Cuba Havana and Santiago

Two Cities Havana and Santiago, Cuba! Select your own date

Base rate : $1,165 per person*, see below for options!

A country lost in a time capsule of the 1950’s…If you have a party of 2 or more pick your own date

Read below and if interested (women or men!) put your info HERE for this trip and get in touch with our agent.

Come on these dates or select our own! Party of 4 minimum for these rates, if only a party of 2 ask the agent for rates.

If you select your own dates you can customize this trip to see more cities in Cuba. Excursions during High Season (Winter months approx. may be a bit more.) Ask the agent!

DURATION: 5 DAYS – 4 NIGHTS    DATES:  pick your own date minimum 2 persons

Come on these dates or select our own! Party of 4 minimum or ask agent for price if group is  less than 4.

Ask the agent about customizing this trip to see more cities in Cuba, selecting your own dates and minimums. Excursions during High Season (Winter months approx. may be a bit more.) Ask the agent!

PRICES PER PERSON & ACCOMMODATIONS (Air to Cuba add’l)

• PRIVATE HOUSE: 1285 IN SGL ROOM & 1165 IN DBL ROOM if 4 people on the trip. If less than 4 the agent will contact you as it may be a bit more.
• PRIVATE HOUSE: 1,500.00 IN SGL ROOM & 1,380.00 IN DBL ROOM if only two people sign up , we will advise if the case, it’s not much more for your private trip for 2!
• BOUTIQUE HOTEL 4 Star : SGL 1,810.00 & DBL 1,600.00  
• 4-5 Star: SGL2,150.00 & DBL 1,850.00 

PROGRAM CERTIFIED UNDER LICENSE 31 C.F.R. 515.565 (B) PEOPLE 2 PEOPLE EXCHANGE – A LEGAL TRIP TO CUBA WITH QUALIFYING AGENDA.

See Havana and the Historical Santiago!

Why Santiago? Santiago is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is on the ocean. Santiago was the First Capital of Cuba. It’s a plunge into Cuban history. This is where Fidel Castro launched his revolution and the fight against Batista, plus where Bacardi based their first-ever rum factory. All Cuban Bacardi rum factories were confiscated during the revolution. Santiago is the birthplace of some Cuban music genres (recommended to watch the film “Buena Vista Social Club”). It is the first of seven settlements in Cuba founded by Europeans in the 16^th Century. The founding fathers made the most of its stunning setting, a coastal terrace with structures built with precious woods from the tall forest on the nearby mountain range to raise the first buildings of what would, for several years, be Cuba’s first capital. Close by the Caribbean Sea, with a backdrop of mountains and terrain; it is one of the most beautiful and joyous of Cuba’s cities, filled with a mixture of architectural styles which run from the baroque to the neoclassical.

Why Havana? The Foundation New 7 Wonders reward Havana City one of the 7 wonders of the Modern World. Havana is Cuba’s Capital, it is only one in the world, amazing city loved & dreamed by many bohemian souls. The City of Havana was founded in 1514 by the conqueror Diego Velázquez de Cuellar, under the name of San Cristobal de La Habana. Due to its strategic location, Havana served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the continent, becoming a stopping point for the treasure-laden Spanish galleons on the crossing between the New World and the Old World. The sinking of the U.S. battleship Maine in Havana’s harbor in 1898 was the immediate cause of the Spanish–American War. Contemporary Havana can essentially be described as three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado, and the newer suburban districts. The historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The city is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments is rich in history, with fascinating architecture and places to see. The vibrant streets are full of music, patio restaurants and souvenir shops with hand-made Cuban art and crafts. It is a Must-See!

Note: When staying in Cuban house or apartment, the money goes to the Cubans, not the government. Facilities like this are usually more reliable as far as plumbing, hot water and such than the hotels operated by the Government. Plus, you may interact with a Cuban family and learn more about Cuban life that is stalled in the 1950’s under a communist regime. In Havana, we are staying in an apartment house on a side street in Old Havana so you can walk a short distance to explore.

“Paladar” for meals is a Cuban-operated restaurant; not government operated such as in hotels

ITINERARY

1^st Day  FLORIDA – HAVANA

1. Land in Cuba and leave the airport by 10:30 AM (approximately)
2. Go to the bank to exchange Money
3. Visit the Revolution Square – monument with Jose Marti. This is where the Cuban Revolution is celebrated.
4. City tour through Malecón Avenue, all along the coast side, Vedado neighborhood the newest part of the city with architecture before the 1960’s, big houses European style, see vintage cars and people, and US Embassy.
5. Visit the National Hotel, its Museum Rooms/mobster photos, and drink a cocktail in its astonishing terrace. Built by the American Mafia confiscated during the revolution.
6. Time TBA Check in accommodation
7. Visit Plaza San Francisco de Asís where kids came daily to feed the pigeons, where girls come for pictures to celebrate their 15^th birthday (Cuban tradition). Tour through the 4 Squares.
8. Visit the Garden of Maria Teresa of Calcutta, a short, green peace of paradise in Old Havana.
9. Visit Palacio de Los Capitanes Generales, home of the former governors of San Cristobal de la Habana. Facing this palace, there is the only wooden street in Cuba, made with the purpose to avoid the noise made by the iron wheels of the carriages.
10. Plaza de Armas with El Templete, place of the first mass and was founded the Villa de San Cristobal de la Havana back in 1519
11. Shop for vintage books and magazines at Plaza de Armas
12. Castillo de la Real Fuerza, a stone fortress that keeps the Giraldilla, a woman that is a symbol of Havana.
13. 6:30 PM Transfer to dinner in a Cuban Paladar (Not included pay on your own)
14. 8:00 PM Transfer to Cannon Shot Ceremony, representing the time of the colony when they closed the door of the city to protect the city from the Spanish pirates.
15. 9:30 PM Return to the accommodations. Optional: Step out on your own to walk Old Havana and hear the music

2^nd Day HAVANA

16. Breakfast and leave the accommodation by 9:00 AM
17. Visit the Havana’s Christ and the exhibition of “The Cuban Missile ” Missiles sent from Russia to Cuba to attack U.S. See the missiles and have an explanation, almost causing the third World War.
18. Visit Ernest Hemingway house in Finca Vigia, its books collection, fruit trees, beloved Pilar Yacht and panoramic view of Havana from one of the highest viewpoints.
19. Panoramic tour though some popular Havana neighborhoods
20. 12:30 PM Transfer to lunch in a local Paladar (Not included pay on your own)
21. Visit the Presidential Palace, home of all Cubans President before Fidel, including Batista. On March 13, 1957, when a group of students from the University took up arms to take the power from Batista, Batista escaped through a secret back door to save his life.
22. Tour through the Central Park in front of the Havana Interesting small park.
23. Visit the exterior area of the Havana Capitol modeled after the U.S. Capitol building; the only difference is one meter wider and higher.
24. Visit Gran Teatro de la Habana, beautiful theater that hosts ballet festivals and such, where Obama spoke in 2016 with nice architecture.
25. Inglaterra Hotel, old architecture with a terrace with cocktails, coffee, and music.
26. Visit the famous and Hemingway’s favorite Floridita Bar, daiquiri´s birth place
27. Return to accommodations
28. Dinner in a private Cuban house with a Cuban family. Dining table with just our group and the family. Chicken, pork, and picadillo will be set along with traditional Cuban food. Enjoy what they eat daily. Different than restaurants.
29. Return to the accommodations

^3rd Day HAVANA- SANTIAGO DE CUBA

30. 6:00 am Transfer to Havana National Airport, fly to Santiago
31. Land in Santiago de Cuba and leaving the airport by 10:40 AM (approximately)
32. Visit the Revolution Square “Antonio ”
33. Visit Santiago de Cuba Downtown
34. Visit the Central Park “Carlos Manuel de Céspedes.”
35. Check in accommodations
36. Lunch in a Local Cuban Paladar (Not included pay on your own)
37. Visit the Memorial San Juan Hill
38. Visit the “Cuartel ” Moncada Barracks, art deco building/1938, historical site of armed attacks by Castro in 1953. Visit the Castle El Morro. Learn about the Spanish-Cuban-American War (1895-98)
39. Visit the Castle El Morro. Learn about the Spanish-Cuban-American War (1895-98)
40. Stop in a nice beach on the way back from the fort
41. Transfer to dinner in a Cuban Paladar (Not included pay on your own)
42. Return to accommodations

4^thDay (CULTURAL NATIONAL DAY) SANTIAGO, THE FIRST CUBAN CAPITAL  

43. Breakfast and leaving the accommodation by 9:00 AM
44. Visit the Sanctuary of “Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre.” Protector of Cuba and all Cubans, where Cubans go when they need to pray.
45. Visit the Museum House of Diego Velázquez – The oldest house in Cuba. Dating from 1516 to 1530, preserved to see.
46. Visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba. Santiago was built around their park and cathedral.
47. Lunch in a Cuban Paladar (Not included pay on your own)
48. Visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery. Visit the tombs of Fidel Castro, Jose Marti, Emilio Bacardi, Tomas Estrada Palma and other important people in the History of Cuba. Beautiful handmade huge sculptures to commemorate those who passed away. Many encompass entire families
49. Visit the Museum of Rum inside Emilio Bacardi’s See rums from the 1800’s.
50. Visit the Museum Emilio Bacardí. Bacardi lost their rum operations in 1960.
51. Visit the “Casa de la Trova de Santiago de Cuba.” Cradle of Cuban Music. Sometimes there are live performers. This is the history of Cuban music and performers and part of Cuban culture where they could not voice their opinions but could communicate through music.
52. Return to accommodations
53. Dinner in a private Cuban house with a Cuban family. Dining table with just our group and the family. Chicken, pork, and picadillo will be set along with traditional Cuban food. Enjoy what they eat daily. Santiago has different local dishes than in Havana.
54. Return to accommodations

 5^th Day SANTIAGO DE CUBA – HOLGUIN Airport – FLORIDA

55. Breakfast and leave the accommodation by 8:00 AM
56. 8:00 AM Departure to Holguin and visit the birthplace of Fidel Castro. Fidel Castro born in this house on August 13th, 1926. This place was a family farm with several businesses managed by the Castro’s father and later by Raul Castro until before the attack on the “Cuartel Moncada”. Also of Raúl Castro, the rest of the Castro’s brothers were born in this place too.
57. See the natural beauty of Cuba, its mountains and rural living on the way to the airport, total drive approx. 2 hours
58. Departure to the International airport return to Florida

 Notes:

Imagine the stories you will have to tell your friends about visiting a socialist third world country, BEFORE it is open to the average American and ruined by commercialism!

Stay tuned for Betty’s eBook full of travel tips from her first-time Cuba visit during the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing January trip! To see photo and videos of the January trip visit the Facebook Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing page or check out our photo gallery button on our website.

The Nonprofit Ladies Let Go Fishing  invites you to embark in a cultural & learning exchange and a human experience with the Cuban people. Experience Cuba as it is now, frozen in time!

Learn about the average Cuban struggles, help share in their lives through education & connect with the Cuban people on a local level.

Tourism for Americans is still banned by the embargo but our trip qualifies for an exemption. You CAN go with us!

Cuba remains a developing country, and guests traveling there should adjust their expectations accordingly.
Delays commonly occur, and flexibility and patience on the part of visitors is a must. Traveling to Cuba on a cultural exchange is quite unlike journeying to other destinations. It will be an unforgettable experience.
While every effort will be made to operate the program as scheduled, all activities are subject to change without notice.

• Who can come: Females or males, it’s ok to bring your guy.
• Passports: You must have a passport valid for at least a month beyond your expected date of departure, 6 months preferred.
• Safety: Cuba is reportedly very safe compared to other countries.
• Phones: Hook into wireless at the hotel to call home via Skype or Viber (additional) or purchase an international package from your cell provider.
• Leave your laptop at home and disconnect! Don’t depend on Wifi here and it may cost $5/hr.
• Souvenirs – much of the souvenirs are made by hand in Cuba. You can bring back a limited amount of cigars, alcohol and souvenirs

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Program certified under license people 2
• Two nights in Havana, with breakfast included
• Two nights in Santiago de Cuba, with breakfast included
• Two dinners with a Cuban Family, the first one in Havana and the second one in Santiago de Cuba
• Airfare from Havana to Santiago de Cuba, One Way
• All ground transfers in comfortable air-conditioned classic car
• Tours described as program
• All entrance fees to sites and activities described
• Professional bilingual tour guide, full time
• Assistance by our staff 24 hours if you have a phone that works in Cuba or ask your driver or people in private house or hotel
• Affidavit and Tourist Card

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• International ticket or others not described in the program
• Additional meals in Paladar (Cuban restaurant) such as lunches, plus dinners in addition to the two Cuba Home dinners listed above.
• Personal expenses like taxis to non-scheduled activities or laundry.

Notes:

• Exact times and tours offered may vary depending on arrival times.
• Please know that things could change with this itinerary, should that happen, if there extra cost you will be advised by the travel agent.
• If you want to upgrade to fishing or snorkeling for a full or partial day, please contact the agent for the price and availability. For fishing you may be quoted the price of the entire fishing boat that may take four and base your decision on that. Individual rates may not be available for fishing but it may be possible for snorkeling. It will need to be reserved and paid far in advance, at least a month.
• If you want to go out on your own versus Cuban Family dinner you can do so at your own expense, notify the tour guide early on, so the family knows how much food to prepare.
• Please note this page is informational only. Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing does not charge a registration fee for Cuba trips, all funds go to the travel agent.

How it works: You reserve with the agent and pay by check. The agent will provide forms for you to complete to obtain your affidavit and visa. The visa is sent to you.

If you are interested click HERE to provide your info.