Day 1: Our Cuba Food Tour Begins When you Land in Havana

Welcome to Cuba! After you pass through immigration and customs, you will step outside into Havana’s tropical breeze, where a driver will be waiting for you. Climb into a vintage 1957 Chevy, your ride for the week and one of the highlights of our Cuban food tour, and head to your upscale guesthouse where you will check in and relax until dinner. Tonight’s welcome dinner is at one of our favorite restaurants in Havana. Consistently ranked as one of the top paladares (privately owned restaurants) in Havana, this restaurant offers Cuban and other favorites for an excellent introduction to the culinary gems of Havana.

Accommodation: Casa Particular

Casa Particular In Cuba: We have scoured Havana to find the nicest casas particulares, or privately owned guest houses for our tours. While many casas rent simple rooms within the family home, the lodgings we use on this tour more closely resemble deluxe vacation rentals or even small boutique hotels. Some of the luxury Havana casas particulares we reserve are old colonial homes and others are mid-century villas with swimming pools. There are only a handful of rooms in each casa particular in Cuba, so the accommodations will vary based on trip dates and group size, but will always be the finest available.

All of the bedrooms in have en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and are very clean and comfortable.

In the last 18 years, there has been a surge in the popularity of the casa particular in Cuba. We use these for our tours, rather than hotels, because they are an ideal way to be immersed in the culture and engage meaningfully with the local community. Due to the generosity and hospitality inherent in Cuban culture, the casas often have higher service levels than hotels. Also, the government controls Cuba hotel inventory, and hotel rooms of international standard are extremely limited. We feel that we can better manage the quality of your accommodations and the authenticity of your cultural experience by seeking the most upscale casa particular options in Cuba.

As with all travel in Cuba, your flexibility is appreciated. Despite our best planning, things might not work as expected in your Cuban casa particular, as it might not in a Cuban hotel. Power outages can occur, water pressure might not always be ideal, hot water might not be available sometimes, and if something breaks, your landlord simply may not be able to replace it in a timely manner due to shortages of most household items. We believe that these minor inconveniences are not just a small price to pay for an immersive experience into Cuban culture, but also an opportunity to get an authentic sense of what life is really like in Cuba.

Day 2: Art, Cocktails, and Dancing with Local Experts

This morning it’s time to get to know Havana and the Cuban people. Starting with a walking tour of Havana Vieja (Old Havana), we will explore the two of the four main squares: Plaza de la Catedral, dominated by the stunning 18th century Catedral de San Cristóbal & Plaza San Francisco de Asis, near Havana’s harbor. We will then head to a delicious lunch, including a fun mojito cocktail class at the paladar’s stunning bar! Bring your mojito along as we are invited into the kitchen for a cooking demonstration to learn the executive chef’s secrets to preparing traditional Cuban fare (think paella or ropa vieja) with a modern twist.

After lunch, we will wander through the street art gallery of muralist and painter Salvador Gonzales. Heavily influenced by the traditions of Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religion, Salvador’s street art uses everything from bathtubs to car parts. We will peruse Salvador’s gallery and meet with the artist or curator who are happy to answer any questions about Santeria or the artist’s interesting work.

Next up is a salsa class at the home of Johan, one of our fabulous dance instructors. Whether or not you choose to dance, visiting his home will be an eye-opening experience. Climbing two stories on a rickety spiral staircase (the main staircase is continuously under repair), you will get a sense of how Cubans make do with the status quo, while maintaining their passion and optimism. Once upstairs, the dance troupe’s infectious smiles and joie de vivre will have you dancing in no time!

This evening, those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music can attend an optional jazz performance at the Jazz Café in Vedado or a cabaret show at a local hotel. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.

Accommodation: Casa Particular

Day 3: Explore Havana’s Markets & Happy Hour Tapas in a Local’s Home

Learning how food is purchased in Cuba is an important part of our Cuban food tour as it gives you an understanding of how communism and an embargo impact the lives of everyday Cubans. Our first top this morning is a trip to a mercado agropecuario (produce market) where you’ll see what fruits and vegetables are available to local Cubans and chat with the friendly vendors. Then we’ll head next door to a ration store where you will observe how basic staples are procured in very specific quantities. Our last market stop is a supermarket, where you will get a stark sense of what is, and is not, available to ordinary Cubans.

Next we will explore the Museum of the City and Plaza de Armas. We will then enjoy lunch at the famous La Guarida. This paladar is renowned for its innovative cuisine and of course, its part in the movie “Fresa y Chocolate”.

After lunch, we will head to Plaza Vieja, which dates back to 1559 and whose buildings have been lovingly restored to their former glory. Here we will stroll through the plaza- visit art galleries, a coffee roastery, and even take a short break at a chocolate cafe, where you might like to sip a cup of hot or cold chocolate and taste their delectable chocolate treats. And, if you still have room, perhaps try some refreshing coconut ice cream from an ice cream street cart.

Our last stop of the day is a real treat and definitely highlight of our Cuba food travel, as our guide and his wife invite you to their home in Centro Havana for happy hour tapas. Your charming host will show you how to make the perfect daiquiri. Then enjoy home-cooked tapas for dinner, along with great conversation and more than a few laughs with our hosts.

Later in the evening, those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music might enjoy the Buena Vista Social Club show (touristy, but fun) at a local hotel. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.

Accommodation: Casa Particular