Havana & Scenic Pinar del Rio Sample Itinerary*
*A significant portion of your in-country programming is customized for each group in order to maximize your cultural experience. Many of our visits are not tourist destinations and are not always available, therefore, this program should be considered as a sample only, and may not be the actual itinerary for your particular program.
Day 1: Bienvenidos a Havana!
Welcome to Havana! After clearing immigration and customs, your Cuban host will greet you and accompany you to your hotel in the heart of Havana. Take some time to settle in, and spend the rest of the day soaking up the incredible sights and sounds of the city. Later that evening, celebrate your arrival with a welcome dinner at the hotel.
(Dinner included)
Day 2: Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
Your first full day in Havana begins with a warm greeting from your Cuban host and breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a stroll through the streets of historic Habana Vieja, exploring the famous Cathedral Square, and thew Plaza de Armas. The city has been restored to its historic splendor by UNESCO World Heritage; it exudes colonial charm at its finest and is a must-see for all travelers.
Later that morning, visit the Callejón de Hammel (Hammel’s Alley) – a community project promoting art, music, and culture. You'll have the incredible opportunity to meet with several Afro-Cuban artists for an up-close and personal look at the thriving arts scene.
As the sun hangs low, tour through the Vedado and Centro Habana neighborhoods before indulging in a sweet treat at Copellia Ice Cream Emporium, which was featured in the movie Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberries and Chocolate).
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 3: Visit Abel Santamaria School, Castillo del Morro, and the Malecón
Today you’ll have the special opportunity to visit the Abel Santamaria School for the Blind and Deaf. Located on the outskirts of Havana, the school provides care for special needs children between the ages of four and fourteen. Your time together is sure to be filled with stories, smiles and lots of laughter.
Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, with a full heart and stomach, take a stroll through the beautiful Castillo del Morro (Morro Castle), the majestic waterfront, and the elegant neighborhood of Miramar. Thoughout your journey you'll meet and talk with Cuban residents to learn about daily life. Tonight, take in dinner with your fellow participants, sharing stories and reflecting on the day’s events.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 4: Visit a local orphanage
This morning, you’ll make a special trip to the Hogar para Niños sin Amparo Filial Bauta orphanage right outside of Havana. Visits from Americans are so rare and exciting for these children; you’ll be greeted with outstretched arms and open hearts.
In the afternoon, you will visit the literacy museum to learn about Cuba's educational system.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 5: Travel to Pinar del Rio and the Vinales Valley
After a light breakfast at the hotel, grab your bags, because it’s off to the picturesque province of Pinar del Río —home of Cuban tobacco. En route you'll enjoy lunch at a local cafe and a stop in Soroa to tour an orchid garden featuring over 700 different species of this spectacular flower. Once you’ve settled into your hotel, enjoy a relaxing dinner.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 6: Las Terrazas, Vinales, and more
After breakfast, you'll visit Las Terrazas, a small community and nature reserve situated in Sierra del Rosario. You'll also explore Viñales Valley, known for its dramatic geographical formations and jaw dropping views.
After lunch, visit a local farming community and meet Guajiros (farmers), learning first-hand about how they live. You may have the chance to see some Guajiros perform their traditional folk music, which is commonly used to illustrate stories of Cuban life and culture.
Afterwards, you’ll visit a community project in Pinar del Rio and get a sense of rural life in this colorful province.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 7: Pinar del Rio and Back to Havana
In the morning, you’ll make some additional visits to the surrounding areas for meaningful exchanges with the local people.
After lunch you'll make your way back to Havana.
For your last night in Cuba we invite you to a farewell dinner.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 8: Adios Cuba!
After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight back home.
(Breakfast included)