Authentic Havana

Take in the heart & soul of this colorful & cultural island: Havana, Cojimar, Guanabacoa & Lawton

Overview

from$1699Tour + Flights from$1349Tour Only 5days

price per person, double occupancy,* based on May 1, 2020 departure from MIA

$300 Instant Savings. Expires Mar 5, 2020.* All prices reflect savings.

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Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 24 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures	May – December 2020	Group Size	16 travelers max
Themes	History & Culture, Bucket List, City Stays
Activity Level	Recreational
What to Expect	This fast-paced, escorted program includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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On our popular tour, Authentic Havana, we’ll bring you into the heart of a typical Cuban neighborhood with a four-night stay at a privately owned, colonial style Cuban bed and breakfast. This B&B has been lovingly restored and furnished and is managed by a small team of dedicated men and women who will be like family away from home. Our centrally located bed and breakfast, just a ten minute walk to Old Havana and even closer to shops, restaurants and nightlife, offers a more authentic and intimate experience yet provides all the amenities and comforts you want and deserve.

Thanks to reduced flights via more convenient scheduled air and great pricing at our “casa”, we’ve managed to reduce prices while maintaining our high standard of creative, culturally-focused itineraries. On Authentic Havana, you'll dive deep into the daily life of everyday Cubans, including a visit to a private studio of one of Cuba's budding artists and touring a famous Cigar factory.

We're still going to Cuba!

Our tours are still legal and compliant with recent changes in U.S. policy. Questions? See our Cuba FAQs.

Package includes

Flights
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Non-stop round trip flights from Miami to Havana, including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees
Health insurance in Cuba, included in the cost of your airfare
U.S. Treasury Department, OFAC License Certification
Cuba Entrance Visa
All land transportation, transfers & porterage in Cuba
4 nights accommodations in Cuba at a well-located & completely renovated 'casa particular' (Cuban bed and breakfast)
9 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
Comprehensive exchange program, including entrance fees
Friendly Planet Representative
Professional, English-speaking local guide, who will facilitate the exchanges with Cubans

Optional add-ons

Pre-Night stay in Miami
Post-Night stay in Miami
Casa Suite Upgrade (Very Limited: Call us for availability)

Why you'll love it

Enjoy 4 comfortable nights at a casa particular located in a typical Cuban neighborhood.
Feel the history of Cuba come to life as an expert guide introduces you to the vibrant streets of Old Havana.
Learn about different art forms from innovative Cuban artists in their private studios.
Participate in a traditional Cuban cooking class experience.
Interact with locals at the used booksellers market.
Visit Muraleando, a community project dedicated to uplifting young people through art and music.
Learn about Afro-Cuban culture with private enterprise Beyond Roots in Guanabacoa.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Miami/Havana
2 Old Havana
3 Havana, Cojimar, Guanabacoa & Lawton
4 Havana
5 Havana/Miami

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Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 off if you book by Mar. 5, 2020!

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*
2020 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Fri, Feb 7, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Feb 11, 2020 Feb 7 – Feb 11	$2099	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Fri, Feb 28, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Mar 3, 2020 Feb 28 – Mar 3	$2099	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Mon, Mar 16, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Mar 20, 2020 Mar 16 – Mar 20	$2099	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Fri, Apr 10, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Apr 14, 2020 Apr 10 – Apr 14	$2049	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Fri, May 1, 2020 Finishes: Tue, May 5, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 1 – May 5	$1999	–$300	$1699	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, May 22, 2020 Finishes: Tue, May 26, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 22 – May 26	$1999	–$300	$1699	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Jun 8, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Jun 12, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 8 – Jun 12	$1999	–$300	$1699	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Jul 3, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Jul 7, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 3 – Jul 7	$1999	–$300	$1699	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Aug 14, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Aug 18, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 14 – Aug 18	$1999	–$300	$1699	Select
Departs U.S.: Fri, Sep 4, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Sep 8, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 4 – Sep 8	$1999	–$300	$1699	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Oct 12, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Oct 16, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 12 – Oct 16	$2099	–$300	$1799	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Nov 2, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Nov 6, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 2 – Nov 6	$2099	–$300	$1799	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Nov 23, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Nov 27, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 23 – Nov 27	$2199	–$300	$1899	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Dec 14, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Dec 18, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 14 – Dec 18	$2199	–$300	$1899	Select

Dates & Prices, tour only per person, double occupancy*
2020 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Starts: Fri, Feb 7, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Feb 11, 2020 Feb 7 – Feb 11	$1749	–	–	Closed
Starts: Fri, Feb 28, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Mar 3, 2020 Feb 28 – Mar 3	$1749	–	–	Closed
Starts: Mon, Mar 16, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Mar 20, 2020 Mar 16 – Mar 20	$1749	–	–	Closed
Starts: Fri, Apr 10, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Apr 14, 2020 Apr 10 – Apr 14	$1699	–	–	Closed
Starts: Fri, May 1, 2020 Finishes: Tue, May 5, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 1 – May 5	$1649	–$300	$1349	Select
Starts: Fri, May 22, 2020 Finishes: Tue, May 26, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 22 – May 26	$1649	–$300	$1349	Select
Starts: Mon, Jun 8, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Jun 12, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 8 – Jun 12	$1649	–$300	$1349	Select
Starts: Fri, Jul 3, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Jul 7, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 3 – Jul 7	$1649	–$300	$1349	Select
Starts: Fri, Aug 14, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Aug 18, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 14 – Aug 18	$1649	–$300	$1349	Select
Starts: Fri, Sep 4, 2020 Finishes: Tue, Sep 8, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 4 – Sep 8	$1649	–$300	$1349	Select
Starts: Mon, Oct 12, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Oct 16, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 12 – Oct 16	$1749	–$300	$1449	Select
Starts: Mon, Nov 2, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Nov 6, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 2 – Nov 6	$1749	–$300	$1449	Select
Starts: Mon, Nov 23, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Nov 27, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 23 – Nov 27	$1849	–$300	$1549	Select
Starts: Mon, Dec 14, 2020 Finishes: Fri, Dec 18, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 14 – Dec 18	$1849	–$300	$1549	Select

Unfortunately, we don't offer late returns on this package. However, if you select the Land Only option, you're welcome to make your own arrangements to arrive early or stay later. Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Authentic Havana
Rooming Selection¹
Double Occupancy	included
Single Room Supplement	+$199

1. There is limited inventory of more spacious rooms with a king size bed for an additional $80 per person sharing double occupancy. Please call us to request availability.

Optional Pre-Night Crowne Plaza Miami
Pre-Night Crowne Plaza Miami, with breakfast
Oct 12, 2020; Nov 2, 2020; Nov 23, 2020; Dec 14, 2020	+$100
Feb 7, 2020; Feb 28, 2020; Mar 16, 2020; Apr 10, 2020	+$115
All other dates	+$80
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Room Supplement
Oct 12, 2020; Nov 2, 2020; Nov 23, 2020; Dec 14, 2020	+$100
Feb 7, 2020; Feb 28, 2020; Mar 16, 2020; Apr 10, 2020	+$115
All other dates	+$80

Optional Post-Night Crowne Plaza Miami
Post-Night Crowne Plaza Miami, with breakfast
Oct 12, 2020; Nov 2, 2020; Nov 23, 2020; Dec 14, 2020	+$100
Feb 7, 2020; Feb 28, 2020; Mar 16, 2020; Apr 10, 2020	+$115
All other dates	+$80
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Room Supplement
Oct 12, 2020; Nov 2, 2020; Nov 23, 2020; Dec 14, 2020	+$100
Feb 7, 2020; Feb 28, 2020; Mar 16, 2020; Apr 10, 2020	+$115
All other dates	+$80

Taxes & Fees
Cuba Visa Fee	included
Airline Baggage Fee (per flight)¹ (paid separately)	+$30

1. Baggage fees must be paid at airport for each flight, in Cuba this must be paid in cash. This cost is subject to the airline and can change at any time.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
Miami (MIA)¹	included
New York City (NYC)	+$50

1. For flights from MIA, upgrades may be available to First Class starting from $250. For actual prices and availability from this or other cities, please make your request during the reservation process so that our air team can check the availability and provide you with the exact rate for your chosen travel date. Rates and space are subject to availability with the airline, an increased deposit may be required to confirm a seating upgrade.

This package offers round-trip flights from the cities listed above, subject to availability. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when you reserve, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Miami/Havana

Depart the USA on your flight for Havana
Welcome dinner at a local paladar

El Encanto de Perseverancia Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

¡Bienvenidos a La Habana! Upon arrival to Cuba's capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, you are welcomed by our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign outside the arrivals terminal at the Havana Airport. Board your air-conditioned vehicle and transfer to the casa.

Check into the casa and enjoy a welcome drink. You’ll meet your tour manager and have some time to rest a little or take a stroll to the nearby Malecon before dinner.

This evening enjoy your welcome dinner at a local paladar (privately-owned restaurant).

Day 2 Old Havana

Walk through Old Havana, including the used booksellers market, Hotel Ambos Mundos (Ernest Hemingway's first home in Havana), and at various private enterprises to engage with and support Cuba's growing private business sector
Meet with staff at Clandestina, Cuba’s first online clothing retailer and renowned design shop
Enjoy lunch at a local paladar
Visit an artist’s private studio
Step into Cuba’s world of dance with a private demonstration and lesson

El Encanto de Perseverancia Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, your expert guide will lead you on a leisurely walk through the labyrinthian streets of Old Havana. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of Cuba while walking along the cobblestone streets. Explore the used booksellers market, a cross-cultural treasure trove for readers of every genre. Meet local independent booksellers, and engage in friendly conversation with Cuban readers about popular Cuban and American literature. Stop at Hotel Ambos Mundos, Ernest Hemingway’s first home in Cuba, and learn about his strong connection to Cuba and its culture.

Among the private businesses you'll discover during your walk, Clandestina, is one shop that is making plenty of waves both in Cuba and abroad. Founded by Idania del Río and Leire Fernández, two creative, entrepreneurial women who believe in a sustainable, fair and ethical fashion industry. Clandestina is the country’s first online clothing retailer and has even appeared as a pop-up store in New York. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local paladar, or private restaurant.

Visit the private studio of one of Cuba's talented independent artists. During your visit, learn different techniques of printmaking, sculpture and other art forms from innovative Cuban artists and their teams.

Step into Cuba’s world of music and dance with a private dance class just for us. First, experience Cuba’s most traditional dances through a demonstration by your talented and personable teachers. Engage with them about the importance of music and dancing to life here in Cuba. Then, stand right up and participate with them to learn the basic steps for yourself.

Return to the casa and enjoy dinner on your own. We recommend dining at a paladar for a delicious Cuban dinner. Choose one from the list we provide, or ask your guide for any additional recommendations.

Day 3 Havana, Cojimar, Guanabacoa & Lawton

Travel to Cojimar, the local fishing village that was the setting for Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
Participate in a traditional Cuban cooking class experience, from gathering ingredients from a local "organopónico" (organic garden), to putting them to use in the kitchen (and bar) itself
Learn about Afro-Cuban culture with private enterprise Beyond Roots in Guanabacoa
Visit an inspiring community project, such as Muraleando
Stop at the independent Artisan’s Market

El Encanto de Perseverancia Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning drive to the quaint fishing village of Cojimar, which served as the setting for Ernest Hemingway’s masterpiece The Old Man and the Sea.

Learn the secrets of the Cuban kitchen by taking part in a traditional Cuban cooking class experience. Begin your experience by meeting the staff of the paladar Café Ajiaco, who will take you on your culinary journey today. First, stop at the paladar’s “organopónico” (organic garden) to see where their products and ingredients grow. Pick some for yourself and bring them back to the restaurant to help elaborate your dishes. Learn from the experienced chefs of Café Ajiaco as they take you through the process of making some of Cuba’s most delicious traditional food, and even learn to prepare an authentic Cuban mojito along the way.

Enjoy lunch courtesy of your morning cooking activity at the paladar Café Ajiaco.

Visit the municipality of Guanabacoa, a town known very well for its deeply-rooted traditions and connections to the Afro-Cuban culture. Get a first-hand look into a temple dedicated to Afro-Cuban religion, and learn about the religion and culture through an educational and dynamic conversation led by members of Beyond Roots, a private organization that celebrates and educates others about Afro-Cuban heritage and culture in Cuba.

This afternoon visit Muraleando, where art, music and community spirit have transformed a once-drab neighborhood into one of beauty and color. See garden sculptures, paintings, mosaics and all types of recycled materials that have been transformed into stunning and colorful artwork. It is remarkable to see how the project’s beautiful murals have literally resurrected the neighborhood's appearance and pride. The center also provides free workshops for the community including voice lessons, drumming, dance classes, ceramic art, painting, cinematography and much more. Muraleando helps to inspire and cultivate artistic skills in children from the entire neighborhood and has won awards in Cuba for being the most effective community project in the country.

Stop at Havana’s independent Artisans Market, where you will be able to engage with local private artisan stands, and find plenty of souvenirs, including handicrafts, posters and other collectibles.

Day 4 Havana

Stop by a local farmer’s market
Walk Havana’s grand San Rafael Boulevard and visit with private business owners to learn about how private enterprises work in Cuba
Have lunch at a local paladar
Visit the famous community mosaic project known as “Fusterlandia”
Experience the future of Cuban acrobatics with the children’s community project Angeles del Futuro
Take a ride in a classic American convertible to tour picturesque Havana in style
Enjoy your farewell dinner at a local paladar

El Encanto de Perseverancia Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Begin your day by experiencing one of Cuba’s typical farmer’s markets (“agromercados”). Catch a glimpse into daily life for Cuban people, shopping for fruits, vegetables, beans, and spices based on what is available to them that particular day.

Walk along Havana’s renovated San Rafael Boulevard, visiting with multiple private entrepreneurs along the way. The boulevard is host to some of Havana’s most innovative projects and one-of-a-kind shops. Behind every private business is a progressive individual or co-op excited to share with you a bit about their journey in the Cuban private sector and their passion and enthusiasm for what they do.

After lunch at a local paladar, take a walk in Jaimanitas, a neighborhood unlike any you have ever seen, where you'll discover a wonderland of mosaic art created by independent artist Jose Fuster. Known world-wide for his intricate works made of colorful tiles, Fuster has covered his house as well as his entire neighborhood in mosaic murals of cultural, historic, and whimsical designs. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter the often-barefoot artist on the glistening, multicolored patio of his house, hard at work on his latest project.

Experience the future of Cuban acrobatics with a meet-and-greet and show from the incredibly talented Angeles del Futuro. This community project trains children in the art of circus acrobatics in the municipality of Marianao, a short drive outside of the city center. The director, coaches, volunteers, and parents all work together as a team to provide the training, costumes, and equipment free of charge to the children and their families. It is truly a project that supports Cubans, their dreams, and the arts. Watch an example of the circus show and see for yourselves the talent of these kids – and after the show, get to know these young acrobats themselves.

Return to your casa to rest before dinner.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner at one of our favorite paladars. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes as you enjoy live, traditional Cuban music and salsa dancing, reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club.

Day 5 Havana/Miami

Transfer to the airport and board your flight back to Miami

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today, bid farewell to Cuba as you transfer to Havana's Jose Marti International Airport and check in for your flight back to Miami. ¡Adiós!

Note: Itinerary sequence and visits are subject to change based on local availability.

This itinerary provides a full time schedule of activities that will result in meaningful interactions between you and individuals in Cuba. U.S. law requires that all persons who participate in this program adhere to this full time schedule, and imposes on Friendly Planet the obligation to ensure such adherence.

Infrastructure in Cuba, including even the best hotels, may not always be up to U.S. standards. The hotels really do try to maintain quality accommodations, and in the properties we select for our tours, they generally do a good job. However, Cuba's resources and climate do sometimes impact a hotel's ability to keep up with maintenance and indoor air quality. For example, in Cuba's tropical climate, you might notice musty odors in some buildings, including hotels. We do our best to select the highest quality hotels, restaurants and paladars that Cuba has to offer, but we appreciate your flexibility and understanding when you encounter a minor imperfection. Cuba has a long way to go before its hotels, highways, public restrooms and other features reach U.S. levels, but all in all, you will not suffer any major difficulties in tolerating the small issues that may occur. If you have any medical or dietary concerns, however, please inform us when you make your reservation, so we can take whatever special precautions are required to assure your comfort and wellbeing.

Hotel & Ship

Hotel

El Encanto de Perseverancia

Tourist Class

El Encanto de Perseverancia is ideally located in the Centro Havana neighborhood adjacent to Old Havana and just north of Chinatown. This non-touristy neighborhood delivers an authentic, friendly Cuban experience while still being only minutes away from Havana's main attractions, including the Capitol Building, Cathedral Square, Gran Theater of Havana, Central Park and many museums, lively bars and private restaurants.El Encanto de Perseverancia is a traditional colonial-style house which has been converted into a charming bed and breakfast with high ceilings and marble accents. Originally built in the early twentieth century, the building was completely renovated in 2013 and again refurbished in 2016 adding modern conveniences while keeping its beautiful, classic architecture. Each of the 20 guestrooms are uniquely designed and comfortably appointed. All rooms feature an individually controlled air-conditioning unit and a newly refurbished en-suite bathroom with modern facilities. Breakfast is included for all guests and is served in the lounge or patio. Other common areas include the great hall and the rooftop terrace overlooking Havana's famous Malecón, a great place to relax with a mojito after a full day of sightseeing.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 12 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel protection? Yes! Protect your travel investment with a travel protection plan, available to U.S. residents (excluding overseas territories).
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Cuba? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.