When I tell friends I am traveling to Cuba, the first response is "Why?"
The second question is "Is it safe there?"
I have always been curious about Cuba. Being so close to the US you hear a lot about Cuba. There is something mysterious about the country because being a communist country you wonder what life is like for the people there. We see pictures of cars from the 1950s' era and wonder if they are real.
Cuba and the US have an up and down relationship until President Obama reestablish diplomatic relations with Cuba in July 2015. This opened up many restrictions until President Trump re-establish new rules and laws regarding business and travel.
I have always thought that in order to travel to Cuba I have to start in Canada, which has a much friendlier relationship with Cuba. That was until I saw an email from Road Scholar about tours in Cuba. I was ready to book it until I saw another company, Inspiring Vacations, advertising almost the same tour for a much lower price. I booked the 9-day Classic Cuba Small Group Tour for a base price of $1,745. I chose to arrive a day earlier and stay a day later for the tour and opted for my own room throughout the door. The total price was $2,135, about half of Road Scholar's price. I booked my own flights for about $600, which means the total cost of the trip came to less than $3,000.
Here is a summary (courtesy of ChatGPT) of the daily planned activities for the 9-Day Classic Cuba Small Group Tour:
Day 1 (04 Dec 2025): Havana
- Arrival in Havana with airport transfer to Casa Azul Habana.
- Free time to explore the neighborhood, eat, or rest.
- Welcome meeting at La Gargola Guesthouse at 7 PM, followed by an optional group dinner in Old Havana.
Day 2 (05 Dec 2025): Havana
- Morning walking tour of Old Havana, exploring main attractions and hidden gems.
- Afternoon classic American car tour of Havana, visiting Central Habana, Vedado, Miramar, Plaza de la Revolución, and José Martí Memorial.
Day 3 (06 Dec 2025): Havana → Jaimanitas → Viñales
- Visit Fusterlandia in Jaimanitas to explore the Gaudi-inspired art project.
- Drive to Viñales, a picturesque town surrounded by limestone hills and a UNESCO heritage site.
- Mojito-making session and salsa dance lesson.
Day 4 (07 Dec 2025): Viñales
- Morning walk around Viñales Valley, visiting farmhouses and learning about tobacco production.
- Evening group dinner at an organic farm with a view of the valley.
Day 5 (08 Dec 2025): Viñales → Bay of Pigs → Cienfuegos
- Drive along the Caribbean coast to Cienfuegos, stopping at the Bay of Pigs for snorkeling or sightseeing.
- Explore Cienfuegos, including the French-influenced main square and Palacio del Valle.
Day 6 (09 Dec 2025): Cienfuegos → Trinidad
- Drive to Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Participate in an interactive music and percussion lesson.
- Enjoy a sunset cocktail and explore Trinidad’s lively nightlife.
Day 7 (10 Dec 2025): Trinidad
- Free morning to explore Trinidad or take an optional hike to a nearby waterfall.
- Visit Ancón Beach for relaxation, snorkeling, diving, or other activities.
- Dinner at a local paladare followed by live Cuban music at a venue.
Day 8 (11 Dec 2025): Trinidad → Santa Clara → Havana
- Drive back to Havana, stopping at Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum.
- Group lunch en route.
- Final evening in Havana with an optional group dinner or free time to explore.
Day 9 (12 Dec 2025): Havana
- Tour ends after breakfast.
- Make your own way to the airport or extend your stay in Havana.
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