Joan Newton
JB Luxury Escapes
Cultural Cuba 2026
Apr 9, 2026 to Apr 15, 2026
Cuba
Join us as the Savvy Travelers takes on Cuba, bask in the history, culture and cuisine that it has to offer.
TRIP DETAILS
Americans can once again travel to Cuba legally and JB Luxury Escapes in partnership with Mayflower Cruises and Tours has planned an amazing trip for you to this country which has previously been ‘off-limits’.
Discover what makes Cuba so captivating on this tour that takes you from the gorgeous city neighborhood of Old Havana to a sustainable community in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve to the beautiful countryside where we’ll stay with host families at our Casas Particulares, or Cuban bed and breakfasts. Along the way, we’ll gain meaningful insight into the history, culture, and people of Cuba through opportunities to meet local artists and performers, gain a better understanding of Cuban history and U.S./Cuba relations, see unique farming methods and the organoponics movement in practice, and more.
DAY 1 USA / Havana, Cuba: Depart the USA on your flight to Havana, Cuba. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by a local representative of Mayflower, assisted with the arrival procedures then transferred to the hotel. Your local guide will host an orientation session this evening providing an overview of the program, offer insights into Cuba’s unique social dynamics, cultural traditions, and everyday life to frame the exciting journey ahead. A meeting will be held with the local guide in the hotel lobby each morning to review the daily activities.
DAY 2 Old Havana Immersion: During a walking excursion through the heart of Old Havana – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discover the historic importance and architectural beauty of its four iconic plazas: Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas and Plaza de San Francisco. Your local guide provides details of their significance to the city, while allowing time to engage with local residents, from vendors and artists to workers and community members, to gain firsthand insight into Cuban life today. Next, mix and mingle with the artisans and vendors of the San José Craft Market while discovering their entrepreneurial spirit and learning about their art. Stop by a privately-owned cigar shop to hear how this ancient art is kept alive, is a major contributor to the local economy, and see the craftmanship involved in creating one of Cuba’s most iconic products. Enjoy lunch at Chachacha, a privately-owned paladar, blending flavor and authenticity. This evening, hop into a vintage car for a panoramic ride through the streets of Havana. Travel in style in these restored antique cars while driving along the Malecon (coastal road and seawall), see the 18th-century University (oldest in the Caribbean), the Paseo del Prado and the Capitol building. Chat with the car owners and uncover the secrets behind maintaining these classic vehicles from sourcing spare parts to running a business fueled by passion and preservation. Arrive at Bellavana, a privately-owned paladar, for dinner where you can relax and enjoy the warm hospitality provided by the staff and get to know them as you dine. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 Art, Literature, and Local Life: Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Cuban Art Building). Housed in restored colonial barracks, the now vibrant cultural space showcases the evolution of Cuban identity. The local art expert explains the social and historical narratives behind the artwork, and how the Cuban artists reflect everyday life, resilience, and national pride through their creations. Discussion with the staff and curators encourages reflection on how art serves as a mirror of society and a voice for the people. Continue to San Francisco de Paula to visit Ernest Hemmingway’s former home, Finca Vigia. As you walk around the grounds, local specialists share stories of his love of the rhythms, people and spirit of Cuba as well as the cultural exchange between him and the Cuban community. His friendships with fishermen, artists and neighbors inspired The Old Man and the Sea and For Whom the Bell Tolls. During lunch at Ajiaco Café Paladar, a privately-owned restaurant known for authentic Cuban cuisine, dine on a traditional meal prepared by local chefs using regional ingredients and learn about the entrepreneurial journey of the restaurant’s founders and their role in preserving culinary heritage. Back in Havana, visit the surrounding area of the Hotel Nacional, a legendary site holding a pivotal place in Cuba’s cultural and political history. The guide provides a rich historical narrative about its iconic status, notable guests, and its role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. This stop offer panoramic views and interactive conversation allowing exploration of the legacy of the Cold War in Cuba and how global tensions shaped everyday life for its people – all from a peoplecentered perspective. Dinner is at the privately-run paladar Atelier in Vedado. Known for its artistic décor and fusion of Cuban and international flavors, you can interact with the owners and staff to understand the challenges and triumphs of running an independent business in Cuba. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 Fortresses, Community Art, and Cuban Rhythm: Start the day with a visit to Morro Castle, a spectacular, strategically built monument with an amazing history. Built to defend Havana against pirates, its role in the city’s history makes it a symbol of resilience and protection. A local historian shares legends and stories of life at the fortress, the impact of colonial architecture and military history on modern Cuban identity. Interact with the locals working on-site preserving the heritage of Morro Castle. Next visit the neighborhood community project Muraleando, focusing on teaching skills to the younger generation. Meet with community artists and children who participate in visual arts, music and dance, hearing how these activities play an important role in changing their lives. See how a response to social hardship evolved into a thriving cultural center. Today’s traditional lunch is prepared by members of the project Muraleando. While visiting a privately-run Cuban dance academy, talk with the professional instructors about the evolution of Cuban dance and learn the challenges of running private schools within Cuba’s socioeconomic landscape. Participate in a Salsa dance class to experience the local rhythm yourself! Dinner is at Al Carbón, a privately-run paladar in Old Havana, offering rustic elegance and wood-fired Cuban dishes. Learn about culinary innovation and entrepreneurship from the restaurant staff. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 Havana – Matanzas Province: Departing Havana, journey by coach to the Province of Matanzas. En route, visit Finca Vista Hermosa, a privately-run sustainable agroecological farm. Managed by a local Cuban family, they operate independently and are committed to sustainable agriculture, organic methods and community-based production. During a guided walk by the farm’s founders, they share their vision of resilience and self-sufficiency in Cuban agriculture. Participate in practical workshops on organic farming and artisanal cheese-making and share a locally-prepared meal. Engage in conversation about food production as a tool for community empowerment. Continue to the hotel for dinner and accommodations. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 Matanzas City: The final day begins with a guided walking excursion through the historic center, often called “the Athens of Cuba” and declared a National Monument in 2013. Showcasing neoclassical buildings, public squares and the legacy of Cuban intellectuals and artists, it is home to a vibrant network of independent artists. Residents and historians offer firsthand insights into the cultural pulse of their neighborhoods as you visit Plaza de la Vigia, Parque de la Libertad, and private workshops, community-run spaces and informal cultural centers. The Lolo Studio Gallery, led by Cuban sculptor Osmany Betancourt Falcón, transforms clay, metal and glass into surrealist sculptures and contemporary art. Meet with local artists, observe their creative process, participate in a collaborative art session or sculpture demonstration and discuss the role of art in Cuban society and how it reflects social and political themes. The final visit is to the Pharmaceutical Museum, the only one of its kind in Latin America. Preserving original instruments, medicinal recipes and architectural features from its founding in 1882, the museum staff talk about traditional Cuban medicine and pharmacy practices, while you explore the historical role of health care in Cuban communities. Engage in a discussion with local experts on the evolution of medicine and its cultural impact. The farewell dinner is at Chef Bahia, a privately-owned paladar, where you can have a discussion with the owner and staff regarding entrepreneurship. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 Matanzas Province – Havana – USA: Bid “Adios” to Cuba as you depart for Havana’s Airport for your flight home. Memories of a unique journey to Cuba and the warm hospitality of its people will be cherished for years to come. Meal: B
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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- 16 Meals: 6 Breakfast; 5 Lunches & 5 Dinners
- Deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
- Five-star, air-conditioned Hotels
- Interaction with locals throughout the journey
- Immersion into the culture and history of Cuba and its people
- Many meals at Cuban paladars – privately operated restaurants by proud business owners
- Speak with local artisans as they create their art work
- Visit a dance studio and learn the Cuban Salsa
- Ride in a vintage car
- Discover another way of life in a country only 90 miles from the U.S.A.
- English Speaking National guide during tour
- Savvy Travelers Gift Package
- Savvy Travelers Trip Host
- Roundtrip Airport Transfers with full flight package only
- All hotel taxes
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AIR TRANSPORTATION
We require a copy of the travelers passport two weeks after booking.
Name corrections, after final payment due date or after tickets have been issued, will result in additional fees being assessed.
Round trip group air from JFK per person TO BE DETERMINED
What's not included:
- Travel Insurance
- International Flight
- Gratuities for Tour Guide (suggested $10-$20 per day
- $85 per person visa fee
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals except where noted
- Beverage during meals
- Additional excursion offered by tour guide
TERMS & POLICIES
- Making reservations for this package signifies your acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.
- All deposits to JB Luxury Escapes d/b/a Savvy Travelers are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because JB Luxury Escapes d/b/a Savvy Travelers has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
- Passengers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas or passports are required. Passports are required to be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Some countries require a full blank “VISA” page in the passport for stamping purposes. Any information provided on travel description pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements. Reservations must be made in your FULL NAME as it appears on your passport. Your name on your invoice MUST match your passport.
- Any reward points are at the discretion of the hotel.
- Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Therefore, we recommend Travel Protection that helps provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Interruption, Baggage Loss or Delay, Medical Expenses and more. We have a full list of travel insurance vendors. Click here to see referrals.
- Travel Insured
- TravelEx Travel Insurance
- Prices are subject to change without notice. Please make your reservations today at this price to be locked in.
- Monthly payments are required to keep your reservations current. Your invoice will clearly note your payment plan. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
- Name changes are allowed with a $200 name change fee up until the final payment date and $250 + any vendor’s fees after the final payment date on your payment plan.
- Late payment of $250 per person is required after final due date listed on your payment plan. Late payment fees are automatically added to your reservations the day after your final due date.
- All late payment requests must be approved by management before the final payment deadline on your account
- Roommate Cancellation: If you are booked as a “twin” and your roommate cancels their reservation, and you cannot find another roommate, you may either travel as a guaranteed share (see above) or travel as a single and pay the single supplement.
Force Majeure:
Except where otherwise expressly stated in these terms and conditions we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of Force Majeure . “Force Majeure” means any event which we or the supplier of the services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid.
Cancellation Policy:
The following per person cancellation charges will be assessed:
91 days or more prior to departure Deposit Amount
90 days or less 100% of tour cost
Early departure from tour 100% of tour cost
No refund on unused portions of the tour