Itinerary

• Arrival at José Martí International Airport (HAV)
  You’ll be warmly welcomed upon arrival and transferred to your hotel in Havana (approx. 35 minutes).

• Check-in at Iberostar Selection La Habana Hotel

• 2:30 PM — Welcome & Meet-and-Greet
  Begin your Cuban journey with a refreshing cocktail and an introduction to our local team, who will be your hosts throughout the program. This is an opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow travelers, review the week’s schedule, and set the stage for the meaningful cultural experiences ahead. One welcome drink included.

• 3:30 PM — Architectural Tour of Old Havana & Hemingway Cultural Experience
  Explore Old Havana in small, rotating groups with local specialists in architecture and urban history. Stroll cobbled streets and lively plazas of this UNESCO site while learning about preservation efforts that keep the city’s heritage alive. Along the way, stop for photo-ops at La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita to learn about their cultural significance and literary ties. The walk concludes at privately owned bars in Old Havana for a taste of Cuban mixology and conversation with local entrepreneurs. Drinks included; activities rotate in small groups.

• 8:00 PM — Welcome Dinner at Atelier (Private Paladar)
  Celebrate the start of your program at one of Havana’s most acclaimed privately owned restaurants. Over a curated menu by local chefs, hear the story of Cuba’s private dining scene and the resilience of independent business owners. Live music adds a festive note. Beverages provided.

Hands-on cultural experiences, a taste of farm-to-table Cuba, and Havana by classic car.

• Breakfast at your hotel (included).

• Morning & Afternoon — Rotating Cultural Experiences
  Guests rotate in smaller subgroups to ensure intimate, high-quality sessions.

  • Private Cigar & Rum Pairing–Tasting Experience
    Learn the history, cultural significance, and artistry of cigar rolling and Cuban rum. Enjoy a guided pairing that highlights tradition and craftsmanship. Cigars are offered strictly for tasting; purchase/import to the U.S. is not advised under current regulations.

  • Salsa Dancing Workshop
    A hands-on session at a leading dance school. Explore the rhythms, story, and social role of salsa with local instructors.

  • Farm-to-Table Lunch at Vista Hermosa (Private Farm)
    Walk the grounds, discuss sustainable practices with the farmers, and enjoy a multi-course lunch crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Beverages provided.

• Afternoon Cultural Engagement
  Meet local artists, musicians, dancers, and community leaders to explore Afro-Cuban culture through guided conversations and demonstrations.

• 7:00 PM — Sunset Ride in Vintage Cars
  Cruise the Malecón in classic convertibles with local hosts sharing stories of architecture and daily life. Three guests per car for comfort; ride ends at dinner.

• 8:00 PM — Dinner at Tierra (Private Restaurant)
  Creative Cuban cuisine in an intimate setting, accompanied by a private live jazz set that contextualizes Havana’s musical heritage. Beverages provided.

• 11:00 PM — Late Night at Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC)
  Explore Havana’s pioneering independent cultural center with galleries and live performances. Drinks included; transfers back to the hotel provided.

Deep dives into dance, spirituality, neighborhoods, and contemporary culture.

• Breakfast at your hotel (included).

• 9:00 AM — Dance with Conjunto Folklórico Nacional
  An interactive session with Cuba’s renowned folkloric ensemble—learn movements and rhythms while exploring the living traditions behind them.

• Callejón de Hamel Spiritual Tour
  Discover the murals, music, and community that keep Afro-Cuban spiritual traditions vibrant in this open-air cultural corridor.

• 12:30 PM — Lunch at Marea (Oceanfront Restaurant)
  Regional ingredients and traditional techniques, with context from your hosts about Havana’s food culture and coastal life. Beverages provided.

• 2:30 PM — From Miramar to Old Havana Explorations
  Traverse diverse neighborhoods with local guides who frame Havana’s architectural evolution and everyday life. Opportunities to meet residents and artisans along the way.

• 7:00 PM — Rooftop Dinner at La Guarida (Private Restaurant)
  Dine under the stars at this emblematic private venue and hear how it helped shape Havana’s contemporary dining scene. Beverages provided.

• 9:00 PM — Panorama of Cuban Music & Dance at Private El Guajirito
  An intimate, curated performance highlighting the rhythms, storytelling, and cultural heritage of Cuban music and dance—designed for exchange with performers.

Art studios, artisan markets, and a celebratory finale.

• Breakfast at your hotel (included).

• Morning — Split Group Cultural Activities
  Small groups rotate between two immersive experiences:

  • Art Tour (Small Groups of ~20)
    Visit private studios to meet established and emerging artists; discuss process, context, and contemporary Cuban art.

  • San José Crafts Market
    Engage with craftspeople, learn traditional techniques, and hear the stories behind handmade goods.

• 12:00 PM — Lunch at a Local Paladar (Private Restaurants)
  Seafood-forward menus at beloved privately owned venues; groups dine across several locations for intimacy and quality. Beverages provided.

• 2:00 PM — Afternoon Cultural Exchange
  Groups swap activities so everyone experiences both the studio visits and the market.

• 8:00 PM — Farewell Dinner & Celebration at Casa Italia (Private Venue)
  A festive gathering featuring a curated dinner (with multiple main-course options, including vegetarian) and live dance performances that illuminate Cuba’s expressive traditions. Beverages provided.

• 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM — Cultural U.S.–Cuba DJ Showcase
  A lively music exchange featuring G&S DJs and local Cuban DJs—celebrate Havana’s contemporary soundscape together. Beverages provided.

• Breakfast at your hotel (included)

• Check-out & Transfer to José Martí Airport (approx. 35 minutes)

Hotel Selection for This Program

For this specific itinerary, the Iberostar Selection La Habana was chosen to accommodate the potentially high number of participants anticipated for this departure. This decision, made in May 2025 during the itinerary design and contracting phase with our principal local service providers, differs from our standard practice of selecting smaller, boutique properties owned by local Cubans. At the time of contracting, the property was not listed in the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List (issued July 14), and its use is therefore considered grandfathered under the May 2025 version of that list.