DAY 1 – WED., MARCH 18th - Arrive in Havana and transfer in a modern air -conditioned bus to the five-star Hotel Nacional, perhaps the most famous hotel in Cuba perched on a hill overlooking the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the action-packed Malecon Blvd. Accommodation and dinner will be at the hotel.

DAY 2 – THURS., MARCH 19th – Breakfast at the hotel and you will begin your introduction to the historic city of Havana with a tour by a knowledgeable city architect. The tour will take you to some of the most famous locations in Old Havana, which has been declared a heritage site by UNESCO. You will learn about important historical buildings in the Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco and Plaza Vieja. Lunch will be at Café Taberna, a lively spot housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building with high ceilings. After lunch, depending on the group’s wishes, we’ll visit some or all of the Centro de Desarrollo de las Artes Visuales, Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Wilfredo Lam, the Plaza de Catedral and Taller Experimental de Grafica. Dinner will be at the hotel.

DAY 3 – FRI., MARCH 20th - Breakfast and another busy day with our Cuban guide. First, we will visit the contemporary Cuban collection at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. We’ll lunch at Los Nardos, a Spanish restaurant directly across from the Capitolio building. In the afternoon we’ll visit the studios of well-known Cuban artists. (The number of artists we visit will depend on the group.) Dinner is at Hurón Azul Paladar. Tucked away on a lightly trafficked street, yet still close to the hustle and bustle of Vedado, this small restaurant is a calm and elegant spot popular with the Cuban elite and features paintings by prominent local artists.

DAY 4 – SAT., MARCH 21st. – After breakfast we’ll board the bus to visit Revolution Square and tour the architecture of Miramar, an upscale neighbourhood before the revolution, now home to foreign embassies and companies. We’re planning a tentative visit to the National School of Arts (which hasn’t yet released its 2009 schedule.) Lunch will be hosted by well-known Cuban muralist, Jose Fuster, in his home, which is reminiscent of the work of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. Continuing our look at the Cuban muralist tradition, we will visit Callejon de Hamel, a fascinating alley with murals inspired by Afro-Cuban religions. Dinner will be at La Mina restaurant, a Cuban hotspot in the Plaza de Armas. After dinner we will go to the Rooftop Pena de Dulce Maria for the salsa rhythms of the Elsa María band.

DAY 5 – SUN., MARCH 22nd – We’ll have breakfast, then travel by van to the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve. We’ll visit Las Terrazas, a self-sustaining artistic community. We will learn about the history of the area and walk through the terraced town, stopping at artists’ homes and craft shops. Lunch will be at El Romero ("rosemary"). This unique vegetarian restaurant offers delicious organic cuisine made from locally produced ingredients. Accommodation and dinner will be at the Hotel Soroa, which is surrounded by lush vegetation and close to a famous orchid garden.

DAY 6 – MON., MARCH 23RD – After breakfast we’ll drive to Cienfuegos, known as the “pearl of the south”. This city is fairly modern and very clean and safe. We will stop for lunch enroute at Fiesta Campesina, a farm demonstrating the rural life of Cuba. Accommodation and dinner is at the restored Hotel Union, which has a gorgeous pool and makes one of the finest mojitos (made with rum, fresh mint and lime juice) in Cuba.

DAY 7 – TUES., MARCH 24TH – We’ll have breakfast followed by a sightseeing tour of Cienfuegos. Included in this walking tour will be Jose Marti Park and the Tomas Terry Theatre, one of the most important theatres in Cuba. We’ll visit UNEAC, the union of artists and writers, and meet local artists. There will be lots of time to shop for art. LUNCH IS NOT INCLUDED. In the afternoon we’ll board the bus to Palacio del Valle, an eclectic restored mansion. Dinner will be at Club Cienfuegos, the former Cienfuegos yacht club overlooking the bay.

DAY 8 – WED., MARCH 25TH – After breakfast we’ll transfer to the world heritage town of Trinidad with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. This vibrant city reflects the influences of Spanish colonialists who founded the city in the early 16th century. You will have time to wander around and take in the culture and browse the many small galleries and museums. LUNCH IS NOT INCLUDED. We will then continue to our all-inclusive resort on the best beach along the entire Caribbean coast. There is nightly entertainment here or we may arrange to go into Trinidad to a night club.

DAY 9 – THURS., MARCH 26TH – Enjoy a free day to visit Trinidad, swim or just relax with a book.

Day 9 - Breakfast and early departure for Havana, where we will head directly to another section of the Bellas Artes Gallery. This is located in an architecturally significant building which houses the city’s European art collection.  There will be time to visit two important studios and have lunch before returning to the Occidental Miramar hotel to relax.  Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 10 – FRI., MARCH 27TH – Have breakfast and return to Havana and the Hotel Nacional. LUNCH IS NOT INCLUDED. The day is yours and we’ll have a farewell dinner at La Torre restaurant, which offers one of the best views in Havana. Depending on the group’s wishes we may arrange an optional visit to the Biennial exhibition in the evening.

DAY 11 – SAT., MARCH 28TH - Breakfast and transfer to the airport.