Dreaming of Havana for Groups ¡NEW!
The main city squares will be visited with the company of an architect who will share about Havana’s history and architecture. You will have several stops to talk to locals and vendors present in the area and will learn about Cuban reality.
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Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrival in Havana International Airport, andt ransfer to the hotel.
- Brief meeting with the Tour Guide and driver to go over the program and the details of the Schedule and how it will provide enhanced contact with the Cuban people, support the civil society in Cuba and promote the Cuban people's independence from Cuban authorities, resulting in meaningful interaction between the traveler and Cuban individuals.
- Lunch at a local paladar (a Paladar is considered in Cuba as privately owned and managed restaurant), with time to interact with the owner and staff over their Cuban cuisine.
- Visit a typical Cuban mechanic shop where they will demonstrate how solutions are always found to maintain these antique cars, will proudly and gladly answer your questions on how they keepthese rolling museum pieces up and running and in such good shape!
- American antique cars ride. 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.
- Check in at Casa Italia or Aston Havana Hotel.
- Welcome dinner at a local privately managed restaurant, including a classic Daiquirí cocktail. Return to the accommodation.
- After dinner, time to rest and recover energy for the next day. However, our Guide will provide options for places to spend the night having the chance to interact with locals at privately owned art galleries and other related centers.
Day 2
- Breakfast at the accommodation, time to engage with the Cuban host to learn about Cuban culture.
- This morning starts with an Old Havana City tour. The main city squares will be visited with the company of an architect who will share about Havana’s history and architecture. You will have several stops to talk to locals and vendors present in the area and will learn about Cuban reality.
- Visit Clandestina Project. Clandestina is an entrepreneurial project that has left a significant mark in Havana, Cuba. Founded by Idania del Río in 2015, this venture has become a reference in the Cuban fashion scene. The project seeks to bring together the work of young Cuban designers. Clandestina operates as a store, workshop, gallery and studio. They are responsible for the creation, production and sale of the designs. Clandestina has become the first Cuban clothing brand. Their designs, with humorous and inclusive messages, have flooded social networks and the streets of Havana.
- Lunch at a local privately managed restaurant in Habana Vieja (Old Havana), and time at leisure to further explore the city and interact with the locals.
- Transfer to Vocal Clave Sol Project at La Lisa municipality. Interact with members of the community project, Vocal Clave Sol. This is an after-school program in Havana that aims to help children develop their instrumental and vocal abilities through its three guiding principles: inclusion, instruction, and community. It provides a safe haven for local youth that fosters both a sense of self-esteem and an appreciation for the history and culture of Cuba.
- Return to the hotel.
- Night at leisure, However, our Guide will provide options for places to spend the night having the chance to interact with locals at privately owned art galleries and other related centers.
Day 3
- Breakfast at the accommodation, time to engage with the Cuban host to learn about Cuban culture.
- Visit the Hemingway Museum. During this interesting stop, you will know about the life and work of the famous American writer, and his relationship with and love for Cuba.
- Participate in a traditional Cuban cooking class experience, from gathering ingredients to using them in the kitchen at Ajiaco Restaurant.
- Brief introduction of the history of Cuban cuisine and its mix with culture and the formation of nationality through the explanation of history, influence of the different emigrations to our country and the ingredients of Ajiaco, as the national soup of Cuba
- Lunch is included as part of the experience with the new entrepreneurial private sector of Cuba.
- Return to the accommodation.
- Learn about dominoes with members of a private domino club. Dominoes is, in many ways, Cuba’s national game. It has its own set of rules, played enthusiastically in private and public. More than competition and skill, it is a greatly enjoyed social activity. We’ll meet members of a local dominoes league, learn the Cuban rules, then play with club members. Teams will rotate and each American will play with one Cuban and an opportunity to openly exchange ideas about events in both of our countries. You will admire the hand-made Domino sets and perhaps even decide to bring one home.
- Night at leisure, our Guide will provide options for places to spend the night having the chance to interact with locals at privately owned art galleries, restaurants and other related centers.
Day 4
- Breakfast in your accommodation, time to engage with the Cuban host to learn about Cuban culture.
- Meeting with an expert at the Fine Arts Museum. Visit to some of the Museum exhibits, perfect time to have a very meaningful interaction with the local experts and get to know the political debates inspired by artist and their work in Cuba. Exchange with the staff to learn about Cuban art projects today.
- Stop by the workshop of artist Beatriz Santacana at Playa Municipality. Beatriz is a self-taught Cuban artist, sculptor, painter, and ceramist. She is also a native of Havana. She is the winner of seven contemporary art awards and her art has been exhibited in several galleries around the globe.
- Lunch at a local paladar.
- Visit the headquarters of Havana Compass Dance Company. Watch a rehearsal and take some time to speak to the dancers and teachers about their training, daily lives, and future careers.
- Return to the accommodation.
- Night at leisure, our Guide will provide options for places to spend the night having the chance to interact with locals at privately owned art galleries, restaurants and other related centers.
Day 5
- Breakfast at the accommodation, time to engage with the Cuban host to learn about Cuban culture.
- Start your morning with a unique experience. Stop by a local farmer’s market and live like a local.
- Your guide will provide you of a shopping list in Spanish, a budget of around 300 cuban pesos and 45 minutes for shopping the market and find the elements mentioned on your list. After that time the entire group will meet again at a designated point to share about each experience and show your shopping bag. Living this experience is the best way to understand how Cubans survive with their budgets and offer available.
- Visit to a neighborhood community project for kids “Muraleando” to learn about its impact and positive influence on the community. The Muraleando Community Project is an artistic and cultural initiative that has transformed the Lawton neighborhood of Havana, Cuba, into a vibrant canvas of expression. The project was created in 2001 by the artist Manuel Díaz Baldrich. Its main objective is to beautify the facades of homes and public spaces through murals and sculptures.
- Lunch included at the spot. Share as part of the menu all the fruits and vegetables you got earlier in the market.
- Return to the Hotel. Share with an expert in History, Sociology, Economy or other topic.
- At the designated time Farewell dinner.
Day 6
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure transfer towards the International Airport in Havana.