Cuba | Escapes

Never have a dull moment in Havana! Situated only 90 miles off the shores of the Florida Keys, Havana is one of the most romantic and bustling cities of the Caribbean islands. The Malecón (waterfront) is washed day and night by the Atlantic Ocean's deep blue crushing waves. Next to the crumbling pastel facades, the sidewalks fill with young musicians and artists, and local Cubans on their way to and from work. All over town, you will find amazing small family run restaurants, and despite the country's limited resources, they are able to provide visitors with some of the most exquisite and creative cuisine of the region. Enjoy music and dance at local bars and clubs along the cobblestones streets in Old Town or at the Jazz and Blues clubs in Havana's Vedado district and Miramar neighborhoods. Meet amazing contemporary young painters and sculptors, visit art galleries and museums you will never forget. Don't miss visiting a cigar factory, or trying the local specialties; Mojitos and frozen daiquiris made with the local Havana Club or Santiago rum! Finally, check out a true Havana treasure, only 45 minutes away, the white sand beach of Santa Maria.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 | Havana 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. Havana Accommodation   (D)

Day 2 |  Havana 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 on to Habana Vieja (Old Havana). Continue the walking tour to visit Ambos Mundos, the former residence  of Ernest Hemingway and La Floridita, where he claimed served some of the best daiquiris in Havana. Enjoy lunch in Old Havana at a local paladar. In the afternoon visit the artisans and musicians that populate Callejón de Hamel. Enjoy a free evening to sample one of the many paladars and restaurants, patron a local café and take part in the various nightlife activities Cuba has to offer. Optional evening performance at the Ballet Nacional de Cuba. Havana Accommodation (B/L)

Day 3 |  Havana In the morning, head out to walk through the Colon Cemetery. Founded in 1876, it is nearly the 140 acres in size, and is famous for its elaborately sculpted memorials. There are more than 500 distinct mausoleums, chapels, and family vaults. Sample Fidel Castro’s favorite ice cream at the 50’s style institution of Copellia, then visit a Cuban ration store to see how most of Cuba gets their groceries. After lunch at a local paladar, visit Havana’s National Museum of Fine Arts, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana, where your guide will share the history of Cuba through its impressive art history. Either take the afternoon for some leisure time for reflecting, exploring, or relaxing or head to the Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution) housed in what was once the Presidential Palace of all former Cuban presidents from Marion Garcia Menocal to Bulgencio Batista. Dinner on your own. Havana Accommodation (B/L)

Day 4 | Havana. After breakfast, take the local ferry to the island of Regla to visit Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla (Church of Our Lady of Regla) with the Black Madonna, their patron saint. Talk with the Santeria priestesses outside the church, learning about the rich roots of an African tradition very much alive in Cuba. After lunch on your own, we visit Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s primary residence from 1939 to 1960 for a guided tour and where Hemingway penned much of his classic “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. Later we visit the Almancenes de San Jose where artisans and craftsman gather, selling everything from hand-rolled cigars to beautifully crocheted dressed. Celebrate the evening with a farewell dinner and then an outing to the Fabrica de Arte Cubana or optional visit to La Tropicana or the famous Buena Vista Social Club. Havana Accommodation (B/D)

Day 5 | Havana /  Home Following breakfast, we bid Cuba farewell as we transfer to the airport for our flight to Miami or your home city. (B)