2026 University College International Trip: A Culture of Arts in Cuba
Visit Cuba with University College!
March 1 to March 8, 2026
Temple University University College is offering a unique opportunity to study Cuban culture in 2026.
During A Culture of Arts in Cuba, travelers will visit Cuba from March 1 to March 8 (8 days/7 nights) to see and discuss the cultural heritage of Cuba. This trip is being offered in cooperation with AltruVistas.
The trip includes visits to World Heritage sites, historical locations, walking tours, art institutes, talks with Cuban professionals and time to experience Cuban arts and music.
Overview
The trip includes:
- RT airfare Miami-Havana.
- All hotels and/or casas particulares.
- On-ground transportation by air-conditioned motor coach.
- Full time guide/translator by AltruVista.
- Preparatory readings/orientation materials.
- Admission and fees to all activities.
- Two meals per day.
- Gratuities for guide and driver.
- Group leaders from Temple University.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 — Bien Venidos
- Arrive at Jose Marti International Airport.
- Check into the Hostal Buen Viaje in Old Havana where we will enjoy a welcome mojito and some downtime to rest or explore the historic hotel.
- Orientation meeting with your Temple leader, your local guide Joel, and Altruvistas program coordinator Cicely Sanchez on general Cuba travel information and logistics, as well as an overview of the program.
- Discussion: “Havana, Past, Present and Future” with Cuban architect Miguel Coyula.
- Welcome dinner at San Cristobal Paladar.
Day 2 — TBA
- Day 2 Itinerary To Be Announced.
Day 3 — Arts Education
- A walking tour of Centro Havana to experience everyday life and diverse architecture with Cuban photographer Nestor Marti or Adrian Garrido.
- Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Cuban Fine Arts Museum, for an overview of Cuban contemporary arts.
- Lunch in Old Havana.
- Enjoy a special visit to the Superior Arts Institute (ISA) to learn about arts education in Cuba.
- An exchange with the award-winning and inspirational Muralleando Community Art Project, where artists and teachers have rejuvenated their neighborhood by celebrating and continuing the traditional Cuban love of art. (Donations in the form of art and educational supplies are welcome).
- Live Cuban Jazz at La Zora y el Cuervo.
Day 4 — Music Education
- Learn about “A Century of Cuban Music” through a live musical overview of diverse genres by Professor Fayas at the Hotel Nacional.
- Visit to the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory to learn about music education.
- Lunch at the Jardin de los Milagros with invited guest Pablo Menendez from Grupo Mezcla who will talk about life as a Cuban musician.
- Meet with UNEAC, the National Union for Writers and Artists in Cuba, for a discussion about the promotion of the arts in Cuba.
- Evening Free!
Day 5 — Dance!
- Optional Salsa Dance Lesson at the hotel for those interested.
- Visit to the National Ballet School to learn about dance education in Cuba.
- Lunch
- Exchange with the Rosario Cardenas Dance Troup!
- A tour of the Alicia Alonso Gran Teatro, home to the ballet.
- Dinner at a local paladar
- Evening Free.
- Optional: At 8 p.m., visit La Forteleza de La Cabaña, where construction began in 1763. We’ll learn about the history of conflict between the Spanish and English Empires as they struggled for control of the New World.
- Nightly canon firing ceremony.
Day 6 — Matanzas
- Visit to the provinces of Matanzas, known for its Afro-Cuban culture and legacy. Matanzas is called the “City of Bridges” or the Athens of Cuba.
- Stop at the Bacunayagua Bridge on way to Matanzas town.
- Learn about the history of the region at the Castillo de San Severino as we walk through this fort and learn about the lave Route and the legacy of slavery in Cuba. This fort was declared a National Monument in 1978 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Enjoy the coastal beauty of Varadero Beach before returning to Havana.
- Evening Free.
Day 7 — Visual Arts
- An exchange with Francisco Gordillo who will share an overview of Santeria and the patakines in his visual arts.
- A brief tour of the Callejon de Hamel to explore Cuba’s Afro-Cuban Santeria culture and art.
- A visit with Elias Aseff Alfonso, who worked closely with Salvador Gonzales Escalona, the Callejon community’s founder. Elias will share the history and day-to-day realities of art, culture and traditional religion in Cuba.
- Free time for lunch and shopping at the San Jose de Almancenes arts and crafts faire.
- Wrap up meeting and a short film with Cuban filmmaker Gloria Rolando. She will talk about her work and new projects and address any questions about race, gender and national identity in Cuba.
- Classic Car Cruise.
- Farewell Dinner.
Day 8 — Hasta Luego!
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Check out and transfer to the airport..
- Departure home.
Registration
For additional information, contact Link Martin at [click-for-email].