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Central America
general thinking
cuba 2015
trip highligh­­­ts
Sun and Moon pyramids at Teotihuacan
Discover Mexico City with local General Thinker residents
Interact with local Cuban experts including musicians,
artists, farmers, academics, and architects.
Meet lifelong residents of Cuba, who will
share their perspectives on daily life.
Savor authentic Cuban cuisine in paladares—
private, family‑run restaurants usually located
in family homes and in fine restaurants.
World Heritage site, Trinidad
Visit an eclectic bunch of Havanas music venues,
including clubs, bars and dance clubs.
Attend TEDxHabana as a VIP insider thanks to the
host’s relationship with the local organiser. World
Trip Code: SOG3149
Expeditions and General Thinking will be contributing Trip Duration12 days
to the not for profit event as partners. GradeDiscovery and Cruising
Travel with General Thinking founder, Remo Giuffré ActivitiesAdventure Touring, Day Walking
Summary12 day trip, 9 nights hotel and 2 night
Casas Particulares (Cuban homestay)
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for your interest in our General Thinking Cuba 2015 trip.
At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten
track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of
coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness
regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that
our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for
the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have
been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure
holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience,
designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our
vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible
tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include
trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World
Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for
a life changing experience!!
1 – © World Expeditions Travel Group - Phil Wyndham 3/12/2015 3:42:45 PM
why travel with World Expeditions?
When planning travel to remote destinations, many factors need to be
considered. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on
the ground ensure that you will have a memorable experience. Every
trip is accompanied by experienced local leaders, as well as support
staff that share a passion for the region, and a desire to share it with
you. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics. In most
cases, all internal transport and entrance fees are included in the cost
of your trip. Most importantly, our adventures always aim to benefit the
local people we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and
contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience.
Our group size is small, rarely exceeding a maximum number of sixteen.
Given our local knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we
are quite sure that this tour will be a trip of a lifetime and a fantastic
adventure.
general thinking
cuba 2015
Travel with fellow General Thinkers on a purposeful ramble to meet
the creative thinkers of Mexico and Cuba and discover their favorite
cultural haunts and must see archaeological and historic sites.
trip dates
2015
09Nov - 20Nov
trip cost
Joining Mexico City. From 10 to 12 people. Prices
in AUD:$5490
All prices are per person
options & supplements
Single Supplement AUD$:
$1345
From 13-16 people AUD$:
$5290
From 17-25 people AUD$:
$4990
For competitive airfares and stopover ideas
to join this adventure, contact our expert staff
today to receive a detailed quote.
the trip
On this exceptional adventure you will travel alongside fellow General Thinkers and in the
company of the founder of General Thinking, Remo Giuffré. The handpicked collection of
travel experiences will take you “beneath the surface,” get close to the true Mexico City and
the real Cuba and experience the social, cultural and artistic sites these two vivid countries
posses. With creative input from Remo and many others, this trip to Latin America will awaken
and engage your mind. Commencing in Mexico City we first go back in time to view the huge
Sun and Moon pyramids at Teotihuacan before we spend a day being shown around Mexico
City by a select group of General Thinker Mexico City residents. Here we will experience this
energetic city in a way which few travelers have done so before. The following day we fly to
vibrant Havana to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of this pulsating city which is under
constant change and growing influence. Our time in Havana commences with a walking tour
of the old city – studded with dilapidated buildings that were once opulent trademarks of
a thriving society. We then have guaranteed access to TEDxHabana where we mingle with
presenters and hear from Cuban thinkers in the Arts, Sustainability, Architecture, Afro‑Cuban
studies, Farming, LGBT, Cybernetics, and Entrepreneurship along with US counterparts.
On the southern coast we savour the beauty of Cienfuegos, Cuba’s so‑called Perla del
Sur (Pearl of the South) which has long seduced travelers from around the world with its
elegance, enlightened French spirit and feisty Caribbean panache. Before we move onto the
perfectly preserved Spanish colonial settlement of Trinidad to experience staying in a Casas
Particulares before returning to Havana to further explore the music clubs. We hope you can
join us on this exciting adventure with one of Australia’s most enduring and respected creative
minds, Remo Giuffré.
about your leader/escort
Remo Giuffré is a thinker and creative strategist with a long track record as an entrepreneur,
retail merchant and brand builder. He founded the iconic REMO General Store in 1988; and
co‑founded General Thinking in 2001. He also enjoys a long and ongoing association with
TED in New York, and, since 2009, has been Licensee & Director for TEDxSydney, a flagship
TEDx event, held annually at the Sydney Opera House, which has become the leading
platform for the propagation of Australian ideas, innovation and creativity to the rest of the
world. Over the years Remo has done a great deal of thinking about products, experiences,
brands and what it takes to engage people and create desire. He is driven by a passion to
communicate, inspire and delight. Although not formally trained as a creative director; he has
been dreaming, designing and doodling for much of his life. He lives in Bondi very near the
beach with his wife Melanie, two children: Lola (19, at University in Melbourne) & Roman (16);
and a small black dog named Pearl. He swims every day in the Icebergs pool at the southern
end of Bondi Beach.
About General Thinking
General Thinking is a global (42 countries and counting) and self‑curating network of thinkers
& doers: creative, wise & engaged; thoughtful people doing good work. The focus of the
network is connection, collaboration, inspiration ... and fun. This trip to Mexico City and Cuba
is the first ever General Thinking Experience.
at a glance
DAY 19 NOV 2015 ARRIVE MEXICO CITY
DAY 210 NOV 2015 VISIT TEOTIHUACAN
DAY 311 NOV 2015 GENERAL THINKERS SHOW YOU THEIR MEXICO CITY
DAY 412 NOV 2015 FLY FROM MEXICO CITY TO HAVANA, CUBA
DAY 513 NOV 2015 EXPLORE HAVANA
DAY 614 NOV 2015 TEDXHABANA KICKS OFF
2 – © World Expeditions Travel Group - Phil Wyndham 3/12/2015 3:42:45 PM
general thinking cuba 2015
Travel with fellow General Thinkers on a purposeful ramble to meet
the creative thinkers of Mexico and Cuba and discover their favorite
cultural haunts and must see archaeological and historic sites.
DAY 715 NOV 2015 TEDXHABANA POST EVENT & EXPLORE HAVANA
DAY 816 NOV 2015 DEPART HAVANA TO CIENFUEGOS VIA CALETA BUENA
DAY 917 NOV 2015 TO TRINIDAD
DAY 1018 NOV 2015 TOPES DE COLLANTES NATIONAL PARK
DAY 1119 NOV 2015 DRIVE TO HAVANA VIA SANTA CLARA
DAY 1220 NOV 2015 TRANSFER TO HAVANA AIRPORT
what’s included
11 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners
bilingual local guide in each country
comfortable well located hotels
private air conditioned transportation
sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed
medical kit
TEDxHabana entry and donation
entry and access to unique restaurants/bars/clubs
airport transfers throughout
travel with General Thinking founder, Remo Giuffré
detailed itinerary
DAY 19 Nov 2015 Arrive Mexico City
Upon arrival into the airport in Mexico City you will be met and transferred to the La Casona Hotel.
Built at the beginning of last century, the hotel has an elegant facade, beautiful patio and is listed
with the National Institutes of Fine Arts as a historic monument. The hotel is a short walk away from
a variety of attractions. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel La Casona
meals: NIL
DAY 210 Nov 2015 Visit Teotihuacan
Today we spend a full day enjoying this historical center; the Anthropology museum, Pyramids of
Teotihuacan and the Shrine of Guadalupe. The ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan (pronounced tayoh-tee-wah-con) rise as high as twenty-story buildings, above the central Mexican highlands with
a grandeur and mystery that stirs the imagination and inspires the soul. A special Welcome Dinner
(including some local General Thinkers) will be enjoyed and overnight at hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel La Casona
meals: B,D
DAY 311 Nov 2015 General Thinkers show you their Mexico City
You will have access to a vehicle and a driver for the day. With a select bunch of General Thinking
Mexico City residents as our guides and entertainers, today will be spent exploring their favorite
parts of Mexico City, meeting and hanging out with them and soaking up all the fun and good times
which this amazing city can offer. The possibilities are endless and will certainly involve good food,
galleries, cafes, music and maybe shopping, workshops, or even an activity.
Accommodation: Hotel La Casona
meals: B
DAY 412 Nov 2015 Fly from Mexico City to Havana, Cuba
This morning we have a transfer from our hotel to airport to take a flight to Havana, Cuba. Upon
arrival we will be met and assisted by at the Havana International Airport. You’ll be met at the airport
3 – © World Expeditions Travel Group - Phil Wyndham 3/12/2015 3:42:45 PM
general thinking cuba 2015
Travel with fellow General Thinkers on a purposeful ramble to meet
the creative thinkers of Mexico and Cuba and discover their favorite
cultural haunts and must see archaeological and historic sites.
fast facts
Countries Visited:
Mexico, Cuba
Visas:
Please check visa requirements with
your reservations consultant*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Singles:
A single supplement is available for this trip*
*Ask our staff for more information.
by your Cuban, English speaking guide who will take you to the hotel for check in, stopping at
Revolution Square on the way. After time to refresh from the flight, we then head out on a panoramic
sightseeing explore, finishing with a welcome cocktail and dinner at La Guarida or similar Paladar
restaurants. After dinner return to your hotel for overnight. Welcome to Cuba!
Accommodation: Santa Isabel Hotel
meals: B,D
DAY 513 Nov 2015 Explore Havana
This morning we enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking a walking tour of Colonial Havana. We
visit the four main squares of the Historical Core of Havana City passing by the Ambos Mundos hotel
where Hemingway stayed for the first time when he came to Cuba. We then drive to the colonial
township of Guanabacoa where we visit an organic farm and meet farmer’s family and enjoy a
discussion as you explore his gardens. Lunch will be in Mediterraneo Restaurant, in Vedado. The
restaurant makes their own cheeses and salamis using meat and milk supplied by the organic
farm and following traditional Italian recipes. After lunch we visit the home of Art Curator Cristina
Vives for talk about Cuban art and politics before moving onto view some of Cuba’s most important
contemporary artists (and chance to buy if anyone is a collector). We then visit the impressive
Institute Superior de Arte. ISA is a collection of visual, musical, dance, and communications arts that
was founded in 1976. Although three complexes were originally planned and were to be designed
by three architects (two Italian and one Cuban), only one was finally completed in about 2003, the
section for visual arts. These buildings were designed by the Cuban architect, Ricardo Porro, and
are extremely impressive. A series of interconnected domes make up the studios for print making,
sculpture, painting, and ceramics. The domes are intended to represent parts of the female body,
with the breasts connected by the Fallopian tubes to the vagina, represented by a fountain. The
buildings are built with masonry because they could not get steel to build with reinforced concrete,
but this the designer made this limitation an advantage.
There is an opportunity to return to the hotel to freshen up or return straight back to Old Havana for
a one-on-one salsa class with expert local salsa dancers and teachers. Mojitos will be served during
the class to loosen limbs! We will join TEDxHabana organisers, speakers and other insiders for a
welcome to Havana cocktail party, followed by dinner at a local Paladar. Return to your hotel after
dinner for overnight.
Accommodation: Santa Isabel Hotel
meals: B,L,D
DAY 614 Nov 2015 TEDxHABANA kicks off
Today will be as exciting as it will be entertaining, educational and thought provoking. We we will
attend the National Theater of Cuba to form part of the audience for TEDxHabana. We will hear
from Cuban thinkers in the Arts, Sustainability, Architecture, Afro-Cuban studies, Farming, LGBT,
Cybernetics, and Entrepreneurship, along with some of the hottest Cuban musical acts. TEDx is a
program of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
TEDxHabana, the only TEDx in Cuba, happened for the first time in 2014. Fellow General Thinker and
TEDxHabana organiser Andres Levin and his Cuban wife, the singer Cucu Diamantes, are planning
for the 2015 event to be bigger and better, and will be welcoming our group of travelling General
Thinkers as partners and sponsors of the event. Your day will end at the rap party for TEDxHabana.
Accommodation: Santa Isabel Hotel
meals: B
4 – © World Expeditions Travel Group - Phil Wyndham 3/12/2015 3:42:45 PM
general thinking cuba 2015
Travel with fellow General Thinkers on a purposeful ramble to meet
the creative thinkers of Mexico and Cuba and discover their favorite
cultural haunts and must see archaeological and historic sites.
responsible travel
The environments we travel through are
fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to
minimise the impact of our presence. World
Expeditions were the proud recipients of
the inaugural Australian National Travel
Industry’s Environmental Achievement award
for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This
detailed guide to responsible and sustainable
travel is provided to all World Expeditions
clients before they travel. Please ask your
consultant if you have not received your copy
of our award winning book. Alternatively,
you may like to download a copy from our
website www.worldexpeditions.com
adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that
you are flexible, positive and eager to
take on all the challenges that arise. If you
are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant or travel agent.
important note
These trip notes represent the most
current information for this itinerary, and
may supersede any information in the
current brochure, including but not limited
to the itinerary and price. The itinerary
should be seen as a guide only. This
itinerary may change at any time due to
inclement weather, forces of nature and
other circumstances beyond our control.
DAY 715 Nov 2015 TEDxHabana Post Event & Explore Havana
Today is another day to dedicate towards the TEDxHABANA event to meet and engage with the other
audience members or presenters or to even further explore the sites of Havana where you will be
invited to visit the studios of the artists that participated in TEDxHabana. Lunch and dinner at your
own arrangements.
Accommodation: Santa Isabel Hotel
meals: B
DAY 816 Nov 2015 Depart Havana to Cienfuegos via Caleta Buena
Early morning check out and departure from Havana. 3 hour drive to Playa Giron, in the Bay of Pigs,
where we hear all about the attempted CIA invasion of Cuba in 1961. Visiting this area is all the
more poignant now that Diplomatic Relations have been reestablished between Cuba and the USA.
Diplomatic Relations were severed a couple of months before the Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961.
We make a quick visit to a primary school and continue a few miles beyond Giron to Caleta Buena
where we enjoy a simple buffet lunch and a swim in the crystal clear waters of the natural sea pool.
Caleta Buena is a cenote, a naturally occurring tunnel which feeds sea water to an inland pool. The
larger cenote is now connected to the sea, creating a calm blue natural pool. The smaller, inland
cenote is full of tropical fish.
In the afternoon we continue our journey to Cienfuegos, a city that is commonly referred to as the
‘Pearl of the South’. Interesting colonial architecture, unusual old trees and a relaxed atmosphere
give the city its flair. We take a walking tour around the UNESCO world heritage sites before heading
out into town for dinner in a local Paladar restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel La Union
meals: B,L,D
DAY 917 Nov 2015 To Trinidad
Morning departure for Trinidad, stopping in Cienfuegos Botanical Garden on the way. The Botanical
Gardens once belonged to Harvard University and contain a rich collection of tropical and endemic
flora. After a short guided visit with one of the local experts, we continue our journey to Trinidad,
also a World Heritage Site and one of Cuba’s most popular towns. It’s a picture perfect colonial
town of pastel colored homes, squares and churches sandwiched between the majestic Escambray
Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. On arrival we have a light lunch then an orientation tour by foot
including a visit Casa Cantero, the former home of a Colonial Sugar Magnate. This evening we’ll
stay in Casas Particulares, the Cuban equivalent of Bed and Breakfast Accommodation. Rooms will
be quite simple but all will have air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms. It’s an opportunity to get to
know Cuba from within, as the Casas are literally local family homes. In order to accommodate the
entire group we will need to use a number of homes, all within the same area.
This evening we will enjoy a traditional Cuban meal at a small farm just outside Trinidad, owned by
Cuban Musician and his Australian Wife. It’s a chance to ask all the questions you’ve been dying to
ask and enjoy some great food and music too. Return to your Casas for the night.
Accommodation: Casas Particulares
meals: B,L,D
DAY 1018 Nov 2015 Topes de Collantes National Park
Morning transfer by Russian Army Truck to Topes de Collantes. What was formerly a sanatorium and
health resort for Batista and his cronies has now become and National Park with trails, arboretum,
5 – © World Expeditions Travel Group - Phil Wyndham 3/12/2015 3:42:45 PM
general thinking cuba 2015
Travel with fellow General Thinkers on a purposeful ramble to meet
the creative thinkers of Mexico and Cuba and discover their favorite
cultural haunts and must see archaeological and historic sites.
accommodation and a small community. Topes is run by the Cuban Army so don’t expect a gourmet
lunch! The Guanayara walk, however, is a spectacular exploration of Cuban fauna and offers the
chance for a dip in a waterfall. After lunch return to Trinidad for a free afternoon to further explore.
Dinner this evening in a local Paladar restaurant. Return to your Casas for the night.
Accommodation: Casas Particulares
meals: B,L,D
DAY 1119 Nov 2015 Drive to Havana via Santa Clara
After breakfast, check out and take 2 ½ hour drive to Santa Clara. On arrival, visit Che Guevara
Mausoleum and Museum. The decisive battle between Batista and Fidel Castro’s Revolutionary
Army occurred in Santa Clara on 29th December 1958. Revolutionary soldiers under Che Guevara’s
leadership ambushed a train full of Batista’s troops who were heading to Eastern Cuba. The ambush
so demoralized Batista’s forces that two days later Batista had fled Cuba and Fidel Castro took power.
The remains of Che Guevara were returned to Cuba in 1997, 30 years after he was killed in Bolivia. We
enjoy a lunch close by and then head back to Havana, arriving in the late afternoon.
Evening 1 hour Vintage American Car tour finishing with farewell dinner and in local Paladar and
Tropicana Show.
Accommodation: Santa Isabel Hotel
meals: B,L,D
DAY 1220 Nov 2015 Transfer to Havana Airport
At the required time we will transfer you to the hotel where upon arriving all services conclude.
meals: B
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
a typical day
Depending on the itinerary for the day, you will either be travelling or sightseeing. There will also
be time to enjoy many places at your own pace. Generally the day would start reasonably early,
depending on what the plan for the day entails.
what you carry
In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables
and personal items such as sunscreen, lip‑eze etc.
equipment required
You will require comfortable walking shoes and a day pack to carry items of a personal nature
during the day. (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided
on booking).
vehicles & safety
During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all which are fit for purpose
and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety
may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat
belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example. Whilst we do
not include animal rides on most of our trips, there are occasions where it may be possible to
undertake them optionally and to do so is at your own risk. Note that helmets and professional
riding equipment are not available in all circumstances.
6 – © World Expeditions Travel Group - Phil Wyndham 3/12/2015 3:42:45 PM
general thinking cuba 2015
Travel with fellow General Thinkers on a purposeful ramble to meet
the creative thinkers of Mexico and Cuba and discover their favorite
cultural haunts and must see archaeological and historic sites.
what’s not included
International airfares
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Tips
Most beverages
Items of a personal nature
Visa
Local departure tax/airport taxes
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trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There
are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space
on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure
services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The
demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can
assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our
team at your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non
refundable AUD$600 per person deposit which you can do by using our online booking function,
or if you prefer, complete a booking form and return a scanned copy to Philip Wyndham philip@
worldexpeditions.com.au. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you
require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip
accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World
Expeditions trip.
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7 – © World Expeditions Travel Group - Phil Wyndham 3/12/2015 3:42:45 PM