Cuba is a country of remarkable diversity, boasting a rich tapestry of topography, architecture, art, and people. The political landscape of Cuba is constantly evolving, especially since December 2014, when President Obama announced a new era of diplomacy between Cuba and the U.S. Full diplomatic relations were established in 2015, ushering in a new era of hope and progress for both nations.
However, the progress made in recent years has been overshadowed by the Trump Administration’s reversal of much of the progress and the imposition of additional sanctions that have had a significant impact on the Cuban people. Despite these challenges, Cuba is undergoing a gradual transformation from within. Private businesses are now being allowed to operate, which is a departure from the long-held socialist policies of the past. From restaurants to private home stays known as Casas Particulares, to art galleries and more, visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the many new benefits that this emerging market offers.
The constantly evolving policies of the Cuban government, combined with the ever-changing political climate, make this an exciting time to visit Cuba. It is uncertain what the future holds for the country’s tourism industry, and how the policies of the current U.S. administration may impact travelers from the U.S. and elsewhere. For this reason, now is the perfect time to enjoy Cuba and its many delights.
Jerry Sorkin
Founder and President
Iconic Journeys Worldwide
A Cuban couple enjoying cigar
Day 1, Saturday – Arrival in Havana
Upon your arrival in Havana, you will be met at the airport by your English-speaking Cuban guide. You will have an afternoon orientation including a visit to Revolution Square, where Castro made hundreds of speeches, many of which lasted for hours. Then transfer to your hotel in the Vedado district and this evening, join your fellow travelers for your “Welcome Dinner”. Dinner and overnight in Havana. (D)
Revolution Square in Havana.
Day 2, Sunday – Havana
This morning drive into Old Havana, the historic heart of Havana. Touring will include the old squares of Havana: Plaza de la Catedral (Cathedral Square), Plaza de Armas (Arms Square) and San Francisco de Asis Square.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will ride in a classic American car to see more of Havana. Overnight in Havana. (B, L)
Plaza de la Catedral
Day 3, Monday – More of the Havana area
This morning we explore other areas of Havana. Your tour takes you to the Cristobal Colon Cemetery, one of the most important cemeteries in the world. Built during the mid-19th century, some of the mausoleums and graves are extremely elaborate and in general, an opportunity to learn about some of Cuba’s history, including the level of wealth that was once in Cuba. The cemetery is expansively extending for blocks and blocks within Havana.
Following your visit to the Colon Cemetery, you drive to a neighborhood called Murealando and learn about their urban community project, as well as have the opportunity to hear some music by the locals and meet with local artists.
Following Murealando, depart for a drive out of central Havana to the local farm, “La Yoandra.” La Yoandra is an organic farm that also serves some of the elderly in the community. During our tour of the farm, you will hear about the over 100 indigenous fauna that are cultivated for food production as well as for ecological preservation. The farm is part of a network of sustainable community-operated farms. The crops are also used to sustain the co-owned privately-owned restaurant Il Divino.
You will be able to enjoy lunch at the privately operated Il Divino, where most of the food at their restaurant is from their own farm.
Visiting the organic farm at La Yoandra
After lunch, en route back to your hotel in the Vedado neighborhood, you visit another neighborhood that has been transformed by art, this one called Fusterlandia. Inspired by internationally recognized Cuban artist Jose Fuster, who is from the neighborhood, Fuster has encouraged people in the community, starting with the youngest members, to learn about art and integrate art in their lives and their surroundings.
Return to your hotel. The evening is independent, with dining suggestions provided. Overnight in Havana. (B, L)
Day 4, Tuesday – Santa Clara/Cienfuegos
After breakfast, check out of your Havana hotel and depart for another day of rural Cuba settings. We stop mid-day in Santa Clara. Santa Clara is very famous, having been the location of the last battle of the Revolution between Che’s troops and those of Battista. There is a monument in Santa Clara in memory of Che.
Che monument in Santa Clara.
From Santa Clara, we continue on to the coastal city of Cienfuegos. You will have a walking tour of the heart of the city prior to arriving at your Cienfuegos hotel.
Overnight in Cienfuegos. (B, L, D)
The coastal town of Cienfuegos.
Day 5, Wednesday – Cienfuegos & Trinidad
A short ride out of Cienfuegos, one comes to the Botanical Gardens of Cienfuegos. The setting is natural, rural and filled with specimens of many types of plantings, flowers, and trees. Throughout the years of the US embargo, Harvard University has maintained an important role as one of the sponsors of the studies and the development of the Botanical Gardens. We will have an escorted tour as we walk through portions of the beautiful setting.
Learning about the wealth of species at Cienfuego’s botanical gardens
Following your visit to the Botanical Gardens, you drive to Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a meticulously well-preserved Spanish colonial city, with its rich architecture, cobblestone streets, palaces, and plazas, it is sometimes referred to as the “museum city” of Cuba. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Trinidad. (B, L, D)
Day 6, Thursday Trinidad
This morning you have a walking tour of Trinidad. Walking through this rather compact time, visit galleries and shops, do photography and then drive to your resort hotel. Return to your resort hotel at a time of your choosing. Overnight in Trinidad. (B, L, D)
Views of Colonial Trinidad.
Day 7, Friday – Trinidad & Havana
Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Continue to Havana where you will have the opportunity to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, the largest collection of Cuban art, some of which dates back to the 15th century. Visit the National Art Gallery. Your “farewell dinner” will be a festive location in Havana. (B, L, D)
Day 8, Saturday Havana
A transfer to the airport will be arranged commensurate with your departure flight. (B)
Deluxe Hotels in Cuba
In recent years, Cuba has seen an increase in the development of deluxe hotels catering to travelers seeking upscale amenities and services. These deluxe hotels often feature:
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Luxurious Accommodations: Spacious rooms and suites elegantly decorated with a blend of modern and traditional Cuban design elements.
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Gourmet Dining: On-site restaurants offering a variety of international and Cuban cuisine, often prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
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World-Class Amenities: Amenities such as swimming pools, spa facilities, fitness centers, and concierge services to enhance the guest experience.
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Prime Locations: Many deluxe hotels are located in prime locations, offering stunning views of the ocean, easy access to historic sites, or proximity to popular attractions.
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Cultural Experiences: Some deluxe hotels offer unique cultural experiences such as live music performances, dance lessons, or cigar tastings, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Cuban culture.
NOTE:
Hotel star ratings are based on Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism criteria. We suggest that you deduct one to two stars to be commensurate with international ratings.
Dates
Many departures
Saurday Departures, all year around 2024
Cost
$3,795 per person. NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!
Cost Includes
- 7-night accommodations in Cuba deluxe hotels
- Breakfast, lunches, and dinners (as specified in the itinerary by B, L, and D)
- Full time, professional, bilingual guide
- All local ground transportation
- Admission to all museums and public buildings listed in the itinerary
Cost Excludes
- Airfare to/from Havana
- Airline baggage fees
- Meals other than listed on the itinerary
- Individual house/hotel expenses (mini bar, room service, laundry fees, etc.)
- Cuban visas
- Recommended tips for guides and drivers range from $12 to $20 per person per day depending on group size.
Registration
Cuban Fantasy Tour _ Departures Every Saturday All Year 2024!!
