HAVANAFEST 2014 Preliminary Itinerary and Costings

[El Presidente]

I sincerely hope you can join us for a rollicking week in Havana (and Pinar) Friday 14th of November to Friday 21st of November 2014

Overview

Toby Brocklehurst is our man in Havana and chief organiser jointly with Jose Candia (Punch Joe). I will be on the front-line as well but this is not in any way a hand holding exercise

For those that haven't been to Cuba before, you need to keep in mind that changes (even last minute ones) are a part and parcel of life. It keeps you on your toes but never detracts from the experience...actually it "enhances it!"

Anything can happen while travelling in Cuba. Issues such as weather and internal Cuba issues on the day are partly out of our control. We may be forced to make last day changes to the itinerary but we will endeavor to have a have a rudimentary communications system for those attending to check out the status of upcoming events. More than likely it will be a dedicated thread on the forum that you can check in on.

Costs are based in CUC. Now our first challenge is not quite knowing how the retirement of the CUC may affect pricing, but it is a guide and we will work it out as we go along. Never a dull moment!

So to reiterate. If you are OCD then really don't bother. It is not the place for you. If you have a need to tell people how good you are....don't bother. If you love to complain....don't bother.

The events here are meant to supplement your week, not necessarily be your week.Nothing is compulsory! You pick and choose what you would like to do if anything at all.

We will not commence taking module bookings until May/June. We will have an interactive PDF that will be available and that you can tick off to confirm.

On the free days you are more than welcome to hang with me but I generally have no idea what I will be doing that afternoon let alone the following day let alone 9 months away. "Tranquillo" is the key word.

At this point there is no need to e-mail me

Let's get started.

Accommodation:

Toby Brocklehurst has arranged a group rate at the Nacional Hotel.

9 nights accommodation with bed and breakfast at Hotel Nacional. Including:

VIP and Transfers in and out.

860CUCs per person in a double / twin bedroom.

1175CUCs per person in single room.

* note

You do not have to stay at the Nacional Hotel. You may wish to stay at a Casa Particular but that will be up to you to arrange. The VIP/Transfers in and out are limited to those staying in the Nacional (logistics people...logistics).

You may wish to go a day early or leave a day later. You will be able to arrange that through Toby. His contact details will be put up April 15th.

Itinerary

Friday the 14th of November

8PM Drinks at the Nacional . We will likely have a roped off area. Cash bar.
Meet and greet all other members. Laugh's a plenty. Indulge in the Nacional Toasted Sandwiches (the only thing I would eat )

12PM Head to the Gato Tuerto Nightclub (200 m away). Cash Bar. We will have reserve area.

Saturday the 15th of November Module 1 Cost 225 CUC

Trip to Vinales (8.30am departure Nacional Hotel) in 2 x 30 seater buses (as required) We are off for a beach BBQ and lazy day at the beautiful Cayo Jutia. One of the great lunches will be put on with a magnificent beach Mojito bar, cold beers and rums.

After Cayo Juyita we will head back to Vinales and overnight in Casa Particulares (breakfast included).

We are considering an option (subject to availability) of all staying at the Los Jamines Hotel. I prefer the Casas experience but we will play it as we see it in the coming months.

We will have dinner that evening together at a local Vinales restaurant. Dinner will be paid locally (not included).

10PM we will hit some of the local bars and live music.

On the 16th we meet at 10am and head off for Lunch at Finca Prieto!

It is an excellent chance to see one of the great Finca's in Cuba and experience true Cuban hospitality with a legend.

We will head back to Havana around 3;30pm arriving 6:30pm "ish"

Sunday Night at your leisure! You will be well and truly knackered!

Monday the 17th of November

For those new to Havana it is time to get your bearings!

10AM

Module 2 2 Hour Old Car tour of Havana - 35CUCs 3-4 per car.

or

Module 3 Old Havana walking tour - 7.50CUCs per person in groups of 8-10 per guide

Module 4 145 CUC

12-30pm-6pm . Party at Casa Del Rob on the water.

Private party at my house (Subject to weather)

All food (buffet and BBQ), open bar, live band, "Havana Queens" dance group, 2 Custom Cigars.

Bring a towel and use the pool!

Partagas opening night is on that evening. For those that are keen, head off. For others not so keen, jump in the pool at my place and kick on until the booze runs out. We will order in some Pizza if need be.

Tuesday the 18th of November

10am. Havana Factory tour (which one to be advised).

We will catch cabs or a mini vans there. Cost will likely be 25 CUC per person payable on the day but I will expand on the details before we arrive in Havana.

12:30 PM. Long Lunch at El Templete. Cash food and bar.

I will just need to know a few weeks prior as to who would like to attend so we can book the necessary seats.

3:pm "ish" visit to Hotel Conde de Villanueva. Pick up some Customs.

9pm. Drinks at the Nacional.

late: Head to the "Models" nightclub. Not for the squeemish!


Wednesday the 19th of November

Module 5 100 CUC

10am: Visit Jose Ernesto Aguilera Reina Humidor Factory. The greatest Humidor Artisan in the world

* We will arrange transport from the Nacional leaving at 9:30am sharp. The transport will then take us directly to lunch.

12:30 Pm: Long Lunch at Prado 309 Terrace + a cigar masterclass by Hamlet (to be confirmed).

3 course lunch, beers, set wines rum and a custom cigar included.

This is a great opportunity to ask questions of Hamlet from the floor and listen to his unique take on cigars and blending. You will also have the opportunity to ask anything from myself in relation to the industry or from Toby as to the unique challenges of running a business in Cuba

3:30 PM Head back the short walk to Partagas for a cigar in the Divan or Old havana or...seriously...whatever!

10 PM-5am Meet at Nacional for Drinks then the Gato Tuerto nightlclub.

Thursday the 20th of November

Module 6 20 CUC

10am - 1pm

Artist tour visiting top contemporary Cuban artists in their houses. Group of 10 people including Minivan

Afternoon at Leisure

Module 7
8pm : Dinner at la Guarida. You will love it. Brilliant. Still one of Cuba's best Restaurants in such a quirky location that if you are new to Cuba you will be shooting a ream of photo's.

Cash table split. We just need to know the numbers attending.

Friday the 21st of November.

Day at leisure.

Module 7 145 CUC

5pm - late. Final party at my house. Mindblowing. All inclusive : Booze, Food, Band, 2 custom cigars

11pm Head out if you can. I hope to lead.

[PuffDaddie]

Wow.

[CUBANO]

Tranquilo y Borracho is they way to be. Lots of fun

[oliverdst]

Prez, 8 or 9 nights?

[El Presidente]

Prez, 8 or 9 nights?

Toby has priced it for 9 nights assuming in on Friday and out on Sunday 30th.

I really wouldn't want to be trying to head ff to the airport on the Saturday after the Friday night shenanigans. I like to use that Saturday to say goodbye to old and new friends, relax, recuperate.

However, accom is flexible. You can book your own days at the Nacional or elsewhere. It is just a service to those who wanted a little bit of structure.

[oliverdst]

Ok, until Sunday.

[Bartolomeo]

Thanks for doing this Prez

I cant make all week but should be able to pop in for 3-4 days and appreciate the a la carte pricing on these items

Bart

[LordAnubis]

Ohh i forgot to ask you earlier El Pres... how can we get tickets to this Partagas festival?

[madandana]

Sounds like fun.Thanks to all for the hard work.Can't wait to thank you in person!

[Duxnutz]

Good stuff mate.

[Ryan]

Looks like a great trip planned. I wish.. but not this one.

As an aside, Toby by this stage must be having a direct effect on Cuban lobster numbers..

[CrazyK]

Wow that looks amazing! I am thoroughly jealous of those that are fortunate enough to attend!

[mk05]

I will be there late October! With my GoPro mounted on my head.

[Dara]

Sunday Night at your leisure! You will be well and truly knackered!

You think you'll be knackered, I'm one of the idiots doing the Havana half marathon on that day....I may not be capable of walking after that for at least 24 hours!!!

[LexG]

Every time i read the word 'rum' i got a bit more excited, so excitment levels now at 132.65%

[jerryg05495]

Great job pulling this together, thanks

[AlohaStyle]

Ohh i forgot to ask you earlier El Pres... how can we get tickets to this Partagas festival?

Not sure if Rob/Toby can get you tickets in advance, but you can simply buy at the Partagas Factory (LCDH) once you're there... no worries.

[Habano]

I will be there late October! With my GoPro mounted on my head.

Oh god I hope your joking. If not I'll be ditching you on the side of the road or knock it off your head. Lol.

[Drguano]

Should there be any Yanks going, cough, cough, would they be able to book rooms at the Nacional through the Czar?

[AndrewNR]

Very very keen on this.. No idea what so ever how I'm pulling it off yet.. But I'm sure I'll figure something out

[sactochris]

Should there be any Yanks going, cough, cough, would they be able to book rooms at the Nacional through the Czar?

I was wondering the same thing.

[El Presidente]

Should there be any Yanks going, cough, cough, would they be able to book rooms at the Nacional through the Czar?

Not via myself but will provide the contact details of Toby Brocklehurst mid month for those that are seeking to book accom with him direct.

[Cohiba007]

I was looking to get married November 15th. This looks like a better option.

[oliverdst]

I was looking to get married November 15th. This looks like a better option.

My honeymoon was in Cuba

[jrb5783]

Man I wish I was in a position to attend this trip sounds legendary already