Cuban Rhythms with Randy Lewis

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Cuban Rhythms with Randy Lewis

ITINERARYDay 1 Bienvenidos a Havana!

Day 2 The Many Facets of Cuban Sound

Day 3 Color and Rhythm

Day 4 Afro-Cuban Culture

Day 5 Los Mujeres

Day 6 Adios

It is impossible to think of Cuba without hearing its rhythms and visualizing its

vibrant colors. Whether it is rumba, salsa or son, the sound of Cuba is at the fore

of its identity; the hues of Cuba speak to the history of the island and the passion

of its people. On this six-day journey, explore the sights and sounds of Cuba’s

performing and visual arts. From the classical to the modern, experience the many

facets of Cuban art, music and dance with behind-the-scenes experiences and

interactions with artists. Though each work is different and each story unique, the

shared artistic pulse and the need to create are fundamental to Cubans.

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DAY 1 Bienvenidos a Havana!After arriving on a group flight from Miami, begin your expedition with a panoramic city tour of Havana, including a stop at the Plaza de la Revolución, which is one of the largest city squares in the world and the site of myriad political rallies. Experience the tour’s first Cuban flavors at a group lunch before checking in to your hotel on the famed Malecón. This evening, enjoy a festive welcome dinner at one of Cuba’s best paladares (privately owned restaurants) followed by a performance at Havana’s premier jazz club, La Zorra y el Cuervo, where top musicians jam nightly until the wee hours. (L, D)

DAY 2 The Many Facets of Cuban Sound

Participate in a panel discussion at the Cuban Institute of Music, where you will meet with professionals representing different aspects of the Cuban sound. Discuss the history surrounding what is considered traditional Cuban music as well as lesser-known influences. On a walking tour of Old Havana, explore the National Theater and a luthier’s violin workshop. At Casa de Africa, enjoy a brief musical performance and discussion with musicians. Later, meet with members of a group devoted to the works of Mozart. Following dinner at a paladar, sit in on a set at Café Taberna, where members of the Buena Vista Social Club have played. (B, L, D)

DAY 3 Color and RhythmMeet with a Cuban singer/songwriter for a private discussion moderated by your host. In Jaimanitas, let the colors and whimsy of Jose Fuster (considered the Cuban Picasso) surround you as you explore his art studio and learn about the aims of the local community art project. Don’t even try to sit still during a high-energy dance performance by Habana Compas at their headquarters, followed by a Q & A with the artists. After dinner at leisure, head out for a night at FAC (Fábrica de Arte Cubano), a combination performance venue and art gallery where the next generation of Cuban musical voices is often showcased. (B, L)

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Travel east to Matanzas, a town on the north shore that has the strongest Afro-Cuban identity of anywhere in the country. In the 1850s, almost three-quarters of the population of Matanzas was enslaved. The sounds, rhythms and poetry that came from that time provide a bass line that runs throughout the province. Visit AfroCuba, one of the island’s legendary folklore groups that incorporates African dance and percussion into its performances. You will have the option to try your moves at a dance class following the performance. After lunch at the colonial Hotel Velasco, visit the Matanzas art school and interact with students. Back in Havana, stop by Cuba Libro, Cuba’s first English-language bookstore and cultural center. Meet with staff members to discuss the center’s commitment to operating with social, cultural and ethical responsibility and supporting its local community. The evening is yours at leisure. (B, L)

DAY 4 Afro-Cuban Culture

Meet with a female Cuban hip-hop artist for a private discussion followed by a visit to EGREM, the national record label of Cuba. Lose yourself in the stalls of Almacenes de San José, the largest artisans’ market in Havana. Later this afternoon enjoy a private performance by all-female chamber orchestra Camerata Romeu. Celebrate your Cuban expedition with a hands-on cooking class and farewell dinner followed by a surprise musical activity curated by your expert. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 Los Mujeres

After breakfast, depart for your group flight to Miami and on individual flights onward. (B)

DAY 6 Adios

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ACCOMMODATIONS

5 NIGHTS Meliá Cohiba The 22-story Meliá Cohiba is located in the modern Vedado district of Havana and faces the Havana coastline with its renowned Malecón ocean drive. Just a 10-minute cab ride from Old Havana, the hotel has comfortable rooms, a spacious and elegant lobby with fountains, classic furnishings and panoramic windows. A wireless internet connection is available in the lobby, and several restaurants, bars and cafes are nearby.

EXPEDITION EXPERTRandy LewisRandy Lewis has covered pop music for the Los Angeles Times since 1981, working in that time as a reporter, music critic and editor for the Calendar arts and entertainment section.

He has interviewed most of the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and has cultivated a special interest in the music and culture of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz and a flashpoint for a broad range of rock, R&B, blues, gospel, Cajun and zydeco music.

DATES & PRICINGDATES PRICING SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPOSIT

Mar. 1-6, 2020 $4,995* $625 $500

Nov. 15-20, 2020 $4,995* $625 $500

WHAT IS INCLUDEDComprehensive educational program by content experts and professional on-site guides

All accommodations and meals as outlined in the itinerary

All ground transportation within the itinerary unless otherwise indicated

All sightseeing as specified in the itinerary

Entrance fees

Gratuities to porters, drivers and guides for all included arrangements

The assistance of an ATA expedition manager for comprehensive logistical and customer service management on the expedition

Wireless listening devices

The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights or other services

Comprehensive pre-departure information about the destination and what to expect on the expedition, including a suggested reading list

Transfers to and from airports for those arriving or departing according to the designated itinerary (exceptions may apply)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDEDU.S. domestic or international airfare or other transportation from your home to the departure point of the trip and from the end point of the trip to your home

Travel and trip cancellation insurance

Passport, visa, airport departure and baggage fees

Meals not specified in the itinerary, and food and beverages not part of the included meals

Personal items such as telephone, fax and internet charges, laundry, room service and alcoholic or other beverages not specified as included

Gratuities for non-group services

Expenses you may incur resulting from delays due to bad weather, road conditions, sickness, government action and flight delays

Expenses incurred in making individual travel arrangements in conjunction with the trip, and sightseeing not included in the itinerary

LAND COSTPrices are listed in U.S. dollars and are based on a person sharing a room with another. Although we do our best to maintain the

listed price, because our prices are set over a year in advance, we reserve the right to increase costs due to circumstances beyond

our control, tariffs, taxes and VAT received after prices are published and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. The

land cost is based on a minimum number of guests as described on the trip page.

BOOK NOW 855-890-5298 expeditions.latimes.com (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. PT)

See complete Terms and Conditions at LATexpeditions.com. The Los Angeles Times’ travel programs are managed by Academic Travel Abroad Inc. (ATA), a professional travel company hired as an independent contractor.

Meal Key: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, T=Tasting, R=Reception

* Price does not include round-trip group flight between Miami and Havana. Estimated flight cost is $450 including visa costs.