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ESCORTED, ALL-INCLUSIVE  EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL EXCHANGES TO CUBA

Smooth Draws Radio Show co-host Nick Syris (see image at left) has been traveling to Cuba for more than 10 years, logging more than 60 trips over that period. Few have his perspective on the "behind the scenes" Cuba, especially as it pertains to the cigar industry and the people within that industry. He has arranged an fantastic, five-day (including travel) tour and we'd love for you to be a part of it! This tour will far surpass anything commercially available from any agency or tour group. We'll have access to people and certain places that commercial tour groups cannot. Nick is assisted by radio host and travel pro Gary "Doc" Laden.

If you would like to participate in our personally escorted visits to Cuba, please complete the trip reservation form by clicking on the PDF icon below and then print and scan and attach as a file back to us or mail it to us. Please be sure to download and read the terms and conditions. 

 

If you have a friend, or friends, who might be interested in this trip, please have them contact us. These trips are open to men and women over 18. We will be with you on these trips, every "smooth draw" along the way.  For general inqueries, complete the form below.  We look forward to having you join us. 

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THE PEOPLE, CULTURE & CIGARS OF CUBA

THE HAVANA THAT FEW GET TO EXPERIENCE
PUROS HABANOS: THE FINEST IN THE WORLD!
CIGAR MAKING: A BEHIND THE SCENES GLIMPSE 

We'll have Nick's perspective of the sites, sounds and people of Havana on this very personalized, hosted tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We'll enjoy fantastic Cuban cigars throughout the trip at some of the best locales in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We'll be visiting places and meeting cigar industry legends that you won't find on your average Cuba tour itinerary!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A GENUINE GLOBAL CIGAR AMBASSADOR

Nick Syris has developed many lasting relationships throughout Cuba, especially in the cigar industry. One of these deep relationships exists with Hector Luis Prieto (seen at right between Nick and Doc). This tobacco guru of Cuba manages the Finca (Farm) de Bolado, located amidst beautiful scenery and a small river, surrounded by his tobacco plants and fruit plantations. His precious tobacco plants comprise the finest cigars in Cuba - Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julietta.  He was given the honor of being selcted as Habanos "Man of Year" and the all-time youngest Cuban prize winner for the cultivation of tobacco and for the unique quality. We will visit this man and his farm.

MEET YOUR HOST - NICK SYRIS

For more than 50 years, American cigar enthusiasts have coveted the unattainable treasures that were available on the island nation of Cuba. These treasures do not sparkle or shine, but are meticulously created by hand, using the finest tobaccos from the fertile soil of Pinar del Rio. With the recent easing of regulations regarding travel to Cuba, it is now possible to experience Cuba's tobacco-laden treasures, along with its resilient people, culture and history. You'll get a glimpse of Cuba that few will experience, at a price much more palatable than you'd find at traditional agencies catering to large tour groups. This is a highly personalized experience, catering to cigar enthusiasts who share their passion and appreciation for the cigar lifestyle. We welcome you to experience Cuba with us!

EXPERIENCE THE PEOPLE, CULTURE AND CIGARS OF CUBA

â–  Accommodations in private villas

â–  Touring in vintage American "Classic"    automobiles 

â–  Visits to one of most honored tobacco    plantations in Pinar del Rio

â–  Visit to a working cigar factory  

â–  Dining at a variety of restaurants

â–  Enjoy cigars at La Casa del Habanos 

â–  Shopping at the crafts market 

â–  Viewing important historical and              cultural landmarks in Havana

â–  Meet the legends and the characters

   of the Cuban cigar industry 

â–  We arrange all of the legal documents

â–  Medical insurance included*  

CUBA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

 

  • Domestic flight to Miami (Traveler's should consider an overnight stay in Miami on Saturday)

  • International Flight to Havana, Cuba (the departue time dependent upon the airline we wil be using).

  • Arrival Jose Marti International Airport

  • Transfer from the airport to the private villa

  • Check in and relax at villa. Trip orientation 

  • Dinner El Aljibe Restaurant (known worldwide for their fabulous chicken) in Havana 

  • Cigars and cocktails on the famous patio at Hotel Nacional

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  • Breakfast at private villa

  • Shopping at Crafts Market - Walking  

  • Guided tour of Old Havana - Walking (cars are available if required)

  • Lunch in Old Havana

  • Enjoy a cigar at Conde Villanueva / Casa del Habanos: Meet Reinaldo Jimenez – Master Roller

  • Visit to the capital and central Havana - with private gude

  • Visit the old Partagas factory - enjoy a cigar at Casa del Habanos with La China – Master Roller

  • Dinner in Havana: Private dinner in an upscale restaurant.

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  • Breakfast at private villa

  • Transfer by bus to Pinar del Rio for plantation private tour – The Farm of Hector Luis Prieto

  • Private lunch at the cigar plantation of Hector Luis Prieto. Transfer back to Havana

  • Freshen up and relax at villa

  • Dinner in Havana at a beachfront restaurant

 

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  • Breakfast at private villa

  • Guided visit to Morro Castle (Fortress) at Havana Bay - with private guide

  • Visit to Jose Casteler Cairo Puerto "Cueto" - Home of the Guiness Book of World Records "longest" hand rolled cigar at 90 meters! (Check out the video of this incredible feat here)

  • Guided tour of Museum of the Revolution 

  • Lunch El Cañonazo 

  • Tour of La Corona Cigar Factory – Manufacturer of all of the major Cuban brands

  • Visit to Melia Cohiba Hotel and Casa del Habanos: Meet Juanita – Master Roller

  • Relax and shop

  • Final Evening in Cuba Surprise!

 

 

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  • Breakfast at private villa

  • Morning shopping if airline schedule permits

  • Transfer to Jose Marti International Airport 

  • Arrival in Miami

  • Domestic flight to home city

CUBA TRIP ITINERARY (This an overview and subject to modification):

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

We offer personally escorted, all-inclusive packages to Cuba. Unlike tour operators hosting large group tours, we only host intimate groups and include flight, hotel, tours, Cuban visas, departure taxes and meals. All fees are based on double ccupancy at the villas. Final trip details are sent upon receipt of deposits.

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PACKAGE:

  • Small escorted group size 

  • Round trip international flight from Miami (other gateway airport departures are available for slight upcharge)

  • Expedited check-in for flight to Havana in Miami

  • Trip cancellation* for flight to Cuba (may use ticket in future) 

  • Travel medical insurance* and medical care in Cuba 

  • Accommodations at deluxe private villa

  • Personally escorted by Nick Syris and Gary "Doc" Laden

  • Full schedule of guided people-to-people activities

  • All meals while in Cuba

  • Bottled water while touring

  • Cuban Visa

  • Departure tax from Cuba

  • All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events.

  • All in-country ground transportation

  • Private guided tour to cigar plantation in Pinar del Rio

  • Housekeeping at the villa

  • Special Smooth Draws Travel cigars

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  *This applies to those purchasing the air arrangements to Cuba through this package

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PACKAGE:

  • Airfare to Miami (if necessary)

  • Overnight hotel accommodations (if necessary) in Miami

  • Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, housekeeping

  • Any items purchases made during your trip

  • Fees for obtaining your passport

  • Beverages: **Please note the drinks are not included during lunch and dinner, with exception of welcome drink. Price for water is approximately 1CUC, beers, mojitos, soft drinks, juices range from 1.5 to 3 CUC.

 

TOUR PACKAGE PRICING*:

  • $2,700* US 

  • 50% deposit is due at the time of booking

  • Final payments are due 60 days prior to departure

       *Per person, double occupancy  

Trip Reservation Form
Complete the Form Online
(click below) 
Terms & Conditions Form
(To download, click below) 
Watch this Fantastic Video About the Passion of the Cuban
People Involved in the Cigar Industry by James Suckling
PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR THE TRIP
Option: 1 - Pay by Check
For those desiring to pay by check - Please make checks payable to: Smooth Draws and mail trip reservation form (you can either fill it out online or print and complete it) along with your deposit of $1350, or a full payment of $2700 (if less than 60 days prior to depature), per passenger, to: Smooth Draws, 13 Phoenix Drive, Mendham, New Jersey 07945
Option: 2 - Pay Using PayPal
For those desiring to pay with PayPal, click on the link below and make your payment. Please complete the trip reservation form below, per passenger, and email back to Gary@Smoothdraws. A 3% convenience fee will apply for credit card payers.

UPDATED TOUR DATE AVAILABILITY:

TRIP #1 - AUGUST 14-18, 2016 - SOLD OUT
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TRIP #2 - SEPTEMBER 19-22, 2016 - SOLD OUT
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TRIP #3 - OCTOBER 16 - 20, 2016 - SOLD OUT
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TRIP #4 - NOVEMBER 14 - 18, 2016 (Special Partagas Festival Trip)
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TRIP #5 - JANUARY 8-12, 2017 - SOLD OUT
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TRIP #6 - FEBRUARY 12-16, 2017 - SOLD OUT
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TRIP #7 - MARCH 5-9, 2017 - 8 - SOLD OUT

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TRIP #8 - APRIL 23-27, 2017 - RESERVED FOR ATLANTA SPEAKEASY GROUP

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TRIP #9 - MAY 21-25, 2017 - SOLD OUT

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TRIP #10 - JUNE 18-22, 2017 - SOLD OUT

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TRIP #11 - JULY 23-27, 2017 - 4 SPACES REMAIN

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TRIP #12 - AUGUST 20-24, 2017 - SOLD OUT

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TRIP #13 - SEPTEMBER 17-21, 2017 - SOLD OUT

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TRIP #14 - OCTOBER 22-26, 2017 - RESERVED FOR SCOTCH SOCIETY GROUP - A FEW SPACES MAY BE AVAILABLE (CALL FOR AVAILABILITY)

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TRIP #15 - NOVEMBER 5-9, 2017 - THIS TRIP OPENED DUE TO FULL BOOKING OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEK. 4 SPOTS REMAIN

 

TRIP #16 - NOVEMBER 12-16, 2017 - COMPLETELY BOOKED

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TRIP #17 - DECEMBER 2017 - NO TRIPS DURING THIS HOLIDAY MONTH

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TRIP #18 - JANUARY 7-11, 2018 - RESERVED FOR A GROUP - COMPLETELY BOOKED

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TRIP #19 - FEBRUARY 4-8, 2018 - 8 SPACES REMAIN

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TRIP #20 - MARCH 11-15, 2018 - RESERVED FOR BARN WITH INN GROUP

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TRIP #21 - APRIL 8-12, 2018 - JUST OPENED

Click here to read what our clients are saying about our Cuban tour.

Please Visit our New, Dedicated, Cigar Tours to Cuba Site (click here)

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS:

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