ISENHOUR
international
Contact Us - 615-988-1031
HIGHLIGHTS
Meals Included (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
5-Star Accommodations
Airport Transfers
Local Ground Transportation for schedule activities
Old City Havana Walking Tour w/Professional Guide
Afro-Cuban cultural experience in Callejon de Hamel
Visit to San Jose Market & Plaza de Revolucion
Cigar Experience at Local Cigar Factory
Got A Question?
Warren Isenhour
615-988-1031
warren@isenhourinternational.com
Lisa McGowan
847-441-9166
lisa@awameetings.com
Cuban Culture Educational Program
Visit to Bacunayagua Bridge
Experience the Varadero touristic region
Visit to historic Hotel Nacional (The Godfather Movie)
Classic Convertible Car Experience on the Malecon
Cayo Blanco Catamaran Experience w/dolphin encounter
Experience Cannon Shot Ceremony at Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña
Explore Havana Vieja, UNESCO World Heritage Site
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - ARRIVALS
-
Attendees Arrive to José Martí International Airport (HAV)
-
Transportation to Gran Kempinski Manzana Hotel
-
Arrival Orientation & Mixer
-
Local Dinner
DAY 2 - HAVANA
-
Learn the Cigar Production Process
-
Visit La Bodeguita del Medio (Famous Cocktail Establishment)
-
Guided Walking Tour of Historic Havana
-
Support for the Cuban People Service Activity
-
Cannon Shot Ceremony at Fortaleza de San Carlos de La Cabaña (dates back to the colonial period)
DAY 3 - HAVANA
-
Visit to Callejon de Hamel (Afro-Cuban Community)
-
Educational Program with local Cuban Tourism Agencies
-
Classic Car Experience on the Malecon
-
Experience the Legendary Tropicana Caberet Show
DAY 4 - VISIT THE CUBAN COUNTRYSIDE
-
Transfer from Havana to Varadero
-
Visit the historic Bacunayagua Bridge
-
Learn about Cuban life in these rural communities
-
Support for the Cuban People Service Activity
DAY 5 - VARADERO
-
1/2 Day Catamaran outing to Cayo Blanco
-
Closing Reception Dinner
DAY 6 - DEPARTURES
-
8:00am - Departures from Varadero to José Martí International Airport (HAV)
-
10:30am - Arrival at José Martí Internacional Airport (HAV)
AIR TRAVEL NOTES
Please Take into account the following information related to your air travel
-
OPERATING AIRLINES - Limited US Based airlines currently offer routes to Cuba. Those are American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, & United Airlines.
-
CURRENT ROUTES - click below to see the current routes being offered direct into HAV from US based points of origin.
-
Note we are only showing direct route options into HAV. As you book your airfare you will need to look at options from your originating airport thru one of these connecting ports.
-
Note overnight routes may be required on July 22 depending on your originating airport.
-
On returns, overnights may be required at your connecting port on July 28 if there are not routes late enought to get you back to your point of origin.
-
-
ARRIVAL TIMES - Attendees can arrive on any offered route on July 23. We encourage earlier arrivals to allow more time to get through immigracion, get to hotel, and prepare for the evening program.
-
DEPARTURE TIMES - please note that on departure day, July 28, we have a 2+ hour transfer to return from Varadero to HAV plus a customary 2 1/2 - 3 hour window for check-in and processing at the airport. There will be one scheduled transfer back for all attendees, departing Varadero at 8:00am with planned arrival at HAV of 10:30am. Attendees are asked to book flights no earlier than 1:00pm out of Havana.
-
If you must book an earlier departure, added transfer costs will be added to your package price.
-
ACCOMMODATIONS
GRAN HOTEL MANZANA KEMPINSKI LA HABANA
The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana is a luxury, 5-Star, hotel. Located in the heart of Old Havana, in the historic Manzana de Gómez building it is an early-20th-century building that was originally built as Cuba's first shopping mall. The four-year-old hotel features a ground floor shopping mall with franchises including Versace, Giorgio Armani, Lacoste, & Montblanc.
Surrounded by various Unesco World Heritage buildings in this vibrant city, the Gran Hotel's 246 luxurious guest room and 50 suites offers you the opportunity to relish in Havana's history; indulge in its various gastronomic outlets such as Lobby Bar El Arsenal or the panoramic San Cristobal; Enjoy your favorite cocktail in Bar Constante; smoke a Cigar paired with local rum in the cozy Evocación; Enjoy the breathtaking views from the beautiful rooftop pool; get pampered in the Spa by Resense; all while feeling safe with Kempinski's White Glove Service Standards.
Enjoy your first three days in the lap of luxury in Old Havana!
Meliá Internacional Varadero - The Level (ALL INCLUSIVE)
The fine sand and crystal-clear waters of Varadero form the backdrop for paradise redefined. This majestic and classic hotel, an icon on beautiful Varadero beach, provides the most modern technology with a wide range of dining and entertainment options.
Located oceanfront, Melia Internacional boasts excellent sea views, a large central swimming pool, tranquil garden areas, a pedestrian boulevard with over twenty gastronomic outlets, a mix of bars and entertainment, the exclusive Level accommodations, and the fabulous YHI Spa with top floor infinity pool. With free wifi and six swimming pools this is a paradise for couples, families, and groups to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
A temple to personalizd service, The Level provides areas for adults 18 and over; prioritized services; special welcome amenities; exceptional cuisine; amazing sea view accommodations; and private lounge areas.
FAQS
This section is provided to assist you in common questions or concerns we receive related to CULTURAL CUBA and travel to this amazing destination. If you do not see an answer to your questions here please reach out to us for assistance.
What is Cultural Cuba?
-
Isenhour International and AWA Meetings both were working to host a Cuba Experience for qualified customers in 2020. Covid-19 prevented those efforts from happening. In late 2020 both companies decided to work collectively to make a Cuban Experience a reality and Cultural Cuba was born with the success of an inaugural program in June 2022. The 2024 iteration will be an exceptional educational and cultural trip for attendees to an amazing Caribbean destination.
Who is eligible to attend?
-
Cultural Cuba is open to anyone. While you have to meet the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control criteria to receive your travel visa; I.I. and A.W.A. will work with you to ensure you qualify and meet our expectations for the educational and cultural aspects of the trip.
Is it Safe?
-
Absolutely! I.I. representatives and A.W.A. representatives have made multiple trips to Cuba to evaluate the country and prepare for Cultural Cuba groups. Additionally, DBasa Tours, our local DMC provider, is well versed in the Cuban experience and will ensure all aspects of your wellbeing and safety are taken into consideration. Cuba is a beautiful and safe Caribbean destination with a wealth of history and culture. The Cuban people are very welcoming to visitors and show exceptional hospitality.
Who are our Hosts?
-
In the Meet the Host's section below you will find background information on all three of your host partners:
-
Isenhour International
-
AWA Meetings & Events
-
DBasa Tours - Destination Management Company
Is the technology and infrastructure up to par?
-
Granted Cuba's infrastructure has suffered from a number of factors. A few things you should know in regards to technology, communication, and access:
-
Your U.S. Based Cellular phones will not work in Cuba; although you can access your data when on Wifi.
-
Wifi access is much more limited there than you are used to in the U.S. At both hotels you will have access to internet. You are given a limited allotment of time to access and can request additional time at a fee.
-
We will assist you in making arrangements for communication back home during your time in Cuba. There are various apps like Whats App and such that allow you to communicate easily while on Wifi/Internet data.
How do I get my U.S. Travel Visa?
-
As part of your package price, we have included the cost of your U.S. Travel Visa. Once you have remitted your Deposit and First Payment we will communicate with you on the process, have you complete the necessary forms with our assistance, and submit your Visa application on your behalf.
Who will be our Points of Contacts while in Cuba?
-
You will have a representative from Isenhour International, AWA Meetings & Events, and Dbasa Tours DMC all on site with you each day and at every activity and outing. You will continually have access to us to handle any needs and concerns you have during your trip.
What do I do about money and payments in Cuba?
-
You will need to bring cash for expenses beyond items included in your package price. Credit cards based on U.S. banks will not work in Cuba and the US Dollar is not accepted. You will need to take your US Dollar and exchange it for the Cuban Peso (CUP). The current exchange rate is 24:1. You should plan accordingly for how much you expect to spend while in Cuba. Take into account tips, gratuities, additional meals, drinks and beverages, souvenir items, etc.
What is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC)?
-
The CUC was a second form of currency used in Cuba. It was pegged to the US Dollar at a 1:1 ratio and was previously accepted along with the CUP. On January 1, 2021 the currency merger of Cuba was finalized and the CUC is no longer accepted in most businesses. If you have CUC from a prior trip you will need to find a bank that exchanges it for CUP, likely in Cuba. When you convert US Dollar to Cuba Pesos ensure you are receiving CUP as it is the widely accepted currency of Cuba and as of January 1, 2021, the only accepted currency.
Is my airfare included in the package price?
-
Each Attendee is responsible for purchasing their own airfare separate from the package price. We will work hand-in-hand with you to ensure you book the appropriate airfare and find you the best pricing available.
Can I stay longer than the 5 nights/6 days?
-
Yes, this is an option a case-by-case basis and would be at an additional cost. If you wish to extend your stay pre/post the July 23 - 28 dates, please reach out to us and discuss your options.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Isenhour International, AWA Meetings & Events, & Dbasa Tours DMC bring over 100 years of experience in the industry. With two companies based in the United States and a third based in Latin America you are getting an immeasurable amount of experience, service and resources to ensure your Cuba2022 trip is amazing. Click any logo above to see the company profile and visit their websites.
WARREN D. ISENHOUR
PRESIDENT
ISENHOUR INTERNATIONAL
Warren has multiple experiences in Cuba under his belt in addition to managing groups in the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Curacaó, Jamaica, Antigua, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil; to name a few. He will be one of your two Trip Leaders who will be on site with you throughout the duration of Cultural Cuba to ensure your experience is outstanding.
LISA MCGOWAN
PRESIDENT
AWA MEETINGS & EVENTS
Lisa had her first experience in Cuba in 2019 and was eager to return with our first Cultural Cuba tour (2022). Fluent in Spanish, she understands the local culture and language and will be a valuable asset to ensure everyone is able to engage fully in the Cuban experience. She has various experiences managing groups across the globe and will be on the ground for the duration of Cultural Cuba.