4-14
Guests
7 / 6
Days / Nights
15
Meals
Embark on a journey to Cuba and discover the vibrant tapestry of culture and history found in this Caribbean island nation. From the colorful architecture and energetic squares to the flavorful cuisine and beautiful countryside, Cuba beckons travelers with its unique mix of captivating history and lively culture that is unlike any other destination in the world. Meet innovative chefs, local farmers, business owners, and artisans, and enjoy a variety of memorable experiences during your exclusive access to this fascinating country.
Savor
authentic Cuban dishes at renowned private restaurants known as paladares
Explore
the unique communities and seaside villages of the Cuban capital of Havan
Ride
along Havana’s vibrant streets and beautiful promenades in vintage American cars
Day 1
Vedado, Havana
Land at the José Martí International Airport where our Travel Director and driver will be waiting outside the Arrivals hall. Take a private group transfer to your casa where you’ll check in and unwind. Later, we’ll gather for a cocktail at the famed Hotel Nacional overlooking the Malecón and a Welcome Dinner at a favorite paladar— the local term given to privately-owned restaurants and Cuba’s most successful kind of private business.
Day 2
Old Havana
Rise early and explore the streets of Old Havana while locals get ready for the day. Visit the four main squares where history and architecture meet, exemplifying the best of Havana’s rich past. Visit the iconic Automobile Museum "El Garage," which houses a collection of unique classic cars, and make a stop at Almacenes San José, Havana's largest art market. Enjoy a drink in Old Havana before heading to lunch at one of the area’s best-known paladares followed by some time to explore on your own.
Before dinner, take part in a Cuban cocktail-making workshop with a professional barman. Later, head to another paladar in Old Havana, where a table has been reserved. This evening, stroll with your guide along the Malécon, Havana’s iconic seaside promenade.
Day 3
Las Terrazas
Venture west of Havana where we’ll visit the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known as Las Terrazas. Take a horseback ride through forest trails and see some of the island’s endemic flora and fauna. Many of Cuba’s native birds are visible during the morning hours. Next, discover the unique town of Las Terrazas founded in the early 1970s. Visit its various craft stores, coffee shops, and family-owned restaurants. Just outside the main village, we’ll stop at an artist’s private studio and learn how he uses reclaimed materials as his canvas. Enjoy lunch in Las Terrazas before heading back to Havana in the late afternoon. Tonight, enjoy an open evening.
Day 4
Cigars and Vintage Cars
A trip to Cuba wouldn’t be complete without a firsthand experience with cigars. We’ll start the day touring an operation that masterfully handcrafts some of the finest humidors in the world. Our cigar education continues at one of Havana’s cigar factories. Learn how the famous Cuban Habanos are hand-rolled, one by one, in a process that has remained unchanged for centuries. Lunch will be served at a paladar, followed by a visit to a mechanic’s shop. Discover the challenges of keeping vintage automobiles in mint condition on the road and hop in a vintage car for a ride through Revolution Square and Havana Forest before heading for dinner at El Cocinero. After dinner, enjoy time to explore the vibrant Fabrica de Arte Cubano.
Day 5
Hershey
This morning we’ll head 35 miles east of Havana to the former sugar mill town of Hershey. The model town was built by candy tycoon Milton Hershey in 1916 to fuel the sugar needs of the Hershey chocolate empire. At the time, the town featured a power plant, sugar mill, hotel, and electric train to Havana. Led by a local expert, we’ll explore the interesting past of Hershey and visit a machetero, a sugar cane cutter, to learn about the crop. We will taste fresh cane juice before sampling a lunch prepared by a local family. Tonight dinner will be at Cuba’s most iconic paladar. After dinner, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some live music on the rooftop terrace of the restaurant.
Day 6
Cojimar and Farewell Dinner
Today, we’ll make our way to the seaside village of Cojimar and join fishermen for a storytelling lunch. Discover landmarks like Torréon de Cojimar, a Spanish fort built in 1649, and travel to Ernest Hemingway’s estate, Finca Vigia, in San Francisco de Paula, and view the great writer’s home. After, return to Havana and enjoy some downtime at your villa. Tonight, we will toast our journey and enjoy a special Cuban Fiesta with a delicious dinner, live music, and Salsa dancing.
Day 7
Havana
Rise early to enjoy breakfast and your last moments in Havana before heading home. Take a private transfer to the José Martí International Airport where your Travel Director will assist with check in. Buen viaje!
Accommodations
Havana Private Casa
Enjoy six nights in one of our private casas in Havana. Fully-stocked and serviced, our private casas guarantee seclusion, yet are close enough to experience downtown Havana. Each casa comes equipped with air conditioning, daily cleaning service, a kitchen and dining space, TV, phone, safety box, and breakfast service (other meals are available upon request). Specific villas are confirmed based on availability and group size once deposits are placed.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Details
Dates
Program: Date TBD
Note: This itinerary is compliant with U.S. law under the “Support for the Cuban People” category of permitted travel to Cuba. Frequently Asked Questions updated by the U.S. Treasury Department can be found here.
Flight Information
Activity Level
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Guests should feel comfortable meandering along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. It is important to note that Cuba’s infrastructure and buildings have not been maintained in the best condition. Elevators are not always available. Please contact us at guestservices@experi.com if you have questions.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/agreement.
Included
- Six nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners, plus 2 domestic drinks (water, soda, beer) per person with included meals
- Two bottles of water per person per day
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
- Cuba’s airport tax payable in cash at the airport upon departing the US for Cuba
- Cuban visa fee (typically collected by the air carrier)
Program Rates*
Classic: $TBD
Single Occupancy: $TBD
*Rates are per person in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Experi highly recommends you consider travel insurance. Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/