Jewish Cuba: A Tapestry of Cultures
Overview
From the resilience of Havana’s Jewish community to the beauty of its streets pulsing with music, memory, and life, this journey offers a rare opportunity to explore Cuba through a deeply personal and meaningful lens.
Celebrate a soulful Shabbat with Havana’s Jewish community, where prayers are filled with hope and tradition lives on against all odds. Wander through the cobbled plazas of Old Havana, alive with music and memory. Step inside Hemingway’s hilltop home, where pages and personal treasures remain untouched by time. Cruise the Malecón in a classic convertible, sea breeze in your hair and history at every turn. Along the way, engage in intimate conversations with the voices shaping Cuba today including professors, scholars, artists, and a former diplomat who will open windows into a Cuba few visitors ever truly see.
Space is limited. Don’t miss this powerful, inspiring, and beautifully curated experience. Come with us, Cuba is waiting…
Tuesday, January 26, 2027 – Welcome to Miami
Hotel Check-In - Arrive and check-in at our group hotel. You'll have some time to get settled and relax before we begin.
Welcome Gathering - In the late afternoon, we'll come together for a short welcome session. This will be a chance to meet the group, go over the plan for the days ahead, and break the ice with a few light introductions.
Group Transfer & Opening Dinner - From there, we'll head out together for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant; a relaxed and meaningful chance to connect, share a meal, and ease into the experience ahead.
Overnight: Miami
Wednesday, January 27, 2027 - Arrival in Havana
Transfer to Miami International Airport - We'll depart the hotel as a group and head to the airport for our flight to Havana.
Arrival in Havana - After landing and clearing customs and immigration, we'll begin our introduction to Cuba.
Lunch at Atelier - We'll enjoy our first taste of Havana at Atelier, a privately owned paladar known for its creative Cuban cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
Visit to Revolution Square - After lunch, we'll visit Plaza de la Revolución, an iconic site of Cuban political history and national pride, featuring famous monuments and murals.
Panoramic Tour of Havana - We'll take a scenic drive through the city to get our bearings and soak in Havana's energy. From colonial architecture to colorful street life, it's the perfect way to begin taking it all in.
Check-In at the hotel - As we drive, we'll take in the sights of Havana's vibrant neighborhoods, classic American cars cruising by, kids playing in the streets, and everyday life unfolding all around.
Dinner and evening at leisure.
Overnight: Havana
Thursday, January 28, 2027 - Exploring Jewish Life & The Heart of Havana
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we begin a day full of learning, culture, and connection.
We'll begin the day with a discussion led by Camilo López Trigo, a former Cuban diplomat, who will share insights into U.S.- Cuba relations and help frame our understanding of the island's recent history and global relationships.
We'll visit Havana's main Jewish community center and synagogue, Beth Shalom Temple (El Patronato) to meet with local leaders and learn about Jewish life in Cuba today. We'll also deliver our group's donations to support their ongoing efforts.
Lunch at Cha Cha Cha - A lively and well-loved paladar, this Havana favorite offers a delicious mix of Cuban flavors and warm hospitality.
Old Havana Walking Tour - Continue exploring the heart of Habana Vieja with visits to the remaining two historic plazas, Plaza Vieja and Plaza de la Catedral. Along the way, you'll see beautifully restored colonial architecture, street art, and daily life unfolding in the city's most iconic district.
Mureleando Arts Project - We'll head to the neighborhood of Lawton to visit Mureleando, a grassroots community arts project that uses murals, sculpture, and performance to inspire creativity and build pride among children and adults alike.
Dinner at Leisure - the evening is yours to explore local restaurants or relax at the hotel. We're happy to share recommendations for those who'd like them!
Overnight: Havana
Friday, January 29, 2027 – Hemingway, Havana, and Shabbat
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a day filled with culture, history, and celebration.
We'll begin our day with a visit to Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway's beloved home just outside Havana. Explore the house, grounds, and view his iconic boat, Pilar, along with personal artifacts that reflect his deep connection to Cuba and its people.
Next, we return to the heart of Habana Vieja to explore two of the city's oldest and most charming squares: Plaza de Armas and Plaza de San Francisco. Along the way, we'll admire Havana's European-influenced architecture and catch glimpses of daily life as locals go about their routines.
Take time to enjoy lunch at leisure, whether you're in the mood for a cozy café or a lively paladar, we'll be happy to offer suggestions.
In the afternoon, step into a classic American convertible for a vintage panoramic car ride through Havana's iconic neighborhoods. En route, we'll pass the lush Forest of Havana, the stately homes along 5th Avenue, and cruise the Malecón, Havana's famed waterfront promenade.
After freshening up, we'll head to Beth Shalom Temple to join the local community for Friday night services, sharing in a meaningful and heartfelt start to Shabbat in Havana.
After services, enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner together at a nearby hotel, sharing reflections, stories, and a sense of connection as we welcome Shabbat in Havana.
After dinner, we'll return to the hotel to rest and recharge.
Overnight: Havana
Saturday, January 30, 2027 – Learning, Music, and Leisure
We'll begin the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a 10:00 AM study session with the extraordinary Professor Alberto Faya, a Cuban singer, composer, and scholar whose passion for music and culture is both deep and inspiring. He'll trace Cuban music's roots, from Spain and Africa to jazz and beyond, offering a rare glimpse into Cuba through the voice of a master storyteller.
Next, we'll come together for a reflection session, an opportunity to pause and share thoughts, impressions, and takeaways from our journey so far.
We'll then gather for a relaxing and delicious Shabbat lunch; a time to unwind, connect, and enjoy a wonderful meal together.
In the early afternoon, we'll join local musicians for an unforgettable exploration of Cuban music, with its rhythms, stories, and soul. Through lively conversation, live performance, and a joyful dance lesson, we'll feel the beat that pulses through Havana.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Feel free to rest, explore, or revisit a favorite part of the city. We'll offer suggestions for those looking for optional activities or dining spots.
Overnight: Havana
Sunday, January 31, 2027 – Art, Memory, and Everyday Life
We'll start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a private tour of the National Museum of Fine Arts. Led by a curator, this special visit will guide us through Cuba's artistic evolution, offering insight into the island's history, identity, and creativity through its visual art.
Next, we'll visit the Jewish Cemetery in Guanabacoa, including its moving Holocaust Memorial, a quiet moment to reflect on memory, loss, and resilience.
From there, we'll be welcomed into a private Cuban home with deep Jewish roots for an intimate glimpse into daily life. Through personal stories and heartfelt conversation, we'll better understand how families adapt and thrive in today's Cuba
Lunch will be at leisure, feel free to explore and choose a spot that suits your taste. We'll be happy to offer suggestions.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a Havana icon that offers a window into the island's glamorous past and storied political history.
Dinner this evening is at leisure, whether you choose something casual or celebratory, the night is yours to enjoy.
Overnight: Havana
Monday, February 1, 2027 – Identity, Art, and Celebration
We'll begin our day at 9:00 AM with an interactive discussion led by Dr. Marta Núñez Sarmiento, a renowned Cuban sociologist. Together, we'll explore gender roles in Cuban society today, an eye-opening look at how culture, politics, and daily life intersect in contemporary Cuba.
Next, we'll head out to visit the Sephardic Hebrew Center, the last remaining Sephardic synagogue in Havana. This is a chance to learn about the rich legacy and continued presence of the Jewish community in Cuba.
From there, we'll dive into the rhythms of daily life with a guided walk through a local market, where you can interact with vendors, observe local customs, and experience Havana through its flavors, colors, and conversations.
Lunch today is at leisure, feel free to explore or revisit a favorite spot.
Afterward, we'll head to Compás Dance of Cuba to observe a rehearsal that blends percussion, African rhythms, flamenco, and classical ballet. Following the performance, we'll have a chance to speak with the dancers about their work, inspiration, and the role of art in Cuban life.
Later in the afternoon, we'll visit Fusterlandia, the imaginative home and studio of artist José Rodríguez Fuster. Located in the seaside community of Jaimanitas, this colorful mosaic wonderland is a joyful tribute to creativity and community transformation.
We'll close our journey with a farewell dinner at La Reserva, a beautiful private paladar, offering a chance to reflect, share memories, and toast to the unforgettable experience we've shared in Cuba.
Overnight: Havana
Tuesday, February 2, 2027 - Farewell
We'll enjoy one last breakfast together at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our flights home.
As we part ways, we'll carry with us the memories, connections, and stories that made this journey to Cuba so meaningful. Safe travels and until next time!
Included
- 7 nights’ accommodations / 6 days of touring
- Deluxe air-conditioned bus
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- All tips (except for housekeeping)
- All educational programming and entrance fees according to the itinerary
- Visa fees
- Flights from Miami to Havana (return)
Not Included
- Flights and personal insurance
- Personal expenses, including meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified