Havana
Do you live in Central America or the Caribbean and fancy a short break in Havana? Are you travelling in North, Central or South America and just have a few days to spare? Why not take a short flight over to Cuba and enjoy the fascinating cultural delights of Havana and learn all about its history, politics and what might come next for this unique country.
For more information on Cuba why not check out our Destination Guide and Top 10 Things to do in Cuba
Day 1 – Revolution Square, Jaimanitas and Paladors
Revolution Square, Havana, Cuba – Image by Regien Paasen
- Your guide will greet you at Jose Marti International Airport
- Visit to Revolution Square, the epicentre of political and governmental buildings of the Cuban government, and it is the site where millions listened to speeches given by Fidel Castro.
Depending on the time of arrival….
- Visit to Jose Fuster’s house in Jaimanitas neighbourhood and learn about his artwork and vision for his community
- Drive to opposite side of the harbour for a spectacular view of Old Havana
- Check into accommodations in Havana
- Dinner reservation at a private “paladar” in Old Havana
What is a “paladar”? The word, “Paladar” from the Spanish meaning “palate.” In Cuba “paladars” are privately and individually owned restaurants – owned by Cuban people and in their homes, rather than the government-operated restaurants.
Day 2 (B,L) – Old Havana
Old Havana with the Capitol – Image by Denys Turavtsov
- Optional informal meeting with architectural expert, musicologist, architect, economist or professor to discuss issues relating to Cuban culture or politics.
- Walking tour of Old Havana with a local expert guide, with stops specified to the interests of your group-artists workshops and galleries, thriving private enterprises, or architecture to name a few options.
- Lunch at a charming private paladar in Old Havana – a “must do” short break in Havana.
- Learn the basic steps of cha cha cha, mambo, son and salsa in a private dance lesson from professional dance teachers.
- Free time in the afternoon to spend time in Old Havana. Wandering the streets of Old Havana with a map in hand is truly the best way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dinner reservation at a private paladar
Day 3 (B,L) – Farmers Market, Fine Art & Contemporary Dance
Farmers Market in Havana Cuba – Image by Tupungato
- Visit a local farmers market and ration store to see how Cubans shop for their everyday fruits and vegetables. Learn about La Libreta, the ration book system in Cuba
- Private dance performance of a contemporary dance troupe in Havana, interact with the dancers and choreographer after the performance
- Lunch in Vedado neighbourhood at Starbien
- Tour the Cuban Fine Arts Museum with a Cuban art specialist who will highlight the museum’s most important works
- Dinner reservation at a private paladar
- After dinner head to the Vedado neighbourhood to visit Havana’s Fabrica de Arte, an old peanut oil factory turned art and music collaborative space. Now one of Havana’s most popular spots for Cuban youth and tourists alike this is a “must do” on a short break in Havana.
Day 4 (B,L) – Cigars, Artists and Cuban Classic Cars
Classic American Cars in Old Havana, Cuba – Image by GlobalTRavelPro
- A short break in Havana would not be complete without a morning exploring a cigar factory and meeting local workers that craft their product with expert precision
- Visit the home of a couple who are contemporary artists in Cuba and talk with them about their work.
- Lunch at a private paladar
- Visit a successful workshop rebuilding American classic cars and have an opportunity to tour the facility before enjoying a leisurely drive in one of the beautifully remodelled cars
- Dinner reservation at a private paladar in Havana
Day 5 (B) – Transfer Out
- After breakfast transfer to the airport for your international flight out.
Looks interesting? Want to chat about it or work with us on your own tailor-made holiday? Give us a call or email us for more information. Looking for something else? Check out:
Highlights of Cuba Holiday – 8 Days
For more information on Cuba have a look at our Destination Guide and out “Top 10 Things to Do” and if these make you think about a longer itinerary, have a look at the other example itineraries on here and why not contact us to design your trip?
Why we love our operator in Cuba
In Cuba we work with a local operator who shares our values of creativity, authentic local experiences, supporting the local people, economy and environment.
“We’re a small group committed to travel to Cuba, with a long history of working with organisations deeply rooted in all things Cuba. We love it so much, it’s all we do (and we believe that makes our tours that much better). Not a tour person? Hey, neither are we. We believe in travel, not touring. We focus on the people – you, and the Cubans you’ll meet – to create experiences that are unique and personal. The options for what you can see, do eat and experience is many – so many, they’re overwhelming.
With our eyes and ears on the ground, we believe that we can offer better programming and more authentic activities than others who offer many different destinations in their programming. We do our best to support small local businesses as well as young and upcoming entrepreneurs who share our passion and appreciation for responsible travel, the environment and Cuban culture.”