February 12–19, 2025

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Join Peggy Gaustad and IFAM on a very special trip that will include 5 nights in Havana, enjoying meals in the city’s finest restaurants. We will be treated to IFAM artist studio visits, private dance and music performances, museums and more. This trip will enable us to absorb all that this exciting city has to offer, including Cuba’s biggest asset, its people. From a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s beloved estate, to an evening with the fabulous band, TradiSon, to our farewell dinner at the city’s most iconic restaurant, this will truly be a trip to remember.

We will spend two days and nights outside of Havana in the city of Cienfuegos, on the Caribbean coast. This city, settled by French immigrants from Bordeaux and Louisiana in 1819, is home to a thriving community of folk art painters, many of whom have participated at IFAM. They will have a special exhibit for us while we are there to see their latest treasures followed by a private concert by the always amazing acapella choir, Cantores de Cienfuegos.

From here, we will visit the colonial city of Trinidad, founded in 1514 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. This little jewel of a city is the textile center of the country with beautiful linens and the iconic Cuban shirt, the guayabera. It was here that Hernan Cortez based himself in his many expeditions of discovery and conquest of Mexico. In the late 18th century, Trinidad became one of Cuba’s most prosperous cities due to its thriving sugarcane industry. That wealth of history and artistry is ever present in this charming colonial city.

TRIP INCLUDES:

• Full compliance with US Treasury Department regulations for people to travel to Cuba
• All accommodations in Cuba
• All meals, all gratuities at meals
• All transfers, excursions and transportation (by air conditioned bus)
• Entrance fees to museums and historical sites, music and dance performances per itinerary
• Full time escort and local guides
• Cuban visa and health insurance while in Cuba

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare to/from Havana Please note: We will leave from Miami, as a group, the morning of February 12th on American Airlines Flt. 1447 at 9:29 am and return on February 19th on American Airlines Flt. 1334 at 11:45 am.
• Domestic airfare to and from Miami
• Overnight in Miami (February 11th) at the Sonesta Miami Airport Hotel where we will meet the evening prior to departure for an orientation and to receive your travel documents. A group code will be provided.
• Trip cancellation insurance, strongly recommended
• Tips for local Cuban bus driver and guide.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone, internet service, mini bar, additional drinks or entertainment not on itinerary.

For the past 25 years Peggy has been leading trips to Cuba. She has also, since 2010, been helping to bring Cuban artists and musicians to the International Folk Art Market. Our journey takes us behind the scenes with unique experiences that are born out of these personal relationships and out of her deep respect for the Cuban people.

This trip will involve some walking on uneven, cobblestone streets and climbing stairs where no elevator option is available.

» Download Cuba Itinerary

Please note that itineraries are subject to change.