Stay at Cuba's Iberostar Habana Riviera Hotel for $2,599 (taxes included). Your tour begins in Havana and includes visits to Viñales and Las Terrazas.
And remember every person you invite will also receive a $100 discount!
Cuba. For some, this island outpost of Communism may summon up images of the Cold War. For others, it conjures bright visions of beach vacations accented with Afro-Cuban sounds. But for many, Cuba just remains a big mystery. Authentic Cuba Travel® is here to help you develop an accurate picture of contemporary Cuba with a very special Cuba tour designed for educators, K-12 teachers and education researchers from USA, Canada and all over the world. During our weeklong Cuba tours, you’ll experience the authentic Cuba through genuine people-to-people exchange.
One positive aspect of Cuba’s distinctive political situation is that it hasn’t become spoiled through out of control tourism. Instead, its openness to visitors and relaxed pace make it an ideal environment for truly learning about its people, culture and institutions. Authentic Cuba Travel® is pleased to partner with a number of important Cuban cultural and educational institutions in order to create an exceptional educational Cuba travel experience.
During your Cuba study trip, you will have the chance not only to enjoy people-to-people encounters but to meet with colleagues working in various parts of Cuba’s educational system. Lively, personal interaction distinguishes our Cuba education tours and makes your time in country both enjoyable and informative.
You’ll come to see that despite facing many difficulties, Cuba has achieved a great deal through its educational institutions. Not just a worldwide leader in the fight against illiteracy, Cuba has also worked hard to create gender equity in its educational system and to engage in successful, rural, educational outreach. We know that you will leave feeling like it was time well spent.
"In preparing for the trip the staff at Authentic Cuba Travel® promptly and accurately answered every question asked. The staff even assisted by conducting research on the names and addresses of academic and professional contacts I needed to make in Havana. The documentation required for U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba to assure legal compliance was forwarded well in advance of the trip relieving any anxiety for anxious travelers. Overall the trip was outstanding. Thank you!" Professor Michael E. Jones
Please, check the day-by-day itinerary below
US University and College Professors, Faculty & Staff, K-12 Teachers, and other Education Professionals from USA interested in conducting professional research on Cuba’s Educational System can travel to Cuba under the provisions of the General License for Professional Research.
CATEGORY: General license for Professional Research- 31 C.F.R. § 515.564(a)(1)(2) of the current Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations.
(1) Professional research. The travel-related transactions set forth in § 515.560(c) and such additional transactions as are directly incident to professional research are authorized, provided that:
(i) The purpose of the research directly relates to the traveler's profession, professional background, or area of expertise, including area of graduate-level full-time study; and
(ii) The traveler's schedule of activities does not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule of professional research.
(2) Professional meetings. The travel-related transactions set forth in § 515.560(c) and such additional transactions as are directly incident to attendance at, or organization of, professional meetings or conferences in Cuba are authorized, provided that:
(i) For a traveler attending a professional meeting or conference, the purpose of the meeting or conference directly relates to the traveler's profession, professional background, or area of expertise, including area of graduate-level full-time study;
(ii) For a traveler organizing a professional meeting or conference on behalf of an entity, either the traveler's profession must be related to the organization of professional meetings or conferences or the traveler must be an employee or contractor of an entity that is organizing the professional meeting or conference; and
(iii) The traveler's schedule of activities does not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule of attendance at, or organization of, professional meetings or conferences.
We provide our US travelers with all the required documentation to ensure they are in compliance with 2022 Biden administration’s rules on Cuba travel under the US Cuba Travel category: Professional Research and Professional Meetings. US travelers can choose to depart to Cuba from any US port of their choosing.
Cuba's Higher Education Ministry provides state subsidized education to foreign nationals under specific educational programs, including U.S. students who are trained as doctors at the Latin American School of Medicine.
In January 2016, the US Government announced further enhancements to the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba that previously required a specific license (this is, lengthy applications to OFAC). Now travel to the Caribbean island is allowed under a general license (this is, self-completed paperwork with no application to OFAC needed).
After President Biden’s policy change on USA Cuba travel on June 9, 2022, the General License for Educational Activities remains in place. Accredited U.S. graduate or under graduate degree-granting institutions; U.S. Academic Institutions; and U.S. Schools can organize and sponsor an educational trip to Cuba for their students, faculty and staff under the General License for Educational Activities, provided that the trip meets OFAC guidelines; and that an employee or other representative of the organization escorts the trip to make sure such guidelines are followed by all participants.
The purpose of the Cuba travel should be for:
_ the participation in a structured educational program offered for credit as part of a course of the sponsoring institution;
_ educational exchanges sponsored by Cuban or U.S. secondary schools involving secondary school students’ participation in a formal course of study or in a structured educational program offered by a secondary school or other academic institution, and led by a teacher or other secondary school official are authorized. This authorization allows for participation of a reasonable number of adult chaperones to accompany the secondary school students to Cuba.
_ attendance at non-commercial academic seminars, conferences and workshops related to Cuba sponsored or co-sponsored by U.S. academic institution.
_ non- commercial academic research related to Cuba for the purpose of obtaining a graduate or undergraduate degree;
_ the participation in a formal course of study at a Cuban academic institution provided that credits will be accepted toward the student’s graduate or undergraduate degree.
We take care of all details both in North America and in Cuba, including VISA and flight arrangements to Cuba's main destinations via USA ports (Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, or other) or through third countries like Canada and Mexico. Authorized US organizations can travel through a third country subject to the same restrictions and requirements as those flying directly from USA.
At Authentic Cuba Travel®, we have been organizing such educational and cultural travel experiences from the United States of America for years with great success.
Authentic Cuba Travel® operates courses, programs and exchanges sponsored by Cuba’s top educational schools and organizations such as the University of Havana, Cuba's National Ballet School, Cuba's Sports Ministry, San Alejandro’s Arts School, Insituto Cubano de La Musica, Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba. Request custom-made no-obligation Cuba Study Tours® for your students and check all the resources we put at your service. Do not wait any longer. Now is the time to start planning the next Cuba tour for your students.
Explore Cuba's Economy and Private Business Sector
Professional Research Cuba's Medical System & Healthcare Model
Discover the Wonders of Cuba’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, National Parks & Protected Areas
Explore America’s largest & best preserved Spanish Historical Cities
Exchange with Cubans at Cathedrals, Churches & Social Projects
Spanish Course sponsored by the University of Havana
Ballet Course sponsored by Cuba's National Ballet School
Sports Trainning sponsored by Cuba's Sports Ministry
Arts Program sponsored by San Alejandro’s Arts School
Sponsored by the Havana Jazz Festival’s Organizing Committee
Sponsored by Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba
Hello! I’m Bernt Dietmar. Over 20 years ago, I visited Cuba as part of a delegation of American scientists interested in exploring opportunities for research and business collaboration. I was surprised by Cuba’s high academic standards, and the methods used in the educational system. We founded Authentic Cuba Travel® to show that Cuba is more than another Caribbean tourism destination and promote the understanding in between Cuba and North America. I kindly invite you to join us. We'll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exchange with Cubans, partake in local food dishes, music, rum, and much more!
Every year Cuba’s International Festivals brought travellers to Cuba from all over the world. Every year Authentic Cuba Travel® makes sure that those attending international events such as the Havana Jazz Festival, the Havana Book Fair, the Havana Film Festival, the Havana Art Biennial, the Fire Festival, the Havana Ballet Festival or the Habano Cigar Festival get the most out of their Cuba travel experience and get to know the authentic Cuba.
Your Educational Cuba Travel begins with your arrival at the international airport just outside of Havana City. You’ll be met straightaway by your Authentic Cuba Travel® guide who will continue with you for the duration of your stay—your personal link to authentic Cuba.
After a short bus ride, you’ll check into your hotel Valentin Quinta Avenida (Valentin 5th Avenue) or
Luxury Casa Particular located at the cultural center of Havana City.
During the Obama and Trump administrations, the Cuban government significantly eased restrictions on Cubans to rent out rooms in their homes to foreign travelers. Soon Casas Particulares (private rental accommodations owned by a Cuban family or individual) boomed all through the island. Today some of these humble businesses have evolved into high-end full service boutique hotels offering high quality amenities, food and beverage services, wireless internet connection, and the highest level of customer care.
The luxurious 186-room Valentin Quinta Avenida was previously operated by US Starwood Hotels & Resorts. In 2016, this hotel opened as the Four Points Havana becoming the first American hotel in Cuba after the Revolution. The hotel is currently managed by the Valentin Hotel Group, a hotel chain based in Mallorca, Spain.
5-Star Valentin Quinta Avenida (Valentin 5th Avenue)
Address: 5ta Ave, e/ 76 y 80, Miramar, Playa, Havana, Cuba.
Postal Code: 11300.
Telephone: (+53 7) 214 1470 Ext. 8070 & 8071 / (+53 7) 214 1476
Group check-in.
Breakfast is complimentary from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Select your authentic Cuba trip from over 70 Cuba tours in seconds. Sort by departure date, price, destination and even Cuba travel theme.
QUICK CUBA TOUR FINDERIf you’ve got an idea of which style of trip will suit you best, take a look at our different trip themes below, as there’s something to suit everyone. Not only are there themed tours to fit any budget and interest, each Authentic Cuba Travel® experience immerses you in the authentic Cuba so hard to explore while just staying in full packed beach resorts.
Our festival tours give travelers VIP access to all venues and happenings of Cuba’s famous international events such as the Havana Jazz Festival, Book Fair, Ballet Festival and others.
Through peer to peer interaction, our Cuba Study Tours® transcend ordinary tourism by immersing American students in the local culture, history, politics, music and contemporary arts.
Cuba Pathfinder® is your gateway to discover the unique Cuban cultural heritage, a set of traditions & memories not showcased in museums but much alive & thriving.
An architectural passage through Cuba’s best preserved colonial cities and unique architectural heritage, our architecture tours visit all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba.
Capturing stirring pictures of authentic Cuban destinations it is not the only mission of our photography tours. Capture the essence of the Cuban culture and the kindness of its people.
Our educational tours represents a great opportunity for K-12 teachers, university & college professors to explore Cuba’s education system while exploring colonial cities, towns and villages.
An odyssey into Cuba's tropical paradise, our nature & bird watching tours gain access to the most pristine natural sites, from UNESCO Biosphere Reserves to National Parks.
A journey into the Jewish history in Cuba, our tours will strengthen the ties between Cuban Jewish communities and North American Jews. All while visiting 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
What sets our sports tours apart are the private exchanges with players, coaches & staff as well as sports journalists & personalities. Then you have best seats at the games!
Real Cuba Tour 1
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Jan 11- Jan 18, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 1
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Jan 11- Jan 18, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Jazz Festival
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Jan 26- Feb 3, 2025
$3,099 Book Now
Santiago Jazz Festival
Santiago de Cuba
Jan 27- Feb 3, 2025
$2,899 Book Now
Havana Jazz Festival
Havana, Vinales
Jan 29- Feb 3, 2025
$2,499 Book Now
Havana Book Fair
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Feb 7- Feb 14, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Havana Art Biennial
Havana, Vinales
Feb 21- Feb 28, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 2
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Feb 8- Feb 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 2
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Feb 8- Feb 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Habano Cigar Festival
Havana, Vinales
Feb 22- Mar 1, 2025
$2,999 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 1
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Feb 22- Mar 1, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 2
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Mar 1- Mar 8, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Al Natural
Havana, Zapata, Trinidad
Mar 1- Mar 12, 2025
$2,859 Book Now
Cuba Business Tour 1
Havana, Matanzas, Varadero
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Healthcare Cuba Tour 1
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 3
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 3
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Art Explorer I
Havana, Vinales
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Bird Watching Tour
Havana, Zapata, Trinidad
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 3
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 4
Havana, Vinales
Mar 15- Mar 22, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Photography Tour I
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Apr 5- Apr 12, 2025
$2,629 Book Now
The Nature of Cuba
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Apr 5- Apr 14, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 4
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Apr 5- Apr 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 4
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Apr 5- Apr 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
4 Biosphere Reserves
Rosario, Zapata, Buenavista
May 2- May 11, 2025
$2,999 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 5
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
May 10- May 17, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 5
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
May 10- May 17, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Photography Tour II
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Jun 7- Jun 14, 2025
$2,629 Book Now
Cuba Art Explorer II
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Jun 7- Jun 14, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 5
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Jun 7- Jun 14, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 6
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Jun 7- Jun 14, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 6
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Jun 7- Jun 14, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Fire Festival
Havana, Santiago de Cuba
Jun 29- Jul 6, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 7
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Jul 5- Jul 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 7
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Jul 5- Jul 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Business Tour 2
Havana, Matanzas, Varadero
Jul 5- Jul 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Healthcare Cuba Tour 2
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Jul 5- Jul 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 6
Havana, Santiago de Cuba
Jul 5- Jul 12, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 7
Havana, Las Terrazas & Vinales
Jul 12- Jul 19, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Jews of Cuba Travel
Havana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos
Aug 7- Aug 14, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 8
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 8
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Photography Tour III
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,629 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 8
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Art Explorer III
Havana, Vinales
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Legal Travel
Havana, Vinales
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Cuba Architecture I
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Seven Cities II
Havana, Santiago de Cuba
Aug 9- Aug 20, 2025
$3,329 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 9
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Sep 6- Sep 13, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 9
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Sep 6- Sep 13, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Baseball Tour
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Sep 6- Sep 13, 2025
$2,999 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 10
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Oct 4- Oct 11, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 10
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Oct 4- Oct 11, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Dance Cuba Tour
Havana, Las Terrazas
Oct 4- Oct 11, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Performing Arts Tour
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Oct 4- Oct 11, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Ballet Festival
Havana, Vinales
Oct 25- Nov 1, 2025
$2,999 Book Now
Jo Jazz Havana
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Nov 5- Nov 12, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Seven Cities I
Havana, Santiago de Cuba
Nov 6- Nov 17, 2025
$3,329 Book Now
Cuba Nature Tour
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Nov 7- Nov 16, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 11
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Nov 8- Nov 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 11
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Nov 8- Nov 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Business Tour 3
Havana, Matanzas, Varadero
Nov 8- Nov 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Healthcare Cuba Tour 3
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Nov 8- Nov 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Havana Film Festival
Havana, Vinales
Dec 8- Dec 15, 2025
$2,899 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 12
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 12
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 9
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 10
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Santa Clara
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 11
Havana, Santiago de Cuba
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,799 Book Now
Bird Watching Tour
Havana, Zapata, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Architecture II
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Art Explorer IV
Havana, Las Terrazas
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Photography Tour IV
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,729 Book Now
Jewish Heritage Tour
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,799 Book Now
Family Discovery Tour
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,699 Book Now
Be in the know and sign up for email updates from Authentic Cuba Travel®. Our monthly Newsletters are full of great information for North American schools and educational institutions, their students, faculty and staff, as well as all those travellers interested in Cuba's educational system. Last minute discounts on Cuba education tours, contests and featured educational travel opportunities. All to keep you up to date with the world of Authentic Cuba Travel®.
NewsletterBella Travel Group Ltd. (Federal Corporation number: 765324-7) owns and operates the following registered trademarks: Authentic Cuba Travel® is a trademark registered at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Registration No. TMA975677 | Cuba Pathfinder® is a trademark registered at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Registration No. TMA997988 | Cuba Pathfinder® is a trademark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Registration No. 5498353 | Cuba Study Tours, Make Cuba Your Classroom® is a trademark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Registration No. 5833051.