Cuba Peace Tour – 4 days
If you only have a few days in Cuba but want to go beyond the usual tourist experience, this is the tour for you! It encompasses a little bit of all that makes Havana one of the most unique cosmopolitan cities in the world. In a short time, we cover several aspects of the culture and history of Cuba, from its mafia past, to its present blossoming private sector. You’ll learn about the societal impact of the revolution and the social challenges that Cuba currently faces. On this tour you won’t find museum visits, we want you to immerse yourself in Havana with discussion, exchange, and hands-on experiences sure to create lasting memories.
Day 1 – Havana: Start time 10am
We start our group tour in Havana at 10am today with an orientation meeting followed by a tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 2-hour walking tour encompasses the four principal plazas of Old Havana, you’ll also learn about the ration system with a visit to a local bodega. Following the tour, we’ll have lunch at a paladar (privately owned restaurant) and learn how to make traditional Cuban cocktails. Once fed and watered, we will explore the hip art district of San Isidro, including stops in a well-known boxing studio and a visit to a local gallery, a cultural project with the aim of providing a space to bring together art & the community through performances, workshops and exhibitions.
Tonigh we will have dinner at one of Havana’s classic paladars.
Included Activities: Walking tour of Old Havana, Cocktail lesson, Galleria visit
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Photo by:Maurizio-De-Mattei
Day 3 – Havana
How do you take an impoverished neighborhood known as the ‘Ugliest Street in Havana’ and turn it into a successful community project that catches the notice of President Obama? Today we’ll learn about how individuals used their talents to fuel positive change in their neighborhoods on a special tour with Havana Adventures. Don’t forget your camera, you’ll visit two of the most artistically remarkable neighborhoods in Havana.
After lunch we cover the topic of ‘cuentapropistas’, entrepreneurship in Cuba. Beginning in 2011 the Cuban Government began opening the private sector and legalizing private businesses not seen since the 1959 revolution. Private businesses face a unique set of challenges to succeed in Cuba, from government bureaucracy to advertising bans to scarce resources. In order to survive and thrive they have to show remarkable creativity and tenacity. We will illustrate this topic with a visit to one of Havana’s successful new businesses to hear their story and perhaps get a special demonstration of their manufacturing process.
In the evening we will have the opportunity to experience a “maridaje” ceremony – the pairing of Cuban rum and Cuban cigars.
Included Activities: Murals and Mosaics local art communities tour with lunch and cocktail, Meet & Greet at a Local business – part of the ‘new Cuba’ movement, Maridaje ceremony (cigar & rum pairing)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Havana
Today we cross the bay to Casablanca and Regla to see the Havana skyline and visit with community project ReglaSoul for a discussion on gender and race issues in Cuba. Founded by a local hip hop artist and an expat photographer/filmmaker, the goal of ReglaSoul is to promote wellness in the Afro-Cuban neighborhood through free concerts and workshops. For lunch we’ll be treated to a homemade Afro-Vegan meal. Note: This activity is seasonal, alternative is visit to a family-owned fashion brand tackling issues of self-esteem and empowerment in their community, followed by a Afro-Cuban meal in the home of the late founder of Callejon de Hamel.
Later we board classic convertible cars (weather permitting) for a panoramic tour of Havana’s less touristy neighborhoods. Then we’ll learn about the fascinating history of the American Mafia and the role it played in pre-revolutionary Cuba. We end the tour at the notorious Mafia headquarters and the lodging of choice for America’s royalty.
Tonight’s dinner is at a ‘small plates’ restaurant, with a post dinner visit to the famous Fabrica de Arte Cubano. Named one of Time Magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Places, you’ll see why as we tour the oil factory turn arts complex. Featuring five salons showcasing various types of art, from textiles, to architecture, music, dance, and eye-catching installations, plus bars and pop-up shops; you’ll marvel at the innovation and talent of New Cuba.
Included Activities: Meeting and discussion with local community members, Afro-Cuban meal, Mafia History tour, Panoramic city tour in Classic Car, Fabrica de Arte Cubano
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Photo by: Julian Peters
Day 4 – Depart Havana
Today you can depart at any time. There are no included activities, however, your tour leader will be around at least until midday in case you have a few extra days planned in Havana and need some pointers or recommendations. An airport departure transfer is not included in the tour package. You can hire your own taxi or otherwise ask your tour leader for assistance.
Included Meals: Breakfast
If you have an extra day, you could take the 5 day Havana weekend that includes a full day in Viñales.
