Cuba: overview

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to our place!

  

  Arrival in Havana. Welcome at the airport by your local French-speaking guide. Transfer from José Martí International Airport to your accommodation in Havana. Accommodation for 2 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, by 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 Parque Central, with its esquina caliente, where baseball is always discussed; • the Grand Theater of Havana, home of the Cuban National Ballet (exteriors); • the Capitol, a replica of the one in Washington and a symbol of Havana (exteriors); • the Plaza del Cristo, an ideal place to get away from the tourist crowds and see how Cuban daily life works; • the Santa Clara convent, the largest and oldest convent in Havana, with its colonial-style garden; • the parish church of Espíritu Santo, the oldest church in the city; • the Alameda de Paula, the first promenade in Havana; • Mercaderes street, an almost complete replica of the original 18th-century street; • the Plaza Vieja, one of the busiest in the city; and • the Rum Museum, which shows the history of rum and ends with a tasting. Approximate duration: 4h. Lunch on your own. Continuation of the guided tour of colonial Havana, on foot, visiting: • San Francisco de Asís square, with the convent as an expression of religious art (exteriors); • Oficios street, one of the main shopping streets in Havana since the 18th century; • the Plaza de Armas, the oldest in the city; • the Castle of La Real Fuerza, the oldest fortress in all the Americas (exteriors); • the 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); • Obispo street, a pedestrian shopping street in the heart of the old town; • the Ambos Mundos hotel, the first residence in Havana of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway (exteriors); and • the Floridita bar, emblematic of the city, with a complimentary Cuban cocktail. Approximate duration: 4h. 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 and 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 3

  To the Cuban countryside

  

  Departure to Las Terrazas, a community located to the west of Havana. Walk through the heart of a beautiful landscape of lush and varied vegetation, to admire the nature offered to you, by visiting: • the former Cafetal Buenavista, where you can discover the artisanal process of obtaining coffee; • the house of Polo Montañez, a famous singer and composer from the region; • the Café de María, with a tasting of one of the amazing coffee-based specialties; • the La Moka hotel, a particular example of respect for nature; • the San Juan river, for a refreshing swim. Approximate duration: 5h. Lunch in a local restaurant. Then, continue to Viñales. Accommodation with locals for 2 nights, breakfast included. In the evening, free time in the village. Suggestions: Polo Montañez Cultural Center, on the small central square, to enjoy live traditional Cuban music; Palenque de los Cimarrones, a nightclub located at the exit of one of the Viñales caves; El Patio del Decimista, an ideal place to get closer to Cubans and their typical rhythms. Dinner on your own and overnight with locals.

• day 4

  Discovery of the Viñales Valley

  

  Discovery of 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 listed as a Cultural Landscape of Humanity by UNESCO. Discover the village and its surroundings, renowned for their 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, 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 stringing 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. Lunch on your own. Free time in town. Some optional activities are offered. In the evening, free time in the village. As a suggestion: Polo Montañez Cultural Center, on the small central square, to enjoy live traditional Cuban music; Palenque de los Cimarrones, a nightclub located at the entrance of one of Viñales' caves; El Patio del Decimista, an ideal place to get closer to Cubans and their typical rhythms. Dinner on your own and overnight with a local host.

• day 5

  On the way to the Center of the Island

  

  Departure to Playa Larga. Free lunch. Free time for snorkeling in the waters of the eastern coast of the Bay of Pigs (Playa Larga, Cueva de los Peces, Playa Girón, etc.), to appreciate its magnificent coral formations that are practically at the surface. Then, continue to Cienfuegos, the only Cuban city founded by the French. Accommodation for 1 night with a local host, breakfast included. In the evening, free time in Cienfuegos. Suggestions: Club El Benny, the most famous nightclub in the city, offering a show followed by contemporary music; El Cubanísimo, a nightclub with a great young atmosphere (closed on Mondays); La Terraza at Club Cienfuegos, to enjoy live Cuban music with a beautiful view of the sea. Free dinner and overnight stay with a local host.

• day 6

  Discovery of the Pearl of the South

  

  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. Lunch on your own. Free time in the city. Some optional activities are offered. Then, 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 venue 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 Discotheque, located inside a natural cave, with a very modern atmosphere. Dinner on your own and overnight with locals.

• day 7

  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 8

  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 9

  Discovery of the valley of Los Ingenios

  

  Train excursion to the Valley of Los Ingenios, a former 19th-century sugar mill area, home to many sugar refining factories, where more than 11,000 slaves worked. The train journey (formerly steam-powered, availability to be confirmed on site) is quite picturesque, crossing the valley, including an old wooden suspension bridge. Discover the region by visiting: • the Iznaga community, specializing in hand-embroidered table linens, with its sugarcane juice vendors and dozens of street sellers; • the hacienda-restaurant, the former family home of the owner of the region's sugar mills; • the Manaca-Iznaga tower, built to monitor and ensure the proper work of slaves in the surrounding sugarcane fields, today offering a magnificent view of the valley. Approximate duration: 4h. Lunch on your own. Continue to Camagüey. Accommodation for 1 night with a local host, breakfast included. In the evening, free time in the city. Suggestions: El Cambio bar, to enjoy traditional Cuban music; Yesterday bar, ideal for fans of 60s pop and rock; Fotograma center, site of Cuban bolero. Dinner on your own and overnight with a local host.

• day 10

  Bayamo, city of traditions

  

  Departure to Bayamo, a charming small town that has preserved Cuban traditions almost intact. Free lunch. Discovery of the city: • Céspedes Park, home to the Bayamo brass band every Sunday; • Paroissiale Mayor de San Salvador Church, one of the first churches founded in the country (exteriors); • Bayamés Promenade, the main shopping street of the city; • Luz Vázquez's window, witness to a love story between two inhabitants of the colonial city and the history of an entire nation; and • San Juan Evangelista Tower, a vestige of the first church in all of the Americas to hold open-air burials. Approximate duration: 2h. Continue to Santiago de Cuba. Accommodation for 2 nights with a local host, breakfast included. In the evening, free time in the city. As a suggestion: Casa de las Tradiciones, an authentic place with an intimate atmosphere, located in the French quarter; Casa de la Trova, a typical and folkloric place to discover Cuban music and dance. Free dinner and overnight stay with a local host.

• day 11

  Discovering the cradle of the Cuban Revolution

  

  Stroll through the city of Santiago de Cuba, visiting: • the Santa Ifigenia cemetery, with its magnificent monuments and mausoleums; • the Antonio Maceo Revolution Square, a symbol bearing witness to the revolution; • the Moncada barracks, dedicated to the beginning of the Cuban revolution; • Marte Square, one of the locals' favorites; • the Diego Velázquez house, the oldest colonial residence in Cuba; • Céspedes Park, the heart of the city; and • the streets and alleys that start from or lead to it (Heredia, Padre Pico, etc.), including the Escalinata Padre Pico, a must-see spot. Approximate duration: 4h. 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. Suggested: the Casa de las Tradiciones, an authentic place with an intimate atmosphere, located in the French quarter; the Casa de la Trova, a typical and folkloric place to discover Cuban music and dance. Dinner on your own and overnight stay with a local host.

• day 12

  To the oldest city in Cuba

  

  Departure to Baracoa, continuing on La Farola, an impressive road considered one of the seven wonders of Cuban civil engineering. Accommodation for 2 nights with a local host, breakfast included. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, visit the first of the seven colonial cities founded and the oldest city in Cuba: • the Cueva del Paraíso Archaeological Museum, a small, atypical museum of great historical and cultural value, OR the Fort Matachín Municipal Museum, an imposing military structure; • the central square of the city, with its church Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Baracoa; • the malecón, to soak in the beautiful view and the local atmosphere. Approximate duration: 3h. In the evening, free time in the city. Suggestions: the Casa de la Trova, to enjoy live traditional local music; the La Terraza bar, with its show and Cuban music. Dinner at your leisure and overnight with a local host.

• day 13

  In the heart of El Yunque

  

  Excursion to El Yunque. Visit to the Mabujabo community, located 6 km from downtown Baracoa, passing by the coconut oil extraction factory, founded by French families during the Spanish colonization. Enjoy the lush vegetation and fruit trees around the El Yunque campsite, as well as the magnificent frontal view of the mountain. Start of the 575 m ascent, enjoying the cocoa plantations, coconut palms, and fruit trees of the region. At the top of the mountain, enjoy the vast panoramic view of the city of Baracoa and the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park. Swimming in the natural pool of the Duaba River, with its crystal-clear and transparent waters. Note: you must always walk through the Duaba River, as there are no bridges to cross it. Approximate duration: 8h. Lunch on your own. In the evening, free time in the city. Suggestion: the Casa de la Trova, to enjoy live traditional local music; the La Terraza bar, with its show and Cuban music. Dinner on your own and overnight stay with a local host.

• day 14

  Back in Santiago de Cuba

  

  Departure to Santiago de Cuba. Accommodation for 1 night with a local host, breakfast included. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, free time in the city. Some optional activities are offered. In the evening, free time in the city. Suggestion: the Casa de las Tradiciones, an authentic place with an intimate atmosphere, located in the French quarter; the Casa de la Trova, a typical and folkloric place to discover Cuban music and dance. Dinner at your leisure and overnight with a local host.

• day 15

  Visit of the city of parks

  

  Departure to Holguín, which boasts a great cultural wealth and hosts numerous events throughout the year. Free lunch. Discovery of "the city of parks" by visiting: • Julio Grave de Peralta Park, the site of the city's most important political and social events; • Calixto García Park, a beautiful and monumental square in the city center, considered the expression of its inhabitants' identity; • San José Square, one of the most beautiful in the city; and • Loma de la Cruz, located 261 m above sea level and with 458 steps, offering an exceptional view over the entire city. Approximate duration: 3h. Continue to Gibara, a small, very peaceful fishing village spared from mass tourism. Accommodation for 1 night with a local, breakfast included. In the evening, free time in the city. Suggestions: Ocio Club, an ideal place for a family evening; El Faro, a bar-restaurant with an exclusive view of the sea; La Loja, a bar recreating the city's cultural traditions. Free dinner and overnight stay with a local.

• day 16

  Discovery of Gibara, the white city

  

  Visit of Gibara, known as "the white city", and its surroundings: • The port of Gibara, the most important for trade during the colonial era; • The Batería de Fernando VII, a military construction at the origin of the city; • The remains of the old wall; and • The Bay of Bariay, the landing site of Christopher Columbus. Approximate duration: 3h. Lunch at your leisure. Continue to Camagüey. Accommodation for 1 night with a local, breakfast included. In the evening, free time in the city. Suggestions: El Cambio bar, to enjoy traditional Cuban music; Yesterday bar, ideal for fans of 60s pop and rock; Fotograma center, site of Cuban bolero. Dinner at your leisure and overnight with a local.

• day 17

  Discovery of the city of tinajones

  

  Discovery of Camagüey, known as "the city of tinajones". Stroll through its narrow and labyrinthine streets, which often lead us to beautiful hidden spots: • the historic center, the largest and best preserved on the island, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; • Plaza del Carmen, the most beautiful and least visited square in the city; • Ignacio Agramonte Park, located in the very heart of the city; • San Juan de Dios Square, a charming square surrounded by old colorful colonial buildings; and • Casino Campestre Park, the largest urban park in Cuba, the green heart of the city and a place full of memories. Approximate duration: 3h. Lunch at your leisure. Continue to Sancti Spíritus, a colonial city. Panoramic tour of the city, visiting: • the historic and colonial center; and • Yayabo Bridge, the oldest in Cuba. Approximate duration: 1h. Then, continue to Santa Clara, known as the city of Che Guevara. Accommodation for 1 night with a local, breakfast included. In the evening, free time in the city. As a suggestion: El Mejunge, an emblematic site in the city of Santa Clara. Dinner at your leisure and overnight with a local.

• day 18

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

  

  Discovery of 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 gem of the city (exteriors). Approximate duration: 3h. Lunch on your own. Continue to Remedios, a small town dating from the 15th century, very peaceful and charming. Discover one of the oldest cities in Cuba, visiting: • the San Juan Bautista church, housing small jewels unique in the world; and • the urban center. Approximate duration: 2h. Continue to Jardines del Rey (cayos Las Brujas, Ensenachos and Santa María), an archipelago located in a Biosphere Reserve area and home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Accommodation for 2 nights, in a 4****NL hotel, all inclusive.

• day 19

  The paradise beaches of the Jardines del Rey

  

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

• day 20

  Back in the Cuban capital.

  

  Free time to enjoy the beautiful turquoise water and white sand beaches of Jardines del Rey, on an all-inclusive basis. Optional: all excursions offered at the hotel (snorkeling, catamaran ride, etc.). Then, from 3:00 pm, transfer to Havana. Accommodation for 1 night with a local host, breakfast included. Dinner at your leisure and overnight with the host.

• day 21

  Discovery of modern Havana... before saying hasta la vista.

  

  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 most frequented avenues by Cubans in the city center; • the gardens of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, emblematic of the country; and • the Malecón, a seaside avenue, very popular and a symbol of Havana. Approximate duration: 3h. Lunch on your own. Then, 3h before departure, transfer to José Martí airport, Havana.