Exploring the Best Cultural Tours in Cuba

Welcome to an extraordinary journey through Cuba’s vibrant cultural landscape. This 11-night tour offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the authentic soul of this Caribbean island, from the pulsating streets of Havana to the serene tobacco fields of Viñales Valley. As you traverse this captivating country, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of history, art, music, and traditions that make Cuba truly unique.
Havana’s rich artistic heritage
The cultural adventure begins in Havana, where you’ll spend six nights at the charming Marques de la Torre hotel. Cuba Travelling experts have designed this section of the tour to provide an intimate glimpse into the artistic soul of the capital. The itinerary includes visits to the Museum of the Revolution and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, where centuries of Cuban creativity are on display. Dr. Peter Higginson, an art and culture specialist who has been visiting Cuba since 2006, will guide you through the complex layers of Cuban artistic expression, offering insights that only someone with his extensive experience can provide.
Immersive experiences in old havana’s art scene
Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, serves as an open-air museum of colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Your exploration includes meeting local artists in their workshops, witnessing the creative process firsthand. The vintage car tour through Havana offers a stylish way to absorb the colorful facades and artistic murals that adorn the city. This experience is limited to a small group of maximum 20 passengers, ensuring personalized attention as you discover hidden artistic gems that most tourists miss.
Music and Dance Tours Through the Capital
No cultural tour of Cuba would be complete without immersing yourself in its rhythmic heritage. The itinerary includes attendance at a performance by the National Ballet, showcasing the island’s excellence in classical dance. As evening falls, you’ll have opportunities to visit authentic music venues where local musicians perform traditional Cuban music styles such as son, rumba, and salsa. The tour also follows the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, visiting Cojimar and Hotel Ambos Mundos, where the literary giant found inspiration amid the musical backdrop of Havana.
Tobacco and rum: cuba’s traditional industries
Departing from Havana, the tour takes you to experience the traditional industries that have shaped Cuban culture for centuries. Priced at £4999 for the full 11-night experience, this section offers exceptional value with ATOL protection and expert guidance throughout. The journey begins on February 21, 2026, with flights from London Heathrow, making it convenient for UK travelers seeking an expert-led cultural exploration.
Viñales valley tobacco farm experiences
The itinerary includes two nights at Los Jazmines Hotel in the picturesque Viñales Valley, known for its dramatic limestone karst landscapes. Here, you’ll visit traditional tobacco plantations where farming methods have remained largely unchanged for generations. Local farmers demonstrate the intricate process of cultivating, harvesting, and hand-rolling the world-famous Cuban cigars. The tour also includes a visit to the Soroa Orchid Garden and Cueva de los Portales, offering a broader understanding of the natural environment that contributes to the exceptional quality of Cuban tobacco.
Rum distillery tours and tasting sessions
The cultural journey continues with a visit to the Museum of Rum in Havana, where you’ll learn about the historical and cultural significance of this iconic Cuban product. Expert guides explain the distillation process that transforms sugarcane into the smooth spirits that Cuba is renowned for. The tour includes tasting sessions where you can sample different varieties and ages of rum. This experience connects beautifully with the visit to Trinidad, where you’ll explore a former sugar mill that once provided the raw materials for rum production. The difficulty level is rated as moderate, making it accessible to most travelers while still offering authentic cultural immersion.
The final leg of this cultural odyssey takes you through Cienfuegos with its remarkable Palacio del Valle and Tomás Terry Theatre, before continuing to Trinidad, another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its perfectly preserved colonial architecture. You’ll also visit Santa Clara to see the Che Guevara memorial, adding historical context to your understanding of contemporary Cuban culture. With six dinners and seven lunches included, plus luxury accommodation throughout, this tour offers a comfortable yet authentic way to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Cuba, returning to London on March 5, 2026.