UK +44 (0)1367 850566

USA 1-855-216-5040

Any Cuban journey must start in Havana

Havana locals.JPG

Any Cuban journey must start in Havana. Once fortified against the threat of pirates and colonial rivals, the seductive but crumbling city has over the last decade risen from the ashes with the injection of much needed funding.

Colonial mansions, plazas and cathedrals have been sympathetically restored to former glory and with it Havana has started to shed its decidedly unloved and weather-beaten look. Havana is the undisputed jewel in Cuba’s crown, the beating heart of the nation with a swagger all of its own. To understand Cuba the first hurdle is to get under the capital’s skin.

A walking tour of Old Havana, a visit to a cigar factory, a spin around Revolution Square in an iconic vintage Chevy’s while surviving on a diet of decidedly average, yet overpriced fare have all been standard fare of most Cuban experiences up until recently. However a far more imaginative and experiential introduction to this beguiling city is now available, whether your interest is cultural, artistic or gastronomic.

If its culture and art, then cruise around Havana in one of Fidel Castro’s armoured zil limos, peruse original 1950’s Cuban poster art in the National Library with an art historian, or for something more contemporary visit Fabrica de Arte, a new arts space in a converted Vedado factory offering cutting-edge art, music, dance and cinema.

The cultural and artistic scene in Havana has exploded with community spaces and hip galleries opening up providing new opportunities to showcase Havana’s talent, while the vibrant music scene provides the pulse and beat for the whole island.

Gastronomically, after years of boredom on the restaurant scene, a panoply of new private restaurants are pushing the envelope as a result of more Cubans now being allowed to start up their own restaurants and cafes. Those travellers held back from visiting Cuba for years by the inevitability of poor food and service at the pace of a wounded snail will these days be more than pleasantly surprised by the variety and sophistication of cuisine on offer.

The privately owned casas particulars are to be celebrated not only for their culinary creations but also for their sheer enterprise. Often tucked away down unremarkable back streets, which on first glance seem decidedly unpromising, the standard of food is all the more remarkable given the location. For a novel twist, why not try a driving taster menu by vintage car, allowing you to get around more of Havana’s great eateries in a single evening?


The Explorations Company, where no two journeys have ever been the same

Would you like to know more?

Our team can help prepare a unique itinerary that best suits your personal interests  – no pressure, just
support and advice. Please complete your information and we will be in touch in no time.

As a guide, the cost of our extraordinary and utterly bespoke journeys tends to start from $1200 per person per day excluding international flights.

Can we take your details

About your journey

30 years badge

How many people in your party?

Adult
Children under 12

Explore with The Explorations Company

By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017

Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...

View Forward facing arrow

Our Guarantees To You

Premium service from one of the world's most knowledgeable travel companies

24/7 contact number

Your holiday is fully protected by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018

Flight-Inclusive Bonding: We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number 7159

Flight-Exclusive bonding: Your holiday is further protected by our membership of ABTOT Membership Number 5197

logo