Thursday, November 16 - Upon arriving in Havana and clearing immigration/customs transfer to the Grand Ashton Hotel La Habana where you will be greeted by your Marathon Tours & Travel host. Enjoy free time on your own this afternoon. We will gather this evening for our Welcome Dinner at the famous Strawberry and Chocolate restaurant - La Guarida. (Dinner included)
Friday, November 17 -The day will start with an optional short training run along the Malecon. Upon returning, enjoy breakfast and be ready to depart for a full day of activities. We will start with a walking tour of Old Havana with a stop at a children’s daycare center, which welcomes 150 children daily and is run by Sister Teresa Vaz. Following the center, we will collect our dorsals for race day before enjoying lunch at a private paladar. This afternoon is a visit to Finca Vigia – Ernest Hemingway’s house. Known as “Papa” to the Cubans, Hemingway spent nearly 20 years living and writing in Cuba and is still revered there. The rest of the day and evening are on your own to enjoy. Several restaurants will be recommended by your guide. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Saturday, November 18 - After breakfast, we begin our day by visiting the Habana Compass Dance Academy. In route, enjoy a panoramic tour of Modern Havana, which includes the University of Havana, Colon Cemetery, the mansions of Vedado and a photo stop at The Plaza de la Revolucion Square. At the Academy, you will be delighted watching a dance rehearsal and meeting the dancers/musicians of this unique group. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the option is to have a free afternoon or visit the Mercado de Artesania San Jose (referred to as the Craft Market) followed by a tour of a Cigar Factory. At the Craft Market, you will find many artists and souvenirs. Your guide will explain its history, the culture, and bargaining tips! The rest of the afternoon is free before we gather for our pre-race dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Sunday, November 19 - It’s race day! Breakfast will be available before you depart for the start, which is a short bus ride from our hotel. The start of the marathon, half-marathon, and 10k is located in front of the Capitolio, the national capital building designed after the USA Capitol. You will run through Havana alongside island residents as the course takes you through the streets of the colonial city, passing through its historic monuments. Upon finishing, celebrate your achievement in Old Havana and catch our private bus back to the hotel (times and meeting location will be shared on-site). Tonight, we will enjoy dinner and a congratulatory cheer at a nearby venue. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Monday, November 20 - Today is departure day or departure for the two-night extension to Varadero. If on your way home, enjoy a leisure morning before making your way to the Havana International Airport for your flight home. Please note that airport transfers are not included. (Breakfast included)
Note: All group meals in Havana include two drinks. Any extra drinks will be paid by each guest to the server (cash only).
SCHEDULE AND HOTEL SUBJECT TO CHANGE
