Cuba's must-sees at your own pace

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Havana

  Arrival in the Cuban capital, you will be welcomed by a guide at Havana airport, who will take care of your transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle to your accommodation. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your first moments in this spectacular city. Get ready to discover the must-sees of Havana: its historic center, its colonial architecture, its old cars, for a guaranteed change of scenery!

• day 2

  Havana celebrates its 500th anniversary.

  

  Set out to discover the largest city in the Caribbean, which celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2019! A legendary place with a unique atmosphere that has preserved the marks of the Cuban revolution of 1959, the spirit of Che is still present there! The main attraction of the city remains this blend between Hispanic and American cultures. Under American occupation at the beginning of the 20th century, Havana was the favorite destination of wealthy Americans, which led to the construction of many buildings such as casinos and luxury hotels. Few cities in the Americas or the Caribbean can boast the life and soul of the sultry showgirl that is Havana. To know Havana is to love it: its buzzing street corners, where those who are bored and those who are busy with gossip gather; its magnificent colonial urban landscape, its virtuoso musicians and dancers; its outdated American cars and its socialist slogans. Havana continues to develop its tourist potential, with the opening of many restaurants, shops, artistic projects, or trendy private villas, regardless of announcements coming from the United States. There has never been a better time to join the party.

• day 3

  Discovery of picturesque Viñales

  Get ready to leave the hustle and bustle of Havana to discover the laid-back life of picturesque Viñales, in the west of the island. Discover one of the most beautiful landscapes in Cuba, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an ideal place both for nature lovers, with the Viñales Valley perfect for hiking or cycling, and for culture enthusiasts, with its small colorful wooden houses and tobacco plantations.

• day 4

  The Viñales Valley

  Enjoy your second day in Viñales. The Viñales Valley, a beauty you will remember, is the perfect antidote to the intensity of Havana. Bordered by the Sierra de los Organos, it is dotted with mogotes: limestone hills covered with trees that majestically rise out of the green landscape, where weather-beaten farmers, in spurs and straw hats, work the blood-red earth. These rocks have been shaped by underground rivers, which you can observe in many caves. You can enjoy this green and humid landscape, dotted with thatched huts for drying tobacco, and explore it on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Then, retreat to the picturesque village of Viñales to rock yourself on the porch of your "casa particular" and enjoy a homemade Cuban meal.

• day 5

  Transfer to Cienfuegos

  Early in the morning, your transfer will come to pick you up and take you to the city of Cienfuegos, about 500 km away. You will enjoy a multitude of interesting stops along the way and will pass through typical Cuban villages.

• day 6

  Cienfuegos, the Pearl of the South

  

  Discover the "Pearl of the South" of Cuba: Cienfuegos, a port city located in the most beautiful bay of the Caribbean Sea. Popular with French settlers, it was founded in 1819 and is therefore quite recent. Its picturesque historic center offers an alternative to the hustle and bustle of other Cuban provincial capitals. The peaceful city retains a well-preserved old-world charm, with horse-drawn carriages still serving as the main means of transport. Cienfuegos is a must-see in Cuba for strolling and enjoying the daily life of the province. The Paseo del Prado, the longest street in Cuba, is a legendary promenade to discover Cuban life. Also discover Parque José Martí, the main square, while admiring the beautiful Cathedral of the Purísima Concepción and the Tomás Terry Theater.

• day 7

  Transfer to Trinidad

  The transfer from Cienfuegos to Trinidad is short and entertaining. Admire the hidden coves along the Circuito Sur highway and the magnificent views offered by the Escambray mountain range and the Caribbean Sea. The journey takes a little over an hour and prepares you to discover Cuba's colonial jewel: Trinidad.

• day 8

  Trinidad, colonial jewel of Cuba

  Trinidad is simply the most beautiful city in Cuba, located in one of the most idyllic provinces: Sancti Spiritus. Founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514, this large town is wedged between the imposing Escambray mountain range and the shimmering coast. Trinidad became wealthy thanks to the sugar trade in the 18th century; the architecture of this museum-town therefore dates from that period. Stroll through a few streets and the village sinks into the red earth, the palm trees, and the mountains. Travel about ten kilometers and you will reach a perfect white sand beach: the Ancon peninsula. At night, things come alive at the Casa de la Musica, in a romantic and inimitable setting, at the foot of a large stone staircase.

• day 9

  Transfer to Varadero

  After all the excitement of Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos and Trinidad, it's time to relax with a bit of lounging on the beach in Varadero. Your transfer will take you from Trinidad to your all-inclusive resort, to enjoy the turquoise waters and a guaranteed change of scenery.

• day 10

  Idleness in Varadero

  

  A 13-mile-long peninsula with white sands and clear turquoise waters, Varadero is Cuba's top beach destination. A true paradise to relax after a long period of sightseeing, Varadero offers breathtaking landscapes, lively bars and restaurants, as well as an underwater world as colorful as Cuban culture. It’s the perfect addition to any vacation itinerary.

• day 11

  Varadero, salsa and white sand

  Enjoy your last day on the paradise beaches of Varadero. At night, Varadero vibrates to the sound of a non-stop tropical party, with Latin and international melodies filling the warm evening air. Local bands perform in the streets and everyone dances to the hypnotic rhythm of salsa. Awaken your senses in one of the many spas along the beach and make the most of the end of your stay with some unforgettable excursions.

• day 12

  Transfer to Havana

  It's time to say goodbye to Cuba. You will be picked up at your accommodation for your transfer to Havana International Airport. You can enjoy your last moments for a bit of shopping; cigar lovers will have a field day...