The Cuban experience touches your soul during your 8-day tour, specially crafted for adventurers and word travelers. Find comfort during your time in Cuba as you blend an active lifestyle with the grandeur of historic sites. Spend jovial time with gregarious locals and marvel at the significance of squares which marked a revolution that became world renowned. Meander through labyrinthine streets and ride in classic American cars. Listen to engaging musicians and engage in unforgettable discoveries...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Havana – The Old and New
Havana is a majestic city, steeped in colonial buildings, pulsating music, and inspiring history. Its seaside location casts a slightly salty aroma over the Malecón, the boulevard bordering the Atlantic Ocean. In the afternoon, the waves crash against the jutting rocks and splash over the sea wall. Couples stroll along the walkway, sip rum, and listen to the passionate sounds of the water striking the edges of the city. Your first image of Cuba comes from inside the plane. As you descend into Jose Marti International Airport, you look out the window to find tall grass stretching to the mountains in the west.
After you land, your private transfer greets you at baggage claim and escorts you to the elegance of your accommodation, which has housed international glitterati, from Frank Sinatra to Marilyn Monroe. After you settle into your hotel, your guide meets you in the lobby ready to introduce you to the city. Classic American cars roam around the vibrant music scene of Parque Central. The 18th-century mansion now housing Hotel Inglaterra overlooks the marbled walkway of Paseo del Prado.
The Plaza de Armas has acted as the social center of Havana since the city’s inception in the 16th century. Noble families would watch military processions from their mansion balconies. The baroque structures continue to outline the square, including the magnificent Palacio de los Capitanes, which hosted Spanish generals during their time in Cuba. In the Used Booksellers Market, you find a treasure-trove of enthralling literature of every genre. You can search for interesting titles and engage in conversations with Cuban readers about the most popular books in Havana.
What's Included:
Day 2
Havana – Spirited Works of Havana
Day 3
Havana – Flying High around Havana
Day 4
Varadero – Embracing Words and Sound
Day 5
Varadero – Rural Life of Cuba
Day 6
Camaguey – Climbing into History
Day 7
Camaguey – Cradle of Cuban Culture
Day 8
Camaguey – Embracing Spirit
Trip Highlights
- Experience enchanting Cuban culture and divine cuisine throughout your time in Cuba
- Delight in a private dance lesson in Matanzas, the birthplace of danzon and rumba
- Soar through the air on an exhilarating zipline tour above Las Terrazas eco-community
- Relish the intoxicating energy of a celebrated cabaret show in Camaguey
- Enjoy strolling through the maze-like streets of Camaguey to find secluded plazas tucked away behind colonial mansions
- Discover the sensational murals and larger-than-life statues in the neighborhood art project of Fusterlandia, an immersive art experience
- Witness the life of real Cubans and learn about the community projects helping low-income children around Havana and in the city of Cardenas
- Explore the Cuevas de Bellamar to see the natural depth and beauty of the Cuban landscape
Detailed Description
Cuba is an enticing destination, filled with invigorating spirit and infectious passion. Your tour is custom tailored for adventure, taking you to secluded colonial squares, isolated natural caves, and charming ruins of coffee plantations. Walk along the seaside boulevard of Havana listening to the waves. Trek in the rainforest, watching the canopy for birds. Dance your soles away during a private dance lesson where you feel the true rhythm of the Caribbean. Artists capture ardor. Musicians shape endless enchantment.
The adventure begins with your arrival in Havana. Your private transfer greets you at the airport and escorts you to a celebrated hotel in the Vedado district where famous people throughout history have stayed. Enjoy an orientation tour of Old Havana and a visit to the Used Bookseller’s Market in the heart of the city. The following day, you spend time in one of Havana’s famous cigar factories to see the industry at work. Visit a local community project before lunch. Touring the city introduces you to the two-currency system, where you engage with local shopkeepers and see rations at work. Visit the Artisan Market, where craftsmen capture the ardor of the city.
Then, you venture to Las Terrazas in the hills for an active exploration of the eco-community. Zip line along the lakeshore and visit the old coffee plantation. Upon your return to Havana, you stroll down the colorful streets of Fusterlandia. Visit Ernest Hemingway’s home and lunch in the nearby Alamar Gardens. Discover the quiet streets of the fishing village of Cojimar before enjoying the musical contrast of Matanzas. Once in Matanzas, you will have a private dance lesson to learn the celebrated dances born in the city. In the evening, you settle in a hotel overlooking the coastline. You will also get to spend time at the unique craft workshop near Varadero before visiting the town of Coliseo, a place lost in time.
The city of Cardenas offers you insight into the true lifestyle of the Cuban people. In the afternoon, you visit a local family farm before returning to Varadero. Afterward, your private transfer escorts you to the Havana airport for your flight to Camaguey. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relish the colonial charms of the city. Your guide leads you on a remarkable tour inside and around the maze-like streets of Camaguey. The evening is yours to delight in the active lifestyle of the local nightlife; take in a ballet or drop by the famous cabaret. On your final day, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to the Camaguey Airport CMW for your flight home.
Consider learning more here about the other Cuba itineraries we offer, and gain further inspiration to perfectly craft your Cuba vacation of a lifetime.
Starting Price
$4,300 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.98 stars based on 93 reviews.
Reviewed By Lauren F.
Reviewed By Matthew C.
Reviewed By Norman A.
Reviewed By Kathleen B.
Reviewed By Robert A.
Reviewed By Candace R.