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"SUGAR, TOBACCO AND RUM" Tour

CÁRDENAS, MATANZAS - Departure from VARADERO
"SUGAR, TOBACCO AND RUM" Tour
Overview

"SUGAR, TOBACCO AND RUM" Tour

THE SUGAR MUSEUM AND THE “JOSÉ SMITH COMAS” HERITAGE COMPLEX: Step into the heart of Cuba’s sugar-making legacy with a visit to the Sugar Museum and the “José Smith Comas” historical complex—an immersive journey into the island’s sweetest past. Located in a beautifully preserved former sugar mill, this museum brings to life the traditions, ingenuity, and cultural importance of the sugar industry from the colonial era through the early 20th century. Explore original machinery, towering boilers, and authentic locomotives that once powered the mills. Expert guides lead you through each step of sugar production, from the cutting of the cane to the refining process that shaped Cuba’s economy and daily life for generations. You’ll also discover the stories of the workers, engineers, and communities that thrived around these mills, making this experience not just educational, but deeply human. Perfect for cultural travelers, history lovers, and anyone looking to understand the roots of Cuban identity, this visit offers a rare opportunity to see history preserved in its purest form. A nostalgic ride aboard a vintage steam train can also be included—an unforgettable touch that transports you straight into the golden age of the sugar mills.

Ronera de Cárdenas – The Former Arrechabala Rum Factory: Discover the birthplace of one of Cuba’s most iconic spirits at the Ronera de Cárdenas, home of the historic Arrechabala Rum Factory. Travel through time inside this legendary distillery founded in the 19th century, where the original production processes, family tradition, and unmistakable Cuban craftsmanship gave rise to world-renowned rum formulas. This guided experience offers an insider look at aging cellars, vintage equipment, rum-making secrets, and the cultural legacy of a brand that marked global history. A must-visit for rum lovers and heritage travelers.

  • Pick up at the hotels according to the staggered schedule established for the excursion,
  • Tourist guide
  • Tour to the Sugar Museum and the "José Smith Comas" Steamship. Visit to a Sugar Cane plantation with demonstration of manual cutting. Welcome and tour inside the old factory, where machines and equipment that were used in the process of obtaining sugar cane are exhibited. Tasting of the sugar cane juice "Guarapo". Delivery of souvenir (case of 1 bottle of rum for adults and national candies for children).
  • Ride on a train pulled by a steam locomotive from the beginning of the 20th century to Cárdenas station.
  • Visit to the Ronera de Cardenas, the former Arrechabala Rum Factory, which includes a tour of the distillery, aging and bottling areas of this old factory, birthplace of the internationally famous Havana Club rum, which will allow you to learn about each step in the production of several rums that today are also symbols of Cuban craftsmanship and a pleasure for the palate. Visit to La Vizcaya for a demonstration of how rum is drunk and a tasting of a shot of rum produced in the same factory.
  • Lunch at a self-sustainable project, a private restaurant in the city of Cardenas.
  • Panoramic tour of Varadero's Tourist Pole, along 1st Avenue to 64th Street.
  • Visit to the House of Rum on 1st Avenue and 63rd Street including: Explanation on the process and history of rum making in Cuba. Tasting of rums and creams. Free time in Varadero Boulevard.
  • Visit to Plaza Las Morlas which includes: Explanation of the facilities and attractions of the plaza. Explanation by the staff of the house about the Cuban tobacco manufacturing process and its pairing with different Cuban rums in the Casa del Café. Demonstration of the manual twisting process and the possibility for the client to make a tobacco. Pairing of tobacco and rum. Coffee tasting.
  • Free time at Plaza Las Morlas.
  • Return to the hotel.
  • Recommended: light clothing, sunglasses, hats or caps, tennis, sandals or comfortable shoes, solar protection and photographic camera.
  • For the tour we recommend a water bottle.

More Information

  • 8 hrs
  • 09.00 hrs
  • Tour guide included
  • Family friendly
  • Offered inSpanish, English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Russian

Options and Availability

Showing 2 options

Collective tour

Tour in collective bus with specialized guide service in several languages. The best price.
Air conditioned busDaily departures
$175.00

Private tour

Tour by private car or microbus with exclusive specialized guide service in your language. Pick up time and program development according to their own interests.
Modern car or microbusDaily departures
$371.00

Policies and Conditions

  • Minimum Pax for the tour: 8 Pax.
  • The collected may be delayed up to 15 minutes depending on the number of hotels and punctuality of customers. Customer should be informed on sales desk to avoid disagreements.
  • Holiplus will reconfirm 48 hours prior to the departure of your tour. If the provider decides to cancel, due to not reaching the minimum number of passengers required, Holiplus will offer you an alternative tour or fully refund the cost of your tour.

Cancellation and no show policy:

  • Cancellations more than 72 hours before the tour: No penalty applies.
  • Cancellations between 72 hours and 48 hours before the tour: a penalty of 50% of the total value of the excursion applies.
  • Cancellations less than 48 hours before the tour: a penalty of 100% of the total value of the excursion applies.
  • NO-SHOW: a penalty of 100% of the total value of the excursion applies.