Havana Express
Dive deep into the authentic life in Havana: a journey that will open your eyes, expand your understanding, and fill your heart
Overview
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 |
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Departures | December 2024 – December 2025 | Group Size | 24 travelers max |
Themes | History & Culture, Bucket List, City 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. | ||
Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. |
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Get ready to experience the authentic side of Cuba, from private dance lessons and meet-and-greets at community projects to the contagious smiles and upbeat locals who make Cuba such a unique and memorable destination. After days of exploration, rest your head at a centrally-located casa particular (Cuban bed and breakfast), and satiate your palates at highly-recommended paladares (privately owned restaurants).
This comprehensive program includes visas, flights, centrally-located accommodations, daily breakfast, some lunches and dinners, guided touring, and an immersive itinerary. You don't want to miss this chance to take a 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 and transfers
- 3 nights accommodations in Cuba at a well-located & completely renovated 'casa particular' (Cuban bed and breakfast)
- 6 meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners
- Comprehensive support for the Cuban people program, including entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking guide
Why you'll love it
- Enjoy 3 comfortable nights at a casa particular located in a typical Cuban neighborhood.
- Experience Cuba's history come alive as an expert, local guide shows you the vibrant streets of Old Havana.
- Feel the rhythm as you participate in a private dance class.
- Experience the future of Cuban acrobatics with a meet-and-greet and show from the incredibly talented Angeles del Futuro.
- Learn about organic farming at Vista Hermosa in Guanabacoa.
- Glimpse into the life of Hemingway as you explore the grounds of Finca Vigía.
- Learn the secrets of the Cuban kitchen while participating in a traditional Cuban cooking class.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Miami/Havana
- 2 Old Havana
- 3 Havana
- 4 Havana/Miami
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Miami/Havana
- Depart the USA on your flight for Havana, Cuba
- Enjoy a welcome dinner at Cuban paladar
El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Dinner
Full Day Itinerary¡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.
Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers at a 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
- Enjoy lunch at a local paladar
- Step into Cuba's world of dance with a private demonstration and lesson
- Experience the future of Cuban acrobatics with the children's community project, Angeles del Futuro
El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter 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.
Enjoy an independent lunch at a paladar (privately owned restaurant).
Step into Cuba's music world and dance with a private dance class just for us. First, experience Cuba's most traditional dances through a demonstration by your talented and personable teachers. Engage with them about how important music and dancing are to life in Cuba. Then, participate with them to learn the basic steps for yourself.
Experience the future of Cuban acrobatics with a meet-and-greet and show from the incredibly talented Angeles del Futuro. This community project trains children in the art of circus acrobatics in Marianao, a short drive outside the city center. The director, coaches, volunteers, and parents all work together to provide the training, costumes, and equipment free of charge to the children and their families. It is truly a project that supports Cubans, their dreams, and the arts. Watch an example of the circus show and see for yourselves the talent of these kids – and after the show, get to know these young acrobats themselves.
Enjoy an independent dinner at a paladar for an authentic taste of Cuba. Recommendations will be provided prior to travel or ask your guide to help you choose!
Day 3 Havana
- Explore Vista Hermosa for a true urban farm experience
- Explore Finca Vigía, Hemingway's old home
- Enjoy a cooking class followed by a farewell dinner
El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryDepart for Guanabacoa and tour Vista Hermosa, a 100% organic, eco-friendly, sustainable urban farm. Learn about their specialization in growing seasonal fruits and vegetables and producing milk and cheese with free-range livestock. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch with homemade artisanal meats and cheeses, accompanied by local fruits and vegetables. Don't forget to try the traditional Cuban desserts!
Later, venture out to Finca Vigía, Hemingway's old home, now a museum that independent organizations support. As you walk the perimeter of the house, interact with local caretakers to learn more about the life of Hemingway. 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 also mounted in several rooms. Then, see the tower next to his house where he did much of his writing and glimpse at his typewriter and fishing boat.
Learn the secrets of the Cuban kitchen while participating in a traditional Cuban cooking class experience! Get tasteful insights into Cuban culture as you go hands-on and prepare a meal with locals. Start off with a welcome drink, then learn from experienced chefs as they take you through the process of making some of Cuba's most delicious traditional food such as fried taro root (frituras de malanga) served with ginger, honey, or mustard. Next, see the steps of making stuffed plantains (tostones) with chard and pepper. For the main dish, enjoy a Cuban classic, shredded meat (ropa vieja), followed by a delicious, traditional Cuban dessert. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 4 Havana/Miami
- Transfer to the airport and board your flight back to Miami
Breakfast
Hotel
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
- What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
- What should I know about Cuba? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.