Your custom tailored “People-to-People” tour of Cuba immerses you in the true culture and lifestyle of Cuba. Deep educational exchanges between you and the locals leave life-long memories. Throughout this itinerary, you will be introduced to community leaders, artists, writers, and farmers keen on showing you their connection to their country and the surrounding world. Smooth the crinkled texture of a dried tobacco leaf, following instructions from a seasoned veteran on how to roll a cigar....
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Havana – Following Hemingway: An Introduction to Havana
Cuba is rich with lush grass and turquoise coastline. Imposing fortresses rise above the entrance of Havana Bay. Fishermen stand on the seawall bordering the Malecón and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. High-rises in Vedado cast a contemporary ambiance, contrasting the renovated colonial architecture of Old Havana. You arrive at Jose Marti International Airport, where your private transfer waits to greet you at baggage claim. The pulse is enchanting and quickly sweeps you up in its vibrancy. Outside of the airport, the buildings have a Caribbean flare, each painted pastel colors that stand out from the emerald grass and dangling palm fronds.
You venture to the suburb of Havana known as San Francisco de Paula, home to Ernest Hemingway between 1939 and 1960. During those 21 years, the famous American writer produced two of his award-winning novels, For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea. The windows and doors of the home are opened for visitors to peek inside of the residence. The home holds approximately 9,000 books positioned somewhere in each room, including the bathroom. Trophies from Africa protrude from the wall. Hemingway’s typewriter remains still, positioned on a standing desk. The preservation is complete enough to convey the impression that the writer may have left minutes earlier.
What's Included:
Day 2
Havana – Finding Beauty in the Crumbs
Day 3
Las Terrazas – Sustainable Cuba
Day 4
Las Terrazas – Visiting Vinales
Day 5
Havana – Moment with the Artists
Day 6
Havana – Looking Forward
Day 7
Havana – Cuba on Exhibition
Day 8
Havana – Checking In and Checking Out
Trip Highlights
- Meet locals in touch with the social issues of contemporary Cuba fighting for gender equality, gay rights, and other forms of social advocacy
- Tour the timeless colonial architecture of Old Havana on a guided tour with a city planner and architect specializing in renovating the vintage edifices
- Visit the sustainable eco community of Las Terrazas located in the mountains of a bio reserve, helping with the reforestation of the region
- Discover the rich minerals in the soil of Pinar del Rio on a tobacco farm tour where you can plow the field, witness cultivation, and learn how to roll a cigar firsthand
- Explore the colorful and unforgettable neighborhood of Jaimanitas to view the interactive art encompassing the streets and buildings
- Traverse the trails of the Vinales Valley to find remarkable cave networks that aboriginal tribes once used for shelter and storage
- Watch a private performance from a local dance company that expresses the past and contemporary feelings of Cuba
Detailed Description
Just 90 miles south of Florida brings you to the state of Cuba, which has had a more profound impact on global events than its small size would suggest. Your 8-day tour introduces you to the people of Cuba, allowing you to learn about the history, culture, and daily life from those who experience both the aged architecture and white sand beaches. Your journey begins with your arrival in Havana. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and takes you to Ernest Hemingway’s home, known as Finca Vigia.
In the afternoon, you can relax in the center of Old Havana. The following day, an urban planner and architect meet you at the hotel, eager to discuss the restoration of the city’s colonial structures. They lead you on a fabulous walking tour of the old city to see the remnants of colonialism and progress of small business owners. Stroll along the Prado after lunch to enjoy a different view of the shaded walkways. Next, your private transfer leads you to Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve and the town of Las Terrazas.
Explore the eco-community and the nearby ruins of a former coffee plantation. Travel to Vinales Valley and visit a tobacco farmer. Discover the crisscrossing trails and limestone cave networks meandering around the mogotes. Return to Havana to meet with artists of all types, ready to discuss the ethnicity and heritage of Cuba. Wander through the colorful wonderland of Fusterlandia in the neighborhood of Jaimanitas and visit an English-language bookstore.
Afterward, you have a vibrant discussion with social activists fighting for equality in Cuba and worldwide, followed by a visit to the headquarters of Granma, the national daily newspaper. The next day is meant for the arts. Traverse the three separate buildings that create the Museum of Fine Arts before taking in a private performance of a celebrated Afro-Cuban dance company. On your final day, your private transfer picks you up at the hotel and escorts you to Jose Marti International Airport for your flight home.
Consider browsing beyond our people to people Cuba tours, and gain further inspiration to perfect your ideal Cuba vacation.
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.
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