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| Duration: | 4 Day(s) - 3 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Adventure Tours |
Cuba is one of the most beguiling travel destinations on the planet. Gorgeous neo-classical buildings, classic American cars, the best music and dance on the planet, and super friendly locals put Cuba firmly on everyone’s bucket list.
Staying in the heart of historic Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the area is a myriad of gorgeous neo-classical buildings packed with local people living cheek by jowl. At street level, there is a constant buzz with musicians plying their trade in the many fantastic bars to be found in this popular neighbourhood. The area is VERY safe, and you will quickly feel comfortably at home. There are lots of interesting shops and quirky art galleries here and most of Cuba’s cultural heritage including national museums also.
Airport transfer and welcome followed by full day guided tour to explore the city - classic convertible 50's car for your first hour to get your bearings and then various walking tour options around Old Habana depending on your particular interests. On your second day enjoy some free time to explore some of the places you were briefly introduced to by your guide the previous day - local museums include the Museum of the Revolution and Museum of Fine Arts, Plaza Vieja and other historical sights enjoyed by the Obama's a couple of years previously are all on your doorstep!
Late afternoon enjoy a salsa lesson at the famous Casa de la Son. One-to-one tuition means you have less chance of stepping on your partner's toes and will be all set for an evening on the town. During a nighttime tour of Habana, your guide will explain the many options available to you as you enjoy options ranging from a 'Canon shot' walk at the Fort del Moro, open-air salsa dancing and a live show at Bar 1830 or one of the world-class jazz clubs to rival New York's 'Birdland' or London's 'Ronnie Scotts'!
Highlights:
1950's Classic American Car tour La Habana
Personal guided walking tour of Habana Vieja with a hip young guide
Salsa Lesson at 'Casa de la Son' Dance School
Habana by Night – a nighttime tour of Habana
Bed & breakfast in a centrally located Casa Particular run by friendly & knowledgeable local hosts - private room single, twin or double as requested with en suite/private bathroom
Arrival & departure airport transfers from Havana International Airport to/from your Casa Particular in Habana Vieja
Day 1: Arrival at Havana International Airport
Accommodation Name: Casa Leonel, 362 O'Reilly / Meals Included: Breakfast
Airport transfer to your Casa Particular in the atmospheric heart of Old Havana. Provide us with your flight details - date, time & flight number - and we will have our driver waiting for you in the main public arrivals area of the airport with a sign with your name on it.
On arrival at your Casa Particular, welcome drink and introductions. If it is not too late in the day 'welcome Camino to introduce you to your neighbourhood and show the location of practical services such as banks for money exchange, wi-fi hotspots and nice local bars & restaurants.
Your room is a private room with an en suite/private bathroom - single, twin or double room as requested. Family rooms are also available.
Day 2: Discover Habana
Accommodation Name: Casa Leonel, 362 O'Reilly / Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at your Casa Particular in the atmospheric heart of Habana Vieja ('Old Havana'), your guide will pick you up for a full day tour/exploration of La Habana.
There is a cluster of museums here including the Museum of the Revolution, but our walk will feature the beautifully preserved colonial plazas of Habana Vieja and neighbouring streets where Cubans live alongside visiting tourists, kids go to school, locals play games of chess or chequers in the street, sipping coffee from 'peso cafes' and all life seems to be happening in these atmospheric streets. Your Cuban guide will recommend some of the best bars for mojitos and live music and give you insights into how Cubans live today in this complex and beguiling country.
Mid-morning we pick up the pace as we are collected by a 1950s classic American car to explore some of the main features of the rest of the city. There are many options depending on your preference but we recommend buzzing through the city to the Plaza de la Revolucion, a scenic drive along the Malecon and under the 'tunnel' to the Fort del Moro (best views across the city) before returning to Old Habana for drop off in Parque Central in time for lunch.
There are many options for lunch and time for a siesta if you would like before continuing our exploration of Habana Vieja. In the late afternoon, your guide will drop you back off at your Casa by which time you will be comfortable in your new neighbourhood and buzzing with ideas for how to spend your first night in Habana!
Day 3: Salsa lesson & nighttime tour of La Habana
Accommodation Name: Casa Leonel, 362 O'Reilly / Meals Included: Breakfast
Salsa Lesson at 'Casa de la Son' Dance School
Salsa lesson at the famous 'Casa del Son' in Habana Vieja. One-to-one tuition means that from beginner to advanced your dance instructor will take you through your paces and build your confidence and enjoyment in this amazing dance so beloved by Cubans. We need to get the basics right before heading to a salsa club after dinner!
Habana by Night - a nighttime tour of Habana
Your guide will pick you up at your Casa early evening - or having made a dinner reservation for you - from a restaurant of your choosing. There are MANY nighttime options in Habana, as you might expect. Bar 1830 is great to live music and outdoor salsa dancing venue or if jazz is your interest we recommend La Zorra y Cuervo or Jazz Café. Fábrica de Arte is amazing for a bit of everything and there are many cabaret options such as Casa de Musica and nightclubs.
Your Cuban guide has all the local knowledge and will make you comfortable wherever you decide to go! [taxi fares and entrance fees are not included but your guide will advise beforehand and make sure these are appropriate].
Alternatively, take the short ferry ride across the harbour to Fort del Moro as a nightly ceremony takes place. The famous 9 pm' cannon shot' that rings across the city as the harbour are 'closed' for the night lets Habaneros know that the city is safe from marauding pirates! Return to Habana Vieja at your leisure.
Day 4: Airport departure or continuation…
Accommodation Name: Casa Leonel, 362 O'Reilly / Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast perhaps some time for some last-minute shopping before your airport transfer. We schedule a transfer to suit your flight departure time - early morning or later in the afternoon per your requirements.
If you would like an extra night or two in Habana then let us know and we will make this happen!
If you would like to explore more of the country we work with a network of Casa around the country and can arrange transportation and guided services & activities in Viñales, Trinidad, Varadero, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa. All have been inspected by our team and selected for cleanliness, central location and friendliness of your hosts.
