Private 10-day culinary journey through Cuba

Havana Airport - Havana

Day 1: Arrival in Havana

Welcome to Cuba! After landing at José Martí International Airport, a private transfer will take you directly to your accommodation, where your culinary adventure begins. Settle in and get ready to indulge in Havana’s vibrant culture and flavours.

From the Gran Teatro de La Habana and the iconic Capitolio to the Fosca building, Havana’s stunning architecture sets the stage for your foodie adventure. As you explore, you’ll notice how local flavours seamlessly intertwine with the city’s rich history and culture, reflecting the colourful essence of Cuban life.

Spend the evening sampling Cuba’s world-renowned cuisine, whether in one of Havana’s eclectic restaurants or enjoying dishes from the lively street food vendors.

Havana

Day 2: Classic car tour & paladar dinner

After breakfast this morning, it's time to meet your local guide and head out for a ride in a vintage classic car – a fun and iconic way to explore the city. Cruise through Havana’s highlights, including the famous seaside promenade El Malecon and pass by landmarks like the Gran Teatro de La Habana.

Later, you'll have time to discover the old town of Havana. Stroll through the bustling narrow streets and visit the four iconic squares to admire the fascinating architecture, which spans a range of styles. Spend the afternoon exploring more of the city at your own pace or revisiting highlights from the tour.

A very special evening awaits with a memorable dinner at Paladar La Cocina de Lilliam. Located in the leafy Miramar neighbourhood, this pioneering paladar (private restaurant) of the '90s offers a mouthwatering taste of Cuba’s culinary heritage, set in exquisite surroundings.

Havana

Day 3: Local market & cooking experience

Dive into the flavours of Cuba with a visit to a local market. Guided by a professional chef, you’ll select fresh ingredients for your cooking class. As you browse, gain insight into the everyday life of Cubans and the essential role food plays in their culture. Back at your accommodation, join the chef in preparing an authentic Cuban dish. It’s a hands-on, fun experience and once the meal is ready, you’ll enjoy your creation for lunch.

The afternoon is yours to explore Havana at your leisure (organised optional activities are available on request). Visit the Rum Museum, rent a bike to uncover the city’s hidden gems or take a cab to explore outlying neighbourhoods like Fusterlandia or the El Morro fortress.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Havana’s lively cultural scene with a show, such as the Legendarios del Guajirito or Cabaret Parisien at the iconic Hotel Nacional or Tropicana.

Havana - Viñales

Day 4: Highlights of Viñales & home-cooked dinner

After breakfast, journey west to the lush, green village of Viñales, located in a stunning valley surrounded by towering limestone hills known as mogotes. This area is the heart of Cuba’s tobacco production, where the famous Cuban cigars are made.

Start exploraing with a private taxi tour that takes you to the Los Jazmines viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the valley, perfect for photos. Continue to Valle de Dos Hermanas (Valley of the Two Sisters) and the Mural de la Prehistoria, a giant mural depicting prehistoric scenes. Your tour includes a visit to a tobacco farm, where you’ll learn about the cigar-making process, followed by a boat ride through the underground river at Cueva del Indio.

In the late afternoon, retreat to your accommodation for a home-made dinner, where you’ll enjoy the taste of authentic Cuban cuisine, lovingly prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Viñales

Day 5: Organic farm visit

After breakfast in your casa particular, today you'll immerse yourself in the rural life of Viñales with a visit to a local organic farm.

Meet the Cuban family who run the farm and discover how they cultivate their food and raise animals sustainably. Join them in the fields, helping with the harvest or tending to the crops and then enjoy the fruits of your labour by preparing lunch together. This hands-on experience offers a genuine insight into life in the Cuban countryside.

Afterward, take some time to explore the charming town of Viñales or, if you prefer, enjoy an optional visit to the local caves, some biking or horseriding.

In the evening, head to 3J Restaurant for a delightful dinner. This cozy, contemporary spot offers a mix of Cuban and international dishes, combining culinary refinement with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Viñales - Cienfuegos - Trinidad

Day 6: Discover Trinidad's flavours & rhythms

Your journey continues after breakfast. Next, you'll head to Trinidad, with a stop in Cienfuegos, known as 'La Perla del Sur' (The Pearl of the South). This coastal city is famous for its stunning French colonial architecture and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arriving in Trinidad, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, take some time to discover picturesque streets lined with brightly coloured houses and admire the grand colonial buildings.

In the evening, a home-made dinner awaits, showcasing traditional Cuban flavours, and reflecting the warmth and hospitality of your hosts. Afterwards, your guide will take you on an atmospheric tour of Trinidad at night. Wander down cobblestone streets to visit classic bars and clubs, enjoying the talents of local musicians as you lose yourself in the lively Cuban rhythms.

Trinidad

Day 7: Rickshaw rides & cocktail masterclass

Start your day with a fun and informative 'bicitour', hopping onto a Cuban rickshaw for a ride around Trinidad’s charming outskirts. Visit local stores where Cubans buy their rationed food, pass by a school to learn about the education system, and stop at a ceramics workshop to see traditional craftsmanship in action.

In the afternoon, it’s time to discover the secrets of Cuba’s famous cocktails. Join a local bartender for a cocktail demonstration, where you'll learn how to mix Cuban rum into perfect mojitos, daiquiris and more. He’ll even share the recipes, so you can recreate the magic at home.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at Restaurant Bar Café Trinidad, where Cuban flavours shine through in a variety of traditional dishes, including meats, fish and fresh vegetables. This cozy, family-run restaurant offers a warm atmosphere and the perfect setting to end your day.

Trinidad - Santa Clara - Varadero

Day 8: Head for the beach

After today's breakfast, your journey takes you to Varadero – but not before stopping in Santa Clara, a city rich in history and culture. Famous for the pivotal Battle of Santa Clara during the Cuban Revolution, you’ll visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum to learn more about this historic event.

Once you arrive in Varadero, Cuba’s most popular beach destination, the stunning 20km stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters await you. Whether you choose to relax by the sea or explore the narrow peninsula, this is the perfect spot to unwind.

Spend the rest of the day enjoying the idyllic beaches of Varadero, soaking up the sun and the tranquil atmosphere, before preparing for the next phase of your Cuban adventure.

Varadero

Day 9: Relax in paradise

Enjoy breakfast, then spend a full day unwinding in the paradise setting of Varadero. With its miles of pristine beach and crystal-clear waters, this is the perfect spot to soak up the sun, swim or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

For those seeking adventure, there are a number of optional activities on offer: set sail on a catamaran to the beautiful Cayo Blanco, where you can snorkel in transparent water and enjoy a beach day. Alternatively, embark on a jeep safari to Playa Coral, where you can snorkel at the coral reef, take a boat trip on Río Canímar or visit the picturesque La Arboleda ranch for lunch and horseriding. You can also explore the city of Matanzas and swim in the stunning Cueva Saturno.

Whether you opt for relaxation or adventure, today is all yours to enjoy.

Varadero - Havana Airport

Day 10: Departure day

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel; then it’s time to head home after a memorable trip. A private transfer of around 2.5 hours will take you to the airport in time for your flight, bringing your unforgettable Cuban adventure to a close.