Tesca Travel - Artist Led Tours to Cuba

Tesca Travel adheres to all U.S. government rules and regulations and operates legal tours to Cuba under the O.F.A.C. general license category Support for the Cuban People. Each trip follows a full-time schedule of activities that support civil society in Cuba and result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba. For more information visit our FAQS page. 

Itinerary Summary

Day One - Travel To Cuba 

Journey from your U.S. home city to Cuba's José Martí International Airport. We will depart early, arrive in Cuba mid-day, and  check into our private casa in the heart of Old Havana. After  dinner on the waterfront, we  up we will take in the magical evening lights of Havana as we prepare for the week of adventures to come.

Day Two - Old Havana, A World Treasure

Learn about the city’s storied past from a top Cuban historian, then head off to explore Old Havana itself. See the architectural gems that echo they city's 500 years of history. Visit with Cubans who make their home in this living museum. This day we will also visit an inspiring community arts project that brings together professional artists and musicians who are working with Cuban youth.  End the day with an open-air meal at one of Havana's hippest new restaurants. 

Day Three - To the East! 

We leave the intense hustle of Havana for overnight travel to the seaside city of Cienfuegos. With architecture  is heavily influenced by French immigrants, Cienfuegos is one of Cuba's urban gems. Stroll the city center, visit the historic theater where opera legend Enrico Caruso once sang.  At days end will sample the sunset from our lodging on the bay, perhaps with a mojito in hand.  

Day Four- Cienfuegos / Trinidad

This day begins with a tour of the Bay of Cienfuegos on a charter boat. We'll gain a rare sea view of the city and landscape before having a lunch picnic on a small island that was once a colonial outpost. After sun and sea we travel to Trinidad, one of the best preserved colonial city in the western hemisphere. It is a lively spot with great nightlife, restaurants, and sense of fun. .  

Day  Five - Trinidad 
We visit the beach at the edge of one Cuba's finest natural parks. This day we will also drop by a regional center for visual and pottery art. At night we walk from our casa to the soulful city center to enjoy a live rumba and traditional creole meal. The atmosphere of Trindidad recalls New Orleans and other melting pots of people and culture. 

Day Six - Journey Back to Havana

Stops along the way back to Havana include include Gaudi-inspired ‘Fusterlandia,' a multi-installation artistic wonderland created by artist José Fustar. Once back at your Havana, take the afternoon for a siesta or further explore the surrounding neighborhoods. Regroup in the early evening at an outdoor venue where live bands play under the stars while Cubans of all ages smile, spin, and salsa the night away. 

Day Seven : Cultural Icons of the Past and Future 

Begin the day with exceptional access to a midmorning rehearsal by one of Havana's leading dance companies. After some free time we regroup to spend an evening at a cutting-edge Cuban gallery and performance center. There, take in the best of modern Havana's music, dance and art. Enjoy the venue's restaurant, offering a fun and inventive take on contemporary Caribbean cuisine. 

Day Eight: Storied Centro and Sunset Ride

We then walk Havana's soulful neighborhood of Centro and visit one of Cuba's oldest recording studios (we might even catch a session in progress!). There  is time to revisit some of your favorite spots as well as the largest artisan market in Cuba. With the sun setting, enjoy a ride through Havana in a 1950's classic convertible. Live music and local delicacies ends the last evening in Havana.
 

Day Nine: Return to United States 

An mid-day  departure affords a much-deserved leisurely brunch before departing the casa for the airport and journey back to the United States. 
¡Adios Cuba!