An Authentic Tour of Cuba

Discover Cuba in its greatest authenticity. Immerse yourself in the local population and festive atmospheres, marvel at the rich tropical landscapes, relax and snorkel; you will be captivated by the new circuit! Two weeks by car in Cuba await you.

Day 1: Arrival in Havana

You are welcomed by our representative. They organize your transfer to your accommodation. The style of accommodation is a colonial boutique hotel in the Old Town of Havana. You immediately find yourself in the colonial setting of the Old Town. Breakfast included.

Day 2: First Visits

The French-speaking guide arrives at 9 am and accompanies you for a city tour: they will introduce you to it and the country. Departure with 2 hours of driving in a convertible American car from the 50s, to tour the neighborhoods of Vedado, Miramar, and Centro Havana. This is followed by a walk in the Old Town passing through various squares and colonial alleys.

Day 3: Free Day; Discover Havana

• Try a salsa dance lesson at Casa del Son
• Take the Hemingway route with his house Finca Vigia, the village Cojimar, or visit the many bars he frequented in the Old Town.
• Discover Cuban art at the Museum of Fine Arts and visit galleries or workshops of contemporary painters.
• Follow the route of the Cuban Revolution with the Museum in the Old Town, the José Martí memorial on Revolution Square, or Che Guevara's command post in La Cabaña Castle.
• Take an architectural tour with many recently restored buildings like the Capitol or the Grand Theater.
• Or simply tour the bars of the Old Town for music and mojitos.

In the afternoon you meet our representative to provide explanations of the circuit. You accompany them to pick up your rental car.

It is recommended to download the http://maps.me app with maps of Cuba. Same use as a GPS without needing internet access on site.

Day 4: Start of Circuit by Car.

You have 3 hours of driving to Viñales.

Suggestion en route: visit Las Terrazas Park, a reforestation project in a mountainous area. Also visit the village, the reconstruction of a 19th-century French coffee plantation, and the waterfalls of San Juan River (possibility of swimming). (entrance 10 euros per person)

In Viñales, you will see beautiful valleys in Cuba's tobacco area.

You stay with locals in a house in downtown. You have your room with private bathroom and air conditioning. Breakfast included.

You have the choice to eat at the village but you can also dine at your accommodation.

Day 5: Free Day in Viñales.

Suggestion: go on foot to discover the valley, mogotes, and especially tobacco farmers with a horseback ride in the fields. The 3-hour walk ends at Finca Paraiso, an organic farm that can be visited (great view over the valley). Here, lunch is offered with garden produce. (horseback ride 15 euros per person for 2 to 3 hours/lunch at Finca Paraiso 15 euros)

Other options: bike tour, canopy (cable circuit), or enjoy bars in Viñales center.

Free evening.

Day 6: Bay of Pigs (5 hours drive)

Today, head towards the famous Bay of Pigs where young Cuban Revolution fought against an invasion supported by the United States. You will see many monuments. The region is popular among snorkeling enthusiasts.

Suggestion: upon arrival, visit a crocodile breeding center under scientific control.

You stay in a house at Playa Larga near the beach. Breakfast included.

Suggestions:

• Here it's paradise for diving trips. You need to present yourself in the morning at one of the diving centers along the coast (Playa Larga hotel, Caleta Buena, Cueva de los Peces, Hotel Playa Giron,…).
• A nature walk around the bay. You will observe birds and flora of this marshy area. The walk ends in a cenote, a natural pond in the forest where you can swim.
• Visit the Museum on Bay of Pigs Attack or go to Cueva de los Peces. Possibility to snorkel right off shore.

Day 7: Free Day at Bay of Pigs.

Day 8: Visits to Cienfuegos

Head towards Cienfuegos, a colonial town founded by French settlers 200 years ago. Visit downtown with its authentic style Marti Park, Terry Theater, Prado boulevard, Palacio Valle and Punta Gorda district. In the afternoon head towards Trinidad, a colonial town and a "highlight" of your trip.

On route we recommend stopping at Cienfuegos dolphin center for a little swim. (2 hours drive)

In Trinidad you stay with locals in a house right downtown. You have your room with private bathroom and air conditioning. Breakfast included.

Day 9: Free Day in Trinidad.

Suggestions: visit historic downtown with entrance to one of city's museums. Continue visit in Valle de los Ingenios with Manaca Iznaga or another 18th-century hacienda active in sugar cane production. Other suggestions: go into mountains to visit Topes de Collantes park. You can take forest walks leading to a wild waterfall.

Day 10: Departure to Cayo Cruz.

Continue discovering towns Sancti Spiritus and Camaguey, other pearls of colonial towns less visited than Trinidad. After Camaguey continue north to reach Cayo Cruz. Cayo Cruz is an island in Jardines del Rey north of Cuba, wild with only two hotels operating before beautiful beach. (Today 6 hours drive).

Stay for next three nights at Marina Plaza SPA, a 4* all-inclusive hotel. Located before beach of Cayo Cruz, hotel is relatively small with only 60 rooms. You can visit other islands; Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon (accessible by car).

Days 11 – 12: Stay at Cayo Cruz (drinks and meals included).

Day 13: Head to Remedios

Return via Cayo Coco descend again on main island of Cuba. Through northern road arrive at Remedios, charming colonial village. Stay at Barcelona hotel charm in center (4 hours drive).

Suggestions:

• steam train from Remedios to sugar factory turned museum
• fabulous church of Remedios with golden tabernacles
• village and its famous parties for Christmas Eve (Parrandas). You will find museum on them.

Day 14: Departure for Havana

Head for Havana (last journey of 4 hours). We suggest passing through Santa Clara town. Here see mausoleum of Socialist International Revolution hero Che Guevara. Also visit museum about his life.

Upon arrival in Havana return rental car. Stay again at boutique hotel Old Town. Breakfast included.

Day 15 Free day in Havana.

You have transfer to airport by private taxi from 2 pm for return flight.