Havana Gay Pride Weekend!!!!!!
INDIVIDUALS
THURSDAY MAY 16 TO SUNDAY MAY 19 2019
Journey into the burgeoning LGBTQ scene of one of the world’s fastest-changing destinations
Think of Cuba and you might think of vintage cars, multicolored Colonial buildings, sun-drenched white beaches, swaying palms… while these images do partially reflect reality, there’s so much more to this fascinating country than unchanging, postcard-like perfection. In fact, there has never been a more exciting time for Cuba’s LGBTQ population, with the president has spoken out in favor of same-sex marriage.
Join us on an exclusive four-day journey into the heart of Havana’s LGBTQ community and you’ll discover the real Cuba as you get swept up in the whirlwind of celebrations for Pride and the Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The riot of colors, dancing, music, and positivity that is Havana’s epic Pride Parade. You’ll be among the relatively small number of US citizens to have had the incredible privilege of exploring this enchanting country since it opened its doors in 2015. In between high-end dinners,fun parties and nights spent in a historic 1950’s hotel, you’ll forge connections with the renowned activists working toward a bright future for Cuba’s LGBTQ community and sip cocktails with friendly locals. This is an utterly high-quality experience, where uncompromising authenticity and spontaneity meet luxury and comfort.
It’s also a trip with an important theme at its heart: solidarity with the LGBTQ community in Cuba. With that in mind, a percentage of the proceeds from every sale will go back into supporting the LGBTQ community in Cuba.
EMAIL US LGBTQ@CUBAVIPTRAVEL.COM
CALL US 833-CUBA-VIP / 833-282-2847
Trip Cost
$1.345.00 Per passenger ( Double room occupancy)
$1.745.00 Per passenger ( Single room occupancy)
What’s Included
Arrival assistance at José Marti Airport (HAV)
Collective transfer from José Marti Airport (HAV) to hotel
Collective transfer from hotel to José Marti Airport (HAV)`
Air-conditioned luxury coach transportation
Licensing cost for People to People travelers
Accommodation at 4-star Hotel Riviera (3 nights)
Daily breakfast at the hotel
Meals at restaurants and privately owned paladares in Cuba (all meals included as per itinerary
All gratuities
Transfers to and from the Pride Parade
Pride Parade box lunch
Entry to discussion panel on LGBTQ rights in Cuba with National Center of Sexual Education (CENESEX) staff.
Artist studio visits as per itinerary
Concierge services
English-speaking Cuban guide
All activities as outlined in itinerary
What’s Not Included:
Airfare to Cuba (priced separately)
Airfare from your home city to Miami
Passports
Transportation to Miami International Airport
After-hours activities
Trip interruption insurance
Meals or drinks not included in the program
Personal Purchases
Anything not listed in “What’s Included” above
PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES
Day 1- Thursday May 16th
WELCOME TO HAVANA!
After touching down in José Martí International Airport, you’ll be whisked off to central Havana for an orientation tour taking in the wide boulevards, winding lanes and gorgeous, leafy public squares of the neighborhood. Check into the 1950s Hotel Riviera built by American Mafia Boss Meyer Lansky, located on the famous Malecon. Share welcome drinks and tapas with the rest of the group. A selection of Cuba’s most prominent LGBTQ activists will join you.
Later, you’ll be free to discover Havana’s vibrant nightlife at your own pace, either by yourself or with friends made at the welcome event. Your expert guide will offer plenty of great suggestions for must-visit spots.
Day 2 - Friday May 17th
Today’s breakfast will set the sky-high standard you can expect every morning, as the group enjoys a laid-back but sumptuous tropical feast in the hotel’s at dining room. Then it’s off to Linea Street, just a short walk where rainbow flags will be flying high over the colorful floats and costumes of the Pride Parade. Celebrate and dance “congas” alongside locals from both inside and outside the LGBTQ community as well as renowned local activists. Take advantage of some free time over lunch to get to know your new acquaintances better. Box lunch included.
Parade activities will continue in the afternoon.
Next, the group will enjoy a high-end dinner at a restaurant with a stunning rooftop dining space: El Sevilla. The restaurant is housed in an eye-catching Moorish-influenced building dating back to the early 20th century, and channels old-world Cuban glamor with its all-day, all-night live band. Enjoy a performance by a Flamenco dance group as you eat.
After dinner, the group will reconvene to party at Fábrica De Arte Cubano. This cutting-edge cultural hub is set in a former oil factory, reinvented by the well-known Cuban musician X Alfonso and his band, Synthesis. This activity is optional and is not included in the tour price.
Day 3 Saturday May 18th
Fuel up with another impressive breakfast spread at the hotel – you’ll need the energy for the morning’s engaging walking tour of the Four Plazas. These UNESCO-protected plazas – Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís and Plaza de la Catedral – offer windows into Cuba’s long and eventful history. Take in architectural styles ranging from Spanish Colonial to Neoclassical to Baroque as you visit centuries-old fortresses, cathedrals and palaces. This is the heart of La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), where the strains of live music drift across public squares and into the private courtyards of historic houses, and enticing boutiques and galleries wait down every street.
Lunch will be at El Aljibe, which has previously welcomed diners including Matt Dillon, Jack Nicholson, and former US President Jimmy Carter. This is one of Havana’s most popular restaurants, famed for its closely guarded chicken recipe, which has been kept secret for almost 70 years.
Afterward, choose from three activity options:
Option 1: Those who have signed up in advance will have the opportunity to join a workshop about Cuba’s shifting LGBTQ landscape led by Dr. Alberto Roque Guerra, a prominent LGBTQ activist who works with CENESEX.
Option 2: Head out on a walking tour of Paseo del Prado, The avenue’s famous fountain and opulent buildings date from the 18th century.
Option 3: Take the exclusive chance to visit some private artists’ studios. Again, you will need to sign up in advance for this activity.
Farewell Dinner Party
Tonight, our Cuban adventure draws to a close with a colorful farewell gala dinner Special treats will include a raffle, live entertainment from some of Cuba’s hottest musical acts, a performance by Cuba’s only gay choir, and many other surprises besides.
Day 4 - Sunday May 19th
This morning, the group will share one last delicious breakfast together before checking out of the hotel. You’ll be transferred to the airport, where it’s time to say goodbye to Cuba and your new friends – but you can be sure that you will have made connections that will last a lifetime. Adios! Hasta la próxima!
Hotel Habana Riviera
A 4-star hotel Built by Meyer Lansky located on the famous Malecon Habanero
Cuban Hosts
Alma Productions:
Alma Productions based in Havana, Cuba was founded by Mr. Roland Almirante. Mr. Almirante was born in Havana Cuba in 1967, is a screenwriter, film director, and Cuban Producer. He obtained a Degree in journalism in Lvov, Ukraine, is a translator and interpreter in Russian language and most importantly a Member of the UNEAC (Union of Writers and Artists in Cuba), the UPEC (Union of Journalist in Cuba) and a leader in the fight for equal rights and liberties in the LGBTQ community in Havana, Cuba. Mr. Almirante has over 20 years of experience in film, event planning, and production. Alma Productions will be our Cuban host company for this Pride event that will be sure to mark the beginning of a new era for the LGBTQ community in Cuba.
Havanaturs S.A:
Havanaturs based out of Havana Cuba has recently celebrated its 40th year anniversary. They offer a guarantee, exceptional service and is the only Tour Operator authorized by the US government to provide assistance to US Nationals by and through its contracted travel agencies.
EMAIL US LGBTQ@CUBAVIPTRAVEL.COM
CALL US 833-CUBA-VIP / 833-282-2847
Cuba VIP Travel
Cuba VIP Travel creates unforgettable Cuban experiences. We are specialist in Group and event travel. Our specialized itineraries will show you the best of Cuba, while providing opportunity to share with the Cubans, their particular histories, and their current activities, including their wonderful nightlife shows! We are associated with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association and believe in equality for all. Join us and support the LGBTQ community in Cuba!
INSURANCE INFORMATION AND MEDICAL EVACUATION
We provide health insurance in Cuba as part of the program cost through the Cuban visitor’s health insurance agency Assistour. Please see the terms of coverage below (Exhibit B). We will also offer each participant the option of choosing Trip Interruption insurance with our travel insurance partner, Access America Allianz Travel Insurance, at an added cost. http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/ .