Food Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Havana. Upon arrival transfer by private vehicle to Viñales, about 3 hours from Havana. Relax, unpack, and take a walk in this beautiful and friendly town before enjoying dinner at the stunning Cafe Paraiso, a farm to table restaurant set on a hillside overlooking Viñales. For our tour group, we will stay at several neighboring private rooms rented in local homes, each with a private bath and air conditioning on a quiet side street. The rooms are modest but furnished with comfortable beds and rustic decor. After dinner explore the town on your own, head to a nightclub in a cave, or relax on the porch and meet the neighbors! This town is safe and walkable.
- Check in time: about 6 pm
- Lodging: Private Casas
- Meals included: D
Day 2
After breakfast, we will explore Viñales Valley National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – by horse or on foot. Choose from an extended horseback riding option, exploring the trails with an experienced guide, or take private transportation and join the group on the trail. From stunning “mogotes” to expansive tobacco fields, get to know why this part of Cuba plays such an important role in preserving biodiversity and Cuban culture. We will learn about local coffee production, agriculture and taste local honey and rum! Enjoy dinner overlooking the beautiful Vinales valley while watching the sunset from the hills of Finca Paraiso, an incredible farm to table restaurant.
-
- Lodging: Private Casas
- Meals: B, D
- Excursion: Tobacco Farms (horse or walk) and Viñales Valley National Park
Day 3
You earned it – beach day! After a delicious breakfast, we’ll head north to Cayo Jutía in our private vehicle, a beautiful stretch of beach about 1. 5 hours north of Viñales. See the real Cuba! Relax on a beach chair or head out snorkeling or paddle boating if you want (not included). We’ll return late afternoon and shower before dinner. Dinner will be a farm party–a cookout/cooking demo with a local family on their farm. Learn how to cook traditional food of the region and enjoy it with the locals.
- Hotel: Private Casas
- Meals included: B, D
- Excursion: Cayo Jutía
Day 4
After an early breakfast we will head toward Havana, where we will spend the remaining days. On our way we will stop to explore the beautiful Soroa Waterfalls and Las Terrazas, an area frequented mostly by Cubans and built and preserved as an eco-town. Take a swim or just enjoy the beauty of the area. Enjoy lunch on an old coffee plantation with one of the most stunning views you can imagine. We will learn first hand about Cuban history and culture and how this area was developed intentionally to preserve the natural beauty and diversity of the region. Arrive in Havana late afternoon at our very comfortable private home with private bathrooms, air conditioning and courtyard. Relax and get ready for dinner out. After dinner we’ll check out Havana’s lively music scene!
- Lodging: Private home
- Meals included: B, D
- Excursion: Soroa Waterfalls, Las Terrazas
Day 5
Start your day with a delicious breakfast before heading to Centro Havana for a dance class at Marisuri school of dance with a private instructor. Get some moves for our nights out! Following class we’ll enjoy an incredible lunch prepared by Marisuri’s own personal chef showcasing traditional Cuban food. We’ll enjoy a history and culture tour of Old Havana with guide and owner of Acubamos Tours, Amel Fonte, before heading back to our house to shower and relax, or take a swim in the pool or ocean! Explore Havana by night taking in live music, dancing, or just relax at our home.
- Lodging: Private home
- Meals: B, L
- Dance Class at Marisuri and City History Tour
Day 6
Enjoy breakfast on the veranda of our spectacular oceanview home and then indulge in a very special hands-on cooking class and cocktail class and tasting with Chef Alina from Hecho en Casa, one of the best privately owned Farm to Table restaurants in Havana. Chef Alina herself says the class will not be a just a class but an “experience” taking you through Cuba via the food. She is an incredible chef who has elevated Cuban cuisine to another level. After we enjoy the lunch we learn to cook, we’ll have a free afternoon to shop for souvenirs or just relax and enjoy the sun!
- Lodging: Private home
- Meals: B, L
- Class: Cooking through Cuba with Chef Alina
Day 7
We’ll spend the day relaxing and enjoying the festivities in the city, sightseeing or shopping before heading back to an ocean view restaurant for dinner.
- Lodging: Private home
- Lunch on your own
- Meals: B, D
Day 8
Departure day. We’ll start out with a wonderful breakfast and soak in the sounds of the city before taking you and all your rum and cigars to the airport in our private van. (Actually buying rum duty free in the airport is a great option:)
Top 10 Things to Do in Havana, Cuba
