Grinnellian Adventures: Arts & Politics in Havana
January 28–February 4, 2026
You are invited to join art and architectural historian Fredo Rivera ’06, assistant professor of art history, to explore Cuba’s deep artistic and political history, attend the world-famous Jazz Plaza Festival, and discuss the impactful relationship between Grinnell College and Cuba.
Spend five nights in Havana exploring the sights, sounds, and flavors of this thriving city; and two nights in the colonial old town of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy private concerts with Camerata Romeu, Latin America’s first all-female string orchestra; Luís Alberto Barbería, a founding member of the legendary Cuban collective Habana Abierta; and a private performance with modern dance company “Mi Compania.”
Explore how art has been woven into the fabric of Cuba’s society through its history, politics, and revolutions. Visit Taller de Gráfica, a co-op where artists worked on printmaking; see contemporary Cuban art exhibits at El Centro del Desarollo de Arte Contemporánea and la Fototeca de Cuba, and meet the artists and curators; enjoy a guided tour by Professor Rivera of the National Museum of Fine Arts; and visit Fusterlandia, an entire neighborhood transformed into a Gaudí or Brancusiesque wonderland.
Not only is Cuba known for its music, which you will experience during this special trip, including performances at the Jazz Plaza Festival, but it is also known for its cuisine. You will have time to explore Cuba’s food scene on your own, but also enjoy meals together, sampling Cuban-Mediterranean, traditional Cuban, modern Cuban, and farm-to-table fare. Enjoy your last night in Havana as you travel to dinner at sunset in a 1950s American convertible car.
After departing Havana, we drive to Trinidad, stopping along the way in Cienfuegos to explore its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once in Trinidad, enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience staying in rooms at host families’ bedand-breakfasts in the countryside. Visit Valle de los Ingenios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the hub of Cuba’s sugar industry, where you will step back in time and learn about the island’s colonial past. On your last day in Cuba, visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara, Cuba’s third-largest city.
Open the pdf brochure which includes all this information and more
If you have ever wanted to visit Cuba, now is the time to go! This program is limited to 20 guests, so please reserve your spot immediately by contacting Eos Study Tours, the specialty tour operator who has worked closely with Assistant Professor Fredo Rivera in designing this program. Email grinnell@studytours.org or call toll-free (800) 856-8951.
Faculty & Tour Leaders
Fredo Rivera ’06
Associate Professor of Art History
Fredo Rivera, Grinnell College Class of 2006, is an Associate Professor of Art History at Grinnell College. They teach classes on modern architecture and urbanism, as well as the arts and visual culture of the Americas, with a focus on the Caribbean. Rivera is the founder and co-leader of the Haitian Arts Digital Crossroads project, a collaboration between Grinnell College Libraries and the Waterloo Center for the Arts, which aims to be a digital platform and database for collections of Haitian Art. Rivera has also published on art and architecture of mid-late 20th century Cuba. Most recently they collaborated on the exhibition Prefabricating Solidarity: IMS Žeželj Between Yugoslavia, Cuba, and Angola, an exhibition organized with the Museum of African Art in Belgrade exploring architectural exchanges between socialist nations in the latter 20th century. Rivera has traveled with Grinnell students to Cuba in the springs of 2018 and 2023, and is excited to share a place they called home when completing their dissertation fieldwork.
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Itinerary — Jan. 28–Feb. 4, 2026
(B)= Breakfast, (L)= Lunch, (D)= Dinner
Open the pdf brochure which includes all this information and more
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Fly to Havana, Cuba | Welcome dinner
Arrive at Havana’s José Martí International Airport (HAV), where you will be met by your Cuban tour guide and tour manager, and transferred to our hotel in Havana. After checking in, we gather for a welcome dinner at artist Kadir Lopez’s home, gallery, and studio, which includes a neon shop and studio for neon sign restoration. Five nights at the 5-star INNSIDE Habana Catedral. (D)
Thursday, Jan. 29
Havana: Habana Vieja walking tour, Private concert with Camerata Romeu, Fototeca de Cuba, time at leisure | Havana Jazz Plaza Festival performance
After breakfast, set out on a walking tour of the historic core of Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Taller de Gráfica, a graphic arts workshop established by Pablo Neruda and Che Guevara at the beginning of the revolution as a co-op, where artists could work on printmaking. After viewing an exhibit at the Wilfredo Lam Center, we end the morning portion of our walking tour at the Plaza San Francisco to see a private concert with the Camerata Romeu, the first all-female string orchestra in Latin America.
After lunch at paladar Los Mercaderes, continue to the last public square on our walking tour, Plaza Vieja, to see contemporary Cuban art exhibits at El Centro del Desarollo de Arte Contemporánea and la Fototeca de Cuba. Meet with artists and curators Liudmila Velasco and Nelson Ramirez de Arellano Conde. Spend some time at leisure before gathering for dinner at Cinco Sentidos, nestled in the heart of Old Havana. After dinner, enjoy a performance at the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival. (B,L,D)
Friday, Jan. 30
Havana: Obispo Street, Partagás Factory, Capitol Building, Capitolio neighborhood walking tour, National Museum of Fine Arts, afternoon at leisure | Rooftop concert
This morning, we walk down the pedestrian promenade of Obispo Street, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends colonial architecture, vibrant art, and the rich culture of local life. Next, we tour Partagás Factory, a cigar factory located in Central Havana; and then make our way to Cuba’s stunning Capitol building, constructed after the formation of the Republic of Cuba and modeling the same architecture as the U.S. Capitol. Before lunch at Ivan Chef Justo, a restaurant run by Fidel Castro’s former primary personal chef, we tour Havana’s grandest neighborhood, Capitolio. El Prado is one of the most exquisitely designed major avenues in all the Americas and home to architectural mastery ranging from Colonial to Baroque to Neoclassical to Art Deco. This afternoon we visit the National Museum of Fine Arts’ Cuba collection. Enjoy time at leisure until we gather for dinner at La Guarida, one of the most popular restaurants in Cuba. Afterward, enjoy a rooftop concert of Ramoncito Valles, one of Cuba’s greatest jazz musicians. (B,L,D)
Saturday, Jan. 31
Havana: Guest Speaker Marc Frank, Private performance with “Mi Compania,” Art Curator Cristina Vives, time at leisure with optional Jazz Plaza Festival concerts
After breakfast, we meet with Marc Frank, a well-known American author and journalist who will discuss the ways in which Cuba’s planned economy and political system work and don’t work. Next, enjoy a private performance with “Mi Compania,” one of Cuba’s top contemporary dance companies, under the direction of Susana Pous. This will take place at a beautiful house transformed into her private dance school and company headquarters.
After lunch at Grados Paladar, we attend an opening at the gallery of Cristina Vives, Cuba’s most respected independent contemporary art curator. She played a significant role in the success of many contemporary Cuban artists who are now active in the international art world. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to explore Havana and the Jazz Plaza Festival (tickets included). (B,L)
Sunday, Feb. 1
Havana: Instituto Superior de Arte, Fusterlandia | Caimito: Finca Marta | Havana: Afternoon at leisure, Classic convertible car ride, La Fábrica de Arte Cubano
Our last day in Havana begins with a visit to the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA), Cuba’s most advanced school of the arts, with architecture revered worldwide. Tour ISA’s two most celebrated masterpieces of architecture: the art school that is in full operation, and the ruins of the unfinished ballet school. Next, we venture to Fusterlandia, an entire neighborhood transformed into a Gaudí or Brancusiesque wonderland of sculptures, mosaics, and murals by ceramicist José Rodríguez Fuster.
Next, we drive a short distance outside of Havana to visit Finca Marta, a small, experimental, agroecological farm demonstrating a focus on biodiversity and intensive management. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch and then tour the farm with its founder, Dr. Fernando Funes-Monzote, a renowned Cuban agronomist. We return to Havana for an afternoon at leisure. Near sunset, enjoy a scenic, classic convertible car ride from our hotel to La Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), Havana’s trendiest new magnet for the urban and chic: an old peanut oil factory that has been transformed into a multilevel, multi-purpose, and virtually limitless art and music venue. Enjoy an independent dinner at one of the many great cafés located inside FAC, and take time to check out a concert happening in FAC’s Nave 3. (B,L)
Monday, Feb. 2
Cienfuegos: Walking tour, Private concert with Luís Alberto Barbería | Trinidad
This morning we depart Havana and begin our journey to Trinidad, stopping along the way in Cienfuegos. The drive will transition from the Atlantic Ocean to the southern Caribbean, crossing many sugar cane fields and agricultural farms. Upon arriving in Cienfuegos, we have lunch at Finca del Mar, a charming paladar on the water, at the tip of the peninsula of Punta Gorda. Take a stroll down Punta Gorda to see the old French houses of the New Orleans style, and stop at Palacio del Valle, a former 1910s palace of a wealthy sugar baron.
Enjoy a walking tour of the old city of Cienfuegos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was founded in 1829 by French settlers from America and Haiti, giving it a French provincial town feel. Attend a private concert with Luís Alberto Barbería, a founding member of the legendary Cuban collective Habana Abierta. Continue on to Trinidad, where we check-in to our bedand-breakfast villas—rooms in homes that date back to the 1500s. Dinner this evening is with our host families. Two nights at family-run bed-andbreakfast villas. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, Feb. 3
Trinidad: Valle de los Ingenios, Tour of historic center, PM at leisure | Farewell dinner
After breakfast at our villas, we step back to the 18th and 19th centuries with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valle de los Ingenios, a picturesque valley that was once a hub of Cuba’s sugar industry. Explore the ruins of grand sugar mills, stone towers, and winding trails owned by the Manaca Iznaga family. Learn about the complex social and economic history of Cuba, from the harsh realities of slavery to the rise and fall of the sugar industry.
Take a guided tour of Trinidad’s historic core, Casco Histórico, with historian Nancy Benitez. It is the crown jewel of Cuban colonial architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ms. Benitez is the historian of Trinidad and very active in the field of local restoration. Enjoy lunch on your own with free time to explore the colonial village: artists’ galleries, artisan kiosks, or museums of colonial sugar barons. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at paladar Los Conspiradores, a 1750s corner villa. After dinner, enjoy an open-air music concert at the Casa de la Música, a short walk from our villas. (B,D)
Wednesday, Feb. 4
Santa Clara: Che Guevara Mausoleum, walking tour | Fly home
This morning we depart Trinidad for Santa Clara, Cuba’s third largest city. Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum, a significant historical site dedicated to the revolutionary figure Ernesto “Che” Guevara and, time permitting, we will visit the simple but good museum dedicated to his life and struggles. Next, we take a brief stroll through the historic center of Santa Clara before arriving at El Mejunje for a light lunch. Transfer as a group to Santa Clara Abel Santamaría International Airport (SNU) to connect with independent flights to Miami International Airport (MIA) and homeward. (B,L)
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Pricing
Per Person (9 Nights)
- Double Occupancy (16-20 participants) $5,645
- Double Occupancy (12-13 participants) $5,945
- Single Supplement $785
Single room supplement will be charged when requested or required (limited availability). With fewer than 12 participants, a small group surcharge may be added.
Price Includes
- Leadership of Grinnell College Assistant Professor Fredo Rivera ’06, an expert tour manager, and a local guide
- Group arrival and departure airport transfers on program dates
- Seven nights total: Five nights in a centrally located hotel in Havana and two nights at a bed-and-breakfast with a host family, where you will have a private room and bathroom with air conditioning
- Delicious meals: Breakfast daily; 6 lunches; and 5 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners. All meals include water and coffee/tea. Depending on the restaurant, meals may include a choice of a soft drink, local beer, rum beverage, or freshly squeezed juice
- Transportation via private, air-conditioned vehicles, with water available at all times
- All gratuities for the tour manager, local guide, waitstaff for all included meals, and hotel staff in Havana
- Baggage handling at the hotel
- Entrance fees as per program, and local taxes
- Enrollment in the Cuban visitor’s health insurance agency Asistur
- Appropriate Cuban Tourist Visa, U.S. licensing paperwork for Support for the Cuban People Travel, and all legal documents and guidelines set by the U.S. Treasury
- Comprehensive pre-departure information, including a suggested reading/ media guide, access to an itinerary app on your phone, and packing list
Flights and Transfers
Airfare from/to home is not included. Airport transfers (individual and/or group, based on flight schedules) on program dates, on arrival at Jose Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana and on departure from Santa Clara Abel Santamaría International Airport (SNU), are included in the tour prices. We will suggest a departure flight (TBA) to confirmed participants. Once you have received your final payment invoice, you should book your flights. If you are considering booking nonrefundable airline tickets before this time, please contact our office first. Valerie Wilso Travel, Inc. can assist with flight arrangements for this tour. You may contact them directly at 866-200-6172 or email studytours@vwti.com. Alternatively, you are welcome to book your flights independently or through your preferred travel agent. Your flight itinerary must be provided to our office prior to departure. We do not accept any liability for cancellation penalties related to domestic or international airline tickets.
Prices Do Not Include
Airfare from/to home; airport arrival or departure transfers not on program dates and independent transfers; passport fees; all airport fees and departure taxes; cost of personal, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; transportation of excess baggage; meals or beverages other than those listed; items of a personal nature such as personal tips, laundry, medical expenses, taxi, telephone, and fax charges; alcoholic or other beverages except as noted; optional excursions or deviations from scheduled tour; and other items not listed as included.
Payments
A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check made payable to “Eos GRN-Cuba 1/26.” Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure and must be by check, ACH transfer, or wire transfer only; credit cards are not accepted for final payment. By submitting your deposit, you are bound by the terms and conditions delineated throughout this brochure or elsewhere published.
Participant Cancellation Fees
All requests by participants for cancellations must be received in writing by Eos Study Tours. Cancellations received at least 180 days prior to departure (August 1, 2025) are refunded less a cancellation fee of $500 per person. Cancellations received from 179 through 91 days prior to departure (October 29, 2025) will forfeit their full deposit of $1,000 per person. Cancellations received from 90 through 76 days prior to departure are subject to a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the tour cost. Cancellations received 75 days or less prior to departure are subject to a cancellation fee of 100% of the tour cost. For this and other reasons, participants are strongly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation insurance. Information will be provided with confirmation of receipt of your deposit.
Additional Notes
Prices are based on group rates in effect at the time of publication and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in the price of fuel, services, and labor may increase the cost of arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to alter our prices.
Prices, itinerary, accommodations, special guests, and leader are subject to change. Prices quoted are n based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate. It is understood that refunds cannot be made to participants who do not complete the tour for whatever reason.
Due to space limitations, this is abbreviated information. Complete terms and conditions are available upon confirmation.
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FAQ
Is there a brochure I can download and share?
Yes! Please download the brochure here. Or contact Eos Study Tours to have a brochure mailed to you.
What can I expect on the trip?
This trip will have moderate walking and physical expectations. Must be able to walk one to three miles per day on mostly flat, but often uneven, terrain.
All participants are expected to be physically active and not be an impediment to others on excursions, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences.
Please note that Cuba is in an ongoing economic crisis since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which some scholars have referred to as its second “special period” (referring to the Special Period of the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union). While Cuba continues to focus on its tourist infrastructure, power outages may occur. Generators will be used in most cases to cover electricity needs. We will do our best to work around the issue and to provide as comfortable of an experience as possible, but flexibility and adaptability are important when traveling in Cuba.
All participants will be required to follow safety/ sanitization protocols set forth by Sponsors/ Operator, local staff, and host country laws. Any participant showing signs of illness will be asked to wear a mask when in close proximity to others. If the tour manager decides that a participant cannot visit a site safely or in a timely manner, their judgment will be final. Where possible, an alternate activity may be suggested; additional costs may apply. If you have any questions about your ability to participate, we suggest that you visit your personal physician with this brochure in hand and discuss whether or not this program is appropriate for you.
At the time of year that we visit, we can expect generally sunny and pleasant weather. Average daytime temperatures will be in the mid-to high 70s F, perhaps even reaching the mid-80s, while nighttime temperatures will be in the low 70s F. The humidity at this time of year is generally low. The sun is strong, so lightweight layers and plenty of sun protection is recommended. The likelihood of rain is low, however there is always a chance for pop-up showers so participants should be prepared. Complete pre-departure details will be sent to participants.
Do I need travel insurance for the trip?
Travel insurance is optional. Travelers may purchase from the provider of their choice.
May I bring guests?
Each alum may bring guests. Your guests do not need to be alumni.
What if I need assistance during the trip with something?
A staff member from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations will attend the trip to support all guests and our faculty leaders.
Questions?
Contact Guinevere Natarelli, associate director of alumni and donor relations, at wallacegu@grinnell.edu or call 641-269-4633.
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