Cuba Small Group Tour with Casa Homestay

Welcome to Cuba! Our English-speaking guide will pick you up at Havana Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) on time when you arrive. After checking into your hotel, you can explore freely as you like. Tonight, it is your choice whether to enjoy a dinner with your guide and fellow group members to get to know each other.

In this 10 days Cuba tour, you get to harvest insights from your expert guide in every aspect of Cuba, whether it’s local life, history, art, or culture. A typical example is how locals survive with an average 20 USD salary per month - they can hardly afford eating fruits like apples, with each costing 1 USD) - in a society lack of daily necessities. As a tourist, you might not think of dropping by a state-owed shop “bodega”, but it's actually where every day local life happens, as it sells basic foodstuffs, such as rice, sugar and salt, only to Cuban people with record-keeping ration cards, at low prices. The situation seems to have gotten worse, as what was then meeting the monthly needs of Cuban people in days of Castro's rule has now reduced to half the amount, which means people here might be barely even on the breadline. Naturally, we would associate this with the Soviet Union in its early collective stage, when Ukrainian Famine in 1932 claimed almost four million lives. Although Cuba followed the way of the once most powerful nation in the world, we can see its efforts of constantly finding a way out, instead of adopting another self-destructive management policy. Now the world is looking forward to where it goes.➤ What Makes Us Competitive:
a. We let you immerse in local culture by offering homestay at authentic casa particulares. Throughout this tour, you will have nine nights sleeping at home-turned guesthouses. You get to delve into authentic Cuban life and at the same time support small private businesses, with less money spent compared to hotels! If you like Spanish, it’s time to learn some phrases or practice it with casa owners. Each casa has been licensed by the government to rent out rooms, so there is no need for safety concerns.

b. We are trying our best to offer a stress-free itinerary, with much leisure time left for you, particularly in Havana, to explore local cultures at your own pace.

c. We provide reassuring services: bottled water and a 2-hour Internet access card. For each transfer journey that takes over 2 hours, we offer a bottled water for you. Also, you will need the internet access card to connect to Cuba’s Wi-Fi at hotspots.

d. Whenever you arrive in a new city or region, a guided orientation walk follows for you to have a quick impression of and get familiar with the place.

➤ Special Note:
In an impoverished country like Cuba, you should be aware of the poor quality of tap water. From today onward, we suggest you use bottled water to brush your teeth or wash your face.

Accommodation: Standard/Authentic Cuban B&B's

Today, you will discover the Spanish colonial town of Cienfuegos. A direct drive there from Havana would technically take us about 3 hours, but on our way we will stop by Bay of Pigs for a break, to explore Museo de la Intervención to learn some history and Playa Coco beach to relax - you can either swim or snorkel here. 

On arrival in Cienfuegos, go on a guided orientation walk. What sets this town apart is its old French-style architecture and an enchanting sea-salted air, which you will experience for yourself; for the history and cultural heritage it boasts, this town has also been listed as a UNESCO site. A drink is prepared in Palacio de Valle, a palace-turned restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Standard/Authentic Cuban B&B's

This morning, we will first head north to Santa Clara for its Che Guevara Mausoleum, where the bodies of Che Guevara and his 20 revolutionary comrades are laid. Exhibitions here include Che’s personal belongings and photos, an eternal flame donated by Castro in memory of him, among other memorabilia. While inside, you will be asked to take your hat off, put your camera aside, and keep your voice down.

We will then continue to Trinidad, another UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial town. Once thriving for the prosperous sugar industry, it has historical marks that set it apart from Cienfuegos. As you arrive, your guide will take you for an orientation walk on Trinidad’s iconic cobblestoned streets. Your guide is surely to introduce you to Plaza Mayor, to take in a Caribbean warmth oozed from pastel-colored, mainly yellow, buildings. Nearby you can find the municipal museum Cantero Palace and the palace-turned Romantic Museum, which has a courtyard known for its unrivalled beauty in the Caribbean region. Another surprise in store is an informal lesson of salsa dance (it may also take place in Viñales Valley). 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Standard/Authentic Cuban B&B's

Today is free for you to enjoy what Trinidad has to offer at your own pace.

➤ Recommended Activities for Your Free Time:
A tour to Cuba without experiencing its tropical beach is not complete. You might want to prioritize Playa Ancon, a mostly untouched beach where you can jump into crystal-clear waters to swim; a catamaran ride out to snorkel and discover fish over reefs is also fascinating. If you are a history buff, Valley of the Sugar Mills might intrigue you most, as it is the site to find stories that helped shape today’s Cuba, through ruined sugar plantations, mills, slave quarters, and a tall tower that you can climb to have a commanding view of the scenic surrounds. Topes de Collantes National Park is for nature and hike lovers, where you can spot endemic flora and fauna, trek a trail to Salto del Caburni waterfall, and swim in it; note that this might not suit you if you are feeling out of shape.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Standard/Authentic Cuban B&B's

Today, we will devote 8 hours to driving to Viñales Valley. It will be late in afternoon when arriving there, but everything is still illuminated by daylight. We will visit the Hotel Horizontes Los Jasmines, which offers a lookout point onto the surreal karst landscape of Viñales. The vast expanse of red soils among lush vegetation, with lovely mogote hills in the distance, is stunning. Finally, check into the casa we’ve booked for you.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Standard/Authentic Cuban B&B's

In the morning, first enjoy a guided orientation walk; go on to visit a tobacco farm to learn how tobacco is cultivated, dried, and turned into cigars. You will eat a farm-to-table lunch at an organic farm. The whole afternoon is yours to spend as you like.

➤ Recommended Activities for Your Free Time:
If you can bike, how about renting a bicycle to peddle around Viñales – pass by mogote hills and visit one named Mogote Pita to see Mural de la Prehistoria on its hillside, a giant painting of the 1960s describing the early life that happened on this island? If you want to discover primitive traces, dive into Indian Cave for a boat trip to see ancient murals; Santo Tomás Cave is another choice, where you can journey down 1 km (0.6 miles) to explore stories hidden from the world, like how it served as a haven for the indigenous people or later the runaway black slaves.

At dinnertime, we recommend you try some grilled sea food among other Cuban dishes at Restaurante Bar Razones - their yummy lobsters are sold at 8 USD (the price soars to 25 USD in Havana)!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Standard/Authentic Cuban B&B's

This morning, we will drive back to Havana. From today, your trilling Havana tour begins. You will first be taken for a tour via classic American car to pass by landmarks in modern Havana - you get to whiz on the Malecón, where you can see the centuries-old Morro Castle charmingly lying in the distance on the sea blue.

After the excitement, climb to a roof terrace for a mojito-making lesson and a Cuban-style dinner. The dream to make and taste it in its place of birth Cuba, today we will make it come true. Although the general ingredients involved are rum, lime, mint leaves and ice cubes, it’s said each mojito bartender has their own recipe for their own unique flavors. In the lesson, you will learn the secret recipe of your teacher, and try to improvise according to your own interest! After the session, you will wait for a traditional-style dinner. It’s likely you will sample the classic dish Boliche (Cuban Pot Roast); the main ingredients are sliced beef, sausage to be stuffed in the middle, and sometimes olives and spices seasonings; combined, they will be simmered in citrus juice or beef broth to become the succulent Boliche.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Standard/Authentic Cuban B&B's

Today, your guide will take you to stroll Old Havana’s iconic plazas, namely Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza de la Catedral, to appreciate colonial-era architecture that represents Havana’s storied past. A visit to the artistic blocks of Calleojon de Hamel is in the cards. Enjoy a free afternoon.

➤ Recommended Activities for Free Time:
Havana has a magic like no other, proved by the fact that even greats like Ernest Hemingway were fascinated by it. There’s so much below the surface that we can’t elaborate on all of them within a limited time - the only thing we can do is to introduce you to the most iconic attractions, and arrange enough free time for you to explore wherever or whatever that pleases you most. You will not want to miss these delights:

Relive Havana through Hemingway’s eyes. If you are a fan of Hemingway, then you can’t miss Finca Vingia, his residence while in Havana, and Cojimar fishing village, which he frequented. Don’t forget to drink at La Terraza de Cojímar, where the writer used to mingle with local fishers. Alternatives are Hotel Ambos Mundos and la Bodeguita del Medio in Old Havana; the former still keeps the room where Hemingway lodged as what it was, and the latter was said to be his favorite bar and the place of origin of mojito.

Immerse in Fusterliandia in the fishing village of Jaimanitas, a wonderland covered by kaleidoscopic mosaic tiles. Here, bold contours and bizarre sculptures all remind you of a child’s dream.

For meals, you can’t miss Restaurante 5 Sentidos. Appetizers, Cuban-style mains, desserts, drinks, the vibes… Everything is the best you can find in Havana.

Magic of nighttime Havana is found in music. At the Vixen and Crow Jazz Club, jazz lovers can listen to freestyle jazz every night. If you are keen on Latin dances, Tropicana Club’s cabaret show would be splendid. Want to dance to the beat for yourself? You must visit Salsa Club 1830 then.Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Standard/Authentic Cuban B&B's

If Cuban is known for its rum, so learning about rum offers another perspective to delve into Cuba’s core. Today, we have included a tour to the rum museum, Museo del Ron Havana Club, for you to gain a panorama of rum’s history and enjoy a tasting session. Our guided tour will be finished off with Partagás Cigar Factory, where the famous Partagás cigars are manufactured.

➤ Recommended Activities for Free Time:
To dive into Cuban history and art, Museum of the Revolution and Museum of Fine Arts in Old Havana are there for you. For souvenir seekers, Almacenes San José Artisans' Market sells handicrafts on the ground floor and art on the upper floor; the craft market can be very touristy and you will need to bargain for good prices, while the second floor is nothing short of an art gallery, where you can meet talented artists and buy their works. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Standard/Authentic Cuban B&B's

Your Cuba group tour will come to an end today. We will pick you up from the hotel and send you to the Havana Airport according to your flight's schedule. May you a pleasant trip home! If you haven’t got your fill of Cuba and want to stay longer, we are also glad to arrange a tour extension for you.

➤ Special Note:
Please make sure you will arrive at the airport 3 hours earlier before departure. We strongly recommend you have your ticket printed out in advance, as you will likely to waste a great amount of time dealing with antiquated airport facilities that seem to crash any minute. You will also possibly wait up in a long queue for check-in, where each person, including you, would be delayed by irrelevant questions from the working staff who are actually asking for tips.

Meals: Breakfast