CLASSIC CUBA: 

Havana, Cienfuegos & Trinidad
 

 

 

November 2 - 9, 2024

 

$3,295/pp in a double room
$750/pp single supplement

Join Lonnie Davis, Cross Cultural Journeys and your Cuba guide on a classical jounryey to visit some of the most iconic cultural, musical and artistical gems of Western Cuba. 

Day-by-Day Itinerary

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Upon arrival in Havana, you will meet your Cuban guide and drive to your accommodation in Havana. On the way, your guide will show you the historical memorial to José Martí at Plaza de la Revolución, Revolution Square, and give you a short driving tour to see the general layout of this beautiful city including the Malecón, Havana’s famous waterfront. After checking into your accommodation, walk to dinner and absorb your first impressions of the tropical air, rhythm and color wafting out of the doorways as you pass — laughter and conversation bouncing amongst neighbors, easily meeting local people along the way. Dine this evening at a local paladar featuring traditional Cuban food and music. Sleep: Havana Casa Particular (D)

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Begin your first full day in Cuba with a walking tour of the history of the city's fascinating past venturing out into the streets and see the four plaza that make up Habana Vieja (Old Havana). Continue the walking tour to visit Ambos Mundos, the former residence of Ernest Hemingway and La Floridita, to taste the best daiquiris in Havana (it's 5 o'clock somewhere! Non-alcoholic options also available.). Enjoy lunch on your own in the Old Town. In the afternoon, visit Museo de Bellas Artes - Museum of Fine Arts - and/or The Revolution Museum. Dinner at famous restaurant San Cristobal (where President Obama and his family had dinner in 2015!). Stroll down Calle Obispo and partake in the various nightlife activities Cuba has to offer. Sleep: Havana Casa Particular (B/L)

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After breakfast, we drive to visit a local community garden and Cafe Ajiaco for a Cuban cooking experience (lunch included here!). After lunch, we drive to visit Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway's primary residence from 1939 to 1960 for a guided tour. This is where Hemingway penned much of his classic "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Top off the visit with a “Hemingway Happy Hour”, featuring one of his favorite cocktails! Dinner on your own. Sleep: Havana Casa Particular (B/L)

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After breakfast, we depart early departure for Cienfuegos, the French Colonial town known for its spacious, sea-misted streets and plazas. Throughout its history, ships used the surrounding bay as a refuge during storms in the Caribbean. Snack lunch on your own enroute. Upon arrival head to the city's central square to wander the artisan marketplace, and view the exceptional architecture, including the art deco Tomas Terry theater, unlike anywhere else in Cuba. If available at this time, we will enjoy a private performance by a local choir with a chance to meet the performers afterwards. Drive to Trinidad to check in to your Casa Particular. Dinner at a local paladar. Sleep: Trinidad Casa Particular (B/D)

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After breakfast, take a walking tour with our guide to discuss the city's preservation efforts and explore its stunning architecture. Walk to the Plaza Mayor, Trinidad's central square and an UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. In the square, visit the Museo de Arquitectura Colonial, - the Museum of Colonial Architecture with its elegant portico and delicate wrought iron balustrade. Also in the square, the Museo Romántico, - The Romantic Museum, a historic residence with lavish furnishings - evidence to the wealth Cubans once held. Enjoy lunch on your own. After lunch visit with the women at an entrepreneurial crochet co-op, and artisans at an outdoor market — well known for their woodcarvings and fine handmade lace and crochet, as well as ceramics, masks and musical instruments. Evening sunset visit to Playa Ancón. Dinner at a local paladar followed by optional outing at Casa de Trova. Sleep: Trinidad Casa Particular (B/D)

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Enjoy a free morning to explore and shop in this charming cobble stone town on your own. Return to Havana late morning. Snack lunch on your own enroute. Dinner at Tierra, followed by a night out at Fábrica de Arte Cubano. Sleep: Havana Casa Particular (B/D)

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After breakfast at the hotel, meet with world-renowned photographer Roberto Salas in his Miramar home. Salas's photographs of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara are lgendary. Together with his Cuban-born father, Osvaldo, he met Castro in 1955 and in 1959, following Castro's rise to power, they were invited by Castro himself to work for the government newspaper Revolución. Enjoy this in-home visit and hear about Havana through his eyes. Lunch on your own. After lunch visit the Muraleando Project to see an astounding contemporary art project. Farewell dinner at La Guarida. Sleep: Havana Casa Particular (B/D)

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Following breakfast, we bid Cuba farewell as we transfer to the airport for our flight to Miami or your home city. (B)

INCLUDED: Tailored itinerary for the general OFAC category "Support for the Cuban People" for legal travel from the US to Cuba; accomodation in casas particulares and smaller hotels, in country transportation per itinerary; breakfasts, lunches and dinners per itinerary (B,L,D); English speaking Cuban guide; all entrance fees on itinerary; preparation materials; tips for included meals on itinerary; bottled water.

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare; Cuba Entry Card; departure tax; medical insurance while in Cuba; meals not on itinerary; extra alcoholic drinks; excursions not on the itinerary; tips for local guide and driver (optional, yet customary); travel cancellation and evacuation insurance (strongly recommended, info will be sent upon registration).

NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change to take advantage of the serendipity of the moment when we are in Cuba... to meet someone special, to engage in an activity that might occur unexpectedly, or to accommodate circumstances beyond our control. Restaurants or hotels may

TRAVEL PROTECTION: Cross Cultural Journeys is not responsible for cancellation expenses that you might incur before or during our trip. You may want to check first to see if your current insurance policy covers travel abroad, but we have found that most do not. We strongly encourage considering taking out travel interruption and evacuation insurance to cover any emergencies abroad such as evacuation, or reimbursement for cancellation due to your own illness or an illness in your family. CCJ has partnered with TravelSafe. You can visit our online portal to explore different plans. We encourage you to choose a plan covers travel interruption before you depart, as well as during the trip. CCJ is not responsible for events beyond our control in this regard.
Please visit the Cross Cultural Journeys - TravelSafe online portal to find a plan that works for you. You can also call TravelSafe directly at 1-800-523-8020. Make sure you mention that Cross Cultural Journeys is your tour operator to receive our special rates.