Cuban culture has undergone a major transformation since the revolution, and the government has come to play a leading role in it. Since the creation of the Ministry of Culture in 1976, this role has expanded to include a network of professional and amateur cultural organizations throughout the country. Cultural institutions before 1959 were generally limited to Havana (and, to a lesser extent, the provincial capitals) and were almost entirely privately endowed. Before 1959 Cuba had some 100 libraries and a half-dozen museums; today it has approximately 2,000 libraries and 250 museums located throughout the country. The Ministry of Culture directs a program of education in music, visual arts, ballet, dramatic arts, and modern dance, culminating in the university-level Higher Institute of Art. More than 200 neighborhood cultural centers (casas de cultura) offer workshops in all branches of the arts. (Britannica)
Explore Old Havana on an expertly guided walking tour, ride in
classic cars, learn how to dance Afro Cuban salsa (casino), visit a tobacco farm, meet a Babalao (Yoruba priest), eat at top paladares (Havana’s hottest privately owned restaurants), enjoy incredible live music, and more! The Jazz Festival is the most exciting time of year for music in Havana, when many artists living abroad return home and multiple indoor and outdoor venues are overflowing with live music.
• Daily breakfast (at B&Bs)
• All Lunches (at top Paladars-privately owned restaurants)
• All local ground transportation and transportation at night for main venues
• Thorough up to date Pre-trip departure information
• Cuban Visas and paperwork
• Compliance with U.S. Treasury Department regulations
• Admission to all museums and public buildings listed in itinerary
• Coordination of all listed activities on itinerary and admission to those activities (this includes private music concerts, dance performances, artist visits etc.)
• Trip includes Havana and day in the countryside
• Lodging accommodations
• Expert Tour Leader
Not included: Flights, Baggage Fees, Tips, Dinners and Evening Activities
● Arrive at Jose Marti International Airport (HAV)
● Head to lodging for check-in and orientation (airport transfer included)
● Experience a ride in a classic convertible car around Havana City
Havana is beloved by American visitors with its collection of thousands of vintage
American cars, manufactured before the Revolution and subsequent US embargo. In the
absence of automobile imports, these living relics are preserved by Cuban mechanics or
improvised fixes by the owners themselves. Experience an hour in a classic convertible
Chevy, Ford or Oldsmobile!
● Visit the famed hotel Nacional Patio for drink
● Visit Old Havana and learn about Havana’s world-renowned UNESCO heritage
designated architecture on an expertly guided walking tour (2 hrs)
There is no better introduction to Havana than a walk through Old Havana, where the
streets are bustling with life. On this walk you will explore Old Havana’s five major plazas
and see the interiors of cathedrals and other important buildings. UNESCO designated
Old Havana as a world heritage site in 1982. Although today Havana is a sprawling
metropolis of more than two million people, the old center retains an interesting mix of
Baroque and neoclassical monuments, beautiful balconies and courtyards.
● Visit the Taller de La Gráfica lithograph collective.
● Lunch at El del Frente paladar, a staff and client favorite (try the daiquiris!)
● Enjoy a private performance with one of Cuba’s top professional music groups
● Nightlife suggestion: Jazz Festival activities
● Travel to the countryside (around 2 hours)
● Meet a farmer in Cuba’s famed tobacco fields
Cuba’s lush Western province is among the most fertile grounds for growing tobacco in
the world. On a tour of the Montesino tobacco farm you will learn about the tobacco
growing process, enjoy a cigar rolling demonstration, and meet the fourth generation
farmers responsible for some of the most famous cigars in the world. You will also enjoy
the stunning scenery of this region, known for its distinct hills called mogotes.
● Enjoy a delicious organic farm to table lunch at “Patio Pelegrín”
Often called the secret garden, Patio Pelegrín is not only an organic farm but also a
community hub for dance, literature, debate, music, and theater for local residents to
cultivate their artistic and intellectual interests.
● Nightlife suggestion: Enjoy Jazz Festival shows around the city TBA
● Experience a cooking class and lunch at Café Ajiaco
This adventure in Cuban cooking begins in the morning, when an expert cook gives you
an introduction to Cuban cuisine and its origins. Then you’ll watch a demonstration of
how to prepare local dishes, such as ropa vieja, and lobster and shrimp enchilada (in
tomato sauce). You’ll also learn how to make the perfect Cuban mojito!
● Enjoy a performance by Havana Compás Dance troupe
Cuba's Spanish and African roots are on display with this popular group, which merges
flamenco style dance with Afro-Cuban rhythms. Dancers use sticks, castanets, heels, flip
flops, keys, chequerés and chairs to create a unique percussive aesthetic.
● Nightlife suggestion: Enjoy Jazz Festival shows TBA
● Visit the Yoruba Museum of Santería with an expert guide
● Visit Callejon de Hamel, the famous colorful alleyway where lively rumba music
and dance takes place every Sunday
● Lunch at nearby El Biky paladar
● Visit with a Babalawo, an authentic Yoruba priest
● Take a dance class and learn salsa and Afro-Cuban dance styles
● Nighttime suggestion: Enjoy Jazz Festival shows TBA
● Visit San Jose Craft Market for final shopping (time permitting)
● Head to Jose Martí Airport for check in (airport transfer included)
● Adios Cuba!
Tips for your guides, drivers, and cleaning personnel are not included. The following amounts (in USD) are recommended:
This itinerary is subject to change. In-country programming is customized for
each group to maximize your cultural experience. To maintain authenticity, many
of the places we visit are not tourist destinations and are not always available.
This program is intended to provide meaningful interaction with the Cuban
people under the “Support for the Cuban people” category. This program
requires mandatory participation under our license by the U.S. Department of
Treasury.
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |