Vamos a Cuba !

Been wanting to go to Cuba? What if I went with you?

Rare Finds Travel is doing a most rare trip – escorting a select group on 5-day salsa-stepping, cigar-sampling, demystifying foodie adventure to Old Havana.

It’s your chance to drive back in time, to a warm place that played a pivotal role in the Cold War.

2020/21 Departure Dates

Thur Jan 23 – Mon Jan 27
Thur Jan 30 – Mon Feb 3
Tues April 21- Sat April 25

“But Melanie…”

I know — Rare Finds is all about unique trips for independent travelers. But Cuba is different: many people are fascinated by Cuba but are wary of going solo. So what if I made all the arrangements, was on site to assist every step of the way, and set up key experiences for the group – like going into Marian’s home to cook dinner. And then gave you flexibility and options?

Old Havana

  • 5 days and 4 nights
  • Staying in our private, staffed Casa in Old Town.
  • "Rare Finds'" hand-picked experiences.
  • All private drivers and guides.
  • My onsite personal attention and leadership.
  • My favorite food experiences.
  • Only 8 people.
  • $2800 per person
  • (international air, gratuities, and some meals not included)

Want the Details ?

My Vision

Set ourselves up in Habana Vieja amongst the Art Deco buildings and the old Squares … Meet cigar rollers, local artists, and bakery owners… Hear stories from the “Special Period” (when the Soviet Union collapsed) from my Havana ambassador… Dine at local homes called paladares… … Walk on turquoise beaches and through sprawling tobacco farms… Go into local homes to cook and share dinner…. Photograph rural Cuban life… Sunset at the prestigious Hotel Nacional…. … Join a samba line on the stage at the famed Buena Vista Social Club… Ride in hacks and bici-taxis and even in a Classic Convertible, or 2.

Where we’ll stay

In a charming 1890’s Casa, just 2 blocks off of pedestrian-only Calle Obispo, in the heart of Old Town. Its tall ceilings and louvered wood doors open up onto a long balcony, bringing in sunlight and fresh air, and a hint of the pulse of life from the street below. Each bedroom has its own balcony overlooking the street, and staff Georgie and Manuel will make us breakfast each morning and set up sundowners on our private rooftop terrace.

How’s the food?

Cuba’s come a long way from the dried cabbage salads of pre-Obama years. Chefs and food entrepreneurs have kicked it up and we’ll have a dining agenda that will make you hard-core foodies smile.

And what about…

…Airfare, Visas, and all those travel rules?

Airfare is not included but RFTD can help with flights and routing, as well as let you know exactly how Cuban Visas and travel insurance work.
You’ll have lots of questions about money and wifi and more. But I will be there, every step of the way, to show you the ropes.

What’s the Itinerary ?

  • Day 1 - Welcome to Cuba

    Welcome to Cuba with meet-and-greet service at the airport and private escort to our Casa. Step out into Old town on an Orientation Walking Tour with Onelio with my private guide, followed by a Welcome dinner and after-dinner art event

  • Day 2 - Taking In Some Sights

    Start the morning with an in-depth History Walk in Old Town, including stops at the Museum of the Revolution, the 4 Squares, and more. Then, enjoy a late afternoon “Classic Car Convoy” driving tour of greater Havana including the Embassy, Revolution Square, the Malecon (seafront), a leafy beautiful city park, Centrale (the grittier more local section of town), and across the harbor to see the old Soviet Missiles Greet sunset from the lawn of the Hotel Nacional, followed by dinner in our favorite Vedado jazz café, complete with acoustic guitar, translator, and jazz history lesson.

  • Day 3 - Cigar Plantations

    Day trip to Pinar del Rios – the Vinales Valley and home to cigar plantations. Meet farmer, see the drying and rolling process, learn the economics, and try a smoke (if you like) Lunch at Anthony Bourdain’s secret sushi spot, and free evening in Old Town.

  • Day 4 - Your Choice

    Morning choice of: Beach picnic outside of Havana Cultural Bike Tour with Havana street food and ration cards Tour of the Capitolio and the Alicia Alonzo Theater Hack ride in Old Town After lunch tour of Hemingway’s life and spots, in and around Havana. Then cooking program in Marian’s kitchen, sharing dinner afterwards, and a late show of the storied Buena Vista Social Club!

  • Day 5 - Trekking Back

    Time to say good-bye to Cuba. Transfer back to airport for your flight home.

With only 8 guests, spots are limited… Secure yours now.

Hold Your Spots Now

Hold your spot now with a $300pp deposit. Then 50% deposit is due in 10 days, with the balance due 90 days before departure. With only 8 guests, my firsthand knowledge, and your curiosity, we will deep-dive into Havana for an experience that will be simply unforgettable! But spots are limited – so secure yours today.

Spots are limited… Secure yours now.

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609-923-0304 • melanie@rarefindstravel.com
site: ericrounds.com
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