Itinerary

TRAVEL TO CUBA FOR US CITIZENS / RESIDENTS IS STILL POSSIBLE AND LEGAL! This trip is offered through the Support of the Cuban People license. According to The US Department of the Treasury’s recent FAQ’s page, this category for travel is still legal. The document states that you should “engage in activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote Cuban people’s independence.” It is really important to understand that although one license or purpose of travel to Cuba has gone away due to recent regulatory changes, there still are many licenses that people can qualify under. We are working with a company that understands what those licenses are and has helped us create an itinerary that really will capture the essence of Cuba, while abiding by all regulations so that the travel is still legal. If there is a regulation change after the time of booking, a full refund for the land portion will be made available to you. It is advised to purchase travel insurance to receive a refund on your airfare as well in the event of a regulation change.

Overnight Stay: TBD Miami hotel
Reception included

Meet your fellow travelers with a welcome reception in Miami, FL and enjoy a one-night pre-trip hotel stay in Miami. We will fly out together in the morning to Havana, Cuba. Round trip flight to Cuba is not include in trip price, however, we can assist in making these travel arrangements.

Overnight Stay: Four Points Havana
Breakfast, Dinner included

After a hotel breakfast, we will be transferred to Ft. Lauderdale airport for our flights to Cuba. Once we arrive at Havana International Airport, we will be transferred to our hotel. The inviting Four Points Sheraton Havana has elegant architecture and a unique fusion of colonial charm and contemporary style. It is located in the exclusive neighborhood of Miramar, a residential place a few meters from Fifth Avenue, but very close to Old Havana everything the area has to offer.

Along the way, we’ll be treated to a panoramic tour of Havana, where we’ll  will see some of the city’s emblematic places, such as the 18th century University, one of America’s oldest universities; the inviting Malecón, Havana’s seaside esplanade;  the time-witnessed boulevard Paseo del Prado and the eye-catching National Capitol Building. There will be a stop to take pictures at the Revolution Square.

After settling into the hotel, we will be escorted in style to the evening’s Cuban dinner in a collection of pristine and antique American cars. The drivers of these rolling museum pieces will proudly answer any questions you have.  We’ll also make a stop at the Malceon for a one-of-a-kind photo op.

Next, we will enjoy dinner complete with a Cuban mixology class.  By the end of which you will have mastered the art of the prefect Daiquirí cocktail.

Overnight Stay: Four Points Havana
Breakfast, Lunch included

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll visit one of Havana’s cigar factories for an in-depth look at how these renowned hand-made products are made.  That will be followed by an Old Havana City walking tour.  The main city squares will be visited and our guide will tell us 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.

We will take a unique form of transportation – a bici-taxi.  One of the best and cheapest forms of transportation in Cuba is the bici-taxi. These 3 wheeled pedal powered taxis are not a touristy thing to do at all.  In the past, bici-taxis were reserved for locals, and even now,  it’s mostly locals who use them. So, we’ll hop on and tell the driver where we want to go- Lunch at a local paladar restaurant.  This is followed by time to walk around the area to interact with local shopkeepers and residents.

Our next stop is a visit to the best Cuban handicrafts market, Mercado San José, with time to interact with artists and vendors to learn about their art and challenges.  The Mercado is located in an old warehouse on the pier of Havana Harbor and is the ideal destination for authentic Cuban souvenir shopping.  Friendly local artisans set up booths within the warehouse, where they showcase paintings of Cuba, photography, embroidered garments, sculptures, jewelry, leather crafts, and cigar humidors among many other handmade knickknacks. For those wanting a little refreshment, next to the market is an excellent local brewery for those wishing to sample a Cuban brewery on their own.

We will return to the hotel where we have time to explore and have dinner on our own.

Overnight Stay: Four Points Havana
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the Ernest Hemingway House & 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.

Our lunch today will be at a local paladar/restaurant where they also house an important community project for seniors. Lunch will be followed by a guided visit to the Revolution Museum, housed in what was the Presidential Palace of all Cuban presidents from Mario García Menocal to Fulgencio Batista.

Later in the day, each guest can choose either:
 A stop at the Conde de Villanueva cigar bar to interact with the cigar-roller and staff and enjoy a cigar and rum pairing
 A food walk to sample local specialties as local chocolates, Cuban coffee, craft beer, and local street foods

Cap the active day with a relaxing dinner at one of Havana’s great restaurants.

Overnight Stay: Four Points Havana
Breakfast, Lunch included

After our hotel breakfast, we will depart early for a day trip in the Pinar del Río province, renowned for its beautiful landscapes and extensive tobacco fields. Along the way, we will stop for snacks and at Los Jazmines lookout point, displaying some spectacular views of the area.  There will also be a visit to a local farmer’s home to get acquainted with the tobacco growing and farming process and cigar rolling techniques,

Experience the culinary scene with a visit a local paladar and learn how to make a typical Cuban dish followed by a typical Cuban dinner at a local farm to table restaurant, practicing organic farming, overlooking the amazing landscape. Well get a close-up look at part of the landscape with a visit to La Cueva del Indio, an ancient indigenous dwelling cave.  After a short walk, we’ll be transferred to a motorboat to travel the final 400m along an underground river for a closer view.

On our return to Havana. we will have free time to explore and dine in the evening.

Overnight Stay: Four Points Havana
Breakfast, Dinner included

After breakfast, we will start our day with a visit to Morro Castle, otherwise known as El Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro or simply “El Morro” for short.  It is a colonial-era Spanish castle built between 1589-1630 and a quintessential Havana landmark.  No visit to Havana is complete without a trip across the bay to visit this expansive historical complex.

After an independent lunch at our leisure, we will get creative with a visit to Muraleando for a pottery or painting lesson including a tour of the neighborhood.  Created in 2001 by the artist Manuel Diaz Baldrich, Muraleando has transformed a neighborhood into an art gallery. This a singular cultural experience and a unique look into Cuban culture, art, food and its way of life. 

Other highlights of this day include time in Old Havana to interact with artisans and to visit their local shops and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with music and cocktails.

Breakfast included

Time to say “Hasta luego, Cuba!” as we depart on our transfer to the International Airport in Havana, Cuba.