Itinerary

Because our trips cater to the cultural calendar of Havana, specifics of our Cultural activities may shift.

Day 1 / Wednesday

You arrive into Jose Marti Airport. One of our divers will be waiting for you and will take you to Vedado, the creative neighborhood of Havana where you will be living. You will say hello to one of our team members, get settled in your casa and spend some time getting to know the area on your own with a map and tips from us. In the early evening we will gather with the group for introductions, intention setting and initial writing exercises & reflections. We head to a special local paladar (privately run restaurant) for a welcome dinner and walk to a historical hotel and bar afterwards to take in history, context and amazing views.

Day 2 / THUrsday

We begin our day with a writing session to dig into where we are. We then make our way to the other side of Vedado to our favorite art gallery. This space is an incredible way to begin to grasp the depth of work and ideas present in Cuban art. It also shines a beautiful light on the intensity and power of Cuban culture. We lunch at an amazing design centric paladar afterwards do an observational walking and writing session followed by a group gallery and artist studio walk. Guests have time in the late afternoon to explore the small streets and varied energy of Havana Vieja on their own or head home for a siesta. Dinner is just a couple of blocks away from where we stay at a rooftop restaurant, followed by an evening at what many consider to be the best cultural space in Latin America full of art, music and dance.

DAY 3 / FRIDAY

We start the day with a long writing session before heading out on foot to explore, write and take in far corners of this diverse city. In the evening, we head to an artist’s home/studio for dinner surrounded by art and colorful conversation. Late night music recommendations are likely at a great Latin Jazz club.

DAY 4 / SATURDAY

After a short morning writing session, we head out to see how Hemingway wrote in Cuba. Finca Vigía is a pilgrimage for many writers and a special time to think about our own writing practice. We’ll tour his house and get a chance for quick in place writing observations. We return to Havana for a late lunch at an arts centered café and do a writing and walking session in Vedado, our neighborhood filled with local markets, art murals and a view on daily Cuban life. In the evening we head to see experimental theatre with a director talk or go to see some of Havana’s best music in a famous venue followed by dinner at a hidden gem that is chic and upscale.

DAY 5 / SUNDAY

We’ll dig back in for a final intensive writing session in the morning and have lunch back in Old Havana at a historic paladrs. The afternoon will give you time to explore and write on your own before meeting the group at a farewell concert and dinner at the Turquoise House with the community we have connected with all week.

DAY 6 / MONDAY

Enjoy a last relaxed breakfast at your casa reflecting back on all you have seen. Depending on your flight, you will have time for personal exploration in a place that now has so much more meaning. Then farewells before jumping in cars back to the airport. A taxi will be waiting for you at your casa three hours before your flight to take you back to Jose Marti Airport.

Sound good? 
We think so too! 

To make sure we are on the same page, and that this trip will meet all that you are looking for, check to see if you fit our first description and not our second! 

This trip is for you if... 

You are flexible and don't attach to certain outcomes.

You are curious about how different cultures view the world.

You love great food and design centric venues, but also know that getting your hands dirty means that you touch into culture more deeply.

You are excited about staying in a well appointed bed and breakfast (casa particular), and appreciate the beaut, diversity and quirks that come with each home.

You enjoy connecting with people and learning their stories.

You can stay up late a few nights in the name of great cultural experiences and good fun.

You are physically fit enough for some long walks and some bumpy car rides.

A taxi breaking down is an adventure rather than an inconvenience to you.

You are comfortable with contradictions.

This trip is NOT for you IF... 

You are interested in seeing rather than engaging with a culture.

You need a set schedule that is adhered to with precision.

You need an early bedtime every night.

Long walks or standing for prolonged time can feel burdensome.

You are interested in a trip that consists of high-end hotel stays, multiple museum visits and the highest standard of comfort.

You need concise answers.

The Details & the Fine Print

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions. You can also find more information about travel regulations and logistics here.