4- or 5-day Cuba Trip
Tour Highlights
- Make the most of a short trip to Cuba with a deep dive into Cuba past, present, and future
- Experience the nostalgia of the 50’s with a ride in a classic convertible
- Learn about the fascinating history of the American Mafia and its role in pre-revolutionary Cuba
- Meet with local entrepreneurs to learn about the “New Cuba” movement
- Add an optional visit to Viñales, known for its lush rural landscapes where they grow the best tobacco in world
Who Will Love This Tour
This tour is perfect for travelers with limited time in Cuba who want to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions. Instead of visiting museums, this tour offers immersive experiences that showcase Cuba's diverse culture, from city living to rural life. Learn about Havana's history, current state, and future direction. By participating in daily cultural activities, supporting community projects, and supporting small businesses, this tour provides a hassle-free way for US travellers to meet the requirements of the 'Support for the Cuban People' general license, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip.
Tour Summary
Duration | 4 days / 3 nights (1 additional night with the Viñales Extension) |
---|---|
Arrive | Havana, Day 1, before 9:30 a.m. |
Depart | Havana, Day 4, any time (or Day 5 with Viñales Extension) |
Group size | Minimum 4 / Maximum 12 (Optional small goup supplement for tours that do not meet minimum) |
Physical Rating | |
Included accommodations |
Premium Class Guesthouses |
Single supplement | Optional single room for the tour - $725 AUD extra ($966 AUD with Viñales Extension) |
Additional Inclusions | English-speaking guide, all activities, meals, airport transfers, most gratuities. See full list of inclusions |
US Travellers: | This tour is legal for Americans, and includes all elements necessary to comply with OFAC rules for Support for the Cuban People |
Weekend in Havana Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Havana -Start time 9:30 am
Due to the early start time, we encourage you to arrive the night before. At 9:30 am you’ll meet your tour leader and group members for a warm welcome before we dive into a historic tour of Old Havana, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the four main plazas on a 2-hour walking tour, followed by a delicious lunch at a paladar, a Cubanism for privately owned restaurant.
After lunch, we will explore the less touristy neighbourhoods of Old Havana on the Off Beat Havana Tour, where you'll get to experience the local community and learn about the ration system at a neighbourhood bodega. End the evening with a cocktail lesson and dinner at a classic paladar.
- Included Activities:Historic tour of Old Havana, Offbeat Old Havana tour walk, Cocktail lesson
- Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Included accommodations: Vieja Habana or similar
Day 2 - Havana
The next day, we'll visit a local community project promoting wellness and empowerment, followed by a panoramic city tour in vintage convertible cars where you’ll visit the Havana forest and learn about its deep spiritual significance. Enjoy a traditional Afro-Cuban lunch before diving into the fascinating history of the American Mafia and its role in pre-revolutionary Cuba.
Tonight’s dinner is at a river-view restaurant, founded by an internationally recognised local sailing enthusiast where we will dine on fresh seafood in a unique atmosphere.
This evening we visit the famous Fabrica de Arte Cubano. Named one of Time Magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Places, you’ll see why as we tour the oil factory turned arts complex. Featuring five salons showcasing various types of art, from textiles, to architecture, music, dance, and eye-catching installations, plus bars and pop-up shops, you’ll marvel at the innovation and talent of ‘New Cuba’.
- Included Activities: Meeting with local community members, Afro-Cuban show, classic car tour, Mafia history tour, and Fabrica de Arte Cubano
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Havana
Today we’ll learn about how individuals used their talents to fuel positive change in their neighborhoods on this special tour to three remarkable neighborhoods in Havana, including one which caught the notice of President Obama on his 2016 visit to Cuba.
After lunch we cover the topic of ‘cuentapropistas’ entrepreneurship in Cuba. In 2011 the Cuban Government began opening the private sector and legalising private businesses not seen since the 1959 Revolution. We will illustrate this topic with a visit to two of Havana’s successful new businesses to hear their stories.
- Included Activities: ‘Murals and Mosaics’ local art communities tour with lunch, meet & greet at two local businesses.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4- End of Tour or Viñales Excursion
This is the end of your 4 day tour you can depart at any time today. There are no included activities. Your airport departure transfer is included.
If you have requested the Viñales add-on, we have a full day of breathtaking natural beauty and rural charm in store. Depart by 8am in the morning for a 3-hour journey west towards the mountains and the province of Pinar del Rio. On our way into the town of Vinales we will stop at the Cuevas del Indio (Indian Caves) for a boat ride. You will also see the controversial Prehistoric Mural (is it art or eyesore?).
Arriving in the town of Viñales, we will explore tobacco fields, roll cigars, and taste local coffee with our local guide. After our light trek through the valley, we will enjoy a farm-to-fork lunch at an organic farm before returning to Havana for our final night and farewell meal.
- Included Activities: Day trip to Viñales - visit to tobacco farm, organic farm, Indian caves and Prehistoric Mural.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Inclusions
- Arrival & Departure transfers to Cuban Adventures arranged accommodations
- 3 nights accommodations, premium casa particulares
- Air-conditioned transportation for all included activities
- English-speaking Local Tour Leader
- All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in private restaurants (1 drink incl)
- Filtered water to refill water bottles
- Gratuities (except for tour leader)
- General license documentation & support (US travellers)
- Activities:
- Old Havana Walking Tour
- Off Beat Havana Walk
- Discussions with community members and entrepreneurs
- Visit to art communities
- Afro-Cuban culture performance
- Classic car tour
- Mafia history tour
- Fabrica de Arte Cubano
- Cocktail lesson
- Optional Viñales extensión:
- Additional night of accommodations
- Day tour to Viñales including farm trek, cave visit, and mural visit
- Additional breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Not included
- Airfare
- Cuban Tourist Visa
- Meals and activities not listed above
- Mandatory Cuban medical insurance (included in flights from USA)
- Trip insurance recommended
- Gratuities for tour leader (suggested US$20-50)
Spending Money
This tour is all inclusive so you will not need much spending money, however, we suggest a minimum of $300-500 for gratuities, tips, and additional activities or souvenirs. If you are staying longer, be sure to bring sufficient cash for your stay because cards are not accepted.
Tour FAQ
Will I have free time on this tour?
Yes, outside of the included activities, you are free and encouraged to explore.
The schedule looks intense, do I have to do all the activities?
No, we want travellers to have the best possible Cuba experience, even if that means taking time away from the group. We have arranged activities that we believe provide unique experiences to our culturally curious travellers, but it is an intense tour, and you are welcome to decline activities if you need a rest. We kindly ask that you let the tour leader know in advance, and minimise disruption to the group by arranging any personal activities on your own. There are no refunds for unused portions of the tour.
Is this tour legal for Americans?
Yes, this tour is designed especially to comply with the general license for Support for the Cuban People.
Is this tour just for Americans?
No, this tour is for anyone who prefers an organised tour. It offers authentic cultural experiences while maximising comfort and convenience.
Can I arrive before the tour, or stay after?
Yes, we encourage you to extend your stay because there is much to do in Havana that we cannot fit into the tour. Request additional nights accommodation on your booking form or up to 2 weeks before departure. Check out our day tours to continue your cultural explorations.
I’m travelling solo; do I have to pay for a single supplement?
No, we welcome solo travellers, and to make it more affordable, we will place you with a roommate of the same gender. If there is no one to room with, you will get a solo room at no extra charge. To guarantee your own room, you will need to pay the single supplement.
When should I arrive/depart?
Day 1 is the arrival day, however, since the tour starts in the morning we recommend arriving the day before. Day 4 is when you depart, you will say goodbye to your group and guide the night before unless you have selected the Viñales extension, then your departure day will be Day 5.
Can you accommodate vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free diets?
In Cuba it is easy to avoid gluten, as the staples of Cuban food are proteins, rice, beans, and root vegetables. Havana has many restaurants that are friendly for the plant-based diet, we are happy to accommodate Vegans and Vegetarians. The guides have been trained on these types of diets not common in Cuba and will be able to help travellers find suitable meals. We recommend these vegan friendly Havana restaurants.
With our flexible bookings' policy, you can book your place on a tour for only $100 USD and change your departure date anytime at no cost. Read more...
Tour Dates & Availability
Four (4) travellers required to guarantee departure
Three (3) more traveller is needed to guarantee departure
Space is still available for more bookings
A space may become available