Viva Havana!

Welcome to Cuba! 

Youʼre about to join the countless travellers whoʼve fallen in love with Havanaʼs charm. This city, rich in history and character, has always drawn attention—from the Spanish Empire to pirates and invaders. Havanaʼs colonial past gives it a unique, undeniable beauty, with its stunning architecture and vibrant streets. 

Havana is a dishevelled beauty—her worn edges only add to her allure. The city is being brought back to life with the help of tourism, and the Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is at the heart of these restoration efforts.

Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at José Martí International Airport, where youʼll be greeted by one of our local representatives. After a quick transfer to your accommodation, youʼll enjoy an orientation walk around the neighborhood. Then, itʼs time for a classic convertible car ride to El Morro Fort and El Cristo de La Habana, with stunning views of the city and the Malecon.

The day wraps up with a special welcome dinner, the perfect opportunity to chat with your guide and set the tone for your Cuba experience. Feel free to ask questions and let them know your interests so your tour can be tailored to you. 

Evenings in Cuba are yours to explore, but if youʼre looking for suggestions, your guide will be happy to help with recommendations, tickets, and reservations.

Today you will really get to know Havana, and the heart of Havana is its Old Town; the village that essentially gave birth to the modern city. The best way to see this sumptuously beautiful district is on an Old Havana Walking Tour. Like much of the New World, Havana was once a walled fortress, although the growth of the city meant that it would soon need to sprawl beyond these original boundaries. Thereʼs an abundance of cultural riches on offer, and youʼll walk past the El Capitolio, the Museo de la Revolución, and the Gran Teatro Habana. This Old Havana Walking Tour also takes in some of the most stunning squares you will ever see– the Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza San Francisco de Asis and Plaza Vieja. Thereʼs a great deal of people watching to be done too, as you get to know the people who make up this vibrant city.

As you stroll, enjoy some prime people-watching and a visit to Mercado Agropecuario, where youʼll see vibrant stands of fresh produce, tropical fruits, and local meats. After the walk, recharge with a delicious lunch at a local Cuban Paladar, experiencing the warmth of Cubaʼs hospitality and its thriving culinary scene. 

Next, hop into a classic convertible car for a scenic drive through central Havana, Vedado, and Miramar, taking in the contrasts between old and new Havana. Youʼll pass the Colon Cemetery, Revolution Square, and the iconic Malecon. 

We will also visit the unforgettably psychedelic Callejon de Hammel. The narrow two-block long alley between Aramburu and Hospital streets in Centro Habana has over the years become a shrine to Afro-Cuban religions through the art created by Salvador Gonzáles. This small alleyway in the central city is where the Cuban artist fraternity congregate and is a wonderful place to experience day-to-day Cuban life. 

Itʼs time to learn a very handy skill as your guide takes you to a rooftop bar in Havanaʼs Old Town for a mojito making lesson. Youʼll be taught how to make a classic Cuban cocktail with an unbeatable view over the rooftops of the city.

In the evening you will have some free time to make the most of Havana’s lively nightlife. You can choose to do this independently, or your local guide will be available to host you. Your local guide will be able to recommend a range of options and organise tickets and transfers (paid for locally). 

A truly unique farm to table experience awaits you at Rancho Vista Hermosa, located just 20 minutes from the city of Havana. For the past 4 years, this diversified natural farm has played a vital role in the Granja a la Mesa Mediterraneo-Havana project, as the main supplier of fresh local ingredients for the restaurant. 

You’re invited to learn about their experience in using organic methods to grow vegetables and raise animals as you walk through the farm. Enjoy a beautiful country setting while savouring a delicious lunch prepared with fresh ingredients. 

Finca Vista Hermosa is synonymous with authentic Creole food, fresh fruits, fresh air, and agrotourism. You’ll arrive at approximately 10:00 am to taste fresh fruits harvested on the farm. Then there will be an educational and informative talk about the farm and the project with question and answer exchanges with a local guide. Take a panoramic walking tour through productive areas of the farm and then enjoy lunch. 

Next, visit the fishing village of Jaimanitas, an unassuming part of the city that has been utterly transformed by the artist Jose Fuster. Fuster has made his entire home, and much of the surrounding neighbourhood, into an artwork using tiles in mosaic forms. This public art installation is lovingly known as Fusterlandia and has now spread to encompass more than 80 homes, all decorated with ornate murals and domes to reflect the personality of each of Fuster’s neighbors. There could be no living space more personalised. In addition to the idiosyncratic homes, Fuster has also contributed a chess park with giant boards and tables, a theatre, and public swimming pools. Fuster’s art has become a cherished part of Cuban culture and arguably joins the ranks of other public artworks such as that of Gaudi in Barcelona or that of Brâncuși in the Romanian city of Targu Jiu – art that has come to almost define a particular part of a city. 

Welcome to the Havana Rum Museum. If you think this museum looks palatial, you are correct since it’s housed in a converted old palace. Naturally, you will have the chance to learn about the rum making process and even do some tastings. 

Tonight, we will organize a special farewell dinner. This will be a great chance to ruminate on all you have experienced in Cuba, and to say a fond farewell to your guide.   

You will often find original members of the Buena Vista Social Club and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars playing as the Legendarios del Guajirito at El Guajirito.  Once the lights dim for the show, you will be absolutely blown away. The singers and musicians are almost all in their 70’s and 80’s and are some of the most revered musicians in Cuba.  A great option if you are looking to experience the lost Nirvana of 1950’s Cuba. 

Today is your final day on tour with no activities planned. Your guide will be available to organize any optional activities you might have time for and host you if you wish. When it is time, we will arrange your transfer to Havana airport to depart.