Rooted in the heritage of Texas Cowboy Country, we bring a generational standard of service and integrity to every journey we design.
Our Story: Texas-Rooted, Globally Authorized
Our founder, Colby Gardner, was raised on a Texas farm settled by his family nearly 200 years ago. Growing up in the heart of Cowboy Country, he learned to cherish the stories and people that make a culture vibrant.
Years later, as Colby traveled the globe, he carried those Texas values with him—building deep, rooted relationships in every community he encountered. What began as a passion for connecting friends with the places and people he loved most soon evolved into Gardner Tours.
As a hospitality-first company built on multi-generational family values, we treat every traveler with the care and respect of a lifelong friend. We aren't just your guides; we are your private hosts, dedicated to serving you wholeheartedly ensuring you are cared for like family every step of the way—from the streets of Havana to the heart of Texas.
Contact UsOur Team
Our team consists of professional local experts who serve as private hosts, treating every traveler like family. Highly experienced and deeply connected to their communities, they are dedicated to delivering authorized, authentic, and safe travel experiences that prioritize cultural immersion.
Colby
A visionary explorer with a legacy of leading 100+ global expeditions, Colby blends Texas-born integrity with a storyteller's passion for world history.
Josie
The heart of Gardner Tours, Josie combines a global perspective with a rare gift for intentional hospitality, ensuring every journey feels like coming home.
Michel
A master storyteller and one of Havana’s most iconic faces, Michel translates the city’s complex history into a living, breathing narrative of its people.
Yunior
A native Havana guide with deep local roots, Yunior’s selfless spirit transforms every traveler from a guest into a member of the family.
Carlos
An entrepreneur with a scholar’s palate, Carlos uncovers the soul of Cuba through culinary secrets, sharp wit, and deep local expertise.
Albert
Defined by a magnetic presence and a gift for genuine connection, Albert possesses the rare ability to make every traveler feel truly seen and celebrated.
Zeydi
An entrepreneur from Trinidad, Cuba, Zeydi bridges technical precision with natural wonder for an intimate look at local life and landscapes.
Yedi
A Havana veteran since 2007, Yedi’s laid-back wisdom and eternal smile offer an effortless invitation into the authentic Cuban way of life.
The Gardner Standard
We believe that how we travel matters as much as where we go. The Gardner Standard is our blueprint for a higher form of exploration—a commitment to excellence that ensures every private journey is as purposeful as it is unforgettable.
Economic Integrity & Global Fair Pay
We believe excellence deserves equity. From guaranteeing our team a base wage that far exceeds local averages to ensuring our global network of vetted partners—including professional drivers, farmers, and luxury boutique hosts—are paid premium, fair-market rates, we invest in the people who make your journey possible. By investing directly in local economies rather than seeking discounts, we cultivate a culture of mutual respect. This ensures you receive the most authentic, dedicated service from Texas to Cuba and beyond.
Intentional Hospitality
Rooted in the "People-First" values of our Texas heritage, our service goes far beyond standard travel logistics. We treat every traveler like a guest in our own home, ensuring you feel seen, celebrated, and secure. By blending warm southern hospitality with expert local precision, we curate a seamless experience where every guest is treated like family. Whether we are welcoming you to a private casa in Havana or a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country, we deliver this promise with heart across every destination we serve.
Local Impact & Empowerment
We don’t just visit communities; we invest in them. By partnering exclusively with trusted local entrepreneurs, we ensure your journey supports sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural traditions. This deeply-vetted network provides you with secure, rare access and authentic connections that standard tours simply cannot reach. This is responsible travel that empowers the region while providing you with an experience that feels less like a tour and more like an invitation.
A Global Reputation Built on Trust
At Gardner Tours, we don’t just lead trips; we build bridges. We are honored to have earned the trust of explorers from over 25 nations—from the United States and the United Kingdom to Kazakhstan and Thailand. Whether you are joining us from Europe, Asia, or the Americas, you are never just a tourist; you are a guest of honor within a legacy of hospitality that knows no borders.
See the world through the experiences of those we’ve been honored to serve…
★★★★★
"Our guide was waiting for us at the airport… from that moment on we could just sit back and enjoy everything."
— Mac K.
★★★★★
"It felt like we met up with a good friend… not like we were on a tour."
— Jamie L.
★★★★★
"His connections gave us unique experiences… he couldn’t go 5 minutes without bumping into someone he knew."
— Connor T.
★★★★★
"Colby made us feel like nothing but family."
— Tammie L.
★★★★★
"We weren’t just sightseeing — we were part of the story."
— Chris O.
★★★★★
"This was my second time in Cuba with Gardner Tours and I can almost guarantee it won't be my last!"
— Dylan W.