Our 7-day Cuba itinerary kicks off in Havana (oh-na-na), the vibrant capital famously celebrated by Cuban-American pop star Camila Cabello. We're here to ensure you start your adventure in style!

To begin your journey, we recommend a pre-arranged airport pick-up to take you directly to your casa, which can be organized through your accommodation or through us at Heart of Travel. Settle into a charming Casa Particular in Old Havana, ideally in the Loma del Angel area. We suggest Casa Cuarteles or Casa Vitrales for their welcoming atmosphere and prime location.

After settling in, immerse yourself in the local culture by joining a salsa class at La Casona del Son, where you'll learn some moves that will serve you well throughout your trip. Then, hop on a bici taxi for a fun ride to dinner at Yarini, a local favorite known for its delicious cuisine.

La Habana Vieja, the city’s eastern part, is characterized by a mix of Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles, which plays a large part in Havana Vieja becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there are many guided tours in this part of the city as well, our favorite way to explore this part of the city is to go on your own time and allow yourself to get lost. Havana Vieja is an excellent place to wander, since you’ll never know what you’ll discover around every corner!

That said, spending some time with a seasoned guide to give you additional insight into the city’s past and present and point out hidden gems and important tips is well worth it! Personally, one of our favorite ways to see the city is the combination walking and Bici-Taxi tour. This tour provides you with a good lay of the land for independent exploration, as well as a general overview of the island’s history and current political and economic climate. We will also point out some of our favorite hidden gems such as shops, bars, cafés, art galleries, restaurants, and small businesses worth checking out and supporting. 

Make sure to fuel up at lunch after this invigorating tour. For a special experience that is unavailable to any casual visitor to Cuba, our group trip offers the chance to learn about a central Cuban custom: Dómino. It is played everywhere, from the streets and parks to cafes and homes, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. As you play, you'll hear stories about the game's history and how it has become a beloved and integral part of Cuban society. We will visit our friend's house for a very traditional and immersive experience with some of our local friends as they share this uniquely Cuban pastime with us.

Take some time to rest or explore at your own pace before dinner. Get ready for a truly incredible culinary experience at El Cocinero: an incredibly hip and modern establishment and offers an extensive menu with everything ranging from freshly caught seafood, veggie dishes, and mouthwatering desserts. The cocktails here are absolutely divine, so be sure not to skip on these! 

After dinner, you can head back to your accommodation, where we are sure you will get plenty of rest. If you are still up for more, head next store to La Fábrica de Arte Cubano to see everything from photography to sculptures, fashion to architecture, as well as film, live music, and much more. This mixed-medium art space contains multiple galleries, stages, dance floors, and social areas for eating and drinking, and is frequented by both locals and foreigners on a nightly basis.

Today will be dedicated to enjoying the beautiful Mar Azul beach, located just 30 minutes outside of Havana Vieja. Here, you can bask in the coastline’s serenity, relishing a blissful morning and afternoon by the sea. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply unwind on the sandy shores, soaking up the sun's warm embrace. You can treat yourself to a lunch of freshly caught seafood, savoring the flavors of the ocean while dining right on the beach! Additionally, local vendors stroll along the shoreline, tempting you with their enticing selection of fresh tamales, a delightful treat we highly recommend indulging in. We recommend bringing cash for today ($5-$20 USD) as you may want to purchase additional beverages, souvenirs, or snacks while at the beach.

Later, take a Havana Street Art Tour with local artists. For our Heart of Travel group trip, we have a tour with Fichu, a passionate Cuban street artist and dear friend, who will personally share the stories behind his captivating artwork that adorns the streets of La Habana Vieja. You will delve into the hidden symbolism and socio-political messages embedded within his murals, gaining insight into the artist's hopes and fears for the future of Cuba, as well as the struggles artists often face. This tour offers an unfiltered and uncensored look into Cuban art, culture, and economy, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation for Cuba's emerging generation of artists, creators, and change-makers. As you explore the colorful streets of Havana, you'll witness firsthand how these artists use their creativity to express themselves and comment on the social issues that shape their lives.

On our group trip, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share an intimate night with our friends and local artists. Here, you'll get to meet local musicians and hear them play during a private concert just for your party. Likewise, together you can discuss music and the arts in Cuba during this private concert with a duo of young Cuban musicians and composers. Cuba is home to a thriving art and music scene with everything ranging from classical musicians to contemporary artists. After listening to their music, we'll share dinner and discussion with a handful of local artists and learn how the arts have helped to depict themes from their country's history and culture, as well as have their voices heard surrounding current events, a task that isn't always easy or safe for all Cubans to do.