We have many ways to explore and experience Cuba. When you work with Destinations Travel you will have a conversation to discuss what aspects of a visit interest you the most, how much time you have, budget – with that information we can recommend an itinerary that best suits you.
Weekend Sampler Itinerary
HIGHLIGHTS: Explore Habana Vieja | Dine at Bodeguita del Medio, birthplace of the Mojito | Dancing at Callejón de Hamel | Visit a Cigar Factory | Talk with the Editor from Cuba's Popular Magazine | Visit an Artist in her Home Studio | 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site
This Weekend in Havana tour is far more than a mere brush with exotic culture – it’s a full-on immersive discovery allowing you to not only pay witness to Cuba’s dynamic rhythm and color, but to dive right in and become part of the canvas.
Like the fiery salsa rhythms that can be heard rippling through its city streets, Havana springs to life with warmth and vivaciousness that never stops taking you by surprise. Removed from the quiet fields of sugar cane and mango trees that thrive further afield, Cuba's largest city is an urban metropolis – a place of rambling Colonial architecture, endless adventure and unfettered discovery.
This Weekend in Havana tour is far more than a mere brush with exotic culture – it’s a full-on immersive discovery allowing you to not only pay witness to Cuba’s dynamic rhythm and color, but to dive right in and become part of the canvas.
Like the fiery salsa rhythms that can be heard rippling through its city streets, Havana springs to life with warmth and vivaciousness that never stops taking you by surprise. Removed from the quiet fields of sugar cane and mango trees that thrive further afield, Cuba's largest city is an urban metropolis – a place of rambling Colonial architecture, endless adventure and unfettered discovery.
HAVANA
DAY 1
After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll begin your travel experience right away with a visit to a cigar factory to see how Cuba’s best-known export gets rolled by hand.
Then, it’s off to lunch at La Bodeguita del Medio, a bar and restaurant made famous by Ernest Hemingway—and arguably the birthplace of the mojito, the rum-based drink the author favored. Next, take part in an informative exchange with artists from the celebrated Taller de la Gráfica collective, one of the island’s most active art hubs.
Continue to explore Havana’s artistic side with a visit to Callejón de Hamel, the Centro Habana alleyway that features musical performances and hundreds of visual-art displays.
Then, we’ll check in to our hotel in the heart of Havana, and meet up again for an orientation program. We’ll celebrate your arrival with a delicious welcome dinner.
Meals | Lunch, Dinner
DAY 1
After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll begin your travel experience right away with a visit to a cigar factory to see how Cuba’s best-known export gets rolled by hand.
Then, it’s off to lunch at La Bodeguita del Medio, a bar and restaurant made famous by Ernest Hemingway—and arguably the birthplace of the mojito, the rum-based drink the author favored. Next, take part in an informative exchange with artists from the celebrated Taller de la Gráfica collective, one of the island’s most active art hubs.
Continue to explore Havana’s artistic side with a visit to Callejón de Hamel, the Centro Habana alleyway that features musical performances and hundreds of visual-art displays.
Then, we’ll check in to our hotel in the heart of Havana, and meet up again for an orientation program. We’ll celebrate your arrival with a delicious welcome dinner.
Meals | Lunch, Dinner
HAVANA
DAY 2
This morning, you’ll meet with students and professors from La Escuela Taller Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos to learn about the school’s effort to preserve Cuba’s cultural and architectural heritage. Later, get a snapshot into the lives and work of Cuban photographers at Fototeca in Havana, which houses one of the city’s few darkrooms and is a photographer hub.
On your way to lunch, you’ll continue your walking tour of Old Havana’s cobblestone streets and sixteenth-century Spanish colonial architecture. After lunch, you’ll have a very special visit in Centro Habana with a friend and self-taught Cuban artist who opens his home to teach neighborhood children the art of papier-mâché. We’ll wrap up the day by visiting the famous Abdala recording studio, where famous musicians, including Nat King Cole and the Buena Vista Social Club, recorded some of their best music. Tonight, you’ll dine on your own at a paladar, a private, family-owned restaurant. Your insightCuba tour leader, who is an expert in the dining scene, will make the best recommendations.
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 2
This morning, you’ll meet with students and professors from La Escuela Taller Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos to learn about the school’s effort to preserve Cuba’s cultural and architectural heritage. Later, get a snapshot into the lives and work of Cuban photographers at Fototeca in Havana, which houses one of the city’s few darkrooms and is a photographer hub.
On your way to lunch, you’ll continue your walking tour of Old Havana’s cobblestone streets and sixteenth-century Spanish colonial architecture. After lunch, you’ll have a very special visit in Centro Habana with a friend and self-taught Cuban artist who opens his home to teach neighborhood children the art of papier-mâché. We’ll wrap up the day by visiting the famous Abdala recording studio, where famous musicians, including Nat King Cole and the Buena Vista Social Club, recorded some of their best music. Tonight, you’ll dine on your own at a paladar, a private, family-owned restaurant. Your insightCuba tour leader, who is an expert in the dining scene, will make the best recommendations.
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch
HAVANA
DAY 3
We’ll kick off the day by meeting the editor of a popular Cuban newspaper for a presentation on Cuban social issues, economic reforms, and the impacts of U.S.-Cuba policy in Cuba.
Afterwards, we’ll gather with Cuban farmers at Vivero Organopónico to learn how organic farming efforts provide food to urban areas and how Vivero is taking the lead in regarding farm-to-table dining. For lunch, we’ll enjoy an authentic Cuban sandwich at Sloppy Joe’s, a legendary bar in Havana. After lunch, you’ll visit with an internationally known choral group and finish the day at a local farmers market where you’ll see firsthand Cuba’s dual currency at work.
In the evening, share your favorite stories about your time in Cuba with your travel mates during a farewell dinner.
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
We’ll kick off the day by meeting the editor of a popular Cuban newspaper for a presentation on Cuban social issues, economic reforms, and the impacts of U.S.-Cuba policy in Cuba.
Afterwards, we’ll gather with Cuban farmers at Vivero Organopónico to learn how organic farming efforts provide food to urban areas and how Vivero is taking the lead in regarding farm-to-table dining. For lunch, we’ll enjoy an authentic Cuban sandwich at Sloppy Joe’s, a legendary bar in Havana. After lunch, you’ll visit with an internationally known choral group and finish the day at a local farmers market where you’ll see firsthand Cuba’s dual currency at work.
In the evening, share your favorite stories about your time in Cuba with your travel mates during a farewell dinner.
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HAVANA
DAY 4
After breakfast, bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight home.
Meals | Breakfast
DAY 4
After breakfast, bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight home.
Meals | Breakfast
INCLUSIONS:
*Customary end-of-tour gratuities for the Cuban guide, driver, and tour leader are left to the guest’s discretion and should be based on your satisfaction with the level of service received.
- Private welcome reception and tour briefing
- Superior accommodations at the a First Class hotel in Havana
- Exclusive-guided programming, including; unique handpicked people-to-people activities; insider access to Cuba's famous places and those rarely seen; and private visits and lectures with Cuba's renowned experts
- Experienced tour leader
- Expert Cuban guide
- All meals while in Cuba, except for one paladar evening dining experiences on your own
- Certification of travel to Cuba under the U.S. Department of the Treasury general license
- Small group size (usually 16 or fewer guests; never more than 24)
- All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events
- Flight package (cost additional) including: round-trip charter air from Miami to Havana, Cuban visa, priority check-in at Miami International Airport, and baggage fee for first checked bag
- All in-country ground transportation and airport transfers via luxury motor coach
- Private Cuban Driver
- Travel health and emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Fresh bottled water while touring
- Travel guidebook
- 24 hour emergency customer service hotline
- Gratuities for luggage handling, restaurant service, and programmed activities throughout tour*
*Customary end-of-tour gratuities for the Cuban guide, driver, and tour leader are left to the guest’s discretion and should be based on your satisfaction with the level of service received.
