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Begin the day with a delicious Cuban breakfast, followed by a photo workshop with Sanne that covers the ingredients of a reportage, camera gear, lenses, and safety. Then head off to Plaza de Armas for a walking tour of Havana’s famous four squares with Alejandro – Travel Cuba’s expert guide. Spend the afternoon working on your first photo assignment – Street Photography in Old Havana. Enjoy a group dinner on the terrace of one of Havana’s most happening restaurants and then rest up for the day ahead.

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After a delicious Cuban breakfast, join Sanne for a photo workshop focused on shooting techniques (lines, framing, layering) followed by a brief presentation by Alejandro on the “Spirit of Havana.” Then put what you’ve learned into practice. Explore the gritty and colorful streets of Habana Vieja – alone or in pairs– while visiting Cuban bodegas (stores), nail salons, and other nooks and crannies. Get to know the locals, whether they’re driving classic cars or passing by on the street. Cuba is a friendly place!

In the afternoon, join the group for your second photo assignment – a live action shoot – at a local ballet or boxing gym. Enjoy a group dinner with Chef Hector who will make traditional Baracoan dishes at a local restaurant before gathering in the evening for a night shoot where you’ll capture Havana’s streets at dark.

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Enjoy an early Cuban breakfast before departing Havana for the magical mogotes of Viñales. Our first stop in the countryside will show you breathtaking views of the valley while you enjoy a classic Cuban cocktail or fresh-squeezed juice as Alejandro orients you to your surroundings. Settle into your accommodations in a neighborhood of colorful casitas (little houses) nestled in the heart of downtown Viñales that offer unexpected vistas of the surrounding hills.

Take an afternoon walk through the city toward Valle del Silencio where we’ll ride horses and learn about tobacco and guayabita production while exploring their fields. Make the trek to the top of the hill (or take a quick taxi) to Finca Paraiso to enjoy a family-style meal on an overlook that allows you to perch with your camera to capture the most stunning sunsets.

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Crawl out of bed for an early-morning (5:00 am) coffee and snack before taking a classic Cuba car ride to the base of one of Viñales’ four breathtaking valleys. Hike a steady climb for about an hour in the dark (headlamps required) to the home of Felix where you can rest and enjoy a rural Cuban breakfast while photographing the beautiful sunrise.

Trek down the mountain and head back to your accommodations to refresh and then join the group for an exceptional lunch experience at El Cuajaní. The afternoon is free for you to explore the town, book an excursion, or continue working on your portfolio. Dinner is on your own in town. There are many options nearby and we’re happy to make recommendations.

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Fill up on a traditional Cuban breakfast before joining Sanne at the local theatre in Viñales for a presentation of her most recent photo-book – Manifesto del Agua – a long-term documentary project on Cuba’s hidden water crisis. Use this as a template to build a narrative of your own, or let it be an inspiration for your own long-form documentary project in Cuba or beyond.

Spend the afternoon exploring the town and valleys to fill any gaps in your reportage so you’re prepared for your one-on-one meeting with Sanne to review your portfolio. If you want more structure, join Sanne for an afternoon walk through Cueva de la Vaca, but be prepared for the unexpected. Join the group in the evening on main street at a hip, local outdoor venue that offers top-notch cocktails, impressive appetizers, and energetic live music.

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Fill up on a delicious Cuban breakfast before our drive back to Havana. Enjoy a traditional Cuban lunch by the sea in Santa Fé – a small barrio about 30 minutes west of Havana. Take a quick stop to see the wonder of Fusterlandia in Jaimanitas before arriving to your next accommodation located in the heart of Vedado, a quieter neighborhood where you’ll find the University of Havana, beautiful parks, and a more mellow pace of life.

Get to know the city better by taking a classic car ride that ends at El Moro – Havana’s fort that overlooks the city’s skyline. We’ll make stops along the way for you to make photos of Havana’s most famous sights.

Dinner is on your own so you can explore the area on your own terms or prep your photos for a one-on-one portfolio review with Sanne, which is scheduled for the next day.

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After a delicious Cuban breakfast at your accommodations in Vedado, taxis will transfer you back to Old Havana where we’ll spend the day at the Raúl Corrales Gallery. You’ll have the option to have a one-on-one portfolio review with Sanne and participate in an afternoon group share where you’ll have the opportunity to present your work to others. In between, they’ll be some downtime for you to prep your portfolio and continue your exploration of Old Havana with Travel Cuba’s guides. There’s still plenty to see – Camera Obscura, small local galleries, Hemingway’s former haunts, and El Capitolio. Close out the tour with a group farewell dinner at one of Vedado’s best restaurants and then head back to your casa and get packed.

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Bid farewell to the island after breakfast. We’ll transport you to the airport so you can head home to share your amazing experience with friends and family. If you’re staying in Cuba longer, we’ll transport you to your destination if it’s within the province of La Habana.