Havana Vinales and Trinidad Cuba
Feb 14th to Feb 21st
Artist, Music, Tobacco, Dancers, Cars, Culture
Experience music and dance.
Create with the Cuban people
What is happening with travel to Cuba?
Can we go to Cuba? YES
Camera Odysseys has traveled to Cuba for the past 10 years. We have great friends and connections to make your trip a once in a life time. The USA travel restrictions only effect the cruise ships from the USA.
Camera Odysseys is Licensed to bring groups into Cuba under the:
“Support for the Cuban people”
No further permission from OFAC is required to engage in transactions by a person who meets all criteria in a general license.
Get ready for Havana, Vinales and Trinidad.
We will drive to Vinales on the western end of the island. The valleys of Vinales hold the greatest tobacco fields in the world, which will be in full bloom. The farmers have opened their farms to us to photograph and learn about the famous Cuban cigar. The sunrises and sunsets will be taken while looking over the farmland. The artists of the area have invited us into their homes to listen to great music and talk art.
We will also travel to Trinidad to the south. Stopping along the way for a portrait workshop with local farmers.
Bruce Byers, Professional Photographer and Founder
Will be with us on the streets, photographing people and the architecture of Cuba. This will be his 20th trip. Bruce designs the trips to make sure you’ll never see, or photograph, the world quite the same way again. He is very excited about our upcoming trips, and thinks you will be as well.
Learn to approach and create with local Cubans
Develop a “street style” for shooting on the streets
Bruce will help you become comfortable with your equipment
Onsite editing so you learn as you create.
Then Over the trip you will learn
The difference between creating an image and a snapshot.
How to see with your eyes and capture with your camera.
Over the course of the trip you will learn:
The difference between photography and storytelling.
Anyone can take a photograph but not all photographs tell visually rich stories.
The use of design in photography through color, texture, light, perspective and detail.
To craft your own unique visual voice.
Marco Franchina, Professional Photographer
Marco will be with us to bring his fashion flare and love for architecture to the streets of Cuba. Check his site to get inspired to join us.
Carlos Aguilera, Cuban Artist
Carlos has opened his print making studio to those who want to work with a true Cuban print maker.
Our Cuban artist Carlos Aguilera, will be our host and guide. We will walk the streets of Santiago to photograph and those who love print-making will work in his studio. Carlos is a renowned Cuban painter and printmaker and will be available to provide instruction as well as one on one consultation.
Our Cuban Artist will also be with us to introduce us to the world of Cuban artist. Born in Santiago with a famous Cuban artist father. Carlos will be our window into life and culture of Cuba.
See what our clients are saying: Testimonials
Trip runs:
Havana Cuba Feb 14th to Feb 21st 2020
Trip starts in Havana
All Inclusive from Havana
Group of 10 to 12
Price $3995 (double occupancy)
$300 additional for single room
Deposit of $875
8 days and 7 nights
Trip can be extended Call Bruce for details. Cell # 917-992-1453
Early sign up $150 off discount by Dec 25th 2019
$900 deposit for HAVANA VINALES TRINIDAD PHOTOGRAPHY FEB 18TH-25TH
Special print gift. DSI Print Sample Promotion The Print Sample Promotion (PSP) is the ideal way to try our black & white, DSI Digital Silver Prints®, or our color Museum Quality Inkjet Pigment prints on a variety of fine art papers. Once you find your paper, Camera Odysseys will print a 13 x 19 of your best shot. Free for all workshop travelers.
February 14th: Friday
Trip starts in Havana, Cuba
Arrival at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport. Private transfer from the airport for Havana.
Check into local casas
Walk the Malecon for sunset with camera and welcome rum
Welcome dinner in a local café with local music.
Havana has endless surprises around every corner. Bring many cards for your camera.
There are many evening music and club options that you can choose form.
Sunrise photo walk before the town wakes up.
Each morning there will be a sunrise photo walk for those who care to join.
Night walks to experience the city
Each night we will explore a different part of the city after dark.
February 15th: Saturday
Havana
This is the day to get your project started.
Sunrise on the Malecon. Fishermen, boats, landscape….Adventure
8:30 am Breakfast served in your Casa
Morning: Walk to the Capitol building area of Havana.
This walk will introduce you to the colors of Havana. The city will be alive and the colorful old cars will be running. We will ride old American cars to get an over all feel for the city and give you a glimpse into the past.
Lunch: The Art Pub
This Café was put together by a Cuban photographer. They serve cold beer and great Cubans.
Explore the squares of old Havana
Work with local Cubans to see and photograph locations from the 15th century
Sunset on the streets with old cars
Dinner: Local cafe’ Night walks
February 16th: Sunday
Trinidad
We head for the town of: Trinidad, a water front UNESCO city on Cuba’s south coast known for its beauty and a historical importance. Trinidad is one of the best-preserved cities in the Caribbean from the time when the sugar trade was the main industry in the region.
We will stop at a local farm to photograph local life.
Bruce will conduct a portrait workshop on site.
Lunch: On the road
Arrive Trinidad early afternoon to explore the streets
Rooftop for sunset and Rum tasting
Dinner: Local restaurant with music
Evening night walk and music in the square
February 17th: Monday
Trinidad
Sunrise town walk
Breakfast: 8:30 in your casa
Walk the city visiting the town square and streets
Visit local artist studios.
Explore the city
Lunch: Hill top restaurant (great view of the town)
Early afternoon, we will head back to Havana
Dinner: In Old Havana
February 18th: Tuesday
Boxing Day
Lets go Boxing ( photographing the boxers )
Sunrise on The Malecon: of Havana always has an interesting turn of events with the fishermen, old ships and great light, if your up for it.
After breakfast and by 10:30 we will arrive at : Gimnasio de Boxeo Trejo, boxing gym. The best of Cuba will show off their skills of boxing and create photos with you. I am sure you can join them for a couple rounds.
Lunch at an Artist studio. Working studio with music and great art
Early afternoon:
Ride in the old cars to visit El Cristo de La Habana (The Havana’s statue of Christ) ending up at Moro Castle to photograph it's 15th to 18th century walls and canons.
Great skyline of Havana and the Malecon.
Return to the Malecon for sunset and music.
Dinner: at local cafe' Night photo walks. (optional)
February 19th: Wednesday
Vinales Tobacco
Early private bus ride to the tobacco region of Vinales
We will head to Vinales to photograph the tobacco farms and fields
Lunch with local artist.
Dinner will be a pig roast with our local tobacco farmer. This will be the real thing. Cuban coffee, cigars, rum, music and good food.
Return to Havana
February 20th: Thursday
Dancers of Cuba
Early Morning
Flamenco Dancers in the Havana Cathedral Square. These great dancers will make it easy for you to create images with them with a once in a life time backdrops of 15th century buildings. This is always a lively shoot.
Breakfast in a local cafe'
Go to the working workshop Taller experimental de Grafica of local artist to talk print making and work on portraits of the them. Exchange ideas on art.
Afternoon Lunch in local cafe’
Meet up with the master of renovation of Old Havana. We will explore buildings being restored back to the 15th century. Meet and photograph the students rebuilding these great buildings.
The Old Square has one of just 7 commercial Camera Obscura in the world. It is a great way to step inside a camera and see Havana live.
Sunset on the Malecon with music of local band.
Farewell dinner at local cafe’ with music
February 21th: Friday
Fly home to the USA
(or stay ask Bruce) you can extend your stay.
What's Included:
All meals
All ground transport in Cuba
Accommodations in Casa (bed and breakfast) including breakfast
Double occupancy: Single $300 supplement
Visa to Cuba
Medical insurance in Cuba (Note this is not travel cancellation insurance) You need to get your own personal travel insurance for medical and trip cancellation.
Entrance fees to attractions listed on itinerary
What's NOT included:
Alcoholic beverages
Airfare to Havana, Trip starts in Havana Cuba
Travel insurance. You need to get your own personal travel insurance for medical and trip cancellation.
Internet or communications costs in Cuba
Note: Final schedule may deviate from plan due to conditions on the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba
What do I need to bring with me?
You will need your passport and a visa (Camera Odysseys will take care of this) for entry into Cuba. Once there, shopping for essential items like toiletries is nearly impossible. You must bring anything you will need, including all medications. You will also need enough cash to last throughout your trip, since most American credit and debit cards are not accepted in Cuba, traveler’s checks are not accepted, and ATM cards issued by a U.S. bank cannot be used. I always say " You can always bring the USA cash home, you can't get more once there."
What should I leave at home?
Walkie talkies, satellite phones, and GPS devices are not allowed, and should be left at home. There is no phone service for U.S. cell phones in Cuba. Plan to be without internet for the duration of your trip—it is available in some Cuban hotels for a fee, but it is slow and unreliable. We will have a Cuban phone with us if there is a need to call the USA.
What is Cuban food like?
Cuban cuisine varies widely depending on the season, location, and market prices—and is limited by what’s available to the Cuban people. Thus, it includes staples like rice, beans, chicken, fish, pork, plantains, and root vegetables. As seasonings are hard to come by, we invite you to bring packaged spices, for your own use and to give to locals as gifts.
What can I bring back from Cuba?
U.S. Customs rules surrounding Cuban souvenirs are similar to those for other countries. Since late last year, the limits on the number or value of Cuban cigars and alcohol have been eased, so you can bring back as much as you want. We also recommend Cuban coffee and art as a lasting memory of your adventure.
Is Cuba safe?
Yes, American tourists are safe throughout Cuba, though we always recommend using common sense. Please see your Final Documents for more detailed information.
Quick Facts
PASSPORT VALIDITY:
Must be valid at time of entry. You need 6 months on the passport. USA requirement.
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
Two pages are required for entry/exit stamps
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
Tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited. You must obtain a license from the Department of Treasury or your travel must fall into one of 12 categories of authorized travel. See ENTRY, EXIT & VISA REQUIREMENTS below.
Camera Odysseys will take care of this for you.
VACCINATIONS:
None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. Bring cash to cover your stay. The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over 5,000 USD. Travelers should note that the Government of Cuba charges a 10 percent fee for all U.S. dollar cash conversions; this does not apply to electronic transactions or cash conversions in other currencies.
Camera Odysseys will exchange money for you..
