Travel Notices

Authentic Havana & the Scenic Viñales Valley

Explore the magic and magnificent heritage of Cuba from the culture and communities of Havana to the spectacular vistas of the Viñales Valley

Overview

from$2599Tour + Flights from$2299Tour Only 7days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on Apr 22, 2025 departure from MIA
$400 Instant Savings. Expires Oct 10, 2024.*   All prices reflect savings.
Piggy bank
$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
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Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.
Traveling with friends or family? Claim a departure as a private trip for you and your crew (minimum 10 travelers). Call us to learn more.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Tour escorts & guides for some segments
Departures January – December 2025 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & Culture
Activity Level Moderate
What to Expect This fast-paced, escorted program includes a significant amount of walking or hiking, sometimes on uneven terrain, requiring a high level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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Our comprehensive western Cuba tour, Authentic Havana & the Scenic Viñales Valley, takes you right into the heart and soul of Cuba! Start your immersive experience in Havana, where you'll marvel at the city's unique blend of baroque and neoclassical architecture. Stay six nights in a casa particular and taste the flavors of Cuba as you enjoy included meals in privately-owned restaurants called paladares. Spend a day exploring the stunning views and breathtaking panoramas of the Viñales Valley as you learn about the multi-ethnic communities that have passed down traditional agricultural techniques for generations. Stop for sunset views of the verdant valley below for a moment you won't forget.

With included flights, fully guided and legal Support for the Cuban People touring, high-quality accommodations, and a fully inclusive itinerary - you don't want to miss this chance to take a step inside the daily life of the Cuban people.

information
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 taxes & fees
  • Health insurance in Cuba, included in the cost of your airfare
  • U.S. Treasury Department, OFAC License Certification
  • Cuban Tourist Visa
  • All land transportation & transfers in Cuba
  • 6 nights accommodations in Havana at a well-located 'casa particular' (Cuban bed and breakfast)
  • 13 meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Comprehensive support for the Cuban people program, including entrance fees
  • Professional, English-speaking guide

Optional add-ons

  • Pre-Night or Post-Night stay in Miami is available on request. Call us for availability.
  • Casa Suite Upgrade in Havana (Very Limited: Call us for availability)

Why you'll love it

  • Gain an authentic, friendly Cuban experience by staying at a casa particular, located in a Centro Havana neighborhood.
  • Acquaint yourself with Old Havana on a walking tour through the lively streets.
  • Converse with locals about popular Cuban and American literature at the used booksellers market.
  • Visit an “organopónico” (organic garden) to see where fresh produce is grown.
  • Meet rural Cuban families and see how they live and work in the Viñales Valley, a region renowned for the cultivation of tobacco, cassava and taro.
  • Experience the future of Cuban acrobatics with the children’s community project Angeles del Futuro.

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $400 off if you book by Oct. 10, 2024!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Tue, Sep 24, 2024
Finishes: Mon, Sep 30, 2024
Sep 24 – Sep 30
$2899 Departed
Departs U.S.: Tue, Oct 15, 2024
Finishes: Mon, Oct 21, 2024
Oct 15 – Oct 21
$2899 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Nov 12, 2024
Finishes: Mon, Nov 18, 2024
Nov 12 – Nov 18
$2899 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 10, 2024
Finishes: Mon, Dec 16, 2024
Dec 10 – Dec 16
$2959 Sold Out
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Tue, Jan 14, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Jan 20, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 14 – Jan 20
$3099 –$400 $2699 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Feb 25, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Mar 3, 2025
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Feb 25 – Mar 3
$3099 –$400 $2699 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Mar 25, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Mar 31, 2025
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Mar 25 – Mar 31
$3099 –$400 $2699 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Apr 22, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Apr 28, 2025
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Apr 22 – Apr 28
$2999 –$400 $2599 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, May 13, 2025
Finishes: Mon, May 19, 2025
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May 13 – May 19
$2999 –$400 $2599 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Jun 17, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Jun 23, 2025
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Jun 17 – Jun 23
$2999 –$400 $2599 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Jul 15, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Jul 21, 2025
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Jul 15 – Jul 21
$2999 –$400 $2599 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Sep 23, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Sep 29, 2025
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Sep 23 – Sep 29
$2999 –$400 $2599 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Oct 21, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Oct 27, 2025
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Oct 21 – Oct 27
$3099 –$400 $2699 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Nov 11, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Nov 17, 2025
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Nov 11 – Nov 17
$3099 –$400 $2699 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 9, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Dec 15, 2025
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Dec 9 – Dec 15
$3099 –$400 $2699 Select
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Tue, Sep 24, 2024
Finishes: Mon, Sep 30, 2024
Sep 24 – Sep 30
$2599 Departed
Starts: Tue, Oct 15, 2024
Finishes: Mon, Oct 21, 2024
Oct 15 – Oct 21
$2599 Sold Out
Starts: Tue, Nov 12, 2024
Finishes: Mon, Nov 18, 2024
Nov 12 – Nov 18
$2599 Sold Out
Starts: Tue, Dec 10, 2024
Finishes: Mon, Dec 16, 2024
Dec 10 – Dec 16
$2659 Sold Out
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Tue, Jan 14, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Jan 20, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 14 – Jan 20
$2799 –$400 $2399 Select
Starts: Tue, Feb 25, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Mar 3, 2025
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Feb 25 – Mar 3
$2799 –$400 $2399 Select
Starts: Tue, Mar 25, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Mar 31, 2025
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Mar 25 – Mar 31
$2799 –$400 $2399 Select
Starts: Tue, Apr 22, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Apr 28, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 22 – Apr 28
$2699 –$400 $2299 Select
Starts: Tue, May 13, 2025
Finishes: Mon, May 19, 2025
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May 13 – May 19
$2699 –$400 $2299 Select
Starts: Tue, Jun 17, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Jun 23, 2025
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Jun 17 – Jun 23
$2699 –$400 $2299 Select
Starts: Tue, Jul 15, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Jul 21, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jul 15 – Jul 21
$2699 –$400 $2299 Select
Starts: Tue, Sep 23, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Sep 29, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 23 – Sep 29
$2699 –$400 $2299 Select
Starts: Tue, Oct 21, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Oct 27, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 21 – Oct 27
$2799 –$400 $2399 Select
Starts: Tue, Nov 11, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Nov 17, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 11 – Nov 17
$2799 –$400 $2399 Select
Starts: Tue, Dec 9, 2025
Finishes: Mon, Dec 15, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 9 – Dec 15
$2799 –$400 $2399 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 & the Scenic Viñales Valley
Rooming Selection1
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
Sep 24, 2024;  Oct 15, 2024;  Nov 12, 2024;  Dec 10, 2024 $299
All other dates $319

1. There is limited inventory of more spacious rooms at our casa in Havana for an additional $120 per person, double occupancy. Please call us to request.

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

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

TRANSFERS FOR PASSENGERS BOOKING LAND ONLY
OPTIONAL AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Arrival Transfer: Havana airport to accommodation $25
Departure transfer: Havana accommodation to airport $25

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) included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. 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 (or after) you book, 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 to Havana, Cuba
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local paladar

El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary
El Capitolio, Old Havana

¡Bienvenidos a La Habana! Upon arrival to Cuba's capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, our representative welcomes you with 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 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 and 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 or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Plaza de la Catedral, Old Havana Photo by Jacqueline Romano

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 and explore the four beautiful plazas of the Old City – Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza de la Catedral - each a historic and architectural gem.

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. This shop was 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. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local paladar or private restaurant.

Then, visit the private studio of one of Cuba's talented independent artists.

Step into Cuba's world of music and dance with a private dance class. First, experience Cuba's most traditional dances through a demonstration by your talented and personable teachers. Learn how important music and dancing are to life in Cuba. Then, learn the basic steps and try Cuban dancing for yourself.

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

Day 3 Havana & Cojimar

  • 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 to putting them to use in the kitchen
  • Enjoy lunch at a local paladar
  • Get a first-hand look into Afro-Cuban religion at Callejon de Hamel

El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Live performance, Callejon de Hamel

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.

Then, learn the secrets of the Cuban kitchen and participate in a traditional Cuban cooking class. Begin your experience by meeting the staff of the paladar, Café Ajiaco, who will guide you on your culinary journey. 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 create your dishes. Enjoy lunch courtesy of your morning cooking activity.

After, visit Callejon de Hamel, the shortest street in Havana, decorated with fanciful objects referencing Santería, an Afro-Cuban religion fusing African beliefs and Christianity. Marvel at the murals by one of Cuba’s most famous artists, the late Salvador Gonzáles Escalona. A local guide will help you explore the area, introduce you to some of the artwork on display and explain Santería's beliefs, customs, and how it is part of Cuban culture.

Day 4 Havana & Viñales

  • Drive to the scenic Viñales Valley
  • Enjoy a private tour of tobacco farm in Pinar del Rio
  • Have lunch at a farmhouse
  • Visit the town of Viñales

Villa El Habano, Villa Maravilla or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Farmer harvesting tobacco, Viñales Valley

Today, depart Havana and head west to Pinar del Rio province. Make your way to the scenic Viñales Valley and admire the impressive landscape filled with mogotes and unique limestone hills (towering 80 feet tall and 600 feet wide) with steep vertical sides and caves at their base. These formations create the spectacular scenery of the Viñales Valley.

Take a guided tour of the tobacco farm, Finca Rubi, owned by well-known cigar maker, Hector Luis Prieto. This farm produces high-quality cigars using traditional methods and selecting only the best tobacco leaves. Learn about their specialization in growing and harvesting the highest quality tobacco in the world. After lunch, experience a cigar rolling demonstration and have the opportunity to taste Cuban rum and a Cuban cigar, perfectly paired with their authentic and natural flavors.

Continue to the town of Viñales and discover more about its history and culture from your guide. Later this afternoon, check in to your casa. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 5 Viñales & Havana

  • Meet rural Cuban families at a tobacco, cassava, and taro farm
  • Enjoy lunch at a local farmhouse in the valley

El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Tobacco drying house

Today, admire the impressive landscape of this area on a walking tour and see how tobacco, cassava, and taro are grown. Visit a farm and meet rural Cuban families to get an authentic glimpse into their daily work and life in the Cuban countryside. 

After lunch at a local farmhouse in the Valley, return to Havana, but not before stopping at a lookout point to view the majestic mojotes of the valley. 

Enjoy dinner tonight on your own. We recommend dining at a paladar for a delicious Cuban dinner. Please choose one from the list we provide or ask your guide for any additional recommendations. 

Day 6 Havana

  • Visit a children's community project in Havana
  • Stop by the workshop of artist Beatriz Santacana
  • Enjoy lunch at a local paladar
  • Explore modern Havana and stop at a famous Havana plaza and bar
  • Take a ride in a classic American convertible to tour picturesque Havana in style
  • Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local paladar

El Encanto de Perseverancia or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Riding in a vintage car, Havana

Visit a children's community project in Havana. Later, visit the private home and art gallery of the independent artist Beatriz Santacana. Ms. Santacana’s unique works in ceramics, oils, and sculpture are exhibited in Cuba and major cities worldwide.

After lunch, enjoy a panoramic tour of the urban area that lies west of Old Havana and shows the progression of the city over time, from a neighborhood along the city walls after its demolition, passing through the transitional Midtown (Centro Habana), to the extensive and more modern Vedado neighborhoods. 

Travel back in time by taking a tour in one of Havana’s classic American cars. You will get some picturesque views of Havana from your incredibly maintained automobile and arrive at dinner in style.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner at one of our favorite paladars. 

Day 7 Havana/Miami

  • Transfer to the airport and board your flight back to Miami

Breakfast

Hotels

El Encanto de Perseverancia
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. The casa is located next to a primary school, and close to some of Havana’s best paladars, and only a short drive away from Havana's main attractions, including the Capitol Building, Cathedral Square, Gran Theater of Havana, Malecon, Central Park and museums.

More information

Villa El Habano
Villa El Habano
Tourist Class

Villa El Habana in Vinales is situated in a quiet area surrounded by the nature of Cuba. The property is located just outside the center of town and the patio chairs offer a nice way to relax at the end of the day.  

More information

Villa Maravilla
Tourist Class

Villa Maravilla is located in the picturesque town of Viñales, close to the Botanical Garden and El Jardin de Caridad. 

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

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* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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