1.Hemingway Tour – 1 day
Celebrated American novelist and short story writer, Ernest Hemingway, enjoyed spending time in Cuba and its vibrant culture influenced his works such as ‘Islands in the Stream’ and ‘A Moveable Feast.’
This day long experience begins at Hotel Ambos Mundos where Hemingway had a room, now preserved as a small museum. You’ll enjoy a walking tour of the cobblestone streets of Old Havana with your Simply Cuba guide highlighting stories of Hemingway’s life and the places he frequented here, and as well, landmarks reflecting the city’s rich history and architecture.
The tour will make a stop at La Bodeguita Del Medio, thought to be the restaurant and bar that crafted the original Mojito and one of the writer’s hangouts, where you will enjoy a refreshing Mojito in a colourful setting.
Next, you’ll visit the atmospheric El Floridita, another delightful bar and Hemingway favourite that is famous for its daiquiris, which you will sample along with their other cocktails. Before contining on to Sloppy Joe’s, once popular with American tourists and celebrities, for a nostalgic experience.
From here, you will ride in a classic vintage American car to a beautiful estate Finca Vigia – Lookout Farm, where Hemingway resided, located in San Francisco de Paula, a suburb of Havana on the outskirts of the main city. You will have an in-depth tour of the estate which includes viewing Hemingway’s preserved boat, Pilar, and be provided with an insight into his life and work.
The itinerary then continues to the picturesque fishing village of Cojimar, seven kilometres east of Havana. This is the setting for the writer’s novel, ‘The Old Man and the Sea.’ Here, you have a cocktail class and learn how to create and mix cocktails inspired by the writer’s favourites before sipping them whilst overlooking the sea. The journey concludes with an exhilarating drive back to Old Havana in a classic car whilst savouring every moment of a culturally inspiring day.
2.Our Havana Food Tour – 1 Day
This is a day tour filled with Cuban culinary experiences. The country’s cuisine is based on Spanish techniques with a Caribbean influence in spices and flavours.
You will be met by your Simply Cuba Tour guide at your Casa, one of the city’s stylish local and individually owned accommodations. The first stop is El Gelato, for a perfect sweet start to the day where you will sample a variety of artisanal gelato, featuring flavours of strawberry, raspberry, peach, pineapple and mango.
Next, you will visit D’Carlie Chocolate, a boutique chocolatier where you learn about fine art of chocolate making. You have the opportunity to purchase these exquisite artisanal chocolates and receive a chocolate bar as a gift.
The tour continues to Fusterlandia, known for its buzzing art scene and striking mosaic installations created by celebrated Cuban artist José Rodriguez Fuster.
Following, you will head back to Havana to explore starting at Alameda de Paula. This scenic waterfront area is ideal for walking and enjoying the city’s charm. At Almacenes de San José Artisans Market and Crafts Store you have the chance to browse and shop from a wide array of local souvenirs. This market offers unique Cuban arts, crafts, and mementos. You will stroll through the San Isidro district, known for its lively street art and burgeoning food scene, and can enjoy local street food offerings such as lamb and chorizo empanadas, chicken vaca frita tostones and shrimp frita burgers, some of the tastes that define Cuban street cuisine.
As the tour makes its way through the streets, your guide will share stories of the area’s past as a red-light district, adding a layer of history to your culinary journey.
To conclude, you enjoy a late lunch at Adastra Bar-Restaurant featuring the best of Cuban cuisine in a contemporary setting.
3.For the lovers of the finer things in life – 1 Day
The day’s adventure starts with a leisurely walk-through Old Havana’s delightful cobblestone streets to take in local art and fashion.
The first stop is Open Studio Molina renowned for its impressive collection of contemporary Cuban art. Here, you are encouraged to interact with the artwork and may consider acquiring a piece that resonates which will directly support the local artist.
Continuing on foot, you visit Clandestina, an innovative independent fashion outpost. Clandestina is celebrated for its sustainable designs offering unique apparel that captures the spirit of modern Cuba.
Next, you head to Gao Habana, a lively bazaar bustling with a selection of handicrafts and clothing. This is a fantastic venue for one-of-a-kind Cuban crafts and textiles from local designers like Textura and Alexa’s.
Following, it is just a short walk to the rum and cigar store at La Casa del Habano to discover iconic world of Cuban rum and cigars where you learn about the heritage and craftsmanship of these celebrated Cuban staples.
A Bicitaxi ride then takes you to Los Mercaderes for a lunch, offering a selection of delectable Cuban dishes in a charming setting, perfect for enjoying the local cuisine.
Following lunch, you will then participate in a rum and cigar pairing session at Rum Rum, led by a certified cigar sommelier. This experience offers a deep dive into the flavours and traditions of Cuban rum and cigars, providing a sophisticated tasting session.
After this enriching day, you may choose to take a relaxing siesta or to explore more of Havana at leisure.
If you are wishing to continue into the evening, Simply Cuba suggests a visit to Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), a vibrant hub for art, cocktails, fashion shows, and live performances. This is a wonderful showcase of contemporary Cuban culture.
