Cuba's charm & its people; November 8-14, 2025 (7 days/6 nights)

Upon arrival at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport (HAV), you will be met by a representative of Better Adventures in the arrivals hall and transferred to the hotel. Check-in to the hotel and enjoy some free time to settle in and freshen up.

This evening, gather for a welcome reception at the hotel and dinner with the group at a local privately owned restaurant, known as a “paladar”.

Excursion: Walking Tour Old Havana

Start the day with an interactive walking tour around the historic center of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We learn about the history of Havana as we visit the four colonial plazas San Francisco Square, Old Square, Arms Square and Cathedral Square. 

Excursion: Taller de la Grafica 

Following the walking tour, we visit a printmaking shop for an interactive activity with master artists. 

Lunch at a local private restaurant.

Excursion: Classic Cars & Hotel Nacional

After lunch, meet private owners of pre-1959 American cars. Learn about their daily challenges

to keep these relics running as you cruise the streets of Havana on a scenic ride in these classic cars. 

Be dropped off at hotel Nacional. After a brief tour of this infamous hotel, enjoy a refreshing mojito cocktail in the Hall of Fame, while you imagine the times of gangsters staying and gambling in this hotel.

Return to hotel for a little down time. Dinner is at leisure. The Tour Manager will offer restaurant recommendations.

Excursion: Las Terrazas

Depart for Las Terrazas a self-sustainable community and UNESCO site located in Sierra del Rosario, one of the three most important mountain ranges of the island. In 1968, a plan was put into action to reforest around 50 square km and to gather the families isolated in the mountain ranges into several communities. The system used was that of flat terraces in order to avoid soil erosion due to the intense raining season, creating the first ecological, social and sustainable development project. Exchange with the villagers and learn about their lifestyle in the Cuban countryside. 

Excursion: Lester Campa & Polo Montanez House Museum

Visit the home and studio of local artist Lester Campa and late musician Polo Montanez. 

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Excursion: Cuban Little League Baseball Practice

On the way back to Havana, experience the popularity of a Cuba's favorite pastime with this visit of a little league baseball practice. The kids and you will love this special experience.

Return to hotel for a bit of down time. 

Join the group for dinner at a local restaurant.

Excursion: Cigar Factory

We start the day with a visit to a cigar factory. Here, we learn about the history of tobacco and the skillful tradition of cigar rolling in Cuba and interact with some of the rollers 

Excursion: Hemingway’s Museum at Finca Vigia

Continue to Hemingway’s Museum at Finca Vigia. Visit the museum which is supported by several non-governmental and independent organizations. Interact with local caretakers of Hemingway’s former home and learn about the life and work of the writer when he lived in Cuba.

We head to Cojimar, Hemingway’s fishing town for lunch. Meet and greet with seniors who met Ernest Hemingway.

Workshop: Cuban Cocktails

On the way back to Havana, stop at Morro Fortress for a group photo and a cocktail workshop & tasting.

Return to the hotel for some free time.

Presentation: Cuba’s History & Economy

The captivating Camilo García Lopez-Trigo will meet us at our hotel and provide profound insights into Cuba's historical and current economy, the dynamics of US/Cuba relations, and the enduring impact of the longstanding US embargo on the island nation.

Dinner is at leisure.

Excursion: Art Project

This morning, we visit an art project created by the Riera Studio. Art Brut has the purpose of promoting and supporting singular art expressions for challenged youth. Many of the artists have severe mental illness or difficult health conditions. 

Excursion: Jose Fuster’s Home & Studio

Continue with a visit to the home/studio of world-famous ceramist Jose Fuster, to see this unique mosaic masterpiece and learn about the artist’s project to beautify his home town. His whimsical work is reminiscent of Antonio Gaudi’s style.

We stop for lunch at the sustainable farm. 

Excursion: Habana Compas Dance

On the way back to Havana, we visit the headquarters of Habana Compas Dance troupe. Great place to bring donations and interact with the dancers and instructors after the performance!

After a bit of free time at the hotel, we meet for dinner at a local restaurant.

Optional Excursion: Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC)

Following dinner, take the opportunity to visit a former cooking oil factory that now comes alive nightly as one of the best avante-garde art galleries and music scene in the country. 

Excursion: Beyond Roots

Experience the rich Afro Cuban history and culture with a visit of the Beyond Roots project and learn about the unique Yoruba religion.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Excursion: San Jose Handicraft Market

Enjoy a stop at a sprawling indoor craft market. This converted 19th-century storage house by the harbor now houses a diverse range of local artisans. A perfect opportunity to shop for souvenirs and to support these artisans.

Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Meet the group one final time for a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and be transferred to the Havana International Airport for your travels home.