🇨🇺🚘 The Ultimate Classic Cuba Adventure
Embark on the Ultimate Classic Cuba Adventure, an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of the island. From the vibrant streets of Havana lined with vintage American cars and colonial architecture to the lush tobacco fields of Viñales and the cobbled alleys of Trinidad, this immersive experience blends culture, history, and warm Cuban hospitality. Designed for curious travelers who crave authentic connection, this adventure offers a rich blend of guided exploration and personal discovery—complete with music, art, and unforgettable local encounters. Discover Cuba the way it was meant to be seen: with open eyes, an open heart, and a spirit of adventure.
Itinerary Highlights:
Support Local Communities: Interact with artists, entrepreneurs, and visit community projects that contribute to Cuba’s development.
Cultural Immersion: Experience Cuba’s rich heritage through visits to Havana’s colorful streets, the landscapes of Viñales, and the historic charm of Trinidad.
Culinary Delights & Rhythms: Savor delicious cuisine and dance to infectious Cuban rhythms.
This journey is more than just a tour—it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact and forge lasting connections. Experience Cuba in a way that leaves a legacy of understanding and friendship.
A FEW EXCEPTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:
• An incredible tour while supporting the beautiful Cuban people.
• Eight days of absorbing wonderful Cuba!
• Exploring vibrant Havana with a walking tour of the historic district.
• Bask in the natural beauty of Vinales and the history of Trinidad.
• Ride in a classic US convertible car, sing, dance and enjoy a mojito!
• This tour is legal and OFAC license approved.
DAY 1: HAVANA, CUBA
• Arrive Jose Marti International Airport - Welcome to Cuba!
• Meet with a Mariah Travel representative and transfer to Habana Vieja.
• Informal introduction to Cuba and an overview of the week’s activities.
• Explore Havana in a classic American made convertible!
• Check into your Casa Particular (privately owned)
• Welcome dinner at a local Paladar (privately owned restaurant)
• Overnight at a casa in Habana Vieja.
DAY 2: OLD HAVANA
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Walking guided tour of Habana Vieja, visiting the historic plazas.
• Explore Hemingway’s Finca Vigia, where he wrote award winning books
• Visit the Museum of the Revolution or other local points of interest.
• Optional: Partagas cigar factory tour and/or Havana Rum tour.
• Visit with local Cubans to discuss their art - afternoon free to explore.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Attend El Cañonazo, a traditional 9 PM Cannon Firing Ceremony.
• Overnight at a casa in Habana Vieja.
DAY 3: LAS TERRAZAS, VINALES
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Morning departure to Las Terrazas eco-community west of Havana. Observe the successful Cuban land restoration project originated during Castro's administration.
• Enjoy a short-guided hike with a local ecologist to an ancient coffee plantation.
• Possible observation of Cuba’s endemic birds including the Cuban Trogon.
• Lunch at Casa del Campesino on the banks of the Río San Juan.
• Continue to the Vinales Valley in the Sierra de los Organos mountains, beautiful panoramic views of the valley and the incredible limestone mogotes.
• Visit the Cuevas de Santo Tomas. (limestone caves with easy hiking)
• Explore the town of Vinales with interaction and supporting the Cuban people.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Overnight: Villa La Terraza Viñales or similar
DAY 4: VINALES, HAVANA
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Meet author Nils Navarro*, or his staff, for a morning of incredible bird watching. *Nils is the author of Endemic Birds of Cuba, A Comprehensive Field Guide
• Lunch included at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Afternoon option of horseback or bicycle ride into the Vinales Valley.
• Visit the Jardin Botanico de Vinales and later return to Havana.
• Free time to interact with the Cuban people and support their arts and crafts.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Overnight at a casa in Habana Vieja.
DAY 5: PLAYA GIRON, CIENFUEGOS, TRINIDAD
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Early departure to Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs), Cienfuegos & Trinidad.
• Visit Playa Larga and Zapata Swamp for an overview of this important wetland and endemic bird ecosystem, often compared to America’s Everglades National Park.
• Possible observation of the Bee Hummingbird, the world’s smallest bird.
• Observe genetically pure crocodiles at a breeding facility near the Zapata swamp. Learn about the recovery efforts coordinated by the Wildlife Conservation Society. (WCS), Cuban partners and the Bronx Zoo of New York.
• Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Playa Giron.
• Visit the wonderful Teatro Terry in Cienfuegos.
• Continue to historic Trinidad for music, food and interaction with Cubans.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Overnight: Casa in Trinidad
DAY 6: TRINIDAD UNESCO SITES
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Board Soviet army trucks for a journey to Topes de Collantes National Park in the Escambray Mountains. (If available)
• Naturalist led hike identifying bird and plant species of the region.
• Tour of the breathtaking Valle de los Ingenios [Sugar Mill Valley]
• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Later, dance the night away at the Casa de Musica.
• Overnight: Casa in Trinidad
DAY 7: TRINIDAD & HAVANA
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Walking tour of Trinidad’s historic central plaza.
• Visit a century-old family run pottery studio and get to know its artisans.
• Return to Havana
• Dinner and a musical evening with the world-famous Buena Vista Social Club.
• Overnight at casa in Habana Vieja. TBD
DAY 8: ADIOS CUBA!
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Depart for Havana or Santa Clara and flights home.
**ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Cost: Starting at $2699 double occupancy; $500 single supplement
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST:
• Airport transfers: From José Martí Int'l Airport and return.
• Cuba Tourist Visa
• All breakfasts and welcome dinner. Other lunches and dinners as listed in tour itinerary.
• All activities, expert local guides, services, speakers, meetings and meals as described in tour itinerary except those noted as "optional" or "not included in cost."
• Air-conditioned transportation and a full-time driver.
• Mandatory Cuban medical insurance coverage during your island stay.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST:
• International airfare to and from Cuba. Mariah Travel will assist and advise with the coordination of the best flights.
• Gratuities for Cuban tour guide, bus driver, chambermaids, restaurant staff, porters, etc. Please inquire about recommended gratuities guidelines.
• Any personal items.
• Optional travel interruption and cancellation insurance is highly recommended. Mariah Travel partners with USI Affinity.