No other Cuba educational tour out there offers so much bang for your buck! Cuba Education Travel takes American Educators to Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Bay of Pigs, Santa Clara for $2,599 (all taxes included)!
And remember every person you invite will also receive a $100 discount!
To get to know the authentic Cuba is to take part in Cuba tours that take you to explore several UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Old Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and the Valley of the Sugar Mills without breaking the bank while staying at landmark comfortable accommodations and enjoying first class transportation and other Cuba travel services.
It is to relive Cuban history by traversing the Caribbean beaches and battlegrounds of Bay of Pigs where the botched CIA-sponsored landing took place in 1961. It is to learn about the life of legendary guerilla fighters like Ernesto Che Guevara whose participation in the struggle against Batista was decisive for the success of the Cuban Revolution of 1959. It is to meet with Cuban doctors, political leaders, teachers, students, and ordinary Cubans and learn about their life firsthand.
With this Cuba education tour (special edition), Authentic Cuba Travel® attempts to reveal the authentic Cuba that lies beyond the walls of full packed tourist beach resorts to American educators, k-12 teachers and university professors and staff interested in conducting research on the educational system of the largest island in the Caribbean.
Traveling to Cuba legally is possible for US educational professionals as long as certain guidelines are met. We can help!
Visiting the headquarters of the renowned children’s theatre group La Colmenita; touring the facilities of the world acclaimed Lizt Alfonso dance company at the Great Theatre of Havana; learning new Cuban rhythms at Elsa’s rooftop apartment in Old Havana; having a private lunch hosted by Cuban ceramist and painter Jose Fuster in his residence in Jaimanitas; visiting community projects at humble neighbourhoods; attending popular ceremonies like the Fire of the Cannon of 9 O’clock; following in the footsteps of famed American author Ernest Hemingway are just some of the educational and cultural highlights of this authentic Cuba tour.
Researching on the current overhauling of Cuba’s education system is a major goal of this tour as well. Why is Cuba making it harder for students to enroll in university studies these days when it was the goal not long ago that all Cubans would have a degree in higher education? Why the new approach to encourage students since young ages to technical and agricultural studies? These are controversial topics that our Cuba education tours will dig deep into. No doubt these are changing times for the most exciting island in the Caribbean. No question this is the time to go. Experience the real Cuba by the hand of our team of USA Cuba travel experts. Do not miss out!
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.
What happened at the end of basic secondary education in Cuba? At that moment Cuban students can continue education either at pre- universities or at technical schools. Those who choose to complete pre-university education will received a high school diploma at the end of a 3-year period, while those who opted for technical education will graduate as skilled workers or technicians of middle-level. In both cases, students can continue studies at university level or join Cuba’s work force.
Cuba tour participants taking connecting flights from Miami, Mexico, Toronto and Nassau will land at the International Airport "Jose Marti" in Havana City, the largest city in the Caribbean and the capital of the island nation of Cuba where you will be met by your Authentic Cuba Travel® certified Cuba tour guide and bus driver who will be your escorts 24/7 for the entirety of this Cuba Tour for Educators.
A comprehensive orientation will be provided as you enjoy a panoramic bus transfer to your hotel Valentin Quinta Avenida (Valentin 5th Avenue) or
Luxury Casa Particular, located at Havana’s downtown in Vedado district. Considered as the entertainment district of Cuba’s capital, Vedado district is the best location to explore the best that Havana has to offer.
Your Cuba discovery tour of the Authentic Cuba has just begun! Welcome to this special edition of our Cuba Education Tours series.
Morning: today we will visit the headquarters of the world-acclaimed Cuban children’s theatre group “La Colmenita” (or the Little Beehive in English). La Colmenita has extensively toured around the world including the United States of America where they had several performances.
Our Cuba tour participants will meet with children, professors and director Carlos Alberto Cremata to learn firsthand about the history, mission and educational work of La Colmenita as official UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors. We may even enjoy a small play in English, exclusively put in stage for our authentic Cuba tour participants.
This visit to Cuba’s “The Little Beehive” (La Colmenita) presents an unparalleled chance for North American university and college professors, faculty and staff; K-12 teachers, and other educational professionals to conduct professional research on extracurricular participation and student engagement as a contributing factor for students’ success as well as the extracurricular work of outreach independent community projects in the island.
Most of our Cuba education tours explore the authentic Cuba that lies off the beaten path. Next an exquisite lunch will be hosted by an authentic Cuban, Jose Fuster, one of Cuba’s most important living ceramists and painters, at his private residence in Jaimanitas town at the western end of Havana city. Hence, supporting the Cuban people by patronizing privately owned restaurants, stores, art galleries and other small businesses.
Afternoon: to learn about Cuba’s artistic education, our Cuba education tours often include visits to prestigious dance companies like the Lizt Alfonso that we will tour next. Here the Cuba explorer will have the opportunity to exchange with established and up-and-coming dancers, choreographers and dance professionals. The company is also a female-only school that teaches the Lizt Alfonso dancing style which melds Afro-Cuban and Spanish rhythms with classic ballet techniques.
This activity will be of particularly interest for the professional research of those travelers from USA, Canada and all over the world whose profession, professional background, or area of expertise (including area of graduate-level full-time study) relates to dance education and the establishment of dance as an art form in education.
Next we will enjoy a guided walking tour of the historical district of Havana city. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Old Havana contains hundreds of colonial buildings that have been restored to its former glory within an area of merely 2 square kilometers.
Our authentic Cuba tour guide will show tour participants to four out of the five Spanish founded plazas of the historical centre. And we will start right at Plaza de Armas so that we go chronologically in time as this is the site where the mass of foundation of the city took place in the early 16th century.
The actual spot of foundation is marked today by El Templete, a little neoclassical chapel that contains three paintings depicting the act of foundation of the city and by a huge ceiba tree below which the foundation of the city took place (this is not the original ceiba tree though).
Housing the Museum of the City today, the Palacio de Los Capitanes Generales stands on the west side of the Square of Arms. With an imposing “Cuban” baroque architecture showcasing ample porticoes and wide balconies, the Palace served as the seat of power for the Spanish rulers since the last 18th century.
Another imposing government building from colonial times it is the Palace of the Spanish Vice- Governor of the island that contains today a prestigious book store, an art gallery and the offices of the Cuban Book Institute.
Next to El Templete, we find the oldest fortress of Cuba known as the Royal Force Castle. Full of history and with wide moats, thick walls and four bastions, the fortress was an important part of the defensive network of the city. Today it contains the Museum of Naval History.
Later on we will also visit the Plaza de San Francisco, conceived with the simple purpose of providing water to the Spanish ships on transatlantic journeys, soon it became the trade hub of the city where goods arriving from Spain and Las Americas were stockpiled. The square was named after the former Convent and Church of San Francisco that stands on the south side of the plaza with the tallest church tower in the old city.
Another colonial square our Authentic Cuba Travel® guide will show us today is the Plaza Vieja (or Old Square in English) that served as a market for many years and it was originally created as the civic square of Havana, a forum for habaneros to discuss the daily political, economical and social events. Surrounded by the impressive palaces of the one-time aristocracy of Havana, Plaza Vieja hosts many of Cuba’s leading art institutions such as Fototeca de Cuba, the Center for the Development of Visual Arts, and the Cuban Fund for Cultural Assets.
The last plaza we will visit this morning is the Cathedral Square that became the religious centre of the island in 1788, a year after the construction of the Cathedral of San Cristobal de La Habana was finished, an event that was followed by the creation of the diocese of Havana at which time the bishop established himself in Havana and the church was promoted to Cathedral.
Before we wrap it up our walking tour of Old Havana, we will make a stop at the Arts & Craft Market of Havana where we can buy all sorts of artworks and souvenirs created by local artists and artisans.
In the late afternoon, we will visit the private residence, art gallery and studio of renowned Cuban artists Alicia Leal and Cirenaica Moreira. Your participation in these activities directly supports the Cuban people and the Cuban families financially while encouraging independent entrepreneurial activities that in turn strengthen civil society in Cuba.
Evening: experiencing the authentic Cuba means taking the time to visit the homes of local residents and learn firsthand about their traditions and beliefs. Tonight we are heading back to Old Havana to pay a visit to Elsa, a habanera that lives in a rooftop apartment of one of those humble colonial buildings in the historical centre. Elsa is the leader of a locally famous band that will play live for us tonight. Be ready to dance to Cuba’s most popular rhythms such as Son, Rumba and Salsa by the hand of Elsa, her family and friends.
Morning: the first activity in our full-time schedule of professional research this morning, it is to attend professional meetings with teachers at the Workshop School in Old Havana. High school graduates enroll in this institution
to learn the arts and crafts necessary to authentically restore the ancient buildings of Old Havana. The school teaches young people
archeological and restoration work that helps preserving the heritage and cultural wealth of Old Havana.
Tour the school and get engaged with students in the different workshops such as Glass work, Carpentry, Iron work and Restoration.
Exchange with professors and students.
Our professional meeting with Cuban teachers this morning will be of particularly interest for the professional research of those travelers from USA, Canada and all over the world whose profession, professional background, or area of expertise (including area of graduate-level full-time study) relates to the teaching of skilled trades. With an aging workforce, the school is training skilled trades people who can help restore, preserve and maintain the historical and architectural heritage of the nation.
Today we will follow in the footsteps of famous American writer, novelist and journalist Ernest Hemingway who lived in Cuba for almost 20 years. Hemingway chose to live among the humble people he used to fish and play sports with. So it does not come as a surprise that his residence in Cuba is located in a working-class town of Havana city known as San Francisco de Paula.
Built in 1886 by Spaniard Miguel Pascual, Finca La Vigia (or the Lookout Villa) was bought by Hemingway in 1940. The author’s most celebrated novels and short-stories for the next 20 years were written in this villa including For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea. Finca La Vigia serves as a museum dedicated to preserve the memory of Ernest Hemingway in Cuba since 1961. It treasures hundreds of books, photographs, a valuable art collection, Hemingway’s fishing tackle and gun collection as well as original manuscripts and letters.
Another of Hemingway’s favourite places to hangout was the fishermen coastal town of Cojimar where he used to park his boat, Pilar. This was also the home town of Gregorio Fuentes the man that served as the captain of El Pilar boat and as Hemingway's guide to fish in the waters of the Gulf Streams. The presence of Ernest Hemingway can be felt at every turn from the gazebo that shelters the bust of the American writer to the collection of photos and big portrait showcased at Las Terrazas bar-restaurant at the heart of town.
Lunch at La Terracita Paladar in Cojimar fishing village. Eating in private family-run restaurants directly supports the Cuban people and the Cuban families financially while encouraging independent entrepreneurial activities that in turn strengthen civil society in Cuba.
Afternoon: to learn about Cuba's educational system we have to visit the modest community projects that flourish in the most humble neighbourhoods. Usually the labor of love of its residents, this is the authentic Cuba that mainstream Cuba tourism fails to discover. As part of our full-time schedule of professional research on Cuba’s educational system, we will pay a visit to the Community Project “Cintio Vitier” the brainchild of Cuban sculptor Pedro Pulido that takes its name from one of Cuba’s most outstanding intellectuals, Cintio Vitier who passed away in 2009. A graduate of Cuba’s oldest art school “San Alejandro”, Pedro Pulido has established different art workshops in his own residence where he teaches local children and even elders drawing, painting and sculpting.
This visit to the Community Project “Cintio Vitier” presents an unparalleled chance for North American university and college professors, faculty and staff; K-12 teachers, and other educational professionals to conduct professional research on Cuba’s artistic and extra curriculum education as well as the educational work of outreach independent community projects in the island.
Showcasing the most valuable collection of Cuban arts elsewhere, the Palace of Fine Arts is a world class facility that must be visited in order to get a better understanding of the Cuban culture. Your Authentic Cuba Travel® guide will give you an introduction on the history of Cuban arts and artistic education in Cuba from colonial times until present day.
Evening: as part of the people-to-people component of our Cuba education tours, we include an evening visit to the Fortress of San Carlos de La Cabana at the other side of the bay of Havana. The reason we go at night time it is to attend one of the oldest Spanish-origin existing traditions in Las Americas, the Fire of the Cannon of 9 O'Clock that serves as an excuse for hundreds of Cubans from all over the island to gather every night.
Morning: having access to authentic Cuban sites of grand cultural and historical significance away from the beaten path it is a highlight of our Cuba education tours. And over the next three days, this Cuba explorer tour will be traversing picturesque towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historical locations along the Caribbean coasts of central Cuba.
Our Cuba exploration starts today at the Bay of Pigs, the site of the botched invasion launched by 1400 Cuban exiles in 1961 under the Kennedy administration. However, the plan was developed during the times of US President Eisenhower when the CIA trained and armed Cuban exiles for an invasion of their homeland with the objectives of overthrown the new government of Fidel Castro and establish a US friendly government.
On April 17, 1961, the Brigade 2506 (the Cuban-exile invasion force) landed at several beaches along the Bay of Pigs. Over the next 24 hours the Cuban government moved to the region over twenty thousand troops and a number of planes that played a desicive role in sinking escort ships and causing great damaged to the air support of the Cuban exiles.
On April 19, President Kennedy authorized that unmarked American fighter jets help covering the Brigade 2506’s B-26 planes that took off from Nicaragua to support the attack. Yet they were shot down by the Cuban air forces and anti-aircraft artillery, and soon the invasion was defeated. Within 72 hours 1197 invaders were captured and over 200 killed.
Today we will relive the history of the invasion as we go through the area. Finally we will visit the Museum Playa Giron (Bay of Pigs Museum) that contains artifacts, photos and documentation related to the invasion including a British Sea Fury plane that was used by the Cuban Air Force. We may also enjoy a short movie that tells the story of the “First Defeat of Imperialism in Latin America”.
Lunch in Bay of Pigs (optional).
Afternoon: after lunch we will continue our bus ride eastern bound along the Caribbean coast to the city of Cienfuegos, also known as the Pearl of the South. Considered as one on the most important commercial hubs of Cuba today, the city also contains a beautiful historical center that was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its wealth of 19th Century neoclassical buildings.
The next activity in our full-time schedule of professional research this afternoon, it is to attend professional meetings with sports and physical education teachers, trainers and coaches at the Cienfuegos’ Sports School (Escuela de Iniciacion Deportiva Escolar (EIDE)) “Jorge Agostini”. This activity will be of particularly interest for the professional research of those travelers from USA, Canada and all over the world whose profession, professional background, or area of expertise (including area of graduate-level full-time study) relates to sports and physical education.
Upon arrival at the city we will visit the Jose Marti Park which is located at the heart of the old city where the ceremony of foundation took place back in 1819 by a group of French settlers under the ruling of Captain General Jose Cienfuegos.
Among the neoclassical buildings of great historical significance surrounding the square it is worth noticing the Cathedral of Cienfuegos showcasing the original French stained-glass windows of the 12 Apostles; the 950-seat Tomas Terry Theatre (1895) also displaying most original elements such as the ceiling frescoes and Cuban hardwood seats; the Palacio Ferrer, with its magnificent rooftop tower and elaborate marble staircase; the San Lorenzo School among many others.
The Provincial Art Galley "Maroya" will be our final stop to do some shopping before checking in at our hotel. The gallery has many artworks on sale including original oil paintings, drawings, lithographs and sculptures by Cienfuegos leading visual artists.
Next we will check in at your Luxury Casa Particular where we will spend the next two nights.
Morning: today our authentic Cuba tour takes us further east. After enjoying a panoramic bus ride along the Caribbean shoreline and through the Escambray Mountains, Cuba tour participants will arrive at the historical city of Trinidad, the third settlement founded by Diego Velazquez in 1514. It was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1988.
In order to learn more about artistic education in Cuba’s countryside, we have arranged for a special visit to the Provincial Art School “Oscar Fernandez”. Despite the fact that most students are on vacation during this time of the year, there are summer time programs that students attend eagerly. It is also a good opportunity to meet fellow Cuban teachers as well as the school principal and staff and learn about their life as Cuban educators.
This visit represents a great opportunity for North American university and college professors, faculty and staff; K-12 teachers, and other educational professionals to conduct professional research on Cuba’s secondary educational system and to exchange with Cuban teachers.
Lunch at Solananda Paladar. Eating in private family-run restaurants directly supports the Cuban people and the Cuban families financially while encouraging independent entrepreneurial activities that in turn strengthen civil society in Cuba.
Afternoon: next we will visit Trinidad’s Maternity Home which will provide tour participants a better understanding about Cuba’s medical education and prenatal health care. Family doctors and nurses are available around the clock in these facilities to provide expectant mothers with high risk pregnancies the medical attention they require for a safe pregnancy and smooth delivery.
This visit will be of particularly interest for the professional research of those travelers from USA, Canada and all over the world whose profession, professional background, or area of expertise (including area of graduate-level full-time study) relates to medical education.
Next we will go deep into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valley of the Sugar Mills where the ruins of dozens of 19th century sugar mills can be found. We will visit the former estate of the Manaca Iznaga, one of Trinidad’s wealthiest families.
All over the place, we find the remnants of the former sugar mill, including the manor house, milling machinery, slave quarters and the famous Manaca Iznaga watchtower that was used to watch the slaves.
Afternoon: we will visit the Casa del Alfarero, the workshop of The Santander family where several generations of pottery makers can be found working daily. Perhaps it is the quality of the local clay, or perhaps it is the set of the techniques that families like The Santanders have been passing from generation to generation orally, the fact remains that Trinitarian pottery making is an authentic Cuba tradition that is well known all over the island because of its artistry, beauty and durability. Shopping in these sorts of stores directly supports the Cuban staff and their families while encouraging independent entrepreneurial activities that in turn strengthen civil society in Cuba.
Guided by our expert Authentic Cuba Travel® guide, we will explore the historical quarters of the city by foot next. Trinidad is one of those authentic Cuban cities that showcases a 19th century colonial townscape arguably untouched by modern times.
Our afternoon exploration will be centered around the Plaza Mayor which is the central square of the old city and it is surrounded by important colonial buildings such as the Iglesia Parroquial de La Santisima Trinidad, the oldest church and the main Catholic temple in the city; the Museum of Architecture which is housed in the former city residence of the Iznaga family; the Ortiz Palace containing the Provincial Art Gallery today; the Museo Romantico, the one-time Residence of the Brunet Counts with a valuable collection of colonial decorative arts and Cuban wood locally-made furniture; and many others.
Before calling it the day and heading back to Cienfuegos, we will have some free time to explore at leisure the many street markets that dot the cobble stone streets of Trinidad’s historical centre.
Evening: tonight you can dance to live authentic Cuban music at Casa de La Musica, just steps away from your hotel, or enjoy the programmed cultural venues at the Jagua hotel. Your guide will keep you update on other evening venues in the city.
Morning: today we are wearing our Cuba explorer hats and heading north to the historic city of Santa Clara, better known in modern history as the battleground of the historic Battle of Santa Clara that led to the fall of the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista on December 1958 when Ernesto Che Guevara and its guerilla fighters captured the city.
Upon arrival we will visit the Plaza de La Revolucion where rallies and parades are held and in which center stands the gigantic statue of Ernesto Che Guevara built in 1987 to pay homage to the 20th anniversary of the death of el guerrillero heroico in Bolivia.
Below the monument we find the Museo Historico dedicated to preserve the memory of the Cuban-Argentinian hero and the events of the Battle of Santa Clara. Next to the museum we find the Che Guevara Mausoleum, a crypt that contains the remains of Che Guevara and 16 of his companion guerilla fighters killed in Bolivia in 1967.
Lunch at Paladar La Terraza in Santa Clara. Eating in private family-run restaurants directly supports the Cuban people and the Cuban families financially while encouraging independent entrepreneurial activities that in turn strengthen civil society in Cuba.
Afternoon: the next activity in our full-time schedule of professional research this afternoon, it is to attend professional meetings with sports and physical education teachers, trainers and coaches at the Santa Clara Sports School (Escuela de Iniciacion Deportiva Escolar (EIDE)) “Hector Ruiz Perez”. This activity will be of particularly interest for the professional research of those travelers from USA, Canada and all over the world whose profession, professional background, or area of expertise (including area of graduate-level full-time study) relates to sports and physical education.
Continuing our journey back to Havana city.
Late afternoon: with the assitance of the Authentic Cuba guide and driver, tour participants will check in at your hotel Valentin Quinta Avenida (Valentin 5th Avenue) or
Luxury Casa Particular in Havana city.
Evening: we recommend tour participants to explore the sights and sounds of Havana city at night if they have energies left. A great place to visit it is the nearby La Zorra y El Cuervo Jazz Club to enjoy the performances of Cuban Jazz Musicians (not included/ optional).
Morning: our Cuba educational tours always feature a visit to the University of Havana. Founded by the Dominicans in 1728, it is the oldest Cuban institution of higher education and one of the foremost universities in Las Americas. The current location and neoclassical complex dates from the second quarter of the 20th century though.
Every year over 1,600 Cuban professors teach social sciences and humanities, natural sciences, mathematics and physics to about 30,000 Cuban students and a few thousand foreign students. As a matter of fact, Cuba is emerging as a higher education destination in the world. However, 25% less Cuba students will begin studies at the University of Havana the next school year as the Cuban government is implementing a series of reforms with the objective of boosting the agricultural productivity of the country.
This visit represents a great opportunity for North American university and college professors, faculty and staff; K-12 teachers, and other educational professionals to conduct professional research on Cuba’s higher education policy and planning, student services, administration, as well as the teaching methods and curriculum for higher education in the island.
Next, we will enjoy some free time for having lunch (optional) in the Vedado district before attending our next visit at the Museum of Literacy.
Afternoon: located inside Ciudad Libertad, a school complex founded in the former military airfields of Cuartel Colombia, we find a small museum of great importance for today’s highest literacy rate in Cuba, the Literacy Museum which describes the successful Literacy Campaign that Cuba underwent in 1961. The museum treasures many object such as the customary Chinese lamps that teachers used at night and the teachers’ uniforms, books, manuals and even a blackboard hit by bullets during the Bay of Pigs invasion.
In 1960, Fidel announced in the United Nations that all Cubans will be literate within one year. In 1961, brigades of teachers went to the countryside to teach illiterate farmers to read and write. The construction of rural schools and the training of local educators was also part of the campaign. Many teachers were killed by counter- revolutionary gangs that were operating in remote areas like the Escambray Mountains and Playa Giron. Yet the campaign was a huge success and Cuba’s literacy rate rose from 60% to 96% in one year.
This guided educational tour will be of particularly interest for the professional research of those travelers from USA, Canada and all over the world whose profession, professional background, or area of expertise (including area of graduate-level full-time study) relates to the history of literacy education and alternative approaches to teaching. The ideal approach to teach and learn literacy depends on the student. Every student is an individual with unique strengths, weaknesses, interests, and ways of learning. So how do you teach 700 000 people of different ages and backgrounds in such a record time? What teaching approach was used and why it worked.
Evening: tonight we will visit Cuba’s most popular and famed Paladar La Guarida where we will enjoy a delicious farewell dinner. This is the time when we say goodbye not only to our fellow Cuba tour mates but tour our Authentic Cuba Travel® guide and bus driver.
Early morning transfer to Havana's international airport for taking your flight back to North America via Miami, Mexico, Toronto or Nassau mainly.
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.
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.
5-Star Quinta Avenida Hotel or Luxury Casa Particular (Private Rental Accomodation)
$2,599 CAD/ USD
Tour costs are per person based on double room occupancy including all taxes. It does not include international airfares. Please, let us know your departure city to find the lowest airfare for you.
And remember every person you invite will also receive a $100 discount!
Additional charge for a single room for duration of trip.
$600 USD/ CAD
Single Room Supplement is the additional amount applied to the cost of the trip to those who are
travelling solo and do not wish to share a room. Keep in mind that if you are travelling on your own
and wish to share a room, we can find a roommate for you so you do not have to pay additional single room supplement.
A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to secure your participation (terms & conditions). Your tour deposit is good for life though! Click here to learn what "good for life" means.
Balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Registrations received and confirmed by Authentic Cuba Travel® less than 60 days prior to departure are payable in full at the time of confirmation.
You can pay your deposit by personal or company cheque (check), credit card cheque (check),
bank draft, counter and officials cheques (checks), and postal money orders. Please, make your cheque (check) payable to:
Bella Travel Group Ltd.
Marina del Rey Professional Centre
513- 2275 Lakeshore Blvd. West
Toronto ON M8V 3Y3 Canada
Authentic Cuba Travel® offers travelers a $100 referral discount per person in all our Cuba tours to make it more affordable for friends and families travelling together.
Couples traveling together automatically get a $200 discount ($100 per person).
You will also receive a $100 discount per each person that joins you on the trip. Invite 1 friend to join you and pay $100 less. Invite 2 friends and pay $200 less. Invite 3, and pay $300 less, and so on.
The people that travel with you will be grateful as they will also get an additional $100 per person discount.
For example, if you invite 8 people to join in, you will receive an $800 discount. Your friends also receive a $100 discount per person, for a total group discount of $1,600.
If you happen to recruit 2 more travelers, for a total of 10 people besides you, you will receive a complimentary ground package!
Yes, if you are able to recruit 10 travelers, you will pay nothing, cero, nada for your ground package!
Most US airlines fly to Havana including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United, Southwest.
There are direct non-stop flights to Havana from Miami, Charlotte, New York, Newark, Atlanta, Houston, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando and Boston.
All US airlines flying into Cuba include Cuban Health Insurance in the cost of the passenger's fare (a $25 surcharge). Passengers must retain their boarding pass during their stay in Cuba. The boarding pass will serve as evidence of the insurance policy should any emergency medical services be required during the trip.
All US airlines flying into Cuba also include the Cuban Airport Departure Tax in the cost of the passenger's fare.
All US airlines flying into Cuba easily facilitate the Cuban Tourist Card (Visa) at an extra fee. JetBlue, Delta and Southwest provide your Cuban Tourist Card at an extra fee of $50. American Airlines and others charge $85.
You can book your flights directly, or we can do it for you. Just let us know what option works best for you please.
Authentic Cuba Travel® offers pre booked group return flights Toronto- Havana, Cancun- Havana and Miami-
Havana to secure lowest group fares (economy class) to our tour participants.
We also offer customized flight itineraries. You may want to fly business-class, stop over en-route, arrive early, or
extend your stay. Please contact us for further information.
We can also help you make connecting flights from your city in North America to Toronto, Miami, or Cancun. Alternatively, you are
welcome to make your own flight arrangements.
Prices guaranteed at time of booking only. We have limited seat availability, please book now to secure your seat at lowest rate. We strongly advise against purchasing connecting flights to Toronto International Airport (YYZ), Miami International Airport (MIA) or Cancun International Airport (CUN) until your connection to Havana International Airport (HAV) is booked and confirmed.
Air regulations require a minimum of three-hours connecting time between flights, we suggest more time if possible.
We do not book stand-alone flights for those not participating in our programs.
Miami-Havana Direct | American Airlines
$287 USD (approximate including all taxes). The Cuban Tourist Card (Visa) has an additional fee of $50 to $85 USD.
Flight AA2699 departs Miami Saturday 8 March 2025 at 11:49 am
Arrives Havana Saturday 8 March 2025 at 01:00 pm
Flight AA2678 departs Havana Saturday 15 March 2025 at 09:25 am
Arrives Miami Saturday 15 March 2025 at 10:38 am
Flights out of Miami are often subject to last minute change in departure & arrival times, flight numbers and schedules. Do not purchase connecting flights to/ from Miami until you have purchased your round trip to Havana.
Cancun-Havana Direct | Cubana Airlines (CU)
$360.00 USD Including all taxes, but not a Cuban Tourist Visa at an additional cost of $20 USD.
There's only one return Cubana Airlines flight daily from Cancun to Havana.
Flight CU153 departs Cancun Saturday 8 March 2025 at 4:05 pm
Arrives Havana Saturday 8 March 2025 at 5:25 pm
Flight CU152 departs Havana Saturday 15 March 2025 at 1:45 pm
Arrives Cancun Saturday 15 March 2025 at 3:05 pm
Note: Flight duration 1 hour, 45 minutes (one hour time difference).
Toronto-Havana Direct | Air Canada (AC)
$759.16 CAD Including all taxes, fees and Cuban Tourist Visa
AC 1598 Departs Toronto Saturday 8 March 2025 at 6:15 pm
Arrives Havana Saturday 8 March 2025 at 9:45 pm
AC 1597 Departs Havana Saturday 15 March 2025 at 2:15 pm
Arrives Toronto Saturday 15 March 2025 at 5:40 pm
If you prefer to connect to Havana via other countries such as The Bahamas, Jamaica or the Cayman Islands,
please contact us to get a flight quote.