Jewish Cuba: A Tapestry of Cultures
February 3-10, 2026
(Itinerary - subject to change)

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 – Welcome to Miami

• Hotel Check-In - Arrive and check-in at our group hotel. You’ll have some time to get settled and relax before we begin.
• Welcome Gathering - In the late afternoon, we’ll come together for a short welcome session. This will be a chance to meet the group, go over the plan for the days ahead, and break the ice with a few light introductions.
• Group Transfer & Opening Dinner - From there, we’ll head out together for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant; a relaxed and meaningful chance to connect, share a meal, and ease into the experience ahead.

Overnight: Sonesta Miami Airport Hotel, Miami

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - Arrival in Havana

• Transfer to Miami International Airport - We’ll depart the hotel as a group and head to the airport for our flight to Havana.
• Arrival in Havana - After landing and clearing customs and immigration, we’ll begin our introduction to Cuba.
• Lunch at Atelier - We’ll enjoy our first taste of Havana at Atelier, a privately owned paladar known for its creative Cuban cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
• Visit to Revolution Square - After lunch, we’ll visit Plaza de la Revolución, an iconic site of Cuban political history and national pride, featuring famous monuments and murals.
• Panoramic Tour of Havana - We’ll take a scenic drive through the city to get our bearings and soak in Havana’s energy. From colonial architecture to colorful street life, it’s the perfect way to begin taking it all in.
• Check-In at the Aston Hotel - We’ll arrive at the Aston Hotel, ideally located along the famed Malecón As we drive, we’ll take in the sights of Havana’s vibrant neighborhoods, classic American cars cruising by, kids playing in the streets, and everyday life unfolding all around.
• Dinner and evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Aston la Habana, Havana

Thursday, February 5, 2026 - Exploring Jewish Life & The Heart of Havana

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we begin a day full of learning, culture, and connection.
• We’ll begin the day with a discussion led by Camilo López Trigo, a former Cuban diplomat, who will share insights into U.S.- Cuba relations and help frame our understanding of the island’s recent history and global relationships.
• We’ll visit Havana’s main Jewish community center and synagogue, Beth Shalom Temple (El Patronato) to meet with local leaders and learn about Jewish life in Cuba today. We’ll also deliver our group’s donations to support their ongoing efforts.
• Lunch at Cha Cha Cha - A lively and well-loved paladar, this Havana favorite offers a delicious mix of Cuban flavors and warm hospitality.
• Old Havana Walking Tour - Continue exploring the heart of Habana Vieja with visits to the remaining two historic plazas, Plaza Vieja and Plaza de la Catedral. Along the way, you’ll see beautifully restored colonial architecture, street art, and daily life unfolding in the city’s most iconic district.
• Mureleando Arts Project - We’ll head to the neighborhood of Lawton to visit Mureleando, a grassroots community arts project that uses murals, sculpture, and performance to inspire creativity and build pride among children and adults alike.
• Dinner at Leisure - the evening is yours to explore local restaurants or relax at the hotel. We’re happy to share recommendations for those who’d like them!

Overnight: Hotel Grand Aston la Habana, Havana

Friday, February 6, 2026 – Hemingway, Havana, and Shabbat

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a day filled with culture, history, and celebration.
• We’ll begin our day with a visit to Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s beloved home just outside Havana. Explore the house, grounds, and view his iconic boat, Pilar, along with personal artifacts that reflect his deep connection to Cuba and its people.
• Next, we return to the heart of Habana Vieja to explore two of the city’s oldest and most charming squares: Plaza de Armas and Plaza de San Francisco. Along the way, we’ll admire Havana’s European-influenced architecture and catch glimpses of daily life as locals go about their routines.
• Take time to enjoy lunch at leisure, whether you're in the mood for a cozy café or a lively paladar, we’ll be happy to offer suggestions.
• In the afternoon, step into a classic American convertible for a vintage panoramic car ride through Havana’s iconic neighborhoods. En route, we’ll pass the lush Forest of Havana, the stately homes along 5th Avenue, and cruise the Malecón, Havana’s famed waterfront promenade.
• After freshening up, we’ll head to Beth Shalom Temple to join the local community for Friday night services, sharing in a meaningful and heartfelt start to Shabbat in Havana.
• After services, enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner together at a nearby hotel, sharing reflections, stories, and a sense of connection as we welcome Shabbat in Havana.
• After dinner, we’ll return to the hotel to rest and recharge.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Aston la Habana, Havana

Saturday, February 7, 2026 – Learning, Music, and Leisure

• We’ll begin the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a 10:00 AM study session with the extraordinary Professor Alberto Faya, a Cuban singer, composer, and scholar whose passion for music and culture is both deep and inspiring. He’ll trace Cuban music’s roots, from Spain and Africa to jazz and beyond, offering a rare glimpse into Cuba through the voice of a master storyteller.
• Next, we’ll come together for a reflection session, an opportunity to pause and share thoughts, impressions, and takeaways from our journey so far.
• We’ll then gather for a relaxing and delicious Shabbat lunch; a time to unwind, connect, and enjoy a wonderful meal together.
• In the early afternoon, we’ll join local musicians for an unforgettable exploration of Cuban music, with its rhythms, stories, and soul. Through lively conversation, live performance, and a joyful dance lesson, we’ll feel the beat that pulses through Havana.
• The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Feel free to rest, explore, or revisit a favorite part of the city. We’ll offer suggestions for those looking for optional activities or dining spots.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Aston la Habana, Havana

Sunday, February 8, 2026 – Art, Memory, and Everyday Life

• We’ll start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a private tour of the National Museum of Fine Arts. Led by a curator, this special visit will guide us through Cuba’s artistic evolution, offering insight into the island’s history, identity, and creativity through its visual art.
• Next, we’ll visit the Jewish Cemetery in Guanabacoa, including its moving Holocaust Memorial, a quiet moment to reflect on memory, loss, and resilience.
• From there, we’ll be welcomed into a private Cuban home with deep Jewish roots for an intimate glimpse into daily life. Through personal stories and heartfelt conversation, we’ll better understand how families adapt and thrive in today’s Cuba
• Lunch will be at leisure, feel free to explore and choose a spot that suits your taste. We’ll be happy to offer suggestions.
• In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a Havana icon that offers a window into the island’s glamorous past and storied political history.
• Dinner this evening is at leisure, whether you choose something casual or celebratory, the night is yours to enjoy.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Aston la Habana, Havana

Monday, February 9, 2026 – Identity, Art, and Celebration

• We’ll begin our day at 9:00 AM with an interactive discussion led by Marta Núñez Sarmiento, a renowned Cuban sociologist. Together, we’ll explore gender roles in Cuban society today, an eye-opening look at how culture, politics, and daily life intersect in contemporary Cuba.
• Next, we’ll head out to visit the Sephardic Hebrew Center, the last remaining Sephardic synagogue in Havana. This is a chance to learn about the rich legacy and continued presence of the Jewish community in Cuba.
• From there, we’ll dive into the rhythms of daily life with a guided walk through a local market, where you can interact with vendors, observe local customs, and experience Havana through its flavors, colors, and conversations.
• Lunch today is at leisure, feel free to explore or revisit a favorite spot.
• Afterward, we’ll head to Compás Dance of Cuba to observe a rehearsal that blends percussion, African rhythms, flamenco, and classical ballet. Following the performance, we’ll have a chance to speak with the dancers about their work, inspiration, and the role of art in Cuban life.
• Later in the afternoon, we’ll visit Fusterlandia, the imaginative home and studio of artist José Rodríguez Fuster. Located in the seaside community of Jaimanitas, this colorful mosaic wonderland is a joyful tribute to creativity and community transformation.
• We’ll close our journey with a farewell dinner at La Reserva, a beautiful private paladar, offering a chance to reflect, share memories, and toast to the unforgettable experience we’ve shared in Cuba.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Aston la Habana, Havana

Tuesday, February 10, 2025 - Farewell

• We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our flights home.
• As we part ways, we’ll carry with us the memories, connections, and stories that made this journey to Cuba so meaningful. Safe travels and until next time!

The Melton tour to Cuba will be led by Miriam Levinson, who has led numerous trips to her native Cuba. Miriam's expertise in Jewish Latin America, particularly Cuba, adds a distinctive dimension to her portrayal of these communities.

Melton Travel is open to adults of all ages. While Melton oversees the educational aspects of our tours, it's important to note that we are not a travel agency. For the logistics of this trip, our local travel partners will be responsible.

Please note that Melton is not liable for any financial loss due to reasons beyond our control, such as health-related cancellations. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation and health-related issues, including COVID, within a few weeks of paying your nonrefundable deposit.

Thank you for your interest in travelling with Melton. We eagerly await the opportunity to learn and explore together with you.

The Melton Travel Team

Register online today >

Reservations and Cancellations:  

Group rates are per person and a minimum of 15 fully paying participants. Should the number of participants drop below the minimum listed above, we may adjust the cost of the trip to reflect the additional expense of operating the program.

Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of local guides, drivers, and the tour guide/educator are included.

A nonrefundable deposit of $750 per person is due upon registration. If the trip is cancelled, the registration fee will be refunded. Final balance will be due December 1, 2025. No refunds will be given for unused services. 

Program Cancellation due to insufficient registration:

The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, its management, staff, officers, and representatives reserve the right to cancel any program for lack of sufficient registration and 100% of all monies collected by MELTON will be returned to the registered participants.  

Program Cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances: 

As you may know, Melton provides the educational content for its tours, but is not a travel agency. Great Time Tours, LTD is the travel logistics provider for this tour. Neither Great Time Tours, LTD nor Melton is responsible for any financial loss associated with a cancellation of this seminar for reasons beyond their control, including COVID. Each traveler is urged to attain Trip Cancellation and Travel insurance. 

What is not included: Travel insurance, incidental hotel charges such as telephone calls, housekeeping tips and room service, sightseeing attractions listed as optional, meals not listed, items of a personal nature and tips for services other than those listed for each specific itinerary.

Ability to Travel:

Participant(s) hereby certify that they do not have any physical, emotional, psychological, or other condition or disability that would interfere with their enjoyment of the program, hinder the experience of others, or pose a hazard to themselves or others.

Travelers Needing Special Assistance:

Melton cannot determine your fitness to travel or guarantee your ability to successfully manage a tour. If in doubt, please consult your doctor. Persons needing individual assistance for walking, dining, or other personal needs must be accompanied by an able companion and must notify us in writing at the time of booking. Certain trips and features may not be wheelchair accessible. In international destinations, we cannot guarantee wheelchair accessibility.

Liability:

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice. Participant waives any and all claims of action against the GREAT TIME TOURS, LTD. for damages, loss, injury, accident or death incurred by any person in connection with this program. In making arrangements for accommodations, meals, transportation, and other services included in the program, GREAT TIME TOURS, LTD. are acting only as an agent for the following suppliers of travel services, i.e. airlines, hotels, ground handlers, transfer companies, restaurants, bus companies, and other suppliers, and is not liable for any accident, injury, damage, loss, delay or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any company or person(s) engaged in conveying the passengers or carrying out the arrangements of the program. No responsibility is accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, weather, strike, wars and other causes. 

Travel Documents:

Participants will receive program documents approximately 10-14 days prior to trip departure provided full payment has been received. Documents may include program itinerary, airline and hotel information, clothing suggestions, bag tags and any other helpful hints. 

Luggage Handling:

Luggage handling and porterage is included for a maximum of one piece of luggage per person at hotels. Carry-on luggage is the traveler’s own responsibility. 

Not Included:

• Flights and personal insurance 
• Personal expenses, including meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified

Melton Travel recommends Forbes Advisor for the most up-to-date travel insurance comparisons. Consider travel protection for:

• Trip Cancellation
• Trip Interruption
• Emergency Medical Expenses
• Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
• Trip Delay
• Baggage & Personal Effects
• Baggage Delay
  
  

Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 21 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit, the entire non-refundable amount of the trip must be insured, and you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. However, the travel protection plan itself can be purchased any time prior to departure.

Additional Information

• Airline Security Measures: Your name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket, or you may be denied boarding. If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification are required for that particular airport.
  
  
• Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items.
  
  
• Holidays and Museum Closures - Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.
  
  
• Photography During Tours: We will occasionally use photographs taken by fellow guests or your trip director for promotional purposes. If you prefer your photo not used in any marketing activities, please notify us at the start of your tour.

For more information about this tour, please write to us here.

Or, call 1–646–921–0747, Ext. 4