African Roots in Cuban Identity ¡NEW!
Learn more about the religion of Santeria at the Templo de Yemaya. This is a popular cultural attraction that celebrates the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. Dedicated to the Orisha goddess of the sea, Yemaya, the temple is adorned with vibrant colors, intricate designs, and symbolic magery that reflect the rich spiritual beliefs of its practitioners.
Select your Own Departure Date
Itinerary
Day 1
- Arriving at José Martí International Airport.
- Meeting the Guide, who will escort the group the entire trip.
- Transfer to the accommodation in Casa Italia or Aston Havana.
- Welcome meeting to discuss the details of the Schedule and how it will provide enhanced contact with the Cuban people, support the civil society in Cuba and promote the Cuban people's independence from Cuban authorities,resulting in meaningful interaction between the traveler and Cuban individuals.
- Welcome dinner at a privately owned Cuban restaurant typically known as “Paladares”.
- After dinner, time to rest and recover energy for the next day. However, our Guide will provide options for places to spend the night having the chance to interact with locals at privately owned art galleries and other related centers.
Day 2
- Breakfast in your accommodation, time to engage with the Cuban host to learn about Cuban culture.
- A walking tour in Old Havana, founded in 1519, accompanied by an expert in Cuban architecture, it shows an exceptional collection of constructions based on a system of small squares and forts; declared as a UNESCO site in 1982. Time to interact with local vendors and private entrepreneurs present in the area.
- Guided visit to “Casa de Africa”, a museum dedicated to the African culture and its influence on the Cuban identity. Time to interact with local experts in the matter.
- Transfer to “Callejon de Hamel” (Hamel Alley) one of the most important references to Afro-Cuban traditions, art, and religion. Introduction and presentation of this unique Community project while refreshing yourself with a welcome cocktail prepared by locals.
- Enjoy a Rumba presentation accompanied by a dancing representation of the Afro-Cuban gods and goddesses.
- Lunch at the spot is provided by local entrepreneurs who are involved in this community project.
- After lunch receive a master class about Afro-Cuban religion and culture by Elias Asseff, Representative of the project and ractitioner of this religion himself.
- Transfer back to the accommodation.
- No activities are planned for the late night. Our Guide will provide options for places to spend the night having the chance to interact with locals at privately owned bars and other related centers.
Day 3
- BREAKFAST IN YOUR ACCOMMODATION, TIME TO ENGAGE WITH THE CUBAN HOST TO LEARN ABOUT CUBAN CULTURE.
- You're free to be different...!!!!
- Visit the headquarters of the “Beyond Roots” Community Project located in Old Havana, dedicated to elevating the AFRO culture as well as the aesthetics and identity of Afrodescendants in Cuba. With its performance, it is a source of work for AfroCuban men and women. It offers the opportunity to buy its products and donate for the improvement of the project.
- Enjoy a Cuban Coffee with Adriana Heredia the CEO and founder.
- You´ll get to know her and hear the history of the project since its creation. This new project gathers more than 12 different entrepreneur ventures (90% female-owned). She will explain how a young AfroCuban teacher at the University of Havana decided to embark on the journey of entrepreneurship in Cuba. This is a place where you can enjoy unique products, especially crafted. This will be an amazing opportunity for you to support local talents.
- Visit an Art Gallery in Guanabacoa “Corral Falso Gallery” Here you will receive an explanatory tour of the place by its founder, Tomás Núñez, who will take you into his personal artistic work as well as of the different artists whom his gallery has opened its doors. You will learn first-hand the history of this project away from the crowded art spaces, which has managed to put Guanabacoa on the map as a meeting space for artists and art lovers. Lunch at the spot.
- Visit the “Santeria” Museum of Guanabacoa. The collection is small but concise; rooms are dedicated to the various Santería deities, with a particular focus on the orisha Elegguá. Equally fascinating are rare artifacts from the Palo Monte and Abakuá religions.
- Transfer back to the accommodation.
- At the designated time, Transfer to a Local Community Project where local artists will perform Cuban music and dance for us. Time to interact with them about their struggles in the Island and how is the lives of musicians and dancers in Cuba. Dinner will be included in the spot for a very culturally immersive evening.
- Transfer to the accommodation.
Day 4
- Breakfast in your accommodation, time to engage with the Cuban host to learn about Cuban culture.
- Transfer to Quisiquaba Comunity Project. Learn about their history and work, and the positive impact in the community. This Project seeks to strengthen the responsible participation of the community in aspects related to health, education, self-responsibility, values, and identity. It also promotes the cultural and historical heritage of the Los Sitios community.
- Transfer to Paula Promenade, from the Ferry station you will take a motorboat to cross the bay to Regla town. Visit the Regla Catholic Church, the temple of the only black skin virgin of the Cuban catholic religion. Learn about the syncretism between Spanish and African religions developed in Cuba.
- Visit the nearby Jesus Christ of Havana Statue and learn about its history and legend. Amazing spot to interact with the many local vendors in the area. Visit the Morro Castle.
- Lunch at another Paladar, as always, is a great time to interact with locals.
- After lunch, a Panoramic Classic tour, around Old and Modern Havana, visiting the Revolution Square and Havana’s Forest. Time to take photos and learn about the most important personalities of Cuban History. At every single place, locals will engage in conversations with you, providing the opportunity for meaningful political debates.
- Transfer back to your accommodation.
- At the designated time, Dinner at another privately managed restaurant.
- At 8.00 PM transfer to La Cabaña Fort, enjoy the Cannon Shooting Ceremony. In the way to the fortress, you will see a lot of new privately owned shops where local artists offer their pieces as souvenirs. Great way to support the local private economy.
- Transfer back to your accommodation.
Day 5
- Breakfast at your accommodation
- Departure to “Las Terrazas” place that has become one of the biosphere ecosystems protected by UNESCO and National Park of Cuba, where a coherent local policy has established a social development without endangering flora and fauna. Our Tour guide together with a local expert will take you around the community and show the different peculiarities of the place, such as local schools, recreations centers, Cafes and old ruins of a Coffer Farm located at the top of a hill in the area.
- Enjoy one of the best coffees of the area at Café de Maria spot. Interact with the developers of this private entrepreneur and get to know about the struggles of this isolated community.
- Visit the house of a local artist and get to know his impact in the community.
- Visit an ancient Coffee plantation and learn about the history of slavery in the area. Lunch at the spot in a privately managed restaurant.
- Transfer to Matanzas.
- Arriving at the selected accommodation. Check in.
- No activities are planned for the late night. Our Guide will provide options for places to spend the night having the chance to interact with locals at privately owned bars and other related centers.
Day 6
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- Check out.
- Walking tour of Matanzas city. Founded in 1693, Matanzas has been called a hidden gem and even the “Athens of Cuba” for its architectural, historical, and cultural heritage. A great opportunity to mingle with the locals and get an idea of the different political views of the people in Havana and the other provinces.
- Visit one of a kind museum in the country, The pharmaceutical Museum “La Botica del Dr. Triolet”.
- Visit a project run by independent artists and discuss their work in the community. We’ll visit a space that showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions. The gallery will feature both established and emerging artists, offering a platform for creativity and cultural exchange. Through curated exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops, we seek to engage with the local community and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts. Their goal is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive art scene, promoting dialogue and exploration across various genres and styles.
- Lunch at a local privately owned restaurant.
- Visit San Severino Fort and the Slavery Route Museum. With four exhibition halls, where objects testifying to the punishments and torture given to slaves in the colonial past are exhibited, the enclosure entitled Orishas also stands out, recreating the magical and profound religious feeling that came to Cuba from Africa.
- Transfer to Trinidad.
- Check in at your accommodation.
- No activities are planned for the late night. Our Guide will provide options for places to spend the night having the chance to interact with locals at privately owned bars and other related centers.
Day 7
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- Walking tour at Trinidad city, learn about its history and architecture, stopping in people's shops or homes. The city is like a living museum!
- Farewell dinner in one of the city's most popular paladars.
- Visit to La Canchanchara bar, where you will learn about Cuban music and traditional rhythms over their local drink.
- Visit the Palacio de Cantero Museum.
- Learn more about the religion of Santeria at the Templo de Yemaya. This is a popular cultural attraction that celebrates the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. Dedicated to the Orisha goddess of the sea, Yemaya, the temple is adorned with vibrant colors, intricate designs, and symbolic imagery that reflect the rich spiritual beliefs of its practitioners.
- Visit the Art Studio of Chichi Santander. He and his family will teach you about the art of pottery-making and their traditional methods used by generations.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- After lunch, Transfer back to the accommodation.
- Night at leisure. The guide will provide of options of places to spend the rest of the night.
Day 8
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- Check out.
- Transfer to visit the Manaca Iznaga Farm, at Sugar mill Valley. Learn about slavery and its relation to sugar development of the area.
- Transfer to Havana. On the way there pass through Santa Clara City.
- Arriving to Santa Clara, visit the Mejunge community project, such a great space of inclusion and diversity.
- Mejunge promotes community participation and empowerment through various cultural, educational, and recreational activities. This project aims to foster interaction among local residents, strengthen community ties, and improve the quality of life for its inhabitants.
- Lunch at a local privately managed restaurant in Santa Clara.
- Arriving to Havana.
- Check in at your accommodation. At designated time transfer to one of the best privately owned paladar in Cuba, La Guarida Restaurant for a farewell dinner.
- Transfer to the accommodation.
Day 9
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- Check out.
- At the designated time, Transfer to the Airport
- END OF THE SERVICES.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TESTIMONIALS
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"The Sanchez family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Daiquiri Tours in Miami Springs for organizing and booking an Amazing trip for us to London and Paris. No detail was left undone and we were able to just sit back and enjoy the vacation following their wonderful itinerary!!"
Pauline and family- London and Paris
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"I had the pleasure of working with on 2 Euro trips. The first one was for our 10 year anniversary. My husband and I went to Italy. made it so easy for us. She made all of our reservations and planned the entire trip. We just had to show up! The next trip… Read more"
Jackie - Europe Trips
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"The BEST Ever Havana, CUBA Tour. was excellent! She arranged our tour, gave us an excellent itinerary, and they actually over delivered. Our group of 18 was more than satisfied with the historical overview of Old Havana on our walking tour, we had a delicious Cuban meal at a very nice restaurant, and the… Read more"
Carolyn - Cuba
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"We had a great trip and loved the itinerary you had set up for us. Gaby is fabulous and definitely made our experience way more interesting and special (we got super close with her and are definitely staying in touch). The casa particular was beautiful! The family was super helpful and nice, giving us a… Read more"
Miriam - Cuba