4/5 Day Cuba Tour - Havana
4/5 Day Cuba Tour - Havana
4/5 Day Cuba Tour - Havana
4 Days Starting in Havana and ending in Havana, Cuba
Visiting: Havana, Vinales
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SCP4/SCP5
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-89
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
If you only have a few days in Cuba but want to go beyond the usual tourist experience, this is the tour for you! It encompasses a little bit of all that makes Havana one of the most unique cosmopolitan cities in the world. In a short time, we cover several aspects of the culture and history of Cuba, from its mafia past, to its present blossoming private sector. You’ll learn about the societal impact of the revolution and the social challenges that Cuba currently faces. On this tour you won’t find museum visits, we want you to immerse yourself in Havana with discussion, exchange, and hands-on experiences sure to create lasting memories. This tour encompasses three action packed days in Havana, and an optional one-day extension to include a visit to the rural village of Viñales. Each day is a full schedule of interactions with private business owners, community leaders, and artists and is designed to comply with US legal travel regulations. For that reason, you won’t see chill beach time instead you’ll find a fun and diverse selection of activities that we have cultivated to give you the most multidimensional understanding of Havana within a short time. Feel free to stay as long as you want, there is so much more to do in Havana! Add on some extra days for museum visits, day tours, visit the beautiful beaches of Eastern Havana, or take classes in Spanish, Dance or Percussion.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start our group tour in Havana at 9:30 am today with a friendly welcome meeting where you will meet your tour leader and fellow group participants. The morning activity is a classic but essential historic tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 2-hour walking tour encompasses the four principal plazas of Old Havana. Following the tour, we have lunch at our first paladar (a privately owned restaurant). Once fed and watered, we will have a walking tour of the less visited streets of Old Havana on the Off Beat Havana Tour. Here we encounter the residential community of Old Havana, you will see the contrast between this area just around the corner from the touristic destination of the historical old centre, and meet the locals who live here. You’ll also learn about the ration system with a visit to a local bodega.
Tonight we will start with a cocktail lesson where you will learn to prepare your own rum based drink to enjoy before our dinner at one of Havana's classic paladars.
Included Activities: Historic tour of Old Havana, Offbeat Old Havana tour walk, Cocktail lesson, Meeting and discussion with local community members
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will start our day with a visit to a local community project where they tackle issues on gender and race in Cuba and promote wellness, self-esteem and empowerment in the Afro-Cuban community.
Later we board classic convertible cars for a panoramic tour of the less touristic neighborhoods of Havana. Following this we partake in a traditional Afro-Cuban meal for lunch
After lunch we drive around Havana in classic cars on a special Mafia Tour - Learn about the fascinating history of the American Mafia and the role it played in pre-revolutionary Cuba. The tour ends at the place previously known as the notorious Mafia headquarters and the lodging of choice for ‘America’s royalty’.
Tonight’s dinner is at a river-view restaurant, founded by an internationally recognised passionate local sailing enthusiast. The atmosphere is extremely unique and the fresh seafood is straight off the boat!
A post dinner visit to the famous Fabrica de Arte Cubano ends our day. Named one of Time Magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Places, you’ll see why as we tour the oil factory turned arts complex. Featuring five salons showcasing various types of art, from textiles, to architecture, music, dance, and eye-catching installations, plus bars and pop-up shops, you’ll marvel at the innovation and talent of ‘New Cuba’.
Included Activities: Meeting and discussion with local community members, Afro-Cuban show, Panoramic city tour in Classic Car, Mafia History tour and Fabrica de Arte.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we visit a neighborhood that previously would not have stood out from any other suburb. One man’s dream and enthusiasm turned this suburb of Havana into a successful project involving the entire community and has even caught the notice of President Obama! Today we’ll learn about how individuals used their talents to fuel positive change in their neighborhoods on this special tour - Don’t forget your camera, you’ll visit two of the most artistically remarkable neighborhoods in Havana.
After lunch we cover the topic of ‘cuentapropistas’ entrepreneurship in Cuba. Beginning in 2011 the Cuban Government began opening the private sector and legalising private businesses not seen since the 1959 Revolution. We will illustrate this topic with a visit to two of Havana’s successful new businesses to hear their stories. We will have a special demonstration of local manufacturing processes and even partake in some delicious product samples.
In the evening we will have our group dinner in one of Havana's private restaurants.
Included Activities: ‘Murals and Mosaics’ local art communities tour with lunch, meet & greet at two local businesses.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 : Vinales Or Departure Day
Location: Vinales
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If this is the end of your 4 day tour you can depart at any time today. There are no included activities. An airport departure transfer is not included in the tour package. You can hire your own taxi, otherwise please advise your tour leader in advance if you require assistance arranging this service.
For the 5 day option we depart by 8am in the morning to head off towards the mountains and the province of Pinar del Rio. On our way into the town of Vinales we will stop at the Cuevas del Indio (Indian Caves) for a boat ride. You will also see the controversial Prehistoric Mural (Some say it is art, some say it is not!).
Arriving in the town of Viñales we will meet with a specialist local guide who will take us through the tobacco fields to meet local farmers & visit a farm, learn about growing tobacco, how to roll cigars, taste some local coffee and experience real life in the small country town, After our light trek through the Viñales valley we visit an organic farm for a fantastic farm-to-fork lunch.
We will have a light orientation tour around this small town and time permitting, maybe even end our day with a cocktail in a small local bar (perhaps with some local musicians) before heading back towards Havana for our final night and farewell meal.
Included Activities: Day trip to Viñales - visit to tobacco farm, organic farm, Indian caves and Prehistoric Mural.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5 : Havana
Location: Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you are on the 5 day tour you can depart at any time today. There are no included activities, however, your tour leader will be around at least until midday in case you have a few extra days planned in Havana and need some pointers or recommendations. An airport departure transfer is not included in the tour package. You can hire your own taxi, otherwise please advise your tour leader in advance if you require assistance arranging this service.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
Premium class Bed & Breakfasts , double occupancy
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Fully Guided
. Private local Cuban guide throughout.
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Transport
Private transportation in air-conditioned bus.
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Transfer
Airport arrival transfer
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Meals
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (4 lunches, 4 dinners on the 5 day trip)
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
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Insurance
Mandatory medical insurance (included in flights from USA)
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International Travel
International airfare (Tour starts and ends in Havana)
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Visa
Cuban Tourist Visa
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Drinks
Drinks
Mode of Transport
Private transportation in air-conditioned bus
Panoramic city tour in Classic Car,
Accommodation
Premium class Bed & Breakfasts , double occupancy.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, children 18 and under are welcome accompanied by an adult
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What is the tipping policy?
Cuba is a tipping country. You can budget $2-5/day for the tour leader, $1-3/day for the driver, $1-5 for a local guide, $1 for musicians in restaurants or on the streets, $.25 for bathroom attendants
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Travellers from all countries are welcome on this tour.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
The visa (or tourist card) is not included, it can be obtained from your airline, local embassy, or third party seller.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
There is a lot of walking on this tour, so travellers should feel comfortable with that.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival transfer is included, as long as we have arranged your first night stay. Otherwise the transfer is included from your pre-tour accommodations to your first night casa.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We will gladly arrange for pre- or post- tour accommodation.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
We suggest you bring spending money in USD or Euros
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
The tour will be cancelled and booked travellers will be given a full refund
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What is the maximum group size?
12 travellers
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
You must be able to carry your own luggage up stairs, so we suggest packing lightly.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Yes, we require proof of vaccination or a signed medical waiver. This is also a requirement to enter the country.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
At a minimum all guides speak English and Spanish
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Most accommodation do not offer free wi-fi, although increasingly they do have a connection. You must buy a wi-fi card to connect, it is around US$1
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Solo travellers are invited to share a room with a same sex traveller on the tour. If you prefer a single room, you can pay the single supplement.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No flights are included
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, all of our transportation is air conditioned
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
You will receive the name and address of your Havana casa 10 days in advance. Your accommodations in the rest of the provinces are assigned upon arrival.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Cuba requires citizens from most countries to have a visa (tourist card)
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
The guesthouses we stay in are all professionally run, and have been vetted for cleanliness and standard level comfort. They are all air-conditioned or sufficiently cooled, and nearly all have an en-suite bathroom. They are more like a bed & breakfast and less like a homestay and are all unique. We encourage you to interact with the families and staff, but it is not necessary.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, we can normally arrange for you to meet up with the group. Transportation at traveller's own expense.
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How long is a Cuba visa / tourist card valid for after entry to Cuba?
The standard Tourist Card is valid for 90 days. However, this can be extended once when you are in the country upon payment of a small fee – our local team can help you. This means you can stay for up to 180 days maximum on a single visit.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We can often change the dates with no penalty if it's far enough in advance. Otherwise, our cancellation policy will apply.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, there are strict health and safety guidelines that all casas particulares must adhere to.
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What currencies or money should I take to Cuba?
Following the abolition of the CUC (convertible peso) in 2021 the only official national currency now in circulation is the Cuban Peso (CUP, also known as ‘Moneda Nacional’). However, it is not necessary to exchange money to local currency, USD and Euro cash are widely accepted. We do not recommend exchanging money at official institutions, the rates are very unfavourable. Ask your guesthouse staff or guide for help exchanging to CUP. Travellers must bring USD or EUR cash sufficient for the length of their stay in Cuba. Bank cards cannot be relied on to work in Cuba and US affiliated cards will not work at all in Cuba. Card payments are usually only accepted at government run institutions and hotels, the majority of restaurants, galleries, and privately owned shops are cash only.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We adhere to all local protocol and best practices, including social distancing, sanitizing, and mask wearing. Travellers must be fully vaccinated.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
When you are confirmed on the tour you will receive the Essential Trip Notes with information to help you prepare for your tour and maps of each of the destinations. Then 10-days before the tour you'll receive a pre-departure message with the tour leader's name, arrival instructions, and the name and phone number of the casa where you'll be staying in Havana.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have proudly been in operation since 2005
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I am a US citizen. Can Americans go on these tours?
Yes, Americans can join all our tours legally. Our Ultimate Cuba tours (coded SCP) are designed with a full itinerary to satisfy USA requirements. Other tours are fine as well, but since there is a lot of free time they require the traveller to select activities appropriate under Support for the Cuban People, such as visiting private business or interacting with locals. US travellers on any tour must maintain a daily record to show that they are complying with Support for the Cuban People and keep it for 5 years.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Solo travellers are not required to pay single supplement if they are willing to share with someone of the same gender.
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Are Cuban Adventures tours legal for Americans?
Yes. Our programs comply with ongoing US travel restrictions and are legal for US and non-US citizens alike. It is not necessary to apply to ‘OFAC’ for special permission to visit Cuba, We will provide you with an affidavit to sign that will serve as proof of your legal travel. When reserving airfare, the airlines will require you to confirm that you are travelling to Cuba under one of 12 permitted categories of travel. For general purpose visits, select ‘SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE’, this is a travel category our programs comply with.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded individuals of all ages who are interested in a cultural adventure and getting to know the real Cuba
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Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Citizens of most countries will need to get a visa (also known as a Tourist Card) to enter Cuba. When flying from a country in the Americas to Cuba, you can purchase these tourist cards at the departure airport. Flying from Europe you can request the tourist card from the consulate or buy in advance online from companies such as https://www.easytouristcard.com?aff=43 A pink coloured ‘Tourist Card’ is required for any nationality when flying to Cuba directly from the USA and a green coloured ‘Tourist Card’ is required to visit Cuba when flying from any country except the USA. NOTE: From 1 January 2025 the Tourist Card will be replaced by an eVisa which will be obtainable in the same way as above.
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Free Date Changes
Cuban Adventures allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Cuban Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform cuban adventures, 15 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Cuban Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 100 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cuban adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.