Cuba Express Homestay Experience 8D/7N

Duration: 8 days

Departure point: Havana Airport Pick-Up

Arrival point: Havana Airport Drop-off

Departure time(s)

1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, 00:00

Airport Transfer

Today you will be picked-up from the airport and transferred to your homestay. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today your Cuban guide will pick you up shortly after breakfast from your Casa Particular in the heart of Old Habana. There are a cluster of museums including the Museum of the Revolution and our walk will feature the beautifully preserved colonial plazas of Havana Vieja and neighbouring streets. Here you find Cubans living alongside visiting tourists, kids going to school, locals playing games of chess or chequers in the street, sipping coffee from 'peso cafes'. All life seems to be concentrated in these atmospheric streets. Your Cuban guide will recommend some of the best restaurants and bars for mojitos and live music and give you insights into how Cubans live today in this complex and beguiling country.

This walking tour is in a small group of 4 or less and is customised to suit your group taking approximately 7-8 hours.

09:00-12:00 

Scenic walking tour of the four main colonial squares of Old Habana including 'Plaza Catedral', 'Plaza des Armas', 'Plaza San Francisco de Asis' and 'Plaza Vieja'.

12:00-13:00 

Lunch in 'La Vitrola' restaurant – a cool Paladares with live music on the corner of Plaza Vieja. (Lunch and beverages are not included).

13:00-15:00 

After lunch we walk a short distance for some light browsing/shopping in the Mercado San José before continuing to the 'Cerveceria Antiguo Almacen de la Madera y El Tabaco', the largest brewpub in Habana housed in a former lumber and tobacco warehouse.

15:00-16:00 

Walking tour continues along the waterfront via the Orthadox Church, 'Havana Club Museum', Obispo and finally 'Parque Central'.

There are many options for the afternoon depending on client preferences and of course your guide will indicate during the day where services such as money change and wifi are, as well as popular sights’ such as museums and things to do during your free time. Your guide will also give you insights into how it is for Cuban’s living in Cuba today and the challenges of keeping the dreams of the revolution alive and vibrant.

Transfer to Viñales

Today you will take a transfer from Havana to Viñales

Half Day Finca Visit and Tobacco Culture

Today, you'll take a fun half day Finca Walk or Horse Ride today to explore life in the Cuban countryside and on the tobacco farms surrounding Vinales. Enjoy the simplicity of life and breathe fresh country air as you meet friendly locals who welcome you with their generous smiles. A short walk from your Casa Particular, horses are waiting to take you through a part of the village lost in time; farming techniques are based around horsepower and minimal use of modern machinery and pesticides. We enter the valley and continue through lush plantations of beans, maize and of course, tobacco - all the time overlooked by the imposing but beautifully distinctive karsh limestone mountains. We stop at a classic tobacco drying house and learn about the art of curing tobacco and hand rolling cigars. We then continue to Mirador, a lookout point high above the village with stunning views. Take a refreshment, enjoy the view and head back into Vinales as the sun goes down. Upon conclusion drop off back at your Casa Particulares.

Trinidad and Salsa Class

Today you will take a transfer from Havana to Trinidad. Trinidad is the home of 'salsa casino' - a mesmerising fusion of salsa and close up magic! To get you started, you'll take a fun 1-hour salsa lesson with your personal licensed salsa instructor.

Cubanito Natural Park and Waterfalls Excursion

Depart from your Casa Particular at 9am and begin your full day adventure with 1-2 hour horseback ride. (You may opt for biking, walking or taxi instead of horseback if you’d prefer at no extra charge. All options are accompanied by a guide.) Ride through the ancient streets of Trinidad and into the rolling countryside, arriving at Cubanito Natural Park. Enjoy a 30 minute hike along the scenic river with lots of opportunities for spotting birds and flora along the way. Arrive at the grotto and waterfall, where you can jump into the fresh clean waters of a deep pool surrounded by high rock walls. Swim through the waterfall and into the cave behind for a magical experience. After some chill time and a picnic or snack lunch (not included) we will walk back to the horses for the ride back to your casa particular, arriving around 3 pm. Please remember to bring your swimsuit. Use comfortable shoes, clothes, a hat, and sunscreen and don't forget a bottle of water!

Trinidad to Havana and Havana by Night Tour

Today you will take a transfer from Trinidad to Havana. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, then embark on an exciting night tour of Havana. Your guide will pick you up from your Casa Particular at 7.30pm. Usually the evening begins with a walk down Obispo to enjoy free live music in one of the many mojito/salsa bars before continuing to the famous Malecon to get into the mood and see what the local Habaneros do in an evening. Your Cuban guide has all the local knowledge and will make you comfortable wherever you decide to go! Please bring minimum an extra 15 CUC for entry to clubs, taxis and drinks which are not included. Pick-up from your Casa Particular and scenic walk through Old Habana stopping off at 'Floradita Hotel' and onwards to Parque Central to enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop terrace at 'Hotel Inglaterra'. Continue to the Malecon to hang out with local Habaneros and hear the famous cannon shot at 9pm from across the bay signalling that Habana is safe for the night… and that it’s time to head into Vedado to enjoy some Habana nightlife! Later on, there are many options in Vedado depending on your preferences. 'Fabrica de Arte' is open Thursday to Sunday, or if salsa dancing to a live band is your preference then 'Club 1830' is a popular option. For jazz lovers, 'La Zorra y Cuervo' or 'Jazz Café' host some of the best jazz you’ll hear anywhere in the world. Alternatively you can explore a combination of options including the 'Hotel Nacional', 'La Rampa' and ‘Coppelia'. Your guide will help you develop a plan to ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Airport Transfer

Today you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight home.