Two weeks to get to know the country of the revolution is not too long! After a visit to Havana, we will travel inland to discover its natural resources but also the architectural remains of past centuries, echoing a unique history. From walks to gastronomic discoveries, from moments of relaxation on a beach corner in aperitif and mojito to the catchy sound of salsa, a trip to the heart of Cuba does not leave you indifferent.
Day 1: Arrival in Havana
Day 2: Havana
Day 3: Viñales
Day 4: Viñales Park
Day 5: Trinidad and Playa Ancon
Day 6: Trinidad - Valley of the Ingenios
Day 7: Santa Clara
Day 8: Remedios
Day 9: Camagüey
Day 10: Los Jardines del Rey Archipelago - day 1
Day 11: Los Jardines del Rey Archipelago - day 2
Day 12: Los Jardines del Rey Archipelago - day 3
Day 13: Return to Havana and departure
Once the luggage has been dropped off at the hotel or in your particular casa, head for Le Malecón for a short walk at sunset to soak up the unique atmosphere of Havana, so sensual at dusk time. We continue with a mojito tasting in a trendy bar in the Vedado, before choosing one of the very good restaurants in the area for dinner. A good night's rest will then be welcome!
The day will start with a visit to Habana Vieja: discovery of the old historic centre classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, a walk through the picturesque cobbled streets, a visit to the Baroque palaces, museums and the unmissable monumental squares of Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas and Plaza de la Catedral. We can plan a lunch on the latter, in a superb historical setting. In the afternoon, direction Plaza de la Revolución to take some pictures of this mythical square, then visit the museum of the Revolution
Departure for Viñales in the morning. Discover the village and meet its inhabitants, before enjoying a Cuban bocadillo with a cold beer. At the end of the day, you will enjoy a moment of relaxation on the terrace of a special casa to admire the play of light on the sublime mountains at nightfall.
A day trip, on horseback or on foot, through the Parc de Viñales, a UNESCO natural heritage site with its famous mogotes, these immense rounded limestone hills covered with lush vegetation. We will take this opportunity to discover the tobacco plantations and learn more about the Cuban art of cigar rolling. Return to Havana at the end of the day.
Wake up at dawn to take the road to Trinidad, which we will reach in a short half-day from Havana. Lunch then visit the colonial historic centre classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon will be dedicated to idleness and sunbathing on the pretty wild beach of Playa Ancon.
After a good breakfast in the picturesque centre of Trinidad, we will take the road to the Valley of the Ingenios. This vast area, located 30 minutes east of Trinidad, was the focus of Cuban sugar production in the 19th century. You can ride through the valley on horseback, through the ruins of more than 70 sugar factories.
Head for Santa Clara, which you can reach via the central highway to visit, among other things, the memorial dedicated to Ernesto Che Guevara before stopping at the Florida Center for a grilled lobster or an excellent ropa vieja (stewed beef). In the afternoon, we will take the opportunity to stroll through the Vidal Park and visit the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Three quarters of an hour's drive east from Santa Clara, we find the small city of Remedios and its colonial centre, whose buildings were completely restored in 2015 to mark the city's 500th anniversary. After a coffee break in the picturesque wooden setting of El Louvre, the oldest bar in the country still open, you will not miss a visit to the Musée de las Parrandas, which celebrates the Remedios Carnival, celebrated every 24 December.
Direction Camagüey, the country's third largest city with more than 300,000 inhabitants, is the capital of the eponymous province. First, you will visit the elegant Plaza del Carmen, surrounded by sumptuous pastel-coloured colonial houses, before visiting the pretty historic centre, including some of the 14 churches in the centre
From Camagüey we will reach Morón, the ideal gateway to reach the cayos (rocky islets) in the north of the island, connected to the mainland by pedraplen, road platforms. The first day will be devoted to Cayo Coco, one of the leading Cuban tourist destinations: in addition to a colony of 30,000 flamingos, 158 species of birds and mammals thrive on the paradisiacal beaches bathed in turquoise water
Cayo Guillermo and its 5 km of white sandy beaches bordered by transparent waters is connected to Cayo Coco by a road median. The only beach in Pilar, a real natural treasure coiled at the very end of the islet, would be worth a trip to Cuba on its own! We can push the walk to Cayo Ensenacho and Santa Maria, better preserved.
We will take advantage of this little corner of paradise to stroll around, toes fanned, or to indulge in birdwatching
Return to Havana to enjoy the city's attractions for the day or the last couple of days. You can visit the corners of the Cuban capital that you would not have had time to discover at the beginning of the stay. Why not offer a last mojito on the terrace, the sound of an orchestra playing a mule? Shopping in the Vedado area or last minute shopping at the airport.
Each Travel Idea is customizable according to your wishes