Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

A Cultural Immersion in Cuba

Cuba - Havana

THE NEW HAVANA, A CUBAN SCENE

Starting from between £1,850 to £2,590 per person for 8 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • We regret that we are currently not selling trips to Cuba. We hope for a swift resolution to this issue so that we can once again help you discover this beautiful destination.

  • Soak up Cuba's scene and experience Havana's renaissance

  • Wake-up in a beautiful guest house in the heart of Vedado

  • Havana on foot and by vintage American car, a private introduction to alternative cultures at the FAC, a trip outside the city to Vinales and the beach: it's all included in the itinerary

  • Smartphone app, Concierge services and all our usual additional services:


We regret that we are currently not selling trips to Cuba. We hope for a swift resolution to this issue so that we can once again help you discover this beautiful destination.


Since Barack Obama and Raul Castro shook hands, a new Havana has arrived. Now it attracts crowds and VIPs, from Madonna to Mick Jagger, while trendy art galleries, bars, and trendy rooftops spring up here and there: the Cuban capital is experiencing a cultural revolution. A day visiting the old town with a guide and a drive in an American car at night allows us to experience it: between the Plaza de Armas and the Plaza de la Catedral, the 16th century Spanish parade - baroque houses, the charm of the cracked facades and shady patios. On the Malecon there are vintage Chevrolets. Havana is no longer a sleeping beauty: it has begun its metamorphosis. Since July 2015, everything has accelerated. To understand the transformation that is taking place, spend some time with locals who accompany you on two informal walks, following in the footsteps of dancers and artists' workshops. We have also booked tickets for the FAC (Fabrica de Arte Cubano), a meeting place for young and arty Cubans. Over 75,000 square feet of brownfields dedicated to alternative cultures where hip-hop, rock, or electronic music concerts alternate with parades and exhibitions of contemporary art. Also included in the itinerary, two days outside of Havana - in the valley of Vinales first, meet a tobacco grower and watch cigar making, then ride to discover one of the island's most beautiful and rural landscapes. Then spend a day at Tarara Beach, away from the hustle and bustle of Havana and enjoy the sweetness of life by the Caribbean Sea. The Concierge can be reached throughout the trip: they are there to help with the unexpected (something to be expected somewhere like Cuba).




ACCOMMODATION



Situated in the Vedado district, very close to the beautiful John Lennon Park, the guesthouse we have chosen is run by a lovely Cuban named Renaldo Lorenzo. This district is ideal for a stroll through Havana and is a joyful mix of homes, theatres, restaurants and bars. It may not have the charm of Habana Vieja, but you can enjoy the quieter atmosphere here. The decor of the house is simple and tasteful, the atmosphere of the room is intimate. For convenience, guests will have access to their room up until their departure time.
Havana - Cuba © Nathalie Belloir
Havana - Cuba © Nathalie Belloir
Havana - Cuba © Ernestosuarez/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Havana - Cuba © Ernestosuarez/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Remedios - Cuba © Olivier Romano
Remedios - Cuba © Olivier Romano
Trinidad - Sancti Spíritus - Cuba © Olivier Romano
Trinidad - Sancti Spíritus - Cuba © Olivier Romano
Havana - Cuba © Nathalie Belloir
Havana - Cuba © Nathalie Belloir
Havana - Cuba © Nathalie Belloir
Havana - Cuba © Nathalie Belloir
Street in Cuba © Droits reservés
Street in Cuba © Droits reservés
Havana - Cuba © Nathalie Belloir
Havana - Cuba © Nathalie Belloir
Playing kid in Trinidad - Sancti Spíritus - Cuba © Olivier Romano
Playing kid in Trinidad - Sancti Spíritus - Cuba © Olivier Romano

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

A FEW EXTRA DAYS TO EXPLORE TRINIDAD



After walking the streets of Havana for several days, give yourself a quieter break in Trinidad - a colourful, colonial city where time seems to have stood still. Take a stroll along Plaza Mayor, which bears witness to the past, or visit the Romantic Museum to get a glimpse of the luxury in which families lived during the colonial period. For those who want popular music and dancing, have a drink at Casa de la Trova. Above the city the Escambray Mountains and the Topes de Tintes Nature Park served as a refuge for the Che Guevara-led rebels during the 1958 revolution. More recently these vast forests also gave refuge to rebels who opposed Castro. Now it's a paradise for hikers - eucalyptus, coffee trees, palm trees and orchids can be found alongside the bamboo groves, as well as the thousands of birds.

Optional



A FEW EXTRA DAYS - BEHIND THE SCENES OF HAVANA



For those who are not pressed for time, there is the possibility of extending your stay in Havana and adding to the list of encounters and experiences that are not on the normal tourist trails... Cubans or expats, our local contacts share, through themes that are close to their heart, their views of the city. One such local is Yazek Manzano, a renowned trumpeter who is very active in Cuba. Yazek shows us the new generation of Cuban music and Havana's secret spots. Another local is musician Brenda Navarrete, who gives you a private percussion or dance class in a colonial house in Vedado. Change of tone: head to Havana's most exclusive cigar club for a presentation on Habano cigars and the opportunity to try them with Belkys, a Cuban-Swiss enthusiast. Go to a boxing club at Centro Habana - boxing is Cuba's first Olympic sport and attending training is a rich experience, whether you're a fighter or just curious. Finally, at night, we suggest that travellers go with a local guide to better acquaint themselves with the different places and the new trends of Havana: bars in the historic district, clubs and rooftops in Vedado, lawns or public benches surrounded by Havana's young residents...

Optional - Half-day or full-day, with private guide.

Why visit Cuba with Original Travel

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

ENQUIRE NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Cuba

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The estimated cost for this trip starts from £1,850 to £2,590 per person. The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost will vary according to several factors, including the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be shown on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £2,230 per person.
Included in this suggestion

  • Round-trip flights with a scheduled airline


  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge


  • Priority clearance through customs, welcome and airport assistance on arrival in Havana


  • Private airport transfers


  • Three-night stay in Havana in a double room with breakfast included


  • Late check-out on the last day


  • A private tour of Old Havana


A
  • private, night-time ride through the city in a vintage American car


  • Priority tickets at the Fabrica de Arte Cubano


  • Discover Cuba's history through dance with a local


  • Visit the artists' workshops with a local


  • A day in Vinales - horseriding is included


  • A day at Tarara beach


  • Local mobile phone provided


  • Our local Concierge service

100% tailor-made holidays

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