Cuba at a glance

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to our home

  Arrival in Havana. Welcome at the airport by your French-speaking local guide. Transfer from José Martí International Airport to your accommodation in Havana. Accommodation for 4 nights with a local host, breakfast included. Dinner at your leisure and overnight with the host.

• day 2

  Discovery of Colonial Havana

  

  Discovery, on foot, of the colonial district of Havana, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and considered one of the 7 wonder cities of the world since 2014, visiting: • the Paseo del Prado, one of the most beautiful avenues in Havana; • the Bacardí building, the first Art Deco building constructed in the city of Havana (exteriors); • the Grand Theater of Havana, home of the National Ballet of Cuba (exteriors); • the Capitol, a replica of the one in Washington and a symbol of Havana (exteriors); • Central Park, with its esquina caliente, where baseball is always discussed; • Obispo Street, a pedestrian shopping street in the heart of the old city; • the Ambos Mundos hotel, the first residence in Havana of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway (exteriors); • the Plaza de Armas, the oldest in the city; • Cathedral Square, one of the most beautiful and harmonious in the city; • La Bodeguita del Medio, famous thanks to the Mojito, much appreciated by Hemingway (exteriors); • Plaza Vieja, one of the busiest in the city; • San Francisco de Asís Square, with the convent as an expression of religious art (exteriors); • the Rum Museum, which traces the history of rum and ends with a tasting. Approximate duration: 4h. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, free time in the city. Some optional activities are offered. In the evening, around 7:30 pm, ride in an American car along the Avenida del Puerto, a vast avenue on the west side of Havana Bay, up to the San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress, one of the largest and most important in Latin America. Participation in the Ceremonia del Cañonazo (cannon firing ceremony), a typical ceremony of the city of Havana, performed in colonial-era costumes and with an authentic Spanish cannon: the shot is fired at 9:00 pm. Free time to walk around the grounds. Approximate duration: 2h. Return to your accommodation. Dinner on your own and overnight stay with a local host.

• day 3

  Discovery of modern Havana

  Discovery of modern Havana in an old American car from the 50s, visiting: • the Colón cemetery, which has become a monument thanks to its tombs, true works of art; • Revolution Square, a meeting place for Cubans during the country's most important moments; • a cigar factory, showing the process of making Cuban cigars, all handmade, with the possibility of buying some in its shop; • the Avenue of the Presidents, surrounded by statues of famous Latin American presidents; • John Lennon Park, featuring a life-size statue of the famous English composer and member of The Beatles; • the University of Havana, spirit and expression of youth (exteriors); • La Rampa, one of the avenues most frequented by Cubans in the city center; • the gardens of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, an emblem of the country; and • the Malecón, a seaside avenue, very popular and a symbol of Havana. Approximate duration: 3h. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, free time in the city. Some optional activities are offered. In the evening, free time in the city. Suggestions: Café Taberna, for dinner and live traditional Cuban music, with some members of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club; Tropicana cabaret, the most famous cabaret in Cuba, for an evening under the stars in a festive cabaret atmosphere; Gato Tuerto, temple of bolero and romantic song; La Zorra y el Cuervo, Havana's jazz club, etc. Dinner on your own and overnight with a local host.

• day 4

  Excursion to the Viñales Valley

  Day trip to Viñales, considered one of the most fascinating places in all of Cuba. In a calm and welcoming setting, this village is an ideal space to relax, in contact with nature and to enjoy outdoor activities, in a site classified as a Cultural Landscape of Humanity by UNESCO. Free lunch. Discovery of the region, renowned for its mogotes, small rounded rocky hills, by visiting: • its shaded streets lined with colorful houses, surrounding the central square and its beautiful colonial church; • the Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave), with a short boat ride on the river that flows inside; • the Mural de la Prehistoria, to taste one of the best piña colada cocktails in the country; • a tobacco plantation, to meet the farmers, visit the drying barns, appreciate the process of skewering and tying, as well as a demonstration of rolling; and • the viewpoint at the Los Jazmines hotel, offering a unique view of the Viñales valley. Approximate duration: 3h. Free time in town. Some optional activities are offered. Return to Havana. In the evening, free time in the city. As a suggestion: Café Taberna, for dinner and live traditional Cuban music, with some members of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club; Tropicana cabaret, the most famous cabaret in Cuba, for an evening under the stars and in a festive cabaret atmosphere; Gato Tuerto, temple of bolero and romantic song; La Zorra y el Cuervo, Havana's jazz club, etc. Free dinner and overnight stay with a local host.

• day 5

  Passage through the Pearl of the South

  

  Departure to Cienfuegos, the only Cuban city founded by the French. Free lunch. Discovery of Cienfuegos, known as "the pearl of the south", by visiting: • its avenues founded by the Frenchman Jean-Claude de Clouet in 1819; • the Prado, the longest street of its kind in all of Cuba; • José Martí Park, declared a National Monument; • the Arch of Triumph, a unique construction in Cuba, dedicated to the country's independence; • the Tomás Terry Theater, one of the most elegant eclectic buildings in the whole city; • the former Ferrer Palace, a magnificent neoclassical building from which you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the entire city; • the Palacio del Valle, a building constructed in the style of a Moroccan kasbah with a terrace offering one of the most beautiful sunsets (with a small cocktail in hand). Approximate duration: 3h. Continue to Trinidad. Accommodation for 3 nights, with locals, breakfast included. In the evening, free time in the city. As a suggestion: the Casa de la Música de Trinidad (open every day), the most renowned site in the city to enjoy traditional Cuban music live and in the open air; the Daiquirí bar, a warm and informal place where locals share with visitors over a drink and Cuban salsa; the Casa de la Trova de Trinidad (open day and night), to listen to typically Cuban rhythms and mingle with the local population; the Palenque de los Congos Reales, with performances by Afro-Cuban music groups; the Ayala nightclub, located inside a natural cave, with a very modern atmosphere. Free dinner and overnight stay with locals.

• day 6

  Discovery of Cuba's museum city

  Discovery of the city of Trinidad, one of the first cities founded and declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, by visiting: • the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by venerable mansions, enhanced by a few majestic royal palms and enclosed by elegant white railings; • the Church of the Santísima Trinidad, one of the largest temples in the country (exteriors); • the Romantic Museum, one of the most beautiful palaces in Cuba, or the Palacio Cantero, to learn about the history of Trinidad since its foundation and enjoy magnificent views of the city from its tower; • the La Canchánchara tavern, to taste a typical cocktail while local musicians play Cuban music; • the former royal prison, which has undergone changes in its use, but remains a remarkable example of military architecture from the colonial era in the city; and • Carrillo Square, also known as Céspedes Park, the first leisure square and the most popular site where the social, economic, and cultural life of Trinidad takes place, away from the tourist crowds. Approximate duration: 3h. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, free time in the city. Some optional activities are offered. In the evening, free time in the city. As a suggestion: the Casa de la Música de Trinidad (open every day), the most renowned site in the city to enjoy live traditional Cuban music in the open air; the Daiquirí bar, a warm and informal place where locals share with visitors over a drink and Cuban salsa; the Casa de la Trova de Trinidad (open day and night), to listen to typically Cuban rhythms and mingle with the local population; the Palenque de los Congos Reales, with performances by Afro-Cuban music groups; the Ayala nightclub, located inside a natural cave, with a very modern atmosphere. Dinner on your own and overnight with a local host.

• day 7

  The beauties of Topes de Collantes

  Horseback excursion to Topes de Collantes, a natural park in the region: • Ride of about 5 km on an eco-tourism trail along the mountains (bring suitable shoes, as the terrain is steep); • Discovery of the region's flora and fauna species, as well as the tropical forest and coffee plantations; • Swimming in natural pools and in one of the many waterfalls in the park. Typical lunch in the park. Approximate duration: 5h. In the afternoon, free time in the city. Some optional activities are offered. In the evening, free time in the city. Suggestions: the Casa de la Música in Trinidad (open every day), the city's most renowned venue to enjoy live traditional Cuban music in the open air; the Daiquirí bar, a warm and informal place where locals share with visitors over a drink and Cuban salsa; the Casa de la Trova in Trinidad (open day and night), to listen to typically Cuban rhythms and mingle with the local population; the Palenque de los Congos Reales, with performances by Afro-Cuban music groups; the Ayala Discotheque, located inside a natural cave, with a very modern atmosphere. Dinner on your own and overnight with a local host.

• day 8

  The city of Che Guevara... and of Martha Abreu.

  Departure to Santa Clara, known as the city of Che Guevara. Discovery of the city, visiting: • the monument to the armored train, a battle that demonstrated Che Guevara's military talent; • the Plaza de la Revolución; • the museum dedicated to Che, with numerous relics; • the Mausoleo de los Mártires de la Revolución, dedicated to the memory of Che and his companions who fell with him in Bolivia; • Leoncio Vidal Park, the nerve center of the city; and • La Caridad Theater, an architectural jewel of the city (exteriors). Approximate duration: 3h. Lunch at leisure. Continuation to Varadero, the first and most important seaside resort in Cuba. Accommodation for 2 nights, in a 4****NL hotel, all inclusive. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• day 9

  At the edge of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

  

  Free time to enjoy the beautiful turquoise water and white sand beaches of Varadero, in an all-inclusive package. Optional: all excursions offered at the hotel (snorkeling, catamaran ride, etc.).

• day 10

  Hasta la vista, Cuba!

  Free time by the sea, in Varadero, with all-inclusive package. Optional: all excursions offered at the hotel (snorkeling, catamaran ride, etc.). Then, 6 hours before departure, private transfer to José Martí airport, in Havana.