March 23rd - 31st, 2014
A small caribbean island 90 miles off the coast of Florida. Never has there been an island that divides more opinions and people. An explosion of exotic cultures, opulent history, and colonial architecture.
On this photographic journey we take a step back in time with a peppering of modern thrown in at just the right moments. From the vibrant downtown of El Vedado to the historic old-town, Havana offers visitors a look into its past and present with signs of renewal for the future. Despite the wide-spread poverty there is an undeniable energy amongst Cuba’s people that fills the air. Laughter, dancing, and a bottomless glass of rum will accompany you throughout your Cuban experience. Direct flights from Miami included!
Meet Daniel and Tanya Cox
2014 Cuba Photography Tour Travel Plans
Sunday, March 23
Arrive Miami before 5:00pm. Welcome drinks and group meeting this evening. We’ll go over tour information with our representative and receive our travel packets and luggage tags. Overnight Embassy Suites Miami Int’l Airport
Monday, March 24 – Sunday, March 30
Our photography tour starts in Cuba’s capital city, Havana, which lies along the sparkling crystalline waters of the Caribbean Ocean. We’ll be immersed in the local culture – mingling with the locals, taking in the mesmerizing historical sights and photographing Havana’s earthy authenticity.
We’ll visit the Spanish colonial settlement, Trinidad. A UNESCO world heritage site since 1988, Trinidad is a photographic paradise featuring cobblestone streets lined with leather-faced country folk, snorting donkeys and guitar-wielding troubadours – one of the precious cities in the world that has maintained its historic core – a virtual outside museum!
Feel free to email our office at photo@naturalexposures.com or send us a note through the purple Book this trip online tab above for a more detailed itinerary.
Monday, March 31
Transfer to airport for Havana to Miami flight, with possible photography stop along the way.
Please check the Helpful Information tab for more information about medical insurance and obtaining trip insurance (flight cancellation, etc.) for Cuba.
Guest Limits
20 Guests Maximum
Trip Cost
$5770 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $750
Deposit
$500 Per person due at time of booking
Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check acceptedDeposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.
Installments
October 1, 2013: $2500 First Installment
December 15, 2013: Final PaymentCheck only for first installment and final payment. Please make check payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:
Natural Exposures
810 N. Wallace, Suite E
Bozeman, MT 59715Included
- Private tour with professional photographer Daniel J. Cox
- International airfare MIA/HAV/MIA (will not have times of flights until a couple months prior to departure)
- Visas
- Deluxe motor coach transportation
- Bilingual guides
- Water daily on the bus
- Medical insurance for Cuba (U.S.-issued medical insurance not accepted in Cuba)
- Miami and Cuba airport taxes
- Accommodations at hotel near MIA airport – 1 night TBA
- Accommodations at Hotel Parque Central in Havana for 6 nights
- Accommodations at Hotel LaRonda and IberoStar in Trinidad for 1 night
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 lunches
- 5 dinners
- Tour of all four plazas of historic Old Havana with personal guide from the city Historian’s office
- Visit to Colon Cemetery
- Entrance fee to Ernest Hemingway’s house
- Guest speaker fees
- All gratuities and taxes
Not Included
- Airfare to/from Miami (MIA)
- Excess luggage fees
- Some meals (most are included – 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners)
- Miscellaneous personal expenses – laundry, drinks, etc.
- Non-itinerary activities
Flights to Book
March 23, 2014
Arrive Miami (MIA) before 5:00pm.
Group meeting and welcome drink this evening.March 31, 2014
Depart Miami (MIA)
Havana-Miami flight times will not be confirmed until two months prior to trip. Our goal is to arrive in Miami by 3:00pm, so we suggest an evening flight home if you wish to book before flight times are confirmed.Travel Insurance
Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
Global Rescue
(use code natexp)Allianz Global Assistance
(use travel agency ID F203564)Terms & Conditions
Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.
By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY
Accommodations for 2014 Cuba Photography Tour
March 23, 1 Night
Embassy Suites Miami Int’l Airport, Miami, FL
Enjoy space and convenience at the all-suite Miami hotel and unwind in the breathtaking open-air atrium featuring tropical plants, koi ponds, palm trees and our very own cockatiels. Discover comfortable and spacious accommodations in the stylish two-room suites. Each suite has a private bedroom and separate living room with a queen-sized sofa bed, an easy chair and a work station. Complimentary airport shuttle service and breakfast included.March 24-26 and 28-30, 6 Nights
Hotel Parque Central, Havana
In the heart of the legendary and historical center of the city of the Havana, the Spanish-colonial style Hotel Parque Central features comfortable and roomy accommodations and is located near some of the city’s best attractions, such as the Plaza de la Catedral, Gran Teatro de la Habana and Havana Harbor.March 27, 1 Night
Iberostar or La Ronda, TrinidadHelpful Information for 2014 Cuba Photography Tour
U.S. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS APPLY
Due to United States restrictions, travel to Cuba is extremely limited. New U.S. restrictions went into effect in April of 2011. Please see the website of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
DOCUMENTS
You’ll be traveling under CubaPuentes People to People License. We’ll provide you a copy authorizing you to participate under this license.
You must bring your U.S. passport (valid for at least six months from your date of entry to Cuba). You should make a copy of it to carry around in Cuba and leave the original in the hotel safe.
Our charter company will issue your Cuban visa. It’s basically a tourist card. It will be with your airline ticket that you’ll receive at the airport. There are two parts to the visa. One part will be kept by an immigration officer upon arrival in Cuba. You’ll need the second part to present to immigration officers in Cuba upon your departure. We suggest that you store this inside your passport and keep in the hotel safe.
Upon arrival in Cuba, customs will x-ray your carry on and do basic low-key security checks. You will have to show your passport, visa and hotel info to an agent before departing the security area.
WATER
It is NOT safe to drink tap water. You are advised to drink bottled water only. We will provide water for you every day on the bus.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Your trip package costs include medical insurance. This will guarantee you access to physicians and hospitals in case of an emergency in Cuba. It covers 100% of medical expenses up to $25,000 and repatriation or transportation due to illness, accident or death (up to $7,000). Limitations apply for preexisting conditions. There is a doctor on call at the hotel. Prescriptions from a Cuban doctor can be bought at a pharmacy in Cuban convertible pesos, however, Cuba suffers from a shortage of medicines and medical supplies so you MUST bring a full supply of whatever medicines you require. Please do not pack any of your prescription medicines in your luggage.
TRIP INSURANCE
Most insurance agencies will not provide coverage for U.S. citizens planning a trip to Cuba (for things like trip/flight cancellation, etc.), however, one of our guests has tracked down a company that will provide this type of insurance, Allianz Global Assistance. Insert F203564 into the Travel Agency ID box when obtaining your quote or purchasing or a policy. We will notify you if we hear of any additional companies that will offer policies.
BAGGAGE
There is a limit of 44 pounds on luggage – this includes carry-on and donation parcels. There is a charge of $2 per pound for any overweight. We recommend using soft-sided luggage or duffel bags to reduce weight.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES/DONATIONS
This is entirely optional but our tour operator has mentioned the needs of the people of Cuba are high. If you want to bring extra or leave what you are bringing for yourself, we can help distribute at the end of the tour: A small amount supply of basics of batteries, condoms, tampax, tissues, shampoo, aspirin, anti-diarrhea, antibiotics, bandages, small first aid kits, pocket flashlight (might want one incase of power outages) soap, toothpaste, clothing, pens, books, baseballs, dollar items….can’t bring too many, only acceptable quantities allowed into the country.
WHAT TO WEAR
Be prepared for weather similar to south Florida. There is always the possibility of rain, so bring an umbrella. A light jacket, shawl or sweater for cool evenings and sometimes for cool restaurants. A men’s sports jacket is recommended if you plan to visit Tropicana. Please bring comfortable shoes as we’ll be doing quite a bit of walking.
PERSONAL TOILETRIES
Sunblock and mosquito repellen
MONEY
The current currency in Cuba is the convertible peso or CUC. As you change your U.S. dollars into CUCs they charge a 14% commission. Cuban stores, hotels, taxi drivers, etc., can only accept the convertible pesos which can be obtained at banks and at your hotel. No U.S. credit cards or traveler checks are accepted, but if you have a credit card issued by a non-American bank it will more than likely work in Cuba. Most of the expenses of the trip are already covered, but we suggest you bring extra cash for incidentals, drinks, and whatever art, books or music you decide to buy.
WEATHER
November – April is the dry season but be prepared for brief short showers periodically. Average temps will be 75-80 degrees. Evenings can be breezy.
CELL PHONES
No U.S. cell phone service is compatible in Cuba. If you have an international cell phone you might want to check with the carrier to see if it works in Cuba. If you really need a cell phone, you can rent one from one of Cuba’s telephone company stores. We’ll provide the cell phone number of our guide to be contacted for emergencies.
INTERNET
Internet service is available at the hotel, however, please note that it does not always work.
SHOPPING
U.S. restrictions only allow you to bring back “informational material”, such as books, periodicals, paintings, sculpture, records, tapes, CDs, films, videocassettes, photographs, posters, etchings, lithographs, microfilm, microfiche, serographs and other informational material. You cannot bring back cigars or rum.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
In general, your electric razor, hairdryer or other small appliance will operate on the standard electrical current in Cuba (110 volts). Bring converters if you have them as the hotels sometimes have European plugs.
Have a question?
Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.
Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers
"If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"
Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts
"Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."
Linda Henry, Oregon
"I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."
Sue Wolfe, Texas
"What a trip
What a group
What a fabulous everything
To our next encounters with nature"Maud and Leon Soriano, Florida
