultural norms and current events in Cuba.
Reception at Altamira art loft. A few years ago, Edel Bordón and his family embarked on a journey to establish an art collective in their apartment building. Spearheaded by his wife Yamilé Pardo, the family created the AltaMira art space, which features an exhibition and workspace off of the main lobby and collaborations with neighbors.
Welcome dinner at Río Mar, located in the luxurious Miramar neighborhood, it has a whole terrace overlooking where the Almendares river flows into the sea.
Nightlife suggestion: Attend a live performance by the Buena Vista Social Club at the Hotel Nacional.
Wednesday, October 24
Socio-economic discussion with urban planner Miguel Coyula, whose presentation will touch on housing, infrastructure, investment, and restoration programs in the city. It’s bound to leave you with a better understanding of why Havana looks the way it does today and possibilities moving forward.
Walking tour of Old Havana’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Wander through the Plaza de Armas, a scenic tree-lined plaza formerly at the center of influence in Cuba. It is surrounded by many of the most historic structures in Havana as well as important monuments. See the Plaza de San Francisco, a cobbled plaza surrounded by buildings dating from the 18th century, dominated by the baroque Iglesia and Convento de San Francisco dating from 1719. Visit the Plaza Vieja, surrounded by sumptuous houses of the Havana aristocracy from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit Plaza de la Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana.
Lunch at Doña Eutimia paladar. Famous for its ropa vieja and frozen mojitos, this cozy paladar made Newsweek Magazine’s top 100 restaurants in the world in 2012. The restaurant’s location in the beautiful cathedral square is unbeatable.
Visit to the Lizt Alfonso Academy, a women-led dance company and school for local youth, specializing in various types of dance. We will watch a private performance by the adolescent dance group and sit with the dancers afterward to discuss how they came to join the school and the impact it has had on them. The talent and work ethic at this school is impressive.
Rum and cigar tasting at Café Madrigal. A local expert will explain the qualities and traits of fine Cuban rum and cigars, pairing them together for the perfect match. Café Madrigal, owned and run by film director Rafael Rosales, is housed on the second floor of a beautiful Vedado home, where the walls are lined with captivating art work.
Dinner Reservation at La Guarida paladar, famous not only for its delectable dining, but also as the location for the film Strawberry and Chocolate. It is housed on the third floor of a large, old town house carrying the charming ambience of the early 1900s. Concordia e Gervasio y Lealtad, no. 418 altos, Centro Habana (not included – to be paid on the ground)
Thursday, October 25
Check-out of hotel.
Visit to the Nostalgic Cars restoration garage and discussion with the owners Nidialys Acosta and Julio Alvarez. This husband and wife couple has become the face of entrepreneurship in Cuba, taking advantage of the new economic changes to restore and operate these American beauties.
Enjoy a ride in American classic cars from the 1950s. Recognized all around the world, if you have not seen them in person, you will have seen them on TV or in movies. Havana cars are iconic and classic; they are so recognizable that they become cultural symbols of Cuban cities.
Behind the scenes art tour. Visit different homes and neighborhoods to tour the studios and galleries of established and up-and-coming Cuban artists.
Lunch at La Makina Gastro Bar, located near the Museum of the Revolution and the Museum of Fine Arts in the hear of Old Havana, it is known for the exquisite cuisine dishes and a charming ambiance.
Check-out of hotel and depart to Varadero, a peninsula on the north coast of the Matanzas Province and Cuba's longest stretch of white, sandy beaches.
Check-in at an all-inclusive Hotel Melia Las Americas.
Late afternoon and evening free to enjoy the beautiful beach and/or explore downtown Varadero.
Friday, October 26
Take part in the 10th edition of the international elite golf event "Cuba Golf Grand Tournament."
Morning and afternoon free
Registration at the Pro Shop (begins at 7 am), welcome pack and practices.
Welcome Cocktails at the Xanadu's Bar Mirador. Meeting on tournament information and games rules.
Saturday, October 27
Practice on the Driving Range.
1st Competition round (All categories). Snack food and drink service throughout the course.
Tasting of rums and Habano cigars at Bar Mirador.
Sunday, October 28
Practice on the Driving Range.
Final Competition Round (All Categories) Snack food and drink service throughout the course. Skill contest: closest to the pin (Men 8th hole) (Ladies 3rd hole)
Prize-giving ceremony at the putting green of Varadero Golf Club.
Gala Dinner at Mansion Xanadu Restaurant.
Monday, October 29
Check-out of hotel and depart for airport in Varadero (40 minutes' drive). *Pending flight information