3. PLEASE NOTE:
We will make every effort to operate the program as outlined herein. However, circumstances beyond our control may arise which
would require an adjustment to the tour or its inclusions. We will do all that is possible to avoid such changes but we must
reserve the right to make such modifications. Normal cancellation penalties still apply to any program that has been changed.
Castillo del Morro
Nightly cannon Michele ceremony
Prepared by lighting Bryant
4. Theodore Roosevelt Association
Strenuous Life Adventure – Cuba Itinerary
As a participant, your tour is being arranged by Insight Cuba
Licensed Travel
Insight Cuba, worked closely with The Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, between 2000-
2004 in order to create legal travel programs to Cuba for U.S. citizens. Due to regulation changes at the end of
2003, Insight Cuba, as well as numerous other organizations, had to suspend their travel programs. In light of the
new regulations released by the Obama Administration, we are excited to once again facilitate People-to-People
Educational Exchanges.
Insight Cuba has been issued a specific license by The Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets
Control, which authorizes registered guests of our programs to visit Cuba legally. There are no applications to
complete, and your travel with us is fully authorized.
Prior to your departure, you will receive a copy of our Specific License and a Letter of Authorization which legalizes
your travel to Cuba. Simply carry your license and Letter of Authorization with your travel documents, as you may
be required to present both documents prior to boarding a direct flight from the U.S. to Cuba, or upon your return to
the U.S. when going through immigration.
5. Theodore Roosevelt Association
Strenuous Life Adventure – Cuba Itinerary
Celebrate President's Day in Cuba!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Miami to Havana
Havana to Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba to Havana
Havana to Miami
Arrive Back in Miami February 24
Prepared by Michele Bryant
6. Bienvenidos a Cuba!
Arrive at José Martí International Airport –
Havana
Welcome to Cuba! After clearing immigration and customs, your
Cuban host will greet you and escort you to your motor coach.
Take a Scenic Trip to Hotel Nacional
Enjoy a scenic trip to your hotel in Havana. Take some time to settle
in, and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, soaking up the
incredible sights and sounds of the city.
Enjoy a Bully Welcome Dinner!
Celebrate your arrival with a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Dinner Included
7. Explore Old Havana!
Journey Through Habana Vieja
After breakfast we'll stroll through the streets of historic Habana Vieja,
exploring the famous Cathedral Square, Plaza de Armas (where U.S.
Troops camped during the occupation), the City Museum, and Palacio
de Los Capitanes Generale (where the transfer of power from Spain to
the U.S. Took place). The city has been restored to its historic splendor
by UNESCO World Heritage; it exudes colonial charm at its finest and
is a must-see for all travelers.
Meet with Professors and Students for Discussions
After lunch, meet with professors and students at the University of
Havana and participate in a discussion of the Spanish American war.
After that, we head over to the Vedado section of Havana, to visit El
Morro castle (at the entrance of Havana Harbor where the USS Maine
blew up), along with The Monumento a las Victimas de Maine along
the majestic waterfront and the elegant neighborhood of Miramar.
Experience the Traditional Cannon Blast
Enjoy the traditional cannon blast ceremony at Carlos de la Cabana
Fortress, historically used to signal the opening and closing of the gate
of the fortress. It is now one of the oldest traditions in Havana.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
8. People-to-People and Cuban Culture!
Share Special Moments with the Children
This morning, we'll make a special trip to the Hogar para Niños sin
Amparo Filial Bauta orphanage right outside of Havana. Visits from
Americans are so rare and exciting for these children; you’ll be
greeted with outstretched arms and open hearts.
Marvel at Napoleon Artifacts
The Napoleonic Museum is one of the most important of its kind in
the world. Housed in a Florentine-style palace, treasured objects
used by Napoleon Bonaparte who had guns in the battle of
Borodino, cocked hat and glasses used in Santa Elena, in addition
to parts of the Bourbon monarchy, the first empire and personal
belongings of Napoleon I. Charles Bonaparte was the grand
nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, and served as Secretary of the
Navy and Attorney General for Theodore Roosevelt..
Head up the Hills to Guanabocoa
Next, we'll explore Guanabocoa and learn about the religion of
Santeria. We will also have the unique experience to sit down and
talk to local residents about life there. Later that evening, we will
have dinner at our hotel and attend a famous block party where
people from all walks of life come to discuss neighborhood issues,
eat, drink and form friendships.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
9. It's off to Santiago de Cuba!
Adios Havana!
In the morning your Cuban host will escort you on a short flight
from Havana to Santiago de Cuba.
Meet with a University Professor and Students
for Discussions
Once we've landed, we'll tour and meet with a university professor
and students to have a lecture on the seige of Santiago, with
opportunities to ask lots of questions and gain insight on the history.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
10. "Roosevelt...made you feel like you would like
to cheer."
Trace TR Through the Spanish American War
This morning we'll head out for a tour of the Spanish American War.
We'll start in Siboney to talk about the Rough Riders' landing at
Daiquiri on June 22, 1898, and Siboney, which was one of three
sites east of Santiago where American expeditionary forces landed
in Cuba and where the Rough Riders made night camp on the way
to battle.
We'll then tour Las Guasimas, tracing the area where the first battle
or skirmish of the U.S. army troops occurred with the Spanish.
Next, we'll stop at El Viso Fort, the target of U.S. artillery shelling
during the battle of El Caney, followed by El Caney church and
courtyard area, the site of intense fighting between U.S and Cuban
forces and the Spanish army on July 1, 1898.
And of course, we'll tour San Juan Hill Military park (hill) including
the Peace Tree and a walk around Kettle Hill!
That evening, we'll meet with a historical society and participate in a
discussion regarding the history of the Spanish American War.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
11. Castillo del Morro
Journey Through a Fortress like TR!
This morning, take an unforgettable journey to see the Castillo del
Morro San Pedro de la Roca like TR did! Designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1997, the castle has breathtaking views of
the sea, and is massive! Wander through the maze of rooms,
viewing prison cells, a chapel, and tons of bedrooms, which once
accommodated 150 soldiers. We'll make a stop in the Museo de
Piratería, an interesting museum within the castle, which showcases
information and materials on pirate raids that occurred in the 16th
century. While at the castle, meet with Cuban Historians to discuss
the Spanish American War, and its impact on Cuba .
TR writes about Castillo del Morro in his book Rough Riders:
“One day General Lawton, General Wood and I, with Ferguson and poor Tiffany,
went down the bay to visit Morro Castle. The shores were beautiful, especially
where there were groves of palms and of the scarlet-flower tree, and the castle
itself, on a jutting head land, overlooking the sea and guarding the deep, narrow
entrance to the bay, showed just what it was, the splendid relic of a vanished power
and a vanished age. We wandered all through it, among the castellated
battlements, and in the dungeons, where we found hideous rusty implements of
torture; and looked at the guns, some modern and some very old. It had been little
hurt by the bombardment of the ships. Afterward I had a swim, not trusting much
to the shark stories. We passed by the sunken hulks of the Merrimac and the Reina
Mercedes, lying just outside the main channel. Our own people had tried to sink
the first and the Spaniards had tried to sink the second, so as to block the entrance.
Neither attempt was successful.”
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
12. Back in Havana!
Fly from Santiago de Cuba to Havana
Today, head back to Havana on a morning flight.
Share Experiences at the Friendship House
Casa de la Amistad or Friendship House is a majestic mansion that
evokes a Florentine palace from the beginning of twentieth century.
The building is a real treat to the eye and emblematic of Cuba's
multi-layered history.
Commemorate Our Time in Cuba with a
Farewell Dinner
We share our last night together with a very special farewell dinner.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
13. Adios Cuba!
“I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble
ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life.”
Adios Cuba! After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Cuba, as you
board your flight back to Miami. Return back to U.S. with amazing
memories and experiences you will treasure forever!
Breakfast Included
14. Theodore Roosevelt Association
Strenuous Life Adventure – Cuba Itinerary
Included in the tour:
U.S. Treasury Department License and Letter of Authorization
5 star hotel accomodations - Havana:Hotel Nacional/ Santiago de Cuba:Hotel Melia
All Meals (Day of arrival:Dinner only - Day of departure:Breakfast only)
Internal round trip flight Havana to Santiago de Cuba
Days full of guided activities
Your Cuban Host (Tour guide)
Expert Lectures
All entrance fees to scheduled events and activities
All in-country ground transportation and transfers
Travel health insurance, emergency medical evacuation, & trip cancelation coverage (up to $1000)
Insight Cuba Travel Handbook
24-hour emergency service hotline
Cost:
$2997(per person double occupancy)
$3297 (per person single occupancy)
