Capturing Cuba: Amor, Cultura, Historia
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Capturing Cuba: Amor, Cultura, Historia
(UITAL Weekender Extension Option: South Beach Miami Turn Up!)
**The Cuba tour is licensed through tour operator Friendly Planet (#CT-2014-309385-1)**
Explore the artistic and historical side of Cuba!
Up in the Air Life presents “Capturing Cuba: Amor, Cultura, Historia”, an exclusive opportunity to experience
an unforgettable legal trip to Cuba. This comprehensive educational program includes a foray into Cuban street
art, music, dance, food, gardens and medicine.
We coordinate your trip to Cuba through our authorized tour operator Friendly Planet.
We help secure your visa from the U.S. Department of Treasury.
We book your accommodations and excursions.
We connect you with other world-class travelers.
And you? You have one job. Have fun.
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights Reserved
Below are the details for your trip. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
Capturing Cuba: Amor, Cultura, Historia
May 24 - 31, 2015
Arrival Airport – Miami, FL (MIA)
Hotel Accommodations
Crown Plaza Miami Airport Hotel (http://www.crownplaza.com/miami)
950 NW 42nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33126 United States
Hotel Nacional (http://www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com/)
Calle 21 y O, Vedado, Plaza, Ciudad de la Habana, Cuba, Postal Code: 10400
Red South Beach (http://www.redsouthbeach.com/)
3010 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33140
Tour Description
After many years, U.S. Americans are again able to travel to Cuba under a new ‘people-to-people’ program
authorized by the U.S. Treasury Department. This program provides an opportunity for U.S. Americans to
interact with Cubans through educational exchanges concerning art, music, culture, and more. The People-to-
People license issued by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control allows U.S.
Americans to enjoy a unique experience of this island, which sits 90 miles off Florida’s shores and shares such
an extraordinary history with the United States.
Cuba’s culture is rich with contributions from its indigenous, African and European roots. But above all, the
people of Cuba are the island’s greatest asset. They are friendly, welcoming, resourceful and full of life. This
program will introduce you to various Cuban communities and provide ample opportunities to interact with
each community in a meaningful way, learning and teaching each other about life in Cuba versus the United
States.
Required Participation in Scheduled Activities: The “Capturing Cuba: Amor, Cultura, Historia" Itinerary
(Day 2 – 6) provides a full time schedule of educational activities that will result in meaningful interactions
between tour participants and communities in Cuba. U.S. law requires that all persons who participate in this
program adhere to this full time schedule, and imposes on Friendly Planet the obligation to ensure such
adherence. Infrastructure in Cuba, especially in hotels, may not be sufficient to satisfy demand in certain
periods. While all inclusions in your tour will be maintained, it is possible that the itinerary may be rerouted to
accommodate hotel availability. Please be flexible and understand that we will always do whatever we can to
assure the best possible experience for all our travelers.
**This Cuba tour is licensed through tour operator Friendly Planet (#CT-2014-309385-1)**
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights Reserved
Day 1 (Sunday, May 24th) – Miami, FL: Your unforgettable journey to Cuba begins today with an overnight
stay in Miami, Florida. If you are arriving at Miami International Airport, complimentary hotel shuttle service
to the Crowne Plaza is available every 20 minutes from any 2nd level departure terminal, simply hail the driver
as they pass. This evening at 7:30pm, participate in an introductory briefing to get acquainted with your fellow
travelers and review your documents and program itinerary. You will be informed of the departure time of the
group shuttle leaving the hotel tomorrow morning. Also, enjoy our signature UITAL Welcome Dinner and dine
with your fellow travelers before we begin our adventure to Cuba!
Day 2 (Monday, May 25th) – Miami, FL / Havana, Cuba:
Today, ride to Miami International Airport to board your non-stop flight to Havana, Cuba’s capital city and
designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Capitol Building, Havana
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights Reserved
Bienvenidos a Havana! Your private Cuban People-to-People Representative will welcome you by holding an
Up in the Air Life sign outside the arrival terminal at the Havana Airport. Board your air-conditioned coach bus,
and head directly to your first destination in Cuba.
In the center of Old Havana, set out on a leisurely orientation walk through the cobblestone streets of this
vibrant area. You will find many Cubans out strolling with their families, offering you a perfect opportunity to
interact with locals while immersing yourself in the street art of Cuba.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Callejon de Hamel
Next, visit the colorful Callejon de Hamel, one of the shortest but most interesting streets in Havana. Here you
will discover how the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria, a fusion of an indigenous African religion and
Christianity, is portrayed in the street’s art and music.
Meet with artists, including Salvador Gonzalez Escalona (when in residence), whose prolific murals adorn the
neighborhood and reflect the cultural and religious beliefs of this area.
Now that you’ve had a taste of Cuba, it’s time to check in to your hotel.
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights Reserved
Hotel Nacionel
This evening, enjoy a Cuban Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 (Tuesday, May 26th) –Old Havana & Cuban Ration Store :
After enjoying breakfast, start the day by visiting one of Havana’s most famous cigar factories, where you'll see
hundreds of workers rolling Cuban cigars by hand.
Cuban Cigar Lady by Allen Meyer
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights Reserved
Then, visit a primary school in Havana (ages 5–12) to meet with some of the school’s administrators and
teachers to learn about Cuba’s education system and how it compares to the United States’ education system.
Please note that if a school is not available for a visit or not in session, Friendly Planet will substitute the school
visit with an equally enjoyable and interesting visit to another community project in Havana.
Students of Angela Landa Elementary School
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, visit a local ration store in the Vedado section of Havana. Your Cuban host will explain the system
of rationing and the two-currency system, as well as the difference between Ration Stores, Cuban Peso Stores,
and CUC Stores.
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights Reserved
Scale in ration store photo by Jeremy Woodhouse, pixelchrome
Return to the hotel and gather in a pre-reserved, private meeting room where you will engage in a discussion
with an English-speaking Cuban expert on the history of U.S./Cuban relations in the 20th & 21st centuries with
the opportunity to ask questions in an uncensored format.
This evening take a short stroll from your hotel to Café Laurent, a privately owned restaurant, for dinner. This
restaurant is a classic example of Cuba’s recently revised policies allowing private enterprises to flourish.
Day 4 (Wednesday, May 27th) – Havana, Alamar, & Cojimar: This morning, drive to Finca Vigia, Ernest
Hemingway's Cuba retreat. Then, drive to the district of Alamar on the outskirts of Havana. Started as an
expansive social housing project in the 1970's, these Soviet-style pre-fabricated concrete apartment blocks are
now home to hundreds of thousands of Cubans.
Amongst the buildings in Alamar are community gardens, called Organoponicos, where residents grow fruit,
vegetables and herbs for their own consumption and local sale. Similar to co-op and community gardens in the
United States, these Organoponicos facilitate community development and offer Alamar's residents access to
fresh produce. Enjoy a visit to one of these Organoponicos, which few visitors to Cuba have the opportunity to
experience.
Then, visit Cojimar, the fishing village that was the setting for Hemingway's book, The Old Man and the Sea,
and enjoy lunch at a local paladar.
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights Reserved
Visit Lazaro Salsita, a wonderful art project for children in Central Havana, run by Lazaro Medina. Here,
children learn not only how to create art, but also how to invent materials from just about anything. His most
popular materials are typically discarded "Granma" and "Juventud Rebelde" newspapers. Lazaro has received
national recognition as a "neighborhood leader" for his community-based project. Meet Lazaro, his young
students and maybe try your own hand at creating a sculpture made out of old newspaper or discarded string.
Afterwards, return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 5 (Thursday, May 28th) – Havana & Las Terrazas:
Las Terrazas
Depart for Las Terrazas in Artemisa Province, a "must see" in Cuba and known worldwide for its magnificent,
scenic beauty.
Las Terrazas was founded shortly after the Cuban Revolution in 1959 as a model community, where local
farmers, known as campesinos, moved closer together in order to help each other overcome the hardships of
sleeping in huts with thatched roofs, living without electricity and living without local schools or medical
services.
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights Reserved
First, stop briefly at the Clinica Las Terrazas† to learn how medical services are handled in rural Cuba. Locals
visit this small, multi-purpose center for medical advice, often non-traditional and homeopathic, and referrals to
larger medical centers in the city, dental care by the area's sole dentist, and even a haircut by the town
hairdresser, with whom the space is also shared.
Enjoying coffee at Café Maria, Las Terrazas
At our next stop, we'll visit the town's only coffee shop, Café Maria. Café Maria is owned by the oldest member
of the community, Maria. She and her family have been welcoming visitors for years to enjoy the "best coffee
in the country." Discuss coffee culture in Cuba, coffee throughout the world, and how cafes act as places for
social interaction.
Las Terrazas is now part of UNESCO's Biosphere Reserve, as much of it is a reforested coffee plantation. Real
reforestation began in the late 1960s by the local farmers who were concerned that their land had been degraded
by former French coffee barons.
Visit the art studio of Lester Campa (when in residence).
Now you're in for an authentic, country-style lunch prepared and served outdoors at a local farmhouse near Las
Terrazas.
On the way back to Havana after lunch, we have the distinct privilege of visiting "Fusterlandia", the home and
surrounding neighborhood of "The Picasso of the Caribbean", Jose Fuster. Starting with a small wooden home
as his canvas, Mr. Fuster has turned his dream into reality and transformed not just his own home but the entire
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights Reserved
neighborhood into a unique and colorful artistic landscape. Using the money he makes from selling his artwork,
Jose adorns the community with sculptures and mosaics galore.
After some well-deserved down time at the hotel, join your fellow travelers at the farewell dinner, served in a
privately owned restaurant. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes as you enjoy live, traditional Cuban Buena
Vista-style music and salsa dancing.
Day 6 (Friday, May 29th) – Havana, Cuba/South Beach, FL:
Star National Ballet of Cuba
In the morning, visit Centro Pro Danza de Cuba, created in 1994 by Laura Alonso, the daughter of Cuba's
legendary ballet royalty, Alicia and Fernando Alonso. Alonso teaches children of all ages, regardless of talent or
ability to pay. She also provides professional-minded dancers, who weren't accepted into the national ballet
school and company, with an opportunity to grow, study and even perform. Tour the school, housed in a
crumbling mansion that was once a hospital and is slowly being refurbished. Watch a rehearsal and afterwards,
engage in a discussion with the school’s directors and dancers about dance opportunities in Cuba compared with
those in the United States.
Then, bid farewell to Cuba as you transfer to Havana's Jose Marti International Airport and check-in for your
charter flight back to Miami. Adios Havana! **This ends the Cuba Tour provided by Friendly Planet**
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights ReservedUITAL presents our Weekender Trip:
A UITAL Weekender Trip provides working professionals with an opportunity to meet with each other and
network over a weekend that includes accommodations, ground transfers, UITAL virtual and onsite concierge,
UITAL swag, and a host of optional activities that can be purchased a la carte.
South Beach Miami Turn Up
(This is an Extension Trip for Cuba Tour Attendees. Attendance is Optional.)
Extend your trip and join us in South Beach for the first UITAL Weekender Trip in South Beach, Miami,
Florida. We’ve arranged the round trip ground transportations from Miami International Airport to the Red
South Beach Hotel.
Red South Beach - Outdoor Pool Area
The newly renovated Red South Beach Hotel offers guests welcoming and relaxing accommodations in this
upbeat, newly renovated boutique. Artfully blending baroque elements with contemporary finishes the hotel's
hip design brings you back to an era of simple yet stylish beauty, sophistication and personal service.
To create a unique experience, designers blended Parisian Chic with Miami Style to offer guests a
contemporary ambiance without sacrificing comfort. Blending red and white, passion and serenity, Red South
Beach Hotel is a secret corner near the heart of the city. Experience South Beach Chic (without the attitude) in a
friendly, upbeat boutique hotel South Beach.
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights ReservedRed South Beach – Double Room
Your resort amenities at Red South Beach include WIFI, beach towels, beach access, beach chairs, a
complimentary cocktail daily, and continental breakfast.
Enjoy the rest of your day sharing pictures with the Cuba crew. If you feel up to it we can book you for late
afternoon activities/tours and evening activities. We will provide you with a list of options closer to the trip.
For those interested in South Beach nightlife we will provide a list of lounge and nightclub options and organize
and confirm table reservations if you require them.
Day 7 (Saturday, May 30th) – South Beach, Miami, FL:
Enjoy complimentary continental breakfast.
Sleep in today why don’t you or we will schedule you for an optional tour of your choice such as Snorkeling,
Everglades Alligator Airboat, Zoo Visit, Boat Ride, and much more.
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights ReservedRed South Beach – Dining Area
For those interested we will attend a Day Party at Nikki Beach. Entrance and table reservations can be arranged
at an additional cost.
Nikki Beach – Day Beds & Cabanas
Nikki Beach Miami is the hidden jewel of South Beach, located at One Ocean Drive along the beautiful Atlantic
Ocean, amid swaying palms trees and warm sunny breezes. Nikki Beach Miami has established itself as the
landmark nightclub and venue for ultimate private parties, large celebrations, and always lives up to its
reputation as a South Beach Miami party playground for jet setters, celebrities, VIPs, guests and visitors alike.
Nikki Beach Club in Miami is comprised of a large oceanfront complex featuring an outdoor beach club, an
award winning restaurant and a sexy South Beach nightclub favorite. Enjoy full food and VIP bottle service in
their fabulous cabanas and lounge beds during the day while soaking up the South Beach sun.
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights ReservedFor those interested in South Beach nightlife we will provide a list of lounge and nightclub options and organize
and confirm table reservations if you require them.
Day 8 (Sunday, May 31st) – South Beach, Miami, FL:
Enjoy complimentary continental breakfast.
Today, bid farewell to South Beach! Travel safely home. Ground transportation is included and vouchers will
be provided onsite.
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights ReservedWhat’s included in the “Capturing Cuba: Amor, Cultura,
Historia” and “South Beach Miami Turn Up” Tours?
• Up in the Air Life Virtual Concierge: Months prior to the trip, Up in the Air Life, Inc. staff provides
conference calls, a private Facebook group, and 24-hour email support to prepare you for your trip and
answer any questions. Other perks include a packing list, departure checklist, destination information, flight
booking support, and much more. We are your virtual concierges until you arrive at your destination and
then in-person support representative on-site.
• Legal Travel and Education Program: Comprehensive educational exchange program, including entrance
fees
• VISAs and Authorization: Cuba Entrance Visa, U.S. Treasury Department license and letter of
authorization
• Local Guide in Cuba: Professional, English-speaking local guide, who will facilitate the educational
exchanges with Cubans
• Flights: Non-stop round trip flights from Miami to Havana via U.S. Government-licensed charter service
• Lodging Accommodations: 1st night Crowne Plaza Miami Airport Hotel with Pre-tour introductory
briefing, superior first class hotel accommodations for 5 days and 4 nights in Cuba, and 2 nights in South
Beach, Miami
• Activities: Collejn de Hamel, Cigar Factory, Primary School Visit, Local Ration Store, History Lesson,
Finca Vigia – Ernest Hemingway’s retreat, Alamar – Housing Projects and Community Gardens
(Organoponicos), Cojimar – Fishing Village, Lunch at a Local Paladar, Lazaro Salsita – Art Project, Las
Terrazas – Clinic visit, Café Maria – coffee shop, Lester Campa – Art Studio, Lunch at a local farmhouse,
Fusterlandia – home of the “Picasso of the Caribbean” , Centro Pro Danza de Cuba, and Salsa Dancing!
• Meals: A UITAL Welcome Dinner in Miami and 10 additional meals in Cuba -- 4 Breakfast, 4 Lunch, and
2 Dinners. One evening is a free night where you may eat at a restaurant of your choice. A Welcome
reception in South Beach on the first night and daily breakfast at Red South Beach Hotel.
• Transportation: All land transportation, transfers, and porterage in Cuba. Round trip ground transfers
to/from the Red South Beach hotel
• Insurance: Health Insurance Options for Cuba
• Flight Booking Assistance: Recommendations to book the most economical flights for your trip to Miami.
We take care of the charter flights to and from Cuba via Friendly Planet.
• Welcome Package: We will coordinate with the hosting vendor for Cuba and provide you with all the
information you need, so no need to do much research.
• A few extra surprises along the way!
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights ReservedNOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST:
• Flights and/or other transportation to/from Miami
• One dinner in Cuba is not included
• Tips to the drivers, directors, and tour guides
• Souvenirs or meals not specified on tour itinerary
• Optional activities
• Travel insurance
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights ReservedARE YOU READY TO REGISTER?
Go to http://www.upintheairlife.com to Register. There is a $1 administrative fee. After registration you will have access
to the document that includes a link to pay your deposit for the Cuba Trip. You may register separately for the South
Beach trip on our website.
PRICING:
Cost: $2,999 (Captivating Cuba) per person based on double occupancy
Single supplement is $299
$299 (South Beach Turn Up – Double Room – as Cuba Extension) per person based on double occupancy
* If you need a roommate we will work with other singles to match you up.
PAYMENT DETAILS:
Deposit: A deposit of $600 is due by 11/15/14 for Captivating Cuba
A deposit of $50 is due by 11/15/14 for South Beach Turn Up
Balance: Monthly payments of $599.75 are due starting December on the 1st of the month.
Balance of $249 is due by 4/1/15 for South Beach Turn Up
CUBA SPACE LIMITATIONS:
WE HAVE 25 SPOTS FOR CUBA. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.
The “Capturing Cuba: Amor, Cultura, Historia” Trip accommodates groups of 21-25 travelers. After we have
reached capacity, we will create a waiting list as we can open up another group if we reach 21 people on the
wait list. You will receive confirmation 24-48 hours after you pay your deposit. If we cannot accommodate you,
you will receive a full refund.
CUBA REFUND POLICY:
© Up in the Air Life, Inc. 2014 All Rights ReservedFinal payments are due by March 10, 2015. All payments are subject to the following cancellation schedule
with the Tour Operator.
Cancellation Charges
Up to 76 days prior to departure $600
75 - 46 days prior to departure $1,000
45 - 30 days prior to departure $1,700
29 days prior to departure No refund
SOUTH BEACH REFUND POLICY:
All deposits are non-refundable. You may cancel the South Beach portion prior to April 1, 2015 for a full
refund minus the deposit.
QUESTIONS?
Of course, if you have any questions at all about this trip, please let us know. We are here to help! We look
forward to having you join us what promises to be another exciting adventure with Up in the Air Life!
info@upintheairlife.com
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