Travel with Leica: Cuba Unveiled, a Journey through Light and Life

Date: 
24th April to 3rd May 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Havana

• Welcome to Havana, Cuba's vibrant and charming capital city.
• After the introduction, settle into your accommodation at a traditional Casa B&B.
• Evening orientation with Fulvio Bugani to discuss the tour's photographic focus and objectives, followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 2–4: Exploring Havana's Streets

• Start each day with street photography in the lively streets of Old Havana.
• Learn to observe and capture the city's retro charm, colonial architecture, and dynamic lifestyle.
• Fulvio Bugani will guide participants in creating a visual narrative, exploring the blend of tradition and modernity that makes Havana unique.
• Visit iconic landmarks like Plaza Vieja, El Malecón, and the Vedado district.
• Engage with locals, capturing intimate portraits that reflect Cuba's warmth and resilience.

Day 5: Havana to Trinidad

• Depart Havana for Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• En route, discover Cuba's rural landscape and capture the essence of life beyond the city.
• Arrive in Trinidad and settle into a cosy Casa B&B.

Day 6–7: The Soul of Trinidad

• Spend two days immersing yourself in the colonial streets of Trinidad, known for its ornate, colourful buildings, cobbled alleys, and relaxed atmosphere.
• Engage with locals and capture the rhythm of life, from street vendors to artisans.
• Fulvio will help you refine your portraiture techniques, drawing inspiration from the town's historical backdrop and its rich textures.
• Optional sunset photo sessions in the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, where you can explore the Cuban countryside.

Day 8: Return to Havana

• Journey back to Havana, with opportunities to shoot along the way.
• Upon arrival, you’ll have a final evening to explore the city's nightlife and practice low-light photography.

Day 9: Farewell Cuba

• Wrap up the tour with a reflection session and portfolio review with Fulvio Bugani.
• Farewell lunch and departure from Havana, taking with you not just photographs, but an enriched perspective of Cuba's beauty and culture

Key Activities:

• Rum and Cigar Tasting Experience: Get an authentic taste of Cuba with a rum and cigar tasting session at an official Habano store. Learn about the deep-rooted tradition of cigar-making while capturing the cultural essence of these iconic Cuban symbols.
• Cuban Photographers Exchange: Engage in a creative exchange with local Cuban photographers. This session will allow participants to share experiences, techniques, and perspectives with professionals deeply embedded in the Cuban photography scene.
• Portrait Session with Cuban Models: Spend a morning shooting portraits with three Cuban models. This session is designed to help you develop your skills in intimate portraiture, focusing on natural light and creating emotional connections with your subjects.
• Ballet School Photo Session: Capture the grace and discipline of Cuban ballet students in their natural environment. This unique opportunity provides a behind-the-scenes look into one of the country's most revered art forms.

What's Included:

• Single room accommodation (5 nights in Havana, 3 nights in Trinidad at Casa B&Bs)
• Modern minibus transportation
• Time with Leica Master Photographer: Fulvio Bugani who will be guiding you throughout the journey.
• Technical Support Crew from Leica Akademie Malaysia who will be offering you personalised assistance.
• Cuban Models Fees
• All organised activities and tours (Rum and cigar tasting, Cuban photographers exchange, ballet session)

Costs Not Included:

• International flights to/from Havana
• Tourist VISA
• Medical insurance (compulsory)
• Meals (lunch and dinner)
• Beverages
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Extra nights and optional activities
• Tips and gratuities