Exploring Cuba: Art, History, and Rhythm

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Cuba! A friendly representative will meet you at the Havana International Airport and assist with your transfer to the Hotel Boutique La Distancia. Take your first look at modern Havana on the way to the hotel. Enjoy the lively streets, historic buildings, and the city’s unique blend of classic and contemporary.

This evening, we’ll gather for a festive welcome dinner at the renowned Restaurante Paladar Café Laurent, a local gem. Savor traditional Cuban flavors as you get to know your fellow travelers.

To cap off your first day, we’ll take you to the iconic Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) – a unique cultural venue that’s part gallery, part music venue, and full of local creative energy. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in Cuba's dynamic art scene.

We'll return to the hotel, relaxing to the rhythm and sounds of hypnotic Havana.

We’ll start our day with breakfast before exploring the enchanting streets of old Havana on a private guided walking tour. As we stroll through the old city's cobblestone paths, you'll step back in time, discovering Havana's most iconic landmarks: Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco, Plaza de la Cathedral, and Plaza Vieja. Each plaza has its own story filled with history, culture, and vibrant local life.

Next, we’ll experience the city like a local, hopping on board a bicitaxi (a bicycle-driven taxi) for a fun ride to El Capitolio, one of Havana's most majestic buildings.

We’ll stop for a delicious lunch at Habana 61 Restaurant Bar. It specializes in elegant local seafood dishes. We'll head to the Gran Teatro Alicia Alonso, home to the Cuban National Ballet and the Opera, to explore its remarkable architecture and design with a local expert. There may even be an opportunity to meet a professional dancer.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rhythms of Cuba with an exciting salsa dance lesson and demonstration. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, you'll have fun moving to the lively beats of this essential Cuban tradition.

Later, we’ll return to your "casa", where a local expert will lead a fascinating lecture on the life of Cuban women, offering an insightful look into the nation's culture and resilience. The evening is yours to explore the city or relax after an action-packed day. We'll suggest some nearby dining options. 

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Museum of Fine Art with an art connoisseur who will reveal Cuba’s rich artistic history. You'll gain insight into the creative pulse that has shaped the island's identity through the collection of Cuban art.

Next, we’ll visit Finca La Vigía, Ernest Hemingway's home. It's where he wrote some of his most famous works. The very walls echo Hemingway's deep-rooted Cuban connection.

Our journey continues to Cojímar, the peaceful fishing village that inspired The Old Man and the Sea, followed by a visit to a local organic garden, where you'll discover Cuba’s sustainable agriculture efforts. We’ll enjoy a lunch of traditional Cuban dishes at Ajiaco Cafe, a cozy spot serving authentic Cuban flavors.

This afternoon, we’ll indulge in a quintessential Cuban experience—pairing fine cigars with rum, chocolate, and Cuban coffee. It's a total sensory journey. 

Next, we’ll enjoy the privilege of learning about the Afro-Cuban culture in the village of Guanabacoa. It's deeply rooted in the Santería belief system. Here, you’ll engage in a cultural exchange, cook and dine with the community, and dance to the lively rhythms of Afro-Cuban music.

After breakfast, we’ll say adios to Havana and set off on a scenic trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the 16th-century city of Trinidad. 

Our first stop is at the Korimakao Cultural Project, an art school that offers artists free tuition. Enjoy the creative energy of Cuba’s talented musicians, dancers, poets, and actors as they hone their skills, keeping Cuba’s cultural traditions alive.

We’ll indulge in fresh seafood at La Casa la Gorda. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a laid-back setting. 

We'll revisit history at the infamous Bay of Pigs after lunch. 

Breathe in the fresh ocean air, and if you're feeling adventurous, take a swim or rent snorkel gear and explore the vibrant marine life in the area.

We’ll arrive in Trinidad in the late afternoon. Charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial-era architecture await. After settling into the Meliá Trinidad Peninsula resort hotel, we’ll gather for a delightful dinner at Restaurante San José. Here, live music captures the spirit of this timeless city.

We’ll start the day with a delicious breakfast before heading out on a guided walking tour through Trinidad's captivating streets. As you wander the cobblestone lanes, you’ll step back in time to experience the colonial charm and rich cultural heritage that defines this beautiful city.

Next, we’ll visit renowned female artist Yudit Vidal's studio. Here, you'll participate in a hands-on artistic experience, creating a piece inspired by your surroundings. 

We'll continue our journey through local artisan workshops. Try your hand at traditional crafts, like embroidery and weaving, passed down generations of artisans.

Today we'll lunch at El Barracón, before heading to Casa del Alfarero, a family-run pottery workshop that reveals the mastery behind the region’s signature handcrafted ceramics.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Valley de los Ingenios, once the heart of Cuba’s sugar industry. At the San Isidro de Los Destiladeros ruins, you’ll discover the sugar trade's history and impact on Trinidad’s wealth and power.

After a full day of art, culture, and history, we’ll return to Trinidad. You're free to enjoy dinner at your own pace.

After breakfast, we’ll head into the stunning Sierra Escambray mountains to visit an entrepreneurial farm. Here, you’ll meet the local farmers, affectionately known as guajiros. This is a unique opportunity to support the local community and discover their agricultural traditions and sustainable practices.

Then, we’ll wander the peaceful mountain trails, discovering serene waterfalls and native birds and wildlife, a perfect escape from city life. 

Our next stop is Farma La Lima for a farm-to-table cooking experience, followed by a delicious, freshly prepared lunch made from locally sourced ingredients.

This afternoon, we’ll visit a local beach, where you’ll join a hands-on workshop, making classic Cuban cocktails. Learn the secret behind the perfect mojito or daiquiri while the sea breeze blows through your hair.

We’ll gather for dinner at Casa Museo in a room full of antiques, dining on traditional yet refined Cuban cuisine to end a day filled with natural beauty and cultural immersion.

After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to the beautiful town of Trinidad as we begin our journey back to Havana. Along the way, we’ll take a guided tour to learn more about Cuba’s revolutionary history. Highlights of the visit include the Che Guevara Mausoleum and several other significant revolutionary landmarks that played a key role in Cuba’s past.

We’ll break for lunch at Finca de Tá, for a delicious meal in a rustic and charming setting before continuing our drive to Havana.

Once in the capital, we’ll treat you to one of Havana’s most memorable experiences – a stunning sunset ride along the Malecón in a classic American convertible. Feel the sea breeze as the setting sun paints the sky, creating an unforgettable moment to savor.

We’ll gather for a farewell dinner at Al Carbo. Enjoy traditional Cuban dishes and savory barbeque. To cap off the night, we’ll celebrate with live Cuban music and dancing at a nearby venue, ensuring your last evening in Havana is filled with rhythm and joy.

After a final breakfast together, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. 

As we transfer you to the airport, think of this not as a goodbye, but as the beginning of your next adventure – inspired by everything Cuban.