One Week Havana

Day 1 — Havana

Clients will be greeted on arrival at Havana’s José Martí Airport and transferred a short distance to their city accommodation.

As most flights land from late afternoon onward, the rest of the day is free for guests to unwind, explore a little, and perhaps toast their arrival with the first of many rum-based cocktails.

Day 2 — Havana (Walking tour & Classic car ride)

Famed around the globe and topping countless travel bucket lists, Havana is one of the world’s most beguiling capital cities—an essential destination for any curious traveller.

Where to begin? Perhaps with its striking coastal setting and the sweeping Malecón, or the atmospheric colonial streets of Old Havana. Then there are the lingering echoes of the Soviet era, the classic American cars rumbling past every corner, children playing baseball in the streets, and music spilling from the doorways of timeworn homes.

Havana certainly offers its share of museums—most notably the evocative Museum of the Revolution—but, much like Venice, it’s a city best discovered on foot, rewarding those who wander.

At 09:00, you’ll meet your guide for an approximately three-hour walking tour of Old Havana. Moving from one charming plaza to the next, your guide will bring the city’s vibrant past to life, highlighting notable landmarks and answering any questions along the way.

Following the tour and a break for lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll rest your legs and continue your exploration of New Havana from the comfort of one of Cuba’s iconic vintage American cars. Along the route, you’ll circle Revolution Square—Che Guevara watching over you—pass the University of Havana, visit the hauntingly beautiful Cristóbal Colón Necropolis, admire the stately mansions of Miramar, and finally cruise back along the Malecón to your accommodation.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure or simply relax and soak up the city’s atmosphere.

Day 3 — Havana (La Cabana, El Cristo & Casablanca)

After breakfast, your guide will meet you once again at your Old Havana accommodation. Together you’ll take a short taxi ride through the Havana tunnel to La Cabaña.

Often cited as one of the largest forts in the Americas, La Cabaña is an imposing 18th-century stronghold that watches over Havana from the eastern side of the bay. After briefly losing the city to the British, the Spanish set out to prevent any repeat—beginning construction of the fortress in 1763 and completing it just a decade later.

In more recent history, La Cabaña served both as a prison and, for a time, as Che Guevara’s headquarters. Today, it is thankfully a museum and part of a larger historical complex that also includes nearby Morro Castle.

From La Cabaña, it’s a short walk to another of Havana’s iconic landmarks—and one of its finest viewpoints—the Cristo de La Habana. Designed by Cuban sculptor Jilma Madera, the statue was inaugurated on Christmas Eve 1958, only weeks before the Cuban Revolution ended and religion was subsequently restricted for years.

From this panoramic vantage point, you’ll stroll downhill into the quiet, picturesque neighbourhood of Casablanca, departure point for the famous Hershey electric train (when it happens to be running).

Here, you’ll board a local ferry for a scenic ride back across the harbour to Old Havana in time for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 4 — Havana (Hemingway Tour)

It’s almost impossible to visit Cuba—especially Havana—without invoking one of the 20th century’s most iconic writers: Ernest Hemingway.

This morning, you’ll leave Havana for Cojímar, the nearby fishing village that inspired The Old Man and the Sea.

Upon arrival, you’ll dive into a Cuban Cuisine & Mixology class at Ajiaco Restaurant, meeting local suppliers and learning the secrets of true Cuban cooking—mojitos included.

After lunch in Cojímar, your Hemingway-themed day continues with a visit to Finca Vigía, the author’s longtime home on the outskirts of Havana, preserved much as he left it.

Returning to Havana in the late afternoon, you will pay a brief visit to the Ambos Mundos hotel, where Hemingway stayed for a time, and where his room has again been preserved much as he left it.

Finally, and as the man himself would have done, you will end your day with a visit to one of the two bars he made famous, the Floridita (home of the Daiquiri) or the Bodeguita del Medio (home of the mojito) for a spot of rehydration.

Day 5 — Havana (Fine Arts Museum & Galleries)

After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and walk to Havana’s Fine Arts Museum. Here, you will meet up with one of the museum’s Art Historians for a guided tour of the largest collection of art in the country and a great way to understand the county’s history, development and outside influences.

After lunch in a local paladar, you will proceed to visit a selection of private art galleries / studios belonging to renowned Cuban artists. The artists in question are more than happy to discuss their work, the artistic process and their own influences.

You will then be dropped back at your accommodation with the remains of the day at leisure.

Day 6 — Havana (Free Day - Optional Vinales Tour)

Nothing is included today so you are free to explore on your own and / or relax at your accommodation.

Alternatively, we can also arrange a whole day private day tour to the beautiful Vinales Valley, famous for its limestone mogotes, traditional farms and world-famous tobacco.

Day 7 — Havana (Free Day - Optional Visit To Beach)

Today is another free day for you to explore the city’s main nooks and crannies at your leisure.

Alternatively, Cuba is also famous for its many beautiful beaches, including the Playas del Este which are just a short, 30-minute drive east of the city. We can arrange return transport allowing you to spend however long you wish relaxing at the beach and, especially at the weekend, engaging in a spot of people watching.

In the evening, your last night in Havana, we can also pre-book tickets and transport for a couple of the city’s iconic shows, the spectacular Tropicana Cabaret or the slightly grittier Legendarios del Guajirito for a night of music and entertainment.

Day 8 — Havana & Home

Today is at leisure until, depending on your flight time, you will be collected from your accommodation for the 30-minute transfer back to Havana airport in good time for your return flight home.