AN EVENING STROLL THROUGH THE HISTORIC CENTER OF HAVANA

• Estimate Duration: 3.5 hours
• Pre-tour educational materials to prepare you for scheduled activities.
• Exclusive, guided itinerary including; insider access to Cuba’s landmarks and hidden gems, private visits, and lectures with renowned Cuban experts.
• All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events unless otherwise noted.
• Excursion transportation and logistics.
• Expert Cuban guide.
• Private Cuban driver.
• Certification of travel to Cuba under the U.S Department of the Treasury’s general license.

**End-of-tour gratuities for the Cuban guide, driver, and tour leader are left to the guest’s discretion and should be based on your level of satisfaction with the service received.

You will see the historic Plaza de San Francisco de Asís. It was built in the 16th century when Spanish galleons stopped at the harbor on their route through the Indies to Spain. It is most significant for its uneven cobblestones and white marble of the Fuente de Los Leones (Fountain of Lions) carved by the Italian sculptor Giuseppe Gaggini in 1836.

Then you will continue to Havana’s Plaza Vieja. This architecturally eclectic Square, where Cuban baroque meets Gaudí-like art nouveau, was first built in 1559 and was initially named Plaza Nueva (New Square). The Square houses a micro-brewery, the Angela Landa Primary School, a beautiful fenced-in fountain and, on its west side, some of Havana’s most beautiful shop windows. When Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, the Square was restored to the historic plaza it is today. While in Plaza Vieja, you will have some free time to walk around, take pictures and enjoy a beer at the brewery.

Your last stop of the walking tour will be at Plaza de la Catedral, the last of the main squares to be created in one of Old Havana’s most beautiful spots, named Plaza de la Ciénaga (Swamp Square) initially because of its muddy terrain. Later, after being drained and paved, it became one of the city’s most important squares. Affluent families then moved into the area and built their mansions in the Square. The Square’s main attraction is the Havana Cathedral, notable for its two unequal towers and its framed theatrical baroque façade designed by Italian architect Francesco Borromini. It was known as one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. The building was finished in 1787 when the diocese of Havana was established, and then the church became a cathedral.

Next, we will visit La Bodeguita del Medio and enjoy the traditional mojito, followed by a short panoramic bus tour through the rest of Old Havana. Your final stop for the night will be at the famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar, which re-opened in 2013 after being closed for 48 years. Many say that the famous Sloppy Joe sandwich is an American staple, while others argue that it came originally from Cuba. According to some, the name of the bar comes from their staple sandwich made with Ropa Vieja (shredded meat), which translates to “old clothes.” Also, many of the bar’s English-speaking customers nicknamed the owner, José García, Joe. The bar was frequented by many famous figures like American novelist Ernest Hemingway, Australian-born actor Errol Flynn, and novelist Graham Greene.

Meal included: No
Start time: 7:30 p.m.

Note:This excursion involves walking for the full duration of the tour, mostly along paved and cobblestone streets. It is not suitable for wheelchair access. Guests are advised to bring a camera, wear flat/comfortable shoes, and to dress in layers. Rain gear and/or an umbrella is recommended. This tour is OFAC compliant.