Members of The JNF are invited to join a special mission to Cuba under an approved U.S. Treasury Department license. The program includes five nights in Havana. Our Havana base will be the Parque Central Hotel. The hotel is one of Havanaʼs best and is located in the Old City, a vibrant area for walking and enjoying the sites. While there, we will meet leaders of the Jewish community, participate in moving services at the Patronato Synagogue, hear presentations by local and accompanying scholars, and visit important museums, including the internationally renowned National Museum of Fine Artʼs Cuban collection and Holocaust exhibit at the Sephardic Center. To ensure a meaningful experience, it is important that participants not only have an interest in the content of the program, but also are flexible and open to the possibility of itinerary changes. We hope you will join us on this exciting trip.

BON VOYAGE!

Havana, Cuba

January 31st - February 5th

JNF

JNF Itinerary for January 31st - February 5th, 2018

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➢ Overnight stay in Miami at the airport Hilton

➢ Early morning flight from Miami to Havana on Delta #625 departing at 9:01 am

➢ Arrive Jose Marti airport where your guide and private transportation await you

➢ En route to lunch a quick stop at Revolution Square

Revolution Square

The square is notable as being the place where

many political rallies take place. Fidel Castro has

addressed more than a million Cubans on many

important occasions in this square, such as May 1st

(Labor Day).

➢ Lunch at the Hotel Nacional’s outdoor restaurant La Baracca (included)

Hotel Nacional The hotel is located on a hilltop overlooking the

famous Malecon, stroll in the beautiful front garden, visit the Hall of Fame, and hear about a

meeting of the mafia bosses. ➢ Following lunch a visit to the Sefardic Synagogue

(Meet Dr. Myra Levy and view the Holocaust exhibit.) ➢ Check-in at Parque Central Hotel in Old City Havana

Parque Central

Freshen up in your room and prepare for you first evening in Havana!

➢ Attend an early evening cocktail party at an artist’s home

(Hear about an artist’s creative process and their role in Cuban society.)

Day 1 - Wednesday

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➢ Dinner at paladar Cocina Lilliam (included)

Cocina Lilliam A paladar is a small, privately owned

restaurant in a private home that offers authentic, delicious and very sophisticated cuisine.

➢ Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel

➢ Begin the day with a tour of the Partagas Tobacco Factory

Cigar Factory Cuba is known around the world for their cigars. See first-hand how they are hand rolled and smell the sweet scent of dried tobacco leaves as you approach the factory. Including the rare Cohiba, an expensive, sought-after cigar that is rolled from a blend of scarce leaves to create its famed “creamy” taste.

➢ Visit the Patronato Synagogue

Meet Adele Dworin, President of the Jewish community, who will give us a short presentation of the history of the Jewish community in Cuba and her own fascinating personal story. We will tour the synagogue, community center, and library. The library houses an impressive collection and is a vital resource for reference and education for many throughout the island. The community center runs a pharmacy alongside the JDC Cuban Jewish Relief Project, to serve those in need in the

surrounding neighborhood.

Day 1 – Thursday (continued)

Day 2 - Friday

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➢ Followed by a briefing at the American Embassy (to be confirmed)

➢ Lunch at El Aljibe (included)

El Aljibe

This restaurant is famous for its delicious chicken recipe!

➢ After lunch drive-by or visit the Art School

Art School Built on the grounds of the former golf course, it is considered by some to be an amazing architectural wonder.

➢ Follwed by an afternoon drive though the Cubanacan Neighborhood

Cubanacan

These mega mansions belonged to the richest Havaneros who

left the country after the Revolution and were taken over by

the Cuban government. Today they are leased to foreign

businessmen and diplomats. These mansions were designed by

world famous architects and are well preserved, amongst them

is the Mid-Century Richard Neutra House, today Swiss Ambassador’s Residence.

➢ Visit the incomparable home of artist, ceramicist Jose Fuster & his assistant Alex Fuster

Casa Fuster

An island of make believe in an otherwise

downtrodden section of Havana known

as Jaimanitas (“the Pablo Picasso of

Cuba” – NYTimes).

Day 2 – Friday (continued)

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➢ Return to the hotel in vintage convertible American cars

➢ Dinner at paladar Rio Mar (included)

➢ Following dinner with a visit to the Tropicana Club for the 10:00 pm show (included?) Old American Cars Rio Mar Tropicana show

➢ Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel

➢ Begin the day with a tour of Moro Castle

Moro Castle Sitting across the bay is the fortress that guarded the entrance to Havana Bay. The design was created by the Italian engineer Juan Bautusta Antonelli and was originally under the control of Spain. The fortress was captured by the British in 1762 and returned to Spanish under treaty terms a year later. The Faro Castillio del Morro lighthouse was added in 1846.

➢ Followed by a visit to a Jewish cemetery

(Hear some history of the Jews who came to Cuba in the early 20th century, say a prayer and help clean some of the gravestones.)

Day 2 – Thursday (continued)

Day 3 - Friday

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➢ Next visit Hemingway’s Home Finca La Vigia

Hemingway Home

Having a long-lasting mutual respect, Cuba has meticulously maintained the Finca La Vigia (“Lookout

Farm”), Ernest Hemingway’s home for 21 years. Located nine miles south of Havana, you will see

Hemingway’s adventurous life reflected throughout the home including African game trophies, stacks of

books and his mail still on the bed. A special treat is a Hemingway’s boat “Pilar”.

➢ Lunch at paladar Café Ajiaco (included)

Café Ajiaco Legendary chef Emril Lagasse has filmed

in this restaurant.

➢ Then wander through the small village of Cojimar

(Where Hemingway docked his boat and went fishing for marlin.)

➢ Return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat

➢ Attend Shabbat services at Patronato Synagogue (Led by members of the community, with kids and adults alike, enjoy Kiddush and say Hamotze with the congregation.)

➢ Dinner at paladar Le Chansonier (included)

Le Chansonier Enjoy to local artists work displayed throughout this restaurant.

Day 3 - Friday (continued)

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➢ Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel

➢ The day begins with a tour of the Museum of Revolution

Museum of Revolution Learn about history of the Revolution from the Cuban perspective.

➢ Next a walking tour of Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) (Founded in 1519, Old Havana was built around the natural port of Havana Bay. Our walking tour includes San Francisco Square, one of the oldest in the historic quarter, and Plaza Vieja, the only surviving civic square from colonial times.

➢ Stops along the walking route may include:

Adath Israel Synagogue

(See the Menorah that celebrates the immigrants who originated the Jewish community in Old Havana.)

A full scale model of Havana (Get a real perspective of the city.)

Make another stop at Taller de Gráfica de la Habana (An important graphic arts establishment, preserving the old printmaking techniques and producing some of the most significant works of graphic art in Havana.)

Day 4 - Saturday

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➢ Lunch a Ivan Justo (included)

Ivan Justo

➢ After Lunch visit the Fine Arts Museum

Fine Arts Museum (This museum displays a stunning collection of Cuban art from the early part of the century up to the 2000’s.)

➢ Visit to the Arts & Crafts Market and Walk Along the Prado

Arts & Craft Market

Prado Walk along this promenade to view emerging artists displaying their art, it is where Channel

showed their cruise collection.

Day 4 - Saturday (continued)

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➢ Cocktail party at an artist’s home or studio

➢ Dinner at La Guarida (included)

La Guarida

Easily the most famous restaurant in Cuba and not to be missed, be sure to

take in the city views from the rooftop bar.

➢ Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel

➢ First stop is Callelon de Hammel

Callelon de Hammel

A funky and picturesque district filled with psychedelic art

and Afro-Cuban music and dance.

➢ Next explore the neighborhoods beyond the Colonial Havana (Now become familiar with modern Havana. In Vedado we will see the entrance to the

University of Havana, Fidel Castro’s alma mater, which contains beautiful frescoes and a

large bronze statue by Cuban artist Armando Menocal y Menocal.)

Day 5 - Sunday

Day 4 - Saturday (continued)

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➢ Visit to Havana’s ice cream cathedral, Coppelia

➢ Return to Patronato at noon to visit with the children of the Sunday school classes

➢ Enroute to lunch a quick stop at the Riveria Hotel

Riveria Hotel

Originally owned by mobster Meyer Lansky who had been inspired to build it after visiting his friend, Moe Dalit’s

Riveria Casino in Las Vegas. It was intended to rival the comfort and contemporary luxury of any Vegas hotel of

that era. The choice to build in Havana was siumply because Lansky did not want to be subject to U.S. laws or

the scrutiny of the FBI.

➢ Lunch at a paladar to be determined (included)

➢ After lunch visit various artist’s studios

(View their works and exchange ideas about the meaning of artistic expression in Cuba and the U.S.)

➢ Return to Patronato synagogue for Tu Bishvat (Celebrate with the communicty, as we bring dry fruits and nuts to share with the Jews of Cuba.)

Day 5 - Sunday (continued)

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➢ Drinks at Club Havana (included)

Club Havana

The only private club in Cuba. ➢ Return to the Hotel to freshen up

➢ The evening begins at 331 Art Space for with more contemporary Cuban art and cocktails

331 Studio A combined working studio and exhibition space.

➢ Dinner at a paladar El Cocinero (included)

El Cocinero

This restaurant is located underneath an

imposing brick chimney of the same name,

step inside the chimney and look up for a

magical light display.

➢ After dinner walk next door to Fabrica de Arte Cubano

Fabrica de Arte

The newest hip spot in Havana located in a

former cooking oil factory, this space has been

converted into a sophisticated,

groundbreaking, multimedia showcase

featuring performing art, art, music and

dance.

Day 5 - Sunday (continued)

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➢ Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel

➢ Pack and check-out

➢ Stope at an artist home for coffee or pick-up a sandwich at Macondo on our way to the airport

➢ Board return flight to Miami

Day 6 - Monday

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Useful Information Cuba is still an enigma for American travelers as it emerges from over half a century of isolation from its closest neighbor the U.S. Both governments are trying to deal with these changes and it is important to remember that the Cubans continue to adjust their tourism laws so “Expect the Unexpected” and all will be good. U.S. citizens are allowed under US law to participate in “People to People Travel”.

Travel Restrictions

There are still restrictions on U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba; under U.S. law travelers may

participate in “People to People” travel activities to enter Cuba. For the latest U.S revisions,

please see the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control website:

http://www.treasury.gov/resourcecenter/sanctions/Prpgrams/pages/cuba.aspx

Inoculations

As far as we know, there are no required inoculations for travel to Cuba. Cuba is known for

its excellent health system; however, all travelers should be aware of their own health

conditions and check with their physician if they have questions or concerns. You may also

check the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.org

Local Time

Cuba is on EST/DST the same time zone as the eastern U.S.

What To Pack

Be prepared for warm weather, with a chance of brief periods of rain. However, bring a

light jacket or sweater for cool evenings, air-conditioned buses and cool interiors. Cuba’s

winter, daytime temperature average 75-80 F, evenings average 58-68F. In summer

temperatures average in the 90’s. In general, clothing should be on the informal and

comfortable side. It is especially important to wear comfortable shoes, heels are

discouraged due to the rough walking surfaces throughout Cuba. Here are some other

items to remember when packing:

• Sun Screen • Camera • Prescription Medications

• Sunglasses • Extra Pair of Glasses • Over the Counter Medications • Sun Hat • Mosquito Repellent • Band-aids • Alarm Clock • Anti-Itch Medication • Pepto-Bismol Tablets

Note: You will not need to bring a hair dryer as the hotel supplies one in each room.

Electrical Current

The hotel uses 220 volts, but you will only need an adapter that has “European” round

prongs for your electronic items, as all modern electronics work at 110/220v. Elsewhere,

the outlets are 110v and use flat prongs as in the U.S.

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Useful Information (continued) Money and Credit Cards Convertible Cuban Pesos (CUCs) are accepted as payments for goods and services in Cuba. U.S. Dollars are also accepted on a more limited basis, however, you can easily exchange money at the hotel. It is recommended you bring approximately $1,000 U.S. dollars in cash per person in various denominations, including small bills (this is in addition to the extra cash you are instructed to bring for gratuities and pay directly to either Batia Plotch or the trip leader). You may not need this much money, but better to return home with the extra cash than to run short while in Cuba (remember American credit cards and traveler’s checks are NOT ACCEPTED). If you plan to buy serious art, you will need to bring the money to purchase that art. Most artists will accept a 10% down payment and then bill you for the remainder once you have returned to the U.S, a few artists may accept U.S. credit cards for payment. Cell Phones The following U.S. cell phone companies now provide coverage in Cuba: Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T. However, minute and roaming fees are very high, so if you plan on using your cell phone in Cuba please contact your carrier prior to the trip as many of them offer less expensive package options for the duration of your trip. Most international SIM cards will work, check with your carrier. Land lines at the hotels work well for calls home. If you wish to rent a cell phone you may rent one from Travel Cell and have it sent to you before the trip: http://www.travelcell.com/rates/caribbean/cuba.asp

E-mail and Internet Access and services are available at our hotel, your room reservation entities you to a 5 hour wi-fi card which you may pick-up at the hotel’s business center to gain internet access. Additional cards are available for purchase if necessary. Safety Cuba is very safe. Security staff are everywhere to protect tourists as residents alike, both inside and outside the hotel. Our hotels have safes in each room which you should use for your valuables and your passport., in general, the hotel staff is very respectful of your valuables, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Medical Insurance and Medical Care All travelers to Cuba are required to have medical insurance coverage during their stay, which is provided by Assitur, a Cuban Medical Insurance, and is included in the price of your airplane ticket (mandated by the Cuban government since 2010). This insurance covers medical expenses for sudden illness or accident. Additionally, our hotel has 24-hour medical staff to attend to all guests (if you use these services a gratuity is appreciated). Showering and brushing your teeth with tap water is safe, however, for consumption it is advisable to only use bottled water. Each day the driver will stock bottled water in a cooler on the bus and you are encouraged to keep hydrated in this hot climate. The most common affliction for visitors is dehydration. We also recommend drinking plenty of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages, using sunscreen, and getting enough rest.

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Useful Information (continued) Travel Insurance All travelers are encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect the cost of your program arrangements, your belongings, and most importantly, you. Global Gallop recommends A+ Program Protection whose “Preferred Plus Plan” also includes a “Cancel For Any Reason” benefit which allows you to cancel your Program Arrangements for any reason up to 2 (two) days before your scheduled departure, provided you have insured 100% of the cost of your Program Arrangements and paid your premium within the time sensitive period required. You may reach A+ Program Protection by phone or internet:

1-888-420-5378 (Organization Name: Global Gallop LLC & Organization ID: galp11) https://www.aplusplans.com/consumer/portal/galp11

Tipping Gratuities are always a personal matter, however, tipping is generally expected in Cuba. At restaurants 10% of the bill is normal practice. Please remember the Cuban people you meet on your journey work extremely hard and in all instances your generosity is greatly appreciated by these hard working individuals. Special Diet If you need special food, please pack dry food with you in your hand luggage. We have planned meals in the best available venues in Cuba, however, we cannot guarantee that you will find your special diet there. Breakfasts at the hotel in Havana include all foods found in any hotels in the world (i.e., fruits, cereal, eggs prepared in various ways, meats, breads, cakes and juices). Shopping Persons authorized to travel to Cuba are permitted to purchase merchandise in Cuba. You can buy cigars, liquor, or handicrafts and art. There is no limit for how much you can spend “for your own use”. As indicated under Money and Credit Cards above, these purchases must be made with Convertible Cuban Pesos (CUCs), but many artists will accept U.S. dollars. It is extremely important to retain all receipts and obtain the proper export documentation stamp from the artist so that you can present this to the airport authorities when departing. You can also purchase this stamp at the airport for a small fee. Correspondence There is direct dialing between the U.S. and Cuba (Cuba’s country-code is 53; Havana’s city-code is 7).

To reach Cuba from the US, dial 011-53 + the city code + number To call the U.S. from our hotel in Cuba dials 88-1 and the US number

Collect calls may not be available. Postal service between the U.S. and Cuba takes 6 weeks or more, so you should not expect to receive any mail while you are there.

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Useful Information (continued) Emergency Contact Information If someone needs to reach you in Cuba, please feel free to have them call either my cell phone or our lead guide, Alexis Hernandez’s cell phone:

Batia Plotch Cuban Cell Phone 011-53-5-831 8471 Batia Plotch US Cell Phone 917-846-1460 Alexis Hernandez Cuban Cell Phone 011-53-5 291-3479