Cuba 2024

Fly to Havana. Hola, and welcome to Havana! Arrive at the airport and transfer to your AirBnB. Enjoy fine food and conversation with fellow travelers during our Welcome Dinner.

This Havana tour won’t just show you the best of Old Havana, it’ll show you the best of Old Havana from a local perspective. You will take a guided tour through the labyrinth of streets of one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere, where you’ll discover the enchanting secrets of this living museum where residents live amongst the unique charm and haunting decay of buildings dating as far back as the 16th century. After your city tour, enjoy a refreshing drink at one of Old Havana’s most famous watering holes and then savor a delicious and authentic local lunch at a great hidden spot. Afterwards, take a cruise around Vedado and Miramar in a classic convertible car tour stopping at Revolution Square to hear stories of Che, Cienfuegos and the start of the revolution. Once you are finished, you have free time or speak with locals about their experience in Cuba.

During the Vinales tour, visit a cigar plantation to discover the traditional process of rolling leaves to create the worldwide famous Cuban cigars. Tour an organic market in the Vinales Valley. Enjoy a delicious lunch with the most fantastic view of Vinales Valley. Continue this excursion along an underground river into an ancient cavern formed by stalactites and stalagmites, known as “Cueva del Indio”. Before boarding a boat that will take you to the lush Cuban jungle.

You’ll start off in the spectacular Callejon de Hammel – a small, decorated alley in central Havana, created by local resident Salvador Gonzales Escalona. Your day begins with an Afro-Cuban Religious tour. On this unique Havana tour, you’ll understand the various syncretic Afro-Cuban religions practiced widely in Cuba, as explained by an English-speaking expert in the field. The local guide will walk you through parts of central Havana and into the homes of some devotees of the Yuraba religion. Free time/lunch is next.

Afterward, Cigar and Rum tasting at Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Our cigar expert will join you for a pre-paid rum and cigar tasting. The tour will be 1.5 to 2 hours and he or she will pair your cigar with a good rum and explain how cigars are made and smoked. Includes one aged rum, and one cigar.

Enjoy dinner on your own or come back with the guide where you will have a chance to speak with local Cubans about the history and present state of Cuba.

Experience an exhilarating salsa dancing class in the heart of Cuba, where the rhythm of salsa is a way of life. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Havana's colorful streets and colonial architecture, this class offers a deep dive into the world of salsa. Learn the intricate steps and movements from Cuban salsa masters, feeling the music and culture pulsate through every beat. The class is designed for dancers of all levels, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the local dance community. Enjoy live salsa music, perfect your technique, and immerse yourself in the rich, festive atmosphere of Cuba. This isn't just a dance class; it's a cultural journey that captures the essence of Cuban spirit and passion.

Cooking lesson
A one-hour cooking lesson with a Cuban chef (who speaks basic English). A chance to see how to cook with traditional Cuban ingredients and then afterward enjoy the food you have helped prepare.

Say "Adios" to Cuba as you board your flight back home.

TRAVEL DOCUMENT AND IMMUNIZATIONS

Thank you sincerely for securing your reservation for this extraordinary expedition!

Your forthcoming exploration of CUBA is anticipated to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

To ensure seamless preparations for this adventure, we wish to provide some friendly reminders on the following:

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past the return date of the trip.

Immunizations

While there are no specific immunizations deemed mandatory for travel to Cuba, it is crucial to be aware of the risk of dengue in various regions of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Several countries have observed a surge in reported cases of this disease. Travelers to the Americas are advised to take precautionary measures to prevent mosquito bites as a means of self-protection.

Visa

For U.S. citizens planning to visit Cuba, it's essential to obtain a visa before your trip.

To simplify the process and minimize potential delays, we recommend purchasing your tourist card online in advance. You may do it through the Cuba Travel Services website.

Tourist/Visa Card - Cuba Visa Services

When applying for your visa, please make sure to select "Educational Activities" as your OFAC Category. The cost of the tourist card is $85, with additional charges for shipping and handling if applicable.

Alternatively, you have the option to purchase the tourist card in person on the day of your departure at the "Cuba Ready" kiosk located conveniently near the check-in and gate areas in Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale airports. The in-person purchase at the airport is priced at $100 for the tourist card.

It's important to note that the visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. To avoid any expiration issues, we recommend applying for your visa early March 2023, closer to your travel date. This will ensure that your visa remains valid throughout your trip.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

• We encourage all travelers to purchase a travel protection plan at the time of initial trip deposit. 
• You also have the option to purchase travel protection on your own through your preferred supplier or Abiri Tours.

FEEL THE RHYTHMS OF CUBA WITH SALSA AND RUMBA LESSONS

No visit to Havana is complete without taking to the floor in a Salsa Club. Our teacher guarantees to have you up and dancing in no time!  Professional dancers will teach you the delicious and beautiful art of Rumba, and will explain its history and characteristics, accompanied by live drummers. Rumba, a word that also meant "party", is a music style developed by Afro-Cuban workers in the poor neighborhoods of Havana and Matanzas.

ENJOY A CUBAN COOKING LESSON

Want to know the flavors and spices that make Cuban cuisine oh-so delicious? Let our chef demonstrate to you the art of Cuban cooking. You will be rewarded by enjoying the fruits of your labor.