Tampa’s Cigar City Bus Tour

Four cigar stops, one cool minibus. I like that this tour keeps things intimate, capped at 12 people, so you actually get to talk with guide Jamal. I also like the simple comfort upgrade: an air-conditioned minibus plus bottled water between lounge hops.

There is one timing catch to plan around: Cigars International is listed as weekend tours only, and the final lounge time is shorter than the earlier stops. If you’re a fast-mover or you want lots of time at one spot, you may want to budget extra time later on your own.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group cap (12 people) keeps the tour feeling personal instead of rushed.
• Air-conditioned transport + bottled water helps a lot in Tampa heat.
• Free admission tickets at each lounge stop means you’re not paying entry fees along the way.
• A true Ybor City cigar factory stop adds a maker’s-eye view, not just bar-hopping.
• Live music potential at the Grand Cathedral (and bands on select rooftop nights).
• Discounts at some stops can help stretch your cigar-and-drink budget.

Tampa’s Cigar City Bus Tour: a focused Ybor cigar crawl

This is not a long sightseeing bus tour. It’s a tight, cigar-centered night out in Tampa’s Ybor City area, built around four cigar lounges and one factory stop. You get a guided flow from place to place, which is exactly what you want if you want the vibe without spending your trip hunting for the right address and the right moment.

The best part for most people is how the tour balances three things: lounge time, city context, and comfort. You’re on an air-conditioned vehicle, and the schedule keeps you moving, but not sprinting. With a maximum of 12 people, you’re more likely to get direct answers than generic talking points.

Price and what $59.99 really buys you

At $59.99 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, you’re paying for access, guidance, and logistics—not for cigars or drinks. What’s clearly included: bottled water, parking fees, an air-conditioned vehicle, and the guide.

You also get something practical that adds value fast: the stop list includes admission ticket free at each lounge. In other words, your money goes toward making the stops possible and easy, not toward paying entry fees yourself.

Where the deal can get even better is at-the-bar savings. One set of guest feedback notes a 10% discount on drinks and cigar at certain stops. That doesn’t mean every purchase is discounted, but it’s a real reason to keep your receipts and ask what deals apply when you arrive at each location.

The 3:30 pm flow: how the evening actually moves

The tour starts at 3:30 pm and is designed as an afternoon-to-evening cigar crawl. You meet at Grand Cathedral Cigars, 2201 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. Expect the rhythm to be: a short, guided visit at each stop, then quick transport to the next lounge.

Stop durations are listed as roughly 30 minutes for stops 1–3 and 15 minutes for stop 4. That means you should treat the schedule as “sample and learn,” not “linger forever.” If you fall in love with one lounge’s atmosphere, you’ll likely want to return there later with your own time.

Stop 1: Cigars International Superstore and its 1,300-brand scale

The first stop is Cigars International Superstore, a 6,000-square-foot shop with lounge space and over 1,300 cigar brands. This is the good warm-up: big selection, multiple places to relax, and a full service bar.

What makes this stop valuable is choice. If you’re new, you can see how broad the cigar world is. If you’re experienced, you can compare options and figure out what you want to try during the rest of the evening. Food trucks visit regularly, so you may find a snack option in the mix on the right day.

One caution: this stop is listed as weekend tours only. If your dates fall on a weekday, you may not see this exact starting point run the way it does on weekends. Plan your trip around the calendar and confirm your date works with the listed operation.

Stop 2: Grand Cathedral Cigars, Tampa’s converted-cathedral vibe

Next up is Grand Cathedral Cigars, described as Tampa’s largest cigar lounge setup under a converted cathedral roof. It’s a full-bar venue with live music.

This stop works because it’s not just a room with cigars. It’s built for atmosphere—higher ceilings, a sense of history through the building’s reuse, and music that makes it feel like you’re stepping into a scene. Even if you don’t care about every detail, the setting makes it easier to slow down and enjoy a cigar with the right background energy.

Also, because it’s second on the route, you’ve had enough time at stop 1 to start thinking more clearly about what you want. Then you arrive at a lounge with stronger personality and live sound.

Stop 3: Sterling Cigar Lounge & Bar and the rooftop factor

After that, you head to Sterling Cigar Lounge & Bar, described as Ybor City’s only rooftop cigar lounge. On select nights, there’s a live band on the rooftop, which can make the evening feel more special without changing the schedule.

Rooftops are a big deal in Florida. You get open-air airflow and a chance to look over the neighborhood. The vibe also tends to shift—less “shop browsing” and more “hang-out lounge,” with views doing some of the work your guide can’t control.

The main consideration here is timing: rooftop experiences depend on what the weather is doing. Your comfort will also depend on your own tolerance for warmth and outdoor humidity, even with the AC ride between stops.

The operating cigar factory stop: seeing cigars made in Ybor

Between the lounge stops, the itinerary includes a visit to the only operating cigar factory in Ybor City. Even when you only get a short window, a factory stop changes how you see everything else.

Lounge time can sometimes turn into shopping and socializing. A factory moment brings the process back into focus: you remember cigars are craft products, not just items on shelves. It also makes your later comparisons at lounges feel smarter, because you’ve seen where the work begins.

The time you’ll get is listed as part of the tour, but not a numbered duration in the same way as the other stops. Treat it as a “quick look” stop, then use the lounge time for questions and preferences.

Stop 4: La Faraona Cigars and a family-rolled finish

The final stop is La Faraona Cigars, a lounge featuring their own fine hand-rolled cigars, rolled by the family of the owner. You’ll also be able to end your night with a cafe con leche, which is exactly the kind of Tampa finishing touch that turns a tour into a memory.

This is the stop that tends to feel the most personal. Family-run production means you’re more likely to hear about what makes their cigars different, and why they do things the way they do. It’s also the right kind of finale: earlier stops help you browse and compare, and this one closes the loop with a “made here” story.

One practical note: this stop is listed at 15 minutes, shorter than the earlier lounges. If you want to ask extra questions or buy something, do it early in the visit, not at the very end.

Jamal as the engine: how the tour feels more personal

A lot of the standout feedback centers on guide Jamal. The consistent theme is not just that he knows cigar culture and Tampa connections, but that he adapts to the group. That matters on a tour like this, because people arrive with different goals: some want to smoke and hang, some want the gear and pro tips, and some just want the story behind Ybor.

You’ll also feel how the stops are connected. Jamal has relationships with the venues, and that can translate into smoother experiences—whether that means better recommendations, easier interaction with staff, or guidance on what to try next.

Another detail that came through in feedback: the minibus is described as clean and comfortable, with a great sound system. That sounds minor until you realize it changes the whole ride—better audio means you can actually follow what the guide is saying during transit.

What to do if you’re new to cigars

This tour is built for keen cigar lovers, but it’s also a good entry point if you’re curious and want structured guidance. The best move if you’re new is to tell Jamal what you like so far and what you’re unsure about. The tour’s format gives you multiple lounge “samples,” so you can compare without spending your entire trip stuck at one table.

Also, keep expectations realistic. The tour includes water and the guided stops, but it doesn’t list free cigar or drink totals. Think of it as a guided night out with chances to buy and try, plus deals at select points.

Who should book this tour (and who might not love it)

This is a strong fit if you:

• Like the idea of multiple lounge vibes in one evening (bar setups, live music potential, rooftop atmosphere).
• Want a small-group plan with a guide who connects cigar culture to Tampa.
• Enjoy learning from a live human, especially when you can ask questions in the moment.

You might reconsider if you:

• Only want one lounge and don’t like a rotating schedule.
• Travel on a weekday without checking whether the Cigars International starting stop is available for your date.
• Prefer long, unscheduled time. This tour is short-stop focused by design.

Should you book Tampa’s Cigar City Bus Tour?

If you want a smart, low-effort way to hit key Ybor cigar spots with air-conditioned comfort, I’d say yes—especially because it’s capped at 12 and led by Jamal. The value isn’t just the price; it’s the included guidance, the free admission at the listed stops, and the way the factory visit adds substance beyond lounge browsing.

Before you book, do two quick checks: confirm your travel day works with the weekend-only note for Cigars International, and decide whether you’re okay with shorter timing at the last lounge. If that fits your style, this is an easy yes for a cigar-focused Tampa night.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is Tampa’s Cigar City Bus Tour?

The tour runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $59.99 per person.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?

You start at Grand Cathedral Cigars, 2201 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour air-conditioned?

Yes. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

The stop details list admission ticket free for each of the cigar locations included on the tour.

Is there live music during the tour?

Grand Cathedral Cigars is described as having live music. Sterling Cigar Lounge & Bar has live bands on select nights.

Which stops run on weekends only?

Cigars International Superstore is listed as weekend tours only.

Is the tour refundable if plans change?

Yes. Cancellation is free if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is the tour offered in, and are service animals allowed?

The tour is offered in English, and service animals are allowed.