Uncover the elaborate artistry of Cuba draped in murals and glinting with captivating neighborhoods; pastel colored homes and sweeping emerald rainforest. Classic cars cruise along the cobblestone streets of Old Town Havana. Baroque churches rise above the open plaza in the labyrinthine lanes of Santa Clara. Wild palm trees shade the edges of thriving tobacco fields. The aroma of sugarcane fills the air with indulgent sweetness. Your custom tailored tour guides you on a unique perspective of the...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Havana – Havana Arrival
Lush grass and palm trees surround the Havana airport. Your private transfer greets you at baggage claim. The aroma of pineapple and coconut soon fills the air. Murals decorate the walls beside the boulevard. The country combines the Caribbean lifestyle with Latin American flair and a unique internal focus that has shaped the culture since the end of the revolution in 1959. Your first stop in Cuba is at Jaimanitas, a neighborhood at the northwestern edge of Havana. The area is known for Fusterlandia, the art studio and residence of the famous Cuban artist, José Rodriguez Fuster, described as the Picasso of the Caribbean.
More than 80 ornate murals drape across the homes and domes of the neighborhood, creating an artist’s paradise in a wonderland of imagination. The bold colors and smooth surfaces of the main gates offer an invitation into the fantastical. Giant boards and tables fill Chess Park. A quilt of tiles signed and donated by Cuban artists decorates Artists’ Wall. The public works add vibrant color, matching the vibrant culture of the country. Stroll through the walls of mosaics and insert yourself into the living art gallery.
What's Included:
Day 2
Havana – Allure of Old Town
Day 3
Havana – A Wandering Day in Havana
Day 4
Santa Clara – The Fame of Santa Clara
Day 5
Camaguey – Artistry of Movement
Day 6
Camaguey – The Music of Camaguey
Day 7
Santiago – Bastion of Revolution
Day 8
Santiago – Movements of Cuba
Day 9
Baracoa – The Importance of Connection
Day 10
Baracoa – Magical Seclusion
Day 11
Santiago – Intoxicating Cocoa
Day 12
Santiago – A Farewell to Cuba
Trip Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the various cultures of Cuba, from the eccentricities of Spanish heritage to the vivacious characteristics of Afro-Cuban traditions
- Meet with professors and students in Havana specializing in renovating the colonial architecture of the city to preserve Cuba’s heritage
- Enjoy a private performance of Camagüey’s contemporary ballet company, who succeed in expressing various ideas through their movements
- Visit a cocoa farm for insight into the cultivation of the pods and the production of chocolate
- Explore the former Bacardi Rum factory, which now produces a variety of nationally recognized rums, followed by a delicious guided rum tasting
- Spend time with local artists and writers across Cuba to hear various accounts of local passions, inspirations, and expressions
- Discover the remarkable culture and connection to the native peoples of Cuba in the small, secluded town of Baracoa
- Stroll across the vast plaza Che Guevara Memorial in Santa Clara
- Indulge in the sounds of Cuba with a private dance lesson in Santiago de Cuba
Detailed Description
Traveling to Cuba takes you into a world draped in Spanish colonial prestige and classic American cars. Your 12-day tour uncovers the distinct culture of Cuba, which differs from city to city across the island. Artists and writers help capture the idiosyncrasies of the past and present, the specific characteristics separating the citizens of one city from another, along with the encompassing feelings that make each person uniquely Cuban. Your discovery begins when you arrive at the Havana airport. Your guide meets you at baggage claim and escorts you to the neighborhood of Jaimanitas for an introduction into the stunning artwork of famous Cuban artist Jose Fuster. You continue to the heart of Old Havana, where you can settle in the city and the comforts of your hotel.
The following day, you tour the local architectural restoration school, before visiting local cooperatives specializing in preserving the traditions of Cuba, from sewing to cigar making. The day is yours to immerse yourself in the embracing spirit of Havana at your leisure. Explore the unique grounds of the Christopher Columbus Cemetery, or venture to the Hemingway Museum located at Finca Vigia. Next, your private transfer escorts you to the town of Santa Clara, stopping to see a community project that transformed an industrial area into a stunning park. Once in Santa Clara, you will see the Che Guevara Memorial and meet with local musicians specializing in a unique style of theatrical music. The next day takes you to the town of Camagüey. Spend time with a local painter before taking in a special performance by a local contemporary ballet company, merging traditional dance with modern moves.
You also have time to visit with local writers and artists capturing the spirit of Cuba. Settle into the musical style forming the base of traditional Cuban sound at Casa de la Trova before a panoramic tour of the city. The next day takes you to the strong Afro-Cuban culture of Bayamo en route to Santiago de Cuba. You also visit La Caridad del Cobre, a church frequented by the Pope during his visits to Cuba. You traverse the streets of Old Town guided by a local historian. Dance the rhythm of the city with a private dance lesson before venturing to the small island of Cayo Granma for a tour of the polyclinic. Follow your guide through the eclectic cultural history of Santiago, taking you from Plaza Delores to El Morro de Castillo.
Your private transfer escorts you to Baracoa in the afternoon. You explore the streets and culture of the secluded town nestled between the sea and the lush mountains. Enjoy a short cruise down the Rio Joa. Snack on the local sweet recipes based in coconut and sugar. Learn about the private bed and breakfast industry of Cuba before venturing to a local cocoa farm for a demonstration on the cultivation of cocoa beans, along with the production of mouthwatering chocolate. Return to Santiago de Cuba in the evening after a brief historical tour of the Baracoa. On your final day, your private transfer escorts you to the Santiago de Cuba airport for your flight home.
Consider learning more about the Cuba tour companies whom we partner with, and see how they are able to customize your itinerary to your particular interests and desires.
Starting Price
$6,400 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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