Today we offer two different touring options, one focusing on the agrarian lifestyle and traditions of the World Heritage Viñales Valley and the other offering a deep dive into the world of Cuban rum, cigars and farm-to-table dining. We invite you to choose one of these included privately-guided cultural excursions based upon your personal interests and style:
Option 1 – Farm Life in the Viñales Valley: Spend the day with your private guide immersed in the countryside life of the beautiful Viñales Valley c, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its enduring agricultural traditions and the authentic architecture of its farms and villages. It’s a spectacular region with pastoral fields encircled by mountains and interspersed with rugged limestone outcrops that soar as high as 900 feet above the surrounding terrain. With narrative insight and translation from your guide, you’ll engage with farmers to learn about their cultivation methods and to experience the rhythms of their life and work. At a tobacco plantation, you can see the entire production process from cultivation and drying to the hand-rolling of fine Cuban cigars. A delicious lunch of traditional countryside cooking is included and throughout the day, you’ll have myriad opportunities to share your own experiences as you learn about the lives and livelihoods of the valley’s friendly residents.
Option 2 – Cigars, Rum and Organic Farm Experience: An unforgettable day unfolds this morning as you tour one of Havana’s oldest and most renowned cigar factories. You’re sure to be mesmerized as you watched these skilled torcedores at work, handcrafting world-famous Montecristo and Cohiba cigars. Using different types of tobacco leaves for the filling, binder and cap, it’s a multistep process that requires speed, agility and even grace! Midday finds you at Finca Tungasuk, a 32-acre organic family farm about 25 miles from downtown Havana. Run by Alfredo, a former UN election monitor from Peru and Annabelle, a Paris-trained Nicaraguan chef, they are united by their passion for food, sustainable farming and country living. Learn about the operation of this bucolic agricultural estate, enjoy its idyllic setting, and sit down to a delicious farm-to-table lunch prepared by Annabelle. This evening, our cigar expert will join you for a rum + cigar pairing. With their expert guidance and knowledgeable insights, you’ll enjoy your choice of cigar paired with a tasting of two fine Cuban rums.
After your chosen excursion, you’ll have time to refresh before dinner at Otra Manera. Set in a beautifully refurbished 1950’s mansion, this stylish restaurant has emerged as one of Havana’s finest restaurants, renowned for its fine cuisine and exemplary service. If you wish, our Tour Concierge can offer suggestions and assistance for you to experience more of the city’s vibrant music and nightlife scene. Meals B+L+D