Best of Miami | Best of Little Havana private experience

To start, we bring you to one of the most renown galleries in Little Havana. The Agustin Gainza Art Gallery and Tavern, located only a short distance from the start of Calle Ocho’s walk of fame.

There is an artist inside each of us, we’re giving you an opportunity to find him or her!

Join celebrated Cuban artist Agustin Gainza and his wife, Esther in their very homelike gallery for an exclusive session with the artist in an intimate setting.

As your small group features only 4-6 guests and the gallery itself will be closed to the public for your painting session, you will feel at ease and can start your hands-on session in a relaxing atmosphere.

Hear stories from Mr Gainza on how his life influences his beautiful artistic creations while he guides you through some of his techniques and learn the style of gouache painting.

Enjoy refreshments in a Cuban style sangria made with fresh fruit or even a hand crafted mojito, one of Mr Gainza’s many hidden talents!

The authentic experience is further enhanced with genuine home-cooked Cuban foods, appetizers to stimulate your creative palate.

Your experience finishes after you've signed your masterpiece and snapped some great pictures with your new friends.

Then you’re off to enjoy the stimulating world of the Cuban cigar in Miami, learn about some of the area's rich history as you walk a the short distance between establishments, enjoying the colors and sounds of 8th Street.

Upon entering one of the last remaining operations of privately owned, hand-crafted cigar establishments, Havana Classic Cigars, you will notice the characteristic aroma of Cuban cigars. 

Once greeted, you will be delivered into a private, reserved space where the walls are adorned with beautiful works of art from the latest curated works of the Cuban community - typically an artist of local or international pedigree. 

Enjoy some fresh Cuban snacks, such as pastelitos and gourmet Cuban coffees from your comfortable seats while learning about the process of cultivating the fine tobacco. Afterward you will be accompanied by your personal guide throughout the site to build your understanding of the practicalities of the modern cigar.

Special access will be given and you’ll get a behind-the-scenes peek at the storage and processing, you’ll have opportunity to keep your senses stimulated as you work your way toward the rolling stations.

You’ll have opportunity to visit the commercial humidor and gain private access, take in the aromas and learn some interesting history of the owner’s own collection. Like a fine wine or aged whiskey, here is where great cigars are stored to mature their flavor.

Keep an eye out for the Master Cigar Rolling Craftsman at work. While it takes about 19 months of study for Cuban rollers to win their certification, there are rollers at this establishment with several decades under their belts! 

Dress the part if you like, with apron and fedora! We challenge you not to smile while you gain first hand experience of what it means to finish a handmade cigar with a wrap.

Next, you’ll try out your own handy work with an instructed cigar pairing. With brandy or with coffee, relax a little and socialize with your fellow travelers.

Moving on to your last stop, the lively CubaOcho. Home to a great variety of art pieces and featuring regular performances, it is the cultural center of the Little Havana neighborhood. It also happens to host among the nation’s largest collection of rums and is known for having one of the best mojitos in Miami. The place really needs to be seen to be believed!

Take a seat at the bar salvaged from Frank Sinatra’s own hotel and engage in an interesting history of Cuba, the collection, and of the owner himself.

We’ll have you fashioning your own mojito with a lively display of how to achieve true decadence with this classic cocktail.

Then it’s time to get out of your seats again and enjoy the gallery itself, drink in hand. We’re positive you’ll not be able to pick a favorite piece, there is an incredible amount of passion behind the collection and in selecting the “7 Arts” for the museum.

Now you’ll be treated to a selection of rums and introduced to the method of best appreciating their individual qualities. You’ll also enjoy a selection of tapas specifically chosen to enhance the flavors of this famous spirit.

Somewhere between the art and the welcoming atmosphere, you may feel compelled to stay - that your adventure must continue! We totally understand and that’s why we’ve timed the experience to finish as the crowds start to build. Feel free to enjoy yourself after the experience is over, we’ve arranged for your next cocktail at 2-for-1 pricing.

Enjoy unique photo opportunities throughout the event, but don’t forget to confirm your email address, so you can access your complimentary downloads when you get home.

Of course, at the end of your experience you will be most welcome to return and enjoy any (or all) of the galleries and collections in your own time - you’ve spent the day making new friends, after all.

Plan for about 5 and one half hours for your full experience, but we tend to have fun and can run up to 6 hours.

Your guide will take pictures and will later share a complimentary collection of photos with you to enhance your memories