Relive this Adventure
“The Music has been everywhere and
THIRDHOME member, Alexander B.its contagious. From the moment we arrived in the country, we’ve moved to the rhythm of Cuban music.”
Members got the inside scoop on Ernest Hemingway’s life in Cuba with his granddaughter, Mariel Hemingway. She accompanied
- An intimate and private villa dinner accompanied by a music and dance performance group
- A tour of the seaside village which served as the inspiration for The Old Man and The Sea
- A tour of her grandfather’s Finca Vigia Estate-museum followed by sunset Mojitos by the pool and story-telling
MEMBER REVIEWS
The Cuba trip was really well done; we had a wonderful time in Cuba, it was
Alexandra G.a truly a beautiful curated trip. And certainly getting to know otherTHIRD HOME members was a huge bonus and I am excited at the thought of many moreTHIRD HOME trips together. There was literally nothing to “complain” about and I am quite certain that few people receive the kind of cultural exposure that we did. It completely altered my perspective on the country.
Cuba was an incredible destination – it was definitely something we wouldn’t have pulled off on our own. The itinerary was fabulous and everything was amazing – a beautiful tasting of art, culture and the people – everything was so rewarding! Having Mariel as the host was a big highlight – she was very warm and personable with all of us.
Susan C.
The highlight of the trip, being with Mariel Hemingway, was wonderful. She was so pleasant and engaging. We really enjoyed the time spent with her. Everything about the time with her was planned perfectly. We also loved meeting the Captain’s grandson. It was a truly special experience. We are very glad we got to experience
Gail W. and Marc S.Havana, and made some lovely new friends in the process too.
The trip was fabulous, it exceeded all of our expectations!!! It was so well run, and everyone from the villa staff, guides and special guests were wonderful. Mariel was so gracious and fun – it was like touring with royalty! We hope to go back to Cuba again some day, our children were very jealous and want to go next time! We look forward to many more THIRDHOME journeys!
Marilyn and John C.
Wow! What a great trip we had. The Villa was wonderful and
Cindy S.staff took good care of us. It was the perfect size group, not too big not too small…Looking forward to more great adventures!
I’ve made many interesting journeys during my life and in a word, Mariel’s Cuba experience was fantastic – amongst the best. The accommodations were superb, the transportation comfortable and punctual and the food was probably too good. One of my fellow travelers commented, “it’s like a foodie tour”…I had the opportunity to sit with Mariel each night at dinner. She appears to me to be either a genuinely good person or a great actress – I would suggest both. My most memorable moment, however, was sitting in La Terraza, Hemingway’s bar, and discussing The Old Man and the Sea with Earnest’s granddaughter and the grandson of the old man himself, Gregorio Fuentes. How many people can say they did that? Finally, my closing comment would be – if you’re going to do the tour next year, sign me up now I want to go again.
Craig S.
Adventure photos for Attendees
If you were a participant in this Adventure you can download photos by using the link below, along with the password you received from your Adventure specialist. Be sure to share on your social media and tag @thirdhome!
Highlights
- Members enjoyed rare luxury private villa accommodations in the elite Miramar gated neighborhood along with personal drivers. These villas are not available to the public, except by personal invitation, as they are generally reserved for dignitaries and government officials that visit Cuba.
- Members joined Mariel Hemingway for an intimate poolside dinner at the villa. This dinner featured a live band and dance performance.
- Members ventured out with Mariel to visit the charming seaside village that inspired the indomitable character of The Old Man and The Sea.
- Members visited Mariel’s grandfather’s (Ernest Hemingway) Finca Vigia estate-museum and had a rare personal Hemingway viewing.
- Members toured the local Havana art scene with expert guides and visited artist studios.
- Members were chauffeured in vintage cars and danced the night away at one of Cuba’s famous Cabarets, The Tropicana Club.
- Members tasted their way through authentically-prepared Cuban dishes at the top historic
paladares (locally run restaurants) and enjoyed a hands-on cooking lesson with Mariel.
Itinerary
Collapse AllDay 1
Arrival
Members arrived in Havana and dined at a local
Day 2
Explore Havana
Members explored The Colon Cemetery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich architecture. After, they toured Havana by vintage car followed by lunch in a local
Day 3
Cigars, art and rum
Members learned how Cuban Habanos are hand-rolled with a centuries-old technique at one of Cuba’s cigar factories. After, members toured Havana’s local art scene. Bellas Artes, the Cuban Fine Arts Museum
Day 4
A Special Dinner
Dance is a part of Cuba’s soul. Members explored the local art market followed by a private session with one of Havana’s noted musicians. After, members visited Almacenes San Jose for a glimpse into Havana’s largest art market. The day ended at the villas with a special dinner with Mariel Hemingway and a troupe of private dancers and musicians.
Day 5
Finca Vigia
Members visited Cojimar, the seaside village which inspired Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and The Sea. Mariel Hemingway accompanied members to Cojimar and Finca Vigia, her grandfather’s estate and museum. Here Mariel shared family stories and hidden secrets of Finca Vigia
Day 6
Departure
Members departed Havana and returned home.
Accommodations
Members stayed in the rare private villas of the Miramar neighborhood of Havana. Typically reserved for visiting dignitaries and government officials, these villas are stocked with amenities. Members enjoyed the properties’ private pools, landscaped courtyards and
private drivers.
Each departure date came with two neighboring 7-bedroom private estates that accommodated up to 7 couples per residence. Each bedroom featured its own en suite bathroom.
Want to experience a THIRDHOME Adventure like this?
Save your spot today in one of our upcoming Adventures. Whether it’s discovering gorillas in Rwanda with conservationist, Craig Sholley, or diving in the crystal-blue waters of Fiji with oceanographer, Jean-Michel Cousteau, our Adventures are sure to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience.