Cuban Landscape Tours {Havana Day Tour}

Post Last Modified – February 06, 2021

Take A Private Classic Car Tour To Havana

My wife and I recently returned from a wonderful vacation to Varadero – Cuba, and enjoyed an amazing Private Classic Car Tour To Havana with Cuban Landscape Tours. I had always wanted to visit Havana for many years and finally got the opportunity this year!

Taking a private tour has so many benefits compared to that of your typical large bus tour and surprisingly doesnt cost that much more either!

A Look At Our Day Tour From Varadero To Havana

Pick up time at our hotel was as scheduled at 8 am. Our driver and tour guide arrived in our beautifully restored Classic Car! What a treat to step back in time and enjoy a private ride and tour in an American Classic.

Our pick up time was perfect, as we were able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our resort hotel beforehand.

The journey to Havana by car is about 150 kilometers, taking at least 2 hours with a brief snack and washroom break along the way. Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

A Visit To Old Havana

Arriving in the City, our first stop was Old Havana. Without a doubt, this is the main tourist attraction in Havana. Our very informative guide (Yudith), walked us through the citys very historic section, also known as La Habana Vieja.

Yudith was extremely knowledgeable in explaining Havanas history, culture and its people throughout the entire day. As we made our way along the historic streets of Old Havana, we walked to several beautiful locations such as;

The Museo de la Revolucin (former official residence for the Presidents of Cuba prior to the revolution);

The Gran Teatro de La Habana (home to the Cuban National Ballet);

Central Park (Parque Central);

The Bacardi Building;

Havanas Art Museum;

Follow Ernest Hemingways (American journalist, novelist, and short-story writer) footsteps with stops at;

El Floridita Bar, La Bodeguita del Medio and Hotel Ambos Mundos.

Hemingway lived and wrote in Cuba for over 30 years!

Hotel Ambos Mundos Historic Elevator

Calle Obispo;

Plaza Vieja Plaza de la Cathedral;

Plaza de Armas.

Optional Visit to Christopher Columbus Cemetery (admission fee: 5 cuc per person)

These are just a few of the places you can experience on your own personal tour. What I love most about a private tour, is you can do what you like and at your own pace throughout the day.

Just tell your guide and theyll be sure to accommodate you the best they can!

Many of the buildings are being slowly restored to their original form, which is wonderful to see. Many others are still in their natural state since the Revolution, which occurred more than 50 years ago.

Walk at your own pace throughout Old Havana as your experienced guide leads you to the many more popular areas and explains the history of the buildings and sites along the route.

Classic Cars Of Havana

If you’re a lover of Classic American Automobiles, you won’t believe some of the beautifully restored cars that you will see everywhere in Havana. Such care has been taken to restore these beauties!

Havanas Waterfront Market

Looking for some souvenirs to take home? No problem, located across the street from Old Havana is a huge marketplace for just that. Browse through the many shops for your favorite souvenir or gift to take home.

Your guide will also be happy to point the way if youre looking to purchase authentic Havana Cuban Rum, Cigars and Cuban Coffee. Spend as much time as you like shopping or if you prefer not to, no problem, its your tour! If you are shopping for Cigars, then be sure to check out my post on Cuban Cigar Scams, to make sure your getting authentic Cuban Cigars!

The Morro-Cabaa Fortresses

From Old Havana, we made our way to a very scenic location across the water from Old Havana to view the Historic Morro-Cabaa Fortresses.

Here, you have the opportunity to capture some great photos of the city and the Fortress, before taking a break and stopping for lunch.

Authentic Cuban Lunch

Time to enjoy lunch at an lovely home based restaurant just steps from the Fortress viewpoint. It was great to relax in this lovely outdoor home setting, while you enjoy some great Cuban cuisine, Ice Cold Cerveza and live Cuban music on a typical hot sunny day in Cuba!

Scenic Drive Along Havanas Malecn

After a much needed lunch break, it was time to continue our tour with a drive along Havanas Malecon. This is a 7 kilometer drive along the seawall of Havana that leads you to The Historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba.

This beautiful hotel sits on Taganana Hill with views of Havana harbor, the seawall and the city. It has hosted many famous guests over the years in Cuba since 1930, some of which include; Jimmy Carter, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, Mickey Mantle, Ernest Hemingway and many more!

Our tour took us down the busy streets of Havana, where you can capture some great photos of the many beautiful historic buildings, classic cars and more. It was great to sit back and observe the daily life of the locals going about their business in this bustling city.

Revolution Square

It was then on to The Revolution Square. A very significant and historic site in Cuba. A variety of important speeches have been proclaimed and unpublished patriotic acts have been carried out here by Fidel Castro.

This huge square was built on a hill, imitating the style of the Place de lEtoile in Paris. It is considered as one of the largest public squares in the world, with approximately 72000 square meters and with different avenues that are dispersed towards the city. Formerly known as Plaza Cvica, it became known as Revolution Square when the armed struggle of the Cuban people triumphed in 1959.

The pyramidal tower is the highest point in the City of Havana and has a 90 meter interior elevator, as well as a 579 step staircase. At the top of the tower, experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

It was then time to head on back to Varadero after a great morning and afternoon visiting Havana. Ive said it time and time again, it is certainly worth paying just a little bit more for a tailored private tour. In most cases, it will surprise you how little extra a private tour costs compared to that of a typical large bus tour.

If you are planning a trip to Varadero or Havana, then do check out Cuban Landscape Tours. They offer a variety of tours, both day and multiple day that can be arranged to suit your wants and schedule.

About Cuban Landscape Tours

Cuban Landscape Tours is a family owned and operated business focusing on customer satisfaction and tailoring tours to your needs. Their team consisting of family members and close friends, has more than 15 years working in the travel industry.

Their vehicles (Classic American Cars) meet strict regular safety inspections in Cuba. The business is affiliated to Taxi Cuba having the credentials to do local and inter-provincial travel. All vehicles and drivers are insured as required.

For those arriving by Cruise Ship, no problem, your guide and driver will arrange to meet you right at the Pier!

Below, I have listed their official website link where you can access much more detailed information on all their tours offered, including online booking.

🚗 Landscape Tours

I’ve also listed the Official Gocuba Tourism website link, where you can access all the information you need on this beautiful island in the Caribbean.

🏝 Gocuba Tourist Board

Safe and Healthy Travels!

✨ Did You Know

Most Of Cubas Labor Force Is Controlled And Employed By The State.”

🌴 Be Sure To Join Me & Gr8 Travel Tips On Facebook! 🌴

Your thoughts are Always Welcome in the Comment Box Below. As well, if you enjoyed reading this post, please do share it with others by scrolling down ↓ to your favorite Social Media Button ↓.