Travel Notices

Authentic Havana

Take in the heart & soul of this colorful & cultural island: Havana, Cojimar, Guanabacoa & Lawton

Overview

from$2399Tour + Flights from$2099Tour Only 5days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on Dec 6, 2024 departure from MIA
$300 Instant Savings. Expires Oct 10, 2024.*   All prices reflect savings.
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$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
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Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.
Traveling with friends or family? Claim a departure as a private trip for you and your crew (minimum 10 travelers). Call us to learn more.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Tour escorts & guides for some segments
Departures December 2024 – January 2026 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & CultureBucket ListCity Stays
Activity Level Recreational
What to Expect This fast-paced, escorted program includes a reasonable amount of walking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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Our Authentic Havana tour brings you into the heart of a typical Cuban neighborhood with a four-night stay at a privately owned, colonial-style Cuban bed and breakfast. This lovingly restored and furnished B&B is managed by a small team of dedicated men and women who will be like a family away from home. Our centrally located bed and breakfast, just a ten-minute walk to Old Havana and even closer to shops, restaurants, and nightlife, offers a more authentic and intimate experience yet provides all the amenities and comforts you want and deserve. 

Thanks to reduced flights via more convenient scheduled air and great pricing at our "casa," we've managed to lower prices while maintaining our high standard of creative, culturally-focused itineraries. On Authentic Havana, you'll dive deep into the daily life of everyday Cubans, including a visit to a private studio of one of Cuba's budding artists.

information
We're still going to Cuba!
Our tours are still legal and compliant with recent changes in U.S. policy. Questions? See our Cuba FAQs.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Non-stop round-trip flights from Miami to Havana, including taxes & fees
  • Health insurance in Cuba, included in the cost of your airfare
  • U.S. Treasury Department, OFAC License Certification
  • Cuban Tourist Visa
  • All land transportation & transfers in Cuba
  • 4 nights accommodations in Cuba at a well-located & completely renovated 'casa particular' (Cuban bed and breakfast)
  • 9 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Comprehensive support for the Cuban people program, including entrance fees
  • Professional, English-speaking guide

Optional add-ons

  • Pre-Night or Post-Night stay in Miami is available on request. Call us for availability.
  • Casa Suite Upgrade in Havana (Very Limited: Call us for availability)

Why you'll love it

  • Enjoy 4 comfortable nights at a casa particular located in a typical Cuban neighborhood.
  • Feel the history of Cuba come to life as an expert guide introduces you to the vibrant streets of Old Havana.
  • Learn about different art forms from innovative Cuban artists in their private studios.
  • Participate in a traditional Cuban cooking class experience.
  • Interact with locals at the used booksellers market.
  • Visit Muraleando, a community project dedicated to uplifting young people through art and music.
  • Learn about Afro-Cuban culture with private enterprise Beyond Roots in Guanabacoa.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 off if you book by Oct. 10, 2024!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Fri, Oct 11, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Oct 15, 2024
Oct 11 – Oct 15
$2699 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Fri, Nov 8, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Nov 12, 2024
Nov 8 – Nov 12
$2699 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Fri, Dec 6, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Dec 10, 2024
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 6 – Dec 10
$2699 –$300 $2399 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Dec 29, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Jan 2, 2025
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Dec 29 – Jan 2
$3199 –$300 $2899 Select
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Fri, Jan 10, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Jan 14, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 10 – Jan 14
$2749 –$300 $2449 Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Feb 7, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Feb 11, 2025
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Feb 7 – Feb 11
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Departs U.S.: Fri, Mar 7, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Mar 11, 2025
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Mar 7 – Mar 11
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Departs U.S.: Fri, Apr 4, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Apr 8, 2025
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Apr 4 – Apr 8
$2699 –$300 $2399 Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, May 9, 2025
Finishes: Tue, May 13, 2025
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May 9 – May 13
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Departs U.S.: Fri, Jun 13, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Jun 17, 2025
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Departs U.S.: Fri, Jul 11, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Jul 15, 2025
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Departs U.S.: Fri, Sep 19, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Sep 23, 2025
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Sep 19 – Sep 23
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Departs U.S.: Fri, Oct 17, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Oct 21, 2025
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Oct 17 – Oct 21
$2749 –$300 $2449 Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Nov 7, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Nov 11, 2025
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Nov 7 – Nov 11
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Departs U.S.: Fri, Dec 5, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Dec 9, 2025
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Dec 5 – Dec 9
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Departs U.S.: Mon, Dec 29, 2025
Finishes: Fri, Jan 2, 2026
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Dec 29 – Jan 2
$2799 –$300 $2499 Select
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Fri, Oct 11, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Oct 15, 2024
Oct 11 – Oct 15
$2399 Sold Out
Starts: Fri, Nov 8, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Nov 12, 2024
Nov 8 – Nov 12
$2399 Sold Out
Starts: Fri, Dec 6, 2024
Finishes: Tue, Dec 10, 2024
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Dec 6 – Dec 10
$2399 –$300 $2099 Select
Starts: Sun, Dec 29, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Jan 2, 2025
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Dec 29 – Jan 2
$2899 –$300 $2599 Select
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Fri, Jan 10, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Jan 14, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 10 – Jan 14
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Starts: Fri, Feb 7, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Feb 11, 2025
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Starts: Fri, Mar 7, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Mar 11, 2025
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Mar 7 – Mar 11
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Starts: Fri, Apr 4, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Apr 8, 2025
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Apr 4 – Apr 8
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Starts: Fri, May 9, 2025
Finishes: Tue, May 13, 2025
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$2399 –$300 $2099 Select
Starts: Fri, Jun 13, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Jun 17, 2025
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Jun 13 – Jun 17
$2399 –$300 $2099 Select
Starts: Fri, Jul 11, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Jul 15, 2025
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Jul 11 – Jul 15
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Starts: Fri, Sep 19, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Sep 23, 2025
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Sep 19 – Sep 23
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Starts: Fri, Oct 17, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Oct 21, 2025
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Oct 17 – Oct 21
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Starts: Fri, Nov 7, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Nov 11, 2025
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Nov 7 – Nov 11
$2449 –$300 $2149 Select
Starts: Fri, Dec 5, 2025
Finishes: Tue, Dec 9, 2025
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Dec 5 – Dec 9
$2449 –$300 $2149 Select
Starts: Mon, Dec 29, 2025
Finishes: Fri, Jan 2, 2026
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 29 – Jan 2
$2499 –$300 $2199 Select

Unfortunately, we don't offer late returns on this package. However, if you select the Land Only option, you're welcome to make your own arrangements to arrive early or stay later. Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Authentic Havana
Rooming Selection1
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
Oct 11, 2024;  Nov 8, 2024;  Dec 6, 2024;  Dec 29, 2024 $219
All other dates $229

1. There is limited inventory of more spacious rooms at our casa in Havana for an additional $95 per person, double occupancy. Please call us to request.

Taxes & Fees
Cuba Visa Fee included
Airline Baggage Fee (per flight paid at airport)1 (paid separately) $30

1. Baggage fees must be paid at airport for each flight. In Cuba, this must be paid in cash. Price is subject to the airline and can change at any time.

TRANSFERS FOR PASSENGERS BOOKING TOUR ONLY
OPTIONAL AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Arrival Transfer: Havana airport to accommodation $25
Departure transfer: Havana accommodation to airport $25

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
Miami (MIA) included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Miami/Havana

  • Depart the USA on your flight for Havana, Cuba
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local paladar

El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary
El Capitolio, Old Havana

¡Bienvenidos a La Habana! Upon arrival to Cuba's capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, our representative welcomes you with a Friendly Planet sign outside the arrivals terminal at the Havana Airport. Board your air-conditioned vehicle and transfer to the casa.

Check into the casa and enjoy a welcome drink. You'll meet your tour manager and have some time to rest a little or take a stroll to the nearby Malecon before dinner.

This evening, enjoy your welcome dinner at a local paladar (privately-owned restaurant).

Day 2 Old Havana

  • Walk through Old Havana and engage with and support Cuba's growing private business sector
  • Meet with staff at Clandestina, Cuba’s first online clothing retailer and renowned design shop
  • Enjoy lunch at a local paladar
  • Visit an artist’s private studio
  • Step into Cuba’s world of dance with a private demonstration and lesson

El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Plaza de la Catedral, Old Havana Photo by Jacqueline Romano

After breakfast, your expert guide will lead you on a leisurely walk through the labyrinthian streets of Old Havana. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of Cuba while walking along the cobblestone streets and explore the four beautiful plazas of the Old City – Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza de la Catedral - each a historic and architectural gem.

Among the private businesses you'll discover during your walk, Clandestina is one shop that is making plenty of waves both in Cuba and abroad. This shop was founded by Idania del Río and Leire Fernández, two creative, entrepreneurial women who believe in a sustainable, fair, and ethical fashion industry. Clandestina is the country's first online clothing retailer and has even appeared as a pop-up store in New York. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local paladar or private restaurant.  

Then, visit the private studio of one of Cuba's talented independent artists.

Step into Cuba's world of music and dance with a private dance class. First, experience Cuba's most traditional dances through a demonstration by your talented and personable teachers. Learn how important music and dancing are to life in Cuba. Then, learn the basic steps and try Cuban dancing for yourself.

Return to the casa and enjoy dinner on your own. We recommend dining at a paladar for a delicious Cuban dinner. Please choose one from the list we provide or ask your guide for any additional recommendations. 

Day 3 Havana & Cojimar

  • Travel to Cojimar, the local fishing village that was the setting for Hemingway’s "The Old Man and the Sea"
  • Participate in a traditional Cuban cooking experience, from gathering ingredients to putting them to use in the kitchen
  • Visit an inspiring community project
  • Stop at the independent Artisan’s Market
  • Learn about Cuban cigars through a rolling demonstration

El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Muraleando

This morning, drive to the quaint fishing village of Cojimar, which served as the setting for Ernest Hemingway's masterpiece The Old Man and the Sea.

Then, learn the secrets of the Cuban kitchen and participate in a traditional Cuban cooking class. Begin your experience by meeting the staff of the paladar, Café Ajiaco, who will guide you on your culinary journey. First, stop at the paladar’s “organopónico” (organic garden) to see where their products and ingredients grow. Pick some for yourself and bring them back to the restaurant to create your dishes. Then, the experienced chefs of Café Ajiaco will teach you the process of making some of Cuba’s most delicious traditional food and an authentic Cuban mojito, and how to pair rum with cigars.

Enjoy lunch courtesy of your morning cooking activity.

This afternoon visit Muraleando, where art, music, and community spirit have transformed a once-drab neighborhood into one of beauty and color. See garden sculptures, paintings, mosaics, and recycled materials transformed into stunning and colorful artwork. It is remarkable how the project's beautiful murals have resurrected the neighborhood's appearance and pride. The center also provides free workshops for the community, including voice lessons, drumming, dance classes, ceramic art, painting, cinematography, and much more. In addition, Muraleando helps to inspire and cultivate artistic skills in children from the entire neighborhood and has won awards in Cuba for being the most effective community project in the country.

Stop at Havana's independent Artisans Market, where you will be able to engage with local private artisan stands and find plenty of souvenirs, including handicrafts, posters, and other collectibles.

Afterward, learn about the history of Cuban cigars as you witness a cigar-rolling demonstration. 

Day 4 Havana

  • Explore Callejon de Hamel
  • Walk Havana’s grand San Rafael Boulevard and visit with private business owners
  • Stop by a local farmer’s market
  • Have lunch at a local paladar
  • Visit the famous community mosaic project known as “Fusterlandia”
  • Visit a children's community project in Havana
  • Take a ride in a classic American convertible to tour picturesque Havana in style
  • Enjoy your farewell dinner at a local paladar

El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Mosaics, Fusterlandia

After breakfast, visit Callejon de Hamel, the shortest street in Havana, decorated with fanciful objects referencing Santería, an Afro-Cuban religion fusing African beliefs and Christianity. Marvel at the murals by one of Cuba’s most famous artists, the late Salvador Gonzáles Escalona. A local guide will help you explore the area, introduce you to some of the artwork on display and explain Santería's beliefs, customs, and how it is part of Cuban culture.

Later, walk along Havana's renovated San Rafael Boulevard, visiting with multiple private entrepreneurs along the way. The boulevard hosts some of Havana's most innovative projects and one-of-a-kind shops. Behind every private business is a progressive individual or co-op excited to share a bit about their journey in the Cuban private sector and their passion and enthusiasm for what they do. After, experience one of Cuba's typical farmer's markets ("agromercados"). Glimpse into the daily life of Cuban people shopping for fruits, vegetables, beans, and spices based on what is available to them that particular day.

After lunch at a local paladar, take a walk in Jaimanitas, a neighborhood unlike any you have ever seen, where you'll discover a wonderland of mosaic art created by independent artist Jose Fuster. Known worldwide for his intricate works made of colorful tiles, Fuster has covered his house and an entire neighborhood in mosaic murals of cultural, historical, and whimsical designs. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter the often-barefoot artist on his house's glistening, multicolored patio, hard at work on his latest project.

Visit a children's community project in Havana before returning to your casa to rest before dinner.

Then, travel back in time by taking a tour in one of Havana’s classic American cars. You will get some picturesque views of Havana from your incredibly maintained automobile and arrive at dinner in style.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner at one of our favorite paladars. 

Day 5 Havana/Miami

  • Transfer to the airport and board your flight back to Miami

Breakfast

Hotel

El Encanto de Perseverancia
El Encanto de Perseverancia
Tourist Class

El Encanto de Perseverancia is ideally located in the Centro Havana neighborhood adjacent to Old Havana and just north of Chinatown. This non-touristy neighborhood delivers an authentic, friendly Cuban experience. The casa is located next to a primary school, and close to some of Havana’s best paladars, and only a short drive away from Havana's main attractions, including the Capitol Building, Cathedral Square, Gran Theater of Havana, Malecon, Central Park and museums.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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Trip Details

More Common Questions

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* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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