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 8-day luxury gay tour of Cuba including Havana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Embark on an unforgettable journey with Brand g as we delve into the rich history, captivating culture, and breathtaking natural beauty of Cuba, the Caribbean’s largest and most enchanting island. Discover the timeless allure of Cuba as you explore its vibrant streets adorned with vintage cars, savor the world-renowned craftsmanship of cigars, and bask in the serenity of unspoiled beaches. Each moment is a celebration of the island’s unique charm and warmth.
Due to the special requirements to visit Cuba, US guests will be required to sign a travel affidavit confirming that they are traveling under the People to People – General license and will participate in our schedule of activities.
Day 1 - Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Independent arrivals into Miami. Take the included airport shuttle service provided by the host hotel to the Sonesta Miami airport, where a one-night stay is included as part of your reservation. This evening meet other travelers at an informal welcome reception. Overnight at the Sonesta Miami Airport.
Meals: Welcome Reception
Hotel: Sonesta Miami Airport Hotel, Miami
Day 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before gathering in the hotel lobby to meet your trip hosts for a welcome briefing. Thereafter we transfer to the Miami airport, where you will receive your Visa/Tourist card prior to flight check-in.
Upon arrival to Santa Clara, Cuba, your local guide will welcome us and assist you with boarding your coach. There will be time for orientation and general questions. Time permitting – enjoy a quick visit of Santa Clara city center; Teatro La Caridad, one of the few remaining colonial theaters on the island and the Che Guevara mausoleum. To keep to our schedule today, a box lunch will be provided for your enjoyment on the coach. Enjoy panoramic views of the Mountain Range of Escambray, known for its coffee plantations enroute to the ancient city of Trinidad – A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tonight enjoy a group dinner at Paladar Museo 1514, a popular gem with particular antique décor and a menu that combines traditional Spanish cuisine with local seafood.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Melia Trinidad Península Hotel, Trinidad
Day 3 - Friday, February 7, 2025
Today, following an included breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a visit to the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills), a series of three interconnected valleys that were the center for sugar production during the 18th and 19th centuries. At the peak of the industry in Cuba, there were over fifty sugar cane mills in operation.
In 1988, Valle de Los Ingenios, and neighboring Trinidad, were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Trinidad’s prosperity rested on the sugar industry and became the cultural center of the island. Much of the architecture is Neo-classical and Baroque with a Moorish flavor, reflecting the town’s heritage of Spanish conquerors.
Lunch is included today at El Ojo del Toro, a family-owned restaurant in the local fishing village of La Boca, at the mouth of the Guaurabo river.
After lunch we will visit the Santanders, arguably the most renowned family in town. The family has worked the Art of Pottery for generations. We will visit their workshop and interact with the craftsmen. After, we return to the hotel for some relaxation time.
Tonight’s dinner is at Sol y Ananda. This local gem features a delicious variety of local seafood, Cuban creole cuisine dishes, as well as live music.
Tonight if you wish you may partake of optional nightlife entertainment in the city with live music at Casa de la Trova, a traditional-music venue located in the heart of town, not far from your hotel. Salsa lessons are available for those feeling adventurous.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Melia Trinidad Península Hotel, Trinidad
Day 4 - Saturday, February 8, 2025
This morning, following breakfast, we check-out from hotel to depart for Havana via Cienfuegos. Along the way, we will see locals hitchhiking to different parts of the country, as well as picturesque groups of farmers selling their fresh products in the middle of the highway.
In Cienfuegos, we will enjoy a walking tour of the city center, a town awarded for its architecture. We will stop at the famous Thomas Terry theater and enjoy a performance by the local choir.
Today’s included lunch is at El Lagarto. This privately owned paladar is set right on the mouth of the beautiful Bay of Cienfuegos. After lunch, our journey will continue to Havana.
Upon arrival to Havana, we’ll check in to the Grand Aston Hotel. After some time to refresh we’ll have an included dinner at Al Carbon. This hidden gem created by internationally awarded Cuban Chef Ivan Justo, is a private restaurant showcasing barbeque traditional Cuban cuisine with an international flair and live entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Grand Aston La Habana Hotel, Havana
Day 5 - Sunday, February 9, 2025
Today, following breakfast at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tour of Havana with visits to: Visit the Taller de Grafica Experimental, Havana’s printmaking and lithographic workshop; Plaza de Armas, a scenic tree-lined square situated at the center of the former political and military influential area on the island; Plaza de San Francisco de Asís (San Francisco Square) a remarkable cobbled plaza surrounded by buildings dating from the 18th century and dominated by the baroque church and convent of San Francisco built in 1719 (now a concert hall).
We’ll take a break for lunch at Plaadar Los Mercanderes, where you’ll be introduced to the owner and his wife. Yamil is a former cigar industry expert and remarkable entrepreneur. This farm-to-table, sustainable restaurant in the heart of old town became the first to have its own organic farm and fishing boat to provide fresh product.
After lunch we’ll visit the charming Plaza Vieja, with galleries and popular cafeterias attended primarily by locals. Then, a Guided tour of The Museum of Cuban Fine Arts. This remarkable piece of modern architecture is dedicated exclusively to Cuban Art from the earliest days of Spanish colonialism to the latest generation of Cuban artists.
Enjoy some free time at the hotel before another wonderful evening out with dinner at paladar El Cocinero — one of the top restaurants in the country, located in the ruins of an old factory, and decorated by the work of independent Cuban artists Damian Aquilez and Arles del Rio.
After dinner we visit the New York Times-featured Art and Live Music venue, Fábrica de Arte Cubano, today’s best cultural proposal in the city. It hosts one of the biggest exhibitions of contemporary art on the island along with interior and architectural design.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Grand Aston La Habana Hotel, Havana
Day 6 - Monday, February 10, 2025
Today, after another delicious breakfast at the hotel, we visit CENESEX, the “National Center for Sex Education”, a government-funded organization founded in 1989, known for advocating tolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community, as well as addressing issues related to domestic abuse. CENESEX stresses acceptance of sexual diversity and has attracted international attention in recent years for its campaigns for the rights of transgender persons, and provision of state funded sexual reassignment surgery. The head of the center is Mariela Castro, daughter of the Cuban politician and former president Raul Castro.
Today’s included lunch is at paladar CostaVino, a stylish venue located not far from the residential embassies district. The cuisine is an upscale recreation of Cuban traditional cuisine with a Spanish flair.
Following lunch, we’ll continue with an Art tour with curator/entrepreneur Sandra Borges. This includes visits to the studios of several Cuban artists including the The Merger. This collaborative ensemble of artists creates unique works on canvas and big scale sculptures. Their work is part of the permanent collection at the Phoenix Art Museum and can be seen in several private collections throughout Europe and the U.S. We will also visit Studio 3 y 31. This group of young, talented artists share not only their workspace, but also their tremendous passion for art. An extensive number of drawings, photographs, painting and sculptures can be appreciated here.
Thereafter we’ll return to hotel for some time to refresh before dinner at Cocina de Liliam, one of Havana’s first Paladars, opened back in 1990’s, which still serves “grandma’s recipes”.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Grand Aston La Habana Hotel, Havana
Day 7 - Tuesday, February 11, 2025
This morning after breakfast, we start with a visit to the studio/rehearsal space of the multi-awarded Cuban choreographer Rosario Cardenas, where we will enjoy a short performance, meet the dancers, and engage in educational interaction.
Then we’ll continue with a visit of the whimsical home of artist Jose Fuster, who continues to make major contributions to the rebuilding of his small fishing village, located on the outskirts of Havana.
We then drive to the next-door province of Artemisa, originally considered to be rural Havana. Here we visit Finca Marta an organic, sustainable farm mastering “green farming” a people’s initiative to make empty land productive during the hardship of the so called “Special Period” (after the collapse of the Soviet Union). We will meet the farm staff to learn about their daily routines. Farm-to-table lunch will be served after our tour.
On our drive back to the city, we will make a stop at a Bodega (grocery store), to learn how locals receive their monthly, subsidized products. There will also be an optional visit to the Arts and Craft market for souvenir shopping.
Tonight, experience a vintage American convertible joyride to dinner at “La Guarida”: The country’s most famous restaurant! It carries the charming ambiance of the 1920’s. It is recognized not only for its delectable dining, but also for being the location of “Strawberry and Chocolate” a Cuban film nominated for an academy award, the first ever movie to present the existing political and social contradictions of the time on the island, and the first ever to feature a gay man in a main role. The building was finished in 1913 and can be seen in many international publications like The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Grand Aston La Habana Hotel, Havana
Day 8 - Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Following an early breakfast, we’ll transfer to the Havana airport for your included flight to Miami. We expect to arrive to Miam at approximately 11:45am. Please check with us before scheduling your onward flight from Miami to be certain of our arrival time as this could change.
Meals: Breakfast
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• People-to-People interaction & meaningful exchanges with locals
• Vintage American convertible joyride to dinner
• Tour the pristine colonial streets of Trinidad
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Cienfuegos
• Experience Cuban creole cuisine dishes, as well as live music
• Explore the cobbled streets and fabulous colonial architecture of Havana
• Plaza de La Revolucion, the center of political and cultural life of the country, and the architectural landmark of Havana
• Visit the CENESEX, the “National Center for Sex Education”, known for advocating tolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community
• Visit the Valley of the Sugar Mills, a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO
• Airport arrival and departure transfers
• Arrival and departure transfers in Cuba to coincide with included flights: airport/hotel for arrival/departure; one designated group transfer per tour.
• 1 night at 4* Sonesta Miami Airport Hotel
• 2 nights at 5* Melia Trinidad Península
• 4 nights at 5* Grand Aston La Habana
• Daily breakfast, 6 lunches, 6 dinners with 2 beverages and water included
• All tours and excursions as stated in the itinerary, with English-speaking guides
• Entrance fees to sites and museums
• Brand g host throughout the trip
• Pre departure assistance
• Legally compliant program under the auspices of the People to People license of authorized travel to Cuba
• Cuban Visa (Tourist Card)
Sonesta Miami Airport Hotel, Miami
Just 800 metres from Miami International Airport, Sonesta Miami Airport in Miami, Florida offers convenient services such as 24-hour airport shuttle service and Wi-Fi in all guest rooms.
Sonesta Miami Airport features an outdoor pool. Guests can work out in the fitness centre or be productive in the business centre. Guests can enjoy their stay at this completely non-smoking hotel.
Cafe 950 at the Sonesta Miami Airport is open for breakfast, lunch. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's welcoming Buena Vista Lounge.
Melia Trinidad Península Hotel, Trinidad
Melia Trinidad Peninsula is an upmarket beachfront hotel located on the southern coast of Cuba which opened in 2023, just outside the charming town of Trinidad. The hotel boasts a prime location, offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and a private white sand beach. For those looking to unwind and relax, the hotel's Yhi Spa offers a range of treatments and services designed to soothe and rejuvenate the mind and body. The spa features a sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi, as well as a range of massages, facials, and body treatments.
The hotel features 356 spacious and elegantly designed rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities. There is a wide range of facilities and activities for guests to enjoy. The hotel features several swimming pools, including a children's pool and a large outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel's sports facilities, including tennis courts, a mini-golf course, and beach volleyball.
Melia Trinidad Peninsula also offers a range of dining options, including a buffet-style restaurant serving international and local cuisine, an à la carte restaurant specializing in gourmet dishes, and several bars offering refreshing cocktails and drinks.
Grand Aston La Habana Hotel, Havana
The Grand Aston La Habana Hotel boasts a privileged location on Primera and D streets, right in front of Havana's Malecón. A superb resort, built to impress the most demanding traveler and managed by the largest and most prestigious hotel group in Southeast Asia, Archipelago International. Its elegant and modern design, emulating the new Caribbean urban lifestyle, perfectly incorporates the green space of its lush gardens in an urban resort.
The sophisticated and modern lifestyle at the highest level of the Hotel Grand Aston La Habana reveals a unique design architecture, with 600 elegant and bright rooms and suites that pay homage to the rich history of El Vedado, and an eclectic dining offering where the crown jewel is the Havana 92, located on the 25th floor, where one can enjoy beautiful sunsets. Its inspiring event spaces, dubbed Java, Sumatra, and Bali, as well as an infinity pool overlooking the shimmering waters of iconic Havana Bay. If rejuvenation and relaxation is what you seek, then there is the Ubud Spa, the first Bali-style salon in Cuba.
When should I schedule my flights?
Arrival: You should schedule your flights to arrive to the Miami Airport (MIA) by February 5, 2025. The first activity that day will be at approximately 5:30pm.
Departure: You should schedule your flights to depart from Miami, Florida (MIA) at 1:00pm or later on February 12, 2025. Our expected arrival time from Havana is at 11:43am. Please check with us before scheduling this departure to ensure this has not changed.
What arrival and departure transfers are included?
A complimentary airport shuttle is provided from the Miami Airport (MIA) to the Sonesta Miami Airport Hotel.
Departure transfers are provided from the Gran Aston Hotel to the Havana International Airport to coincide with included flight (HAV).
Contact our team or your travel agent to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.
What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.
What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.
Will there be smoking areas?
All hotels will have designated outdoor smoking areas. We ask that guests refrain from smoking while during tours.
Is there a dress code ?
You are on vacation as the last thing we want to impose is a dress code. We will however appreciate you wearing more than a thong or mankini at dinner. Be as dressed up or down as you see fit as long as you are comfortable and dress appropriately for changeable weather.
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