Travel Notices

Colors of Cuba

Experience Cuba: Havana, Santa Clara, the colonial treasure of Trinidad & Cienfuegos, "the pearl of the south"

Overview

from$3599Tour + Flights from$3299Tour Only 8days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on Jun 19, 2025 departure from MIA
$400 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
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures January – December 2025 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & CultureBucket ListCity Stays
Activity Level Moderate
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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Discover Cuba in-depth on this exciting and educational 8-day journey to the once-forbidden island! Explore Havana, Cuba's colorful capital; Santa Clara, the country's cultural hub; the picturesque town of Trinidad, and one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America; and Cienfuegos, the "pearl of the south." Cuba's culture is rich with contributions from its indigenous, African, and European roots. But above all, the people of Cuba are the island's greatest asset. They are friendly, welcoming, resourceful, and full of life. Spend your days meeting the wonderful locals as they teach you about photography, lead you in a private dance lesson, guide you through cooking a delicious Cuban meal, and more!

This comprehensive program includes visas, flights, accommodations, daily breakfast, numerous lunches and dinners, guided touring, and an immersive itinerary packed with local interactions and hands-on experiences. You don't want to miss this opportunity to step inside the daily life of the Cuban people!

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
  • 7 nights accommodations in Cuba at a well-located & completely renovated 'casa particular' (Cuban bed and breakfast)
  • 16 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 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.

Why you'll love it

  • Explore the cobble-stoned streets of Old Havana with your local, expert guide.
  • Walk the grounds of Finca Vigía, Hemingway's former residence.
  • Meet with a famous revolutionary Cuban photographer in his private home studio.
  • Interact with the children and teachers at the Clave Sol community project, and witness their performance rehearsals.
  • Visit Santa Clara and meet with the artists and musicians of a dynamic community project.
  • Discover Trinidad, including Casa del Alfarero, the Templo de Yemaya, open-air craft markets, and numerous historic landmarks.
  • Feel the rhythm during a private dance class.
  • Try your hand at cooking a traditional Cuban meal, later enjoying your creation.
  • Explore Cienfuegos, "the pearl of the south".
  • Step back in time with a tour in one of Havana's classic American cars.

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $400 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.: Thu, Sep 26, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Oct 3, 2024
Sep 26 – Oct 3
$3999 Departed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 24, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Oct 31, 2024
Oct 24 – Oct 31
$3999 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 14, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Nov 21, 2024
Nov 14 – Nov 21
$3999 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 12, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Dec 19, 2024
Dec 12 – Dec 19
$3999 Sold Out
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 16, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jan 23, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 16 – Jan 23
$4099 –$400 $3699 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 20, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Feb 27, 2025
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Feb 20 – Feb 27
$4099 –$400 $3699 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 6, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Mar 13, 2025
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Mar 6 – Mar 13
$4099 –$400 $3699 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 10, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Apr 17, 2025
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Apr 10 – Apr 17
$4099 –$400 $3699 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 22, 2025
Finishes: Thu, May 29, 2025
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May 22 – May 29
$4099 –$400 $3699 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jun 19, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jun 26, 2025
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Jun 19 – Jun 26
$3999 –$400 $3599 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jul 10, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jul 17, 2025
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Jul 10 – Jul 17
$3999 –$400 $3599 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 25, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Oct 2, 2025
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Sep 25 – Oct 2
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Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 23, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Oct 30, 2025
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Oct 23 – Oct 30
$3999 –$400 $3599 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 20, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Nov 27, 2025
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Nov 20 – Nov 27
$4099 –$400 $3699 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Dec 18, 2025
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Dec 11 – Dec 18
$4099 –$400 $3699 Select
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Thu, Sep 26, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Oct 3, 2024
Sep 26 – Oct 3
$3699 Departed
Starts: Thu, Oct 24, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Oct 31, 2024
Oct 24 – Oct 31
$3699 Sold Out
Starts: Thu, Nov 14, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Nov 21, 2024
Nov 14 – Nov 21
$3699 Sold Out
Starts: Thu, Dec 12, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Dec 19, 2024
Dec 12 – Dec 19
$3699 Sold Out
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Thu, Jan 16, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jan 23, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 16 – Jan 23
$3799 –$400 $3399 Select
Starts: Thu, Feb 20, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Feb 27, 2025
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Feb 20 – Feb 27
$3799 –$400 $3399 Select
Starts: Thu, Mar 6, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Mar 13, 2025
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Mar 6 – Mar 13
$3799 –$400 $3399 Select
Starts: Thu, Apr 10, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Apr 17, 2025
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Apr 10 – Apr 17
$3799 –$400 $3399 Select
Starts: Thu, May 22, 2025
Finishes: Thu, May 29, 2025
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May 22 – May 29
$3799 –$400 $3399 Select
Starts: Thu, Jun 19, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jun 26, 2025
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Jun 19 – Jun 26
$3699 –$400 $3299 Select
Starts: Thu, Jul 10, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jul 17, 2025
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Jul 10 – Jul 17
$3699 –$400 $3299 Select
Starts: Thu, Sep 25, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Oct 2, 2025
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Sep 25 – Oct 2
$3699 –$400 $3299 Select
Starts: Thu, Oct 23, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Oct 30, 2025
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Oct 23 – Oct 30
$3699 –$400 $3299 Select
Starts: Thu, Nov 20, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Nov 27, 2025
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Nov 20 – Nov 27
$3799 –$400 $3399 Select
Starts: Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Dec 18, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 11 – Dec 18
$3799 –$400 $3399 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

Colors of Cuba
ROOMING SELECTION
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
Nov 14, 2024;  Dec 12, 2024;  Jan 16, 2025;  Feb 20, 2025;  Mar 6, 2025;  Apr 10, 2025;  May 22, 2025;  Nov 20, 2025;  Dec 11, 2025 $549
All other dates $499
TAXES & FEES
Airline Baggage Fee (per flight paid at airport)1 (paid separately) $30
Cuba Visa Fee included

1. NOTE: 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 LAND 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
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local paladar

La Distancia or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Musicians performing on the Malecón

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 time to rest or stroll to the nearby Malecón before dinner.

Enjoy your welcome dinner at a local paladar (privately-owned restaurant) this evening.

Day 2 Old Havana

  • Walk through Old Havana and engage with and support Cuba's growing private business sector
  • Indulge in lunch at El Café
  • Explore Finca Vigía, Hemingway’s old home

La Distancia or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Finca Vigía

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.

Later, venture out to Finca Vigía, where Hemingway lived and wrote his most famous novel, The Old Man and the Sea. At Finca Vigía, which is supported by independent organizations, you can meet the local caretakers as you walk the perimeter of the house and peer through the windows to see how it was kept when he lived there. The walls are lined with bookshelves and covered with paintings, some of them depicting Hemingway on his African safaris. The heads of many of the animals he encountered are mounted in several rooms. Then, see the tower next to his house where he did much of his writing, and get a glimpse of his typewriter and fishing boat.

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 Old Havana

  • Interact with an art connoisseur to learn about the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts
  • Meet with a Cuban photographer
  • Learn about Cuban cigars through a rolling demonstration
  • Interact with members of the community project, Clave de Sol

La Distancia or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Clave de Sol rehearsal Flickr photo by advencap

There is no better way to learn about Cuban art than with a local expert! Enjoy the works of acclaimed Cuban artists housed in the Museum of Fine Arts with a local art connoisseur.

Then, meet with a famed Cuban photographer at his private home studio. Hear his stories about the revolutionary leaders he met and photographed, and learn about life as a photographer on the island today. Enjoy lunch at a local paladar.

Afterward, learn about the history of Cuban cigars as you witness a cigar-rolling demonstration. Finally, visit the Clave de Sol community project, established by parents in the San Augustin neighborhood, to provide safe, wholesome after-school activities for their children. Children select among various string instruments and then learn to play them, performing Cuban and international music. Meet the young musicians and their teachers during your visit and hear them rehearsing for upcoming performances.

Day 4 Havana, Santa Clara & Trinidad

  • Travel to Santa Clara
  • Stop for lunch at a local paladar
  • Visit an inclusive community project to experience performing arts in Cuba
  • Travel to Trinidad

Altos Lola or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Trindad

Experience the world of art in Cuba at one of Santa Clara's dynamic community projects. Take the opportunity to interact with the "Los abuelos de fiesta", dedicated to the teaching and promotion of the Cuban national dance, the danzon.

Continue to the picturesque town of Trinidad. One of the original seven cities founded in Cuba by the Spanish five centuries ago, Trinidad is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America and a World Heritage Site since 1988 for its architectural and historical importance. 

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. We recommend dining at a paladar. Feel free to choose one from our list or ask your guide for alternative recommendations. After dinner, a great option to meet with local Cubans awaits at the Casa de la Música to experience an evening of music and dance. Here, people from all walks of life and generations come to eat, drink, dance, build friendships, and discuss community issues or current events.

Day 5 Trinidad

  • Explore Trinidad’s historic city center
  • Learn about the religion of Santeria at the Templo de Yemaya
  • Enjoy lunch at a local paladar
  • Create your own pottery piece at Casa del Alfarero
  • See the ruins at San Isidro de los Destiladeros at the Valle de los Ingenios

Altos Lola or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Pottery from Casa del Alfarero

After breakfast, explore Trinidad's historic city center, where privately-owned, open-air craft markets, shops, museums, and bars line its Spanish colonial cobblestone streets. Visit the Templo de Yemaya, where a Santeria practitioner explains the basic principles of Santeria, a fascinating and complex blend of African religions and elements of the Catholic faith. Enjoy lunch at a paladar in Trinidad.

This afternoon, visit Casa del Alfarero, a pottery house founded and managed by the Santander Family for generations. Learn the ceramic production process and create a piece of your own. Travel outside of Trinidad to learn how the city amassed its wealth. Enjoy the magnificent views of the  Valle de los Ingenios, and see the ruins at San Isidro de los Destiladeros.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. We recommend dining at a paladar. Feel free to choose one from the list we provide, or ask your guide for alternative recommendations.

Day 6 Trinidad

  • Step into Cuba’s world of dance with a private demonstration and lesson
  • Participate in a traditional Cuban cooking class experience followed by lunch
  • Create Cuban cocktails in a hands-on, beach-side workshop

Altos Lola or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Traditional Cuban cooking class

Step into Cuba's world of music and dance with a private dance class. Watch as your local dance instruction demonstrates the island's traditional dances before you have the chance to give it a try! Learn about the importance of music to life in Cuba as you're taught the basic moves.

Next, participate in a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn the secrets of a Cuban kitchen! The chefs will teach you how to make some of Cuba's iconic dishes before you sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor together. Later this afternoon, visit a local beach where the owner of a private paladar will teach you all about Cuban cocktails. Make your very own drink before heading to dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 7 Trinidad, Cienfuegos & Havana

  • Drive to Cienfuegos
  • Walk through the beautiful center of Cienfuegos on a privately-guided tour
  • Tour Havana in style in a classic American convertible
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner in Havana

La Distancia or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Riding in a vintage car, Havana

After breakfast, hop back into your comfortable vehicle and drive to Cienfuegos, another beautiful Cuban colonial city.

Take a guided walking tour through French Colonial Cienfuegos, known as "the pearl of the south" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will share the significance of Cuba's only triumphal arch and the history of its many ornate buildings, statues, and palaces. After lunch, continue to Havana. 

Travel back in time in one of Havana's classic American cars as you enjoy a panoramic tour of the city. Enjoy picturesque views of Havana from your incredibly maintained automobile and arrive at dinner in style.

Join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner at one of our favorite paladars tonight.

Day 8 Havana/Miami

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

Breakfast

Hotels

La Distancia
La Distancia

Casa La Distancia is a privately owned and operated boutique residence in a quiet residential neighborhood of Vedado. This colonial neighborhood has stunning mansions, traditional and trendy private restaurants (paladars), lively cafes, jazz clubs, and landmark hotels such as Hotel Nacional. Casa La Distancia is within walking distance to the Malecón and just a short ride to Old Havana.

More information

Altos Lola
Altos Lola

Casa Altos Lola is a family-owned and operated boutique residence ideally located in the heart of Trinidad, a World Heritage by UNESCO, founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514 under the Spanish crown. This colonial town is one of the best-preserved towns in the Caribbean, filled with stunning traditional mansions, private restaurants (paladars), and traditional trova houses. The best part: the casa is within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor, the heart of the town.

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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