Captivating Cuba
Cuba has a rich history and culture and is known for being an artistic and welcoming destination. This tour showcases all that makes up Cuba, including a focus on one of its prized national products: tobacco. On this 5- night program, experience everything from the remarkable architecture of Havana to the rich tobacco fields in Vinales! You’ll go home with a better appreciation for Cuba and its people!
Select your Own Departure Date
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Spend 3 nights in Havana and 2 nights in Viñales in casa particulares (bed and breakfasts)
- Learn about Cuban cigars and sample local rums
- Embark on a walking tour through Old Havana
- Experience small-town Cuba in quaint Viñales
- Enjoy a car ride in an American Antique for a panoramic tour of Havana
- Visit tobacco and organic farms
- Learn about Cuba’s revolution at the Revolution Museum
- Savor Cuban cuisine during various included lunches and dinners
Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrival in Havana International Airport, transfer to the hotel.
- Brief meeting with the Tour Guide and driver to go over the program.
- Panoramic tour of Havana, where you will see some of the city's emblematic places, like the 18th century University, one of America's oldest; the inviting Malecón; the time witnessed Paseo del Prado and the eye-catching Capitol. There will be a stop to take pictures at the Revolution Square.
- Lunch at a local paladar, with time to interact with the owner and staff over their Cuban cuisine.
- Visit to the art studio of Cuban painter Jose Fúster, to learn about his work and the importance of his community Project.
- Check in at the hotel.
- American antique car ride towards the restaurant. The drivers will proudly and gladly answer your questions on how they keep these rolling museum pieces up and running and in such good shape!
- Welcome dinner at a local restaurant, including a classic Daiquirí cocktail. Return to the hotel.
Day 2
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- This morning start with an Old Havana City tour. The main city squares will be visited and your guide will tell you about their history and architecture, and provide details on the present Cuban reality. You will have several stops to talk to locals and vendors present in the area.
- Visit one of Havana's cigar factories for an in-depth look at how these renowned hand-made products are made.
- Lunch at a local restaurant, and time to walk around the area to interact with local shopkeepers and residents.
- Visit to the best Cuban handicrafts market, San José, with time to interact with artists and vendors
- Return to the hotel.
Day 3
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Departure for the Hemingway Museum. During this interesting stop, you will learn about the life and work of the famous American writer, and his relationship with and love for Cuba.
- Lunch at a local paladar/restaurant.
- Guided visit to the Revolution Museum, housed in what was the Presidential Palace of all Cuban presidents from Mario García Menocal to Fulgencio Batista.
- Return to the hotel.
- Make a stop at the Conde de Villanueva cigar bar to interact with the cigar-roller and staff. Enjoy a cigar and rum pairing.
- Dinner at one of Havana's great restaurants.
- Return to the hotel.
Day 4
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure towards Pinar del Río province, renowned for its beautiful landscapes and extensive tobacco fields. Stop along the way for rest rooms and snacks.
- Panoramic tour of Pinar del Río City, and visit to La Plaza Mayor to know about the history and architecture of the city, as well as interact with local residents.
- Visit to a local artist community project to know about its impact.
- Time at leisure to walk around the city and interact with locals. Lunch on your own.
- Check in at the casa particular or hotel.
- Free time in the evening.
Day 5
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure towards the Viñales Valley, a true treasure among Cuban landscapes, famous for its "mogotes", distinctive mountain formations unique to this part of the island.
- Stop at Los Jazmines lookout point, displaying some spectacular views of the area.
- Visit to a local farmer's home, to get acquainted with the tobacco growing and farming details, and the cigar rolling techniques.
- Stop at Viñales town to interact with residents.
- Time at leisure to walk around town, where you will be amazed by the colorful colonial-era wooden houses.
- Typical Cuban lunch at the Prehistory Mural, with time to take pictures of this big, colorful mural painted on exposed rock.
- Return to the casa particular or hotel.
- Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6
- Breakfast at the casa particular or hotel.
- Departure transfer towards the International Airport in Havana (afternoon or evening flights recommended).