Snapshot of Cuba

Arrival in Havana. Welcome at the airport by your local English speaking guide. Transfer from José Martí International Airport to your accommodation in Havana. Accommodation for 4 nights, in a local house, breakfast included. Dinner at your own expense and overnight stay.

Discover, on foot, the colonial district of Havana, declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1982 and considered one of the 7 Wonder Cities of the World since 2014, by visiting:
- Paseo del Prado, one of the most beautiful avenues in Havana;
- the Bacardí Building, the first Art Deco building built in the city of
Havana (exterior) ;
- the Grand Theatre of Havana, home of the National Ballet of Cuba.
(outside) ;
- the Capitol, a replica of the one in Washington and the symbol of Havana...
(outside) ;
- the Parque Central, with its esquina caliente, where we always talk about the
baseball;
- 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 (outdoors);
- the Place d'Armes, the oldest square in town;
- the Cathedral square, one of the most beautiful and harmonious in the city;
- the Bodeguita del Medio, famous thanks to the Mojito, much loved by Hemingway (exterior);
- the Plaza Vieja, one of the busiest squares in the city;
- the Plaza San Francesco de Assisi, with the convent as an expression of religious art (outdoor); and
- the Rum Museum, which shows the history of rum and ends with a tasting.
Approximate duration: 4 hours. Lunch free.

In the afternoon, free time in town. Some activities are optional.

In the evening, around 7:30 pm, drive in an American car along the Avenida del Puerto, a wide avenue on the western shore of Havana Bay, 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 Shooting Ceremony), a typical ceremony of the city of Havana, made in colonial-era costumes and with an authentic Spanish cannon: the gunshot at 21:00. Free time to walk around the installation. Approximate duration: 2 hours. Return to your accommodation. Free dinner and overnight stay at a local's house.

Discover modern Havana, in an old American car from the 50's, while visiting the city of Havana:
- the Colón cemetery, which has become a monument thanks to its tombs and works of art;
- the Revolution Square, the meeting place of Cubans during the most important moments of the country;
- a cigar factory, which shows the process of elaboration of Cuban cigars, all handmade, with the possibility of buying some of them in its shop;
- Los Presidentes Avenue, surrounded by statues of famous Latin American presidents;
- John Lennon Park, home to a life-size statue of the famous English composer and member of The Beatles;
- the University of Havana, spirit and expression of youth (exterior);
- The Rampa, one of the most popular avenues for Cubans in the city centre;
- the gardens of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, emblematic of the country; and
- The Malecón, an avenue by the sea, very popular and also a symbol of Havana.
Approximate duration: 3 hours. Lunch free.

In the afternoon, free time in the city. Some activities are optional.

In the evening, free time in the city. As a suggestion: Café Taberna, for dinner and traditional Cuban music, with some members of the mythical group Buena Vista Social Club; Tropicana, Cuba's most famous cabaret, for an evening under the stars and in a festive cabaret atmosphere; Gato Tuerto, temple of the bolero and romantic song; at La Zorra y el Cuervo, Havana Jazz Club, etc. Dinner at your own expense and overnight at a local's house.

Day trip to Viñales, considered one of the most fascinating places in all Cuba. In a calm and welcoming setting, this village is an ideal place to relax, in contact with nature and to do outdoor activities, in a site classified as a Cultural Landscape of Humanity by UNESCO. Lunch free.

Discovery of the area, famous for its mogotes, small rocky hills with rounded shapes, by visiting :
- its shady alleys lined with colourful houses, surrounding the central square and its beautiful colonial church;
- the cave of the Indian, with a small walk in the river which flows inside;
- the Mural of Prehistoria, to taste one of the best piña colada cocktails in the country;
- a tobacco plantation, to meet the peasants, visit the drying kilns, appreciate the spitting and shoemaking process, and a demonstration of rolling; and
- the viewpoint of the Hotel Los Jazmines, offering a unique view of the Viñales Valley.
Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Free time in town. Some activities are optional.
Return to Havana.

In the evening, free time in the city. As a suggestion: Café Taberna, for dinner and traditional Cuban music, with some members of the mythical group Buena Vista Social Club; Tropicana, Cuba's most famous cabaret, for an evening under the stars and in a festive cabaret atmosphere; Gato Tuerto, temple of the bolero and romantic song; at La Zorra y el Cuervo, Havana's jazz club, etc. Dinner at your own expense and overnight at a local's house.

Departure to Cienfuegos, the only Cuban city founded by the French. Lunch free.

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 Cuba;
- the José Martí Park, declared a National Monument;
- the Triumphal Arch, a unique construction in Cuba, dedicated to the country's independence;
- the Tomás Terry Theatre, one of the most elegant eclectic buildings in the whole city;
- the former Ferrer Palace, a magnificent neoclassical building from which one of the best panoramic views of the entire city can be contemplated;
- the Palacio del Valle, a building built in the form of a Moroccan kasbah with a terrace offering one of the most beautiful sunsets (small cocktail in hand).
Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Continuation to Trinidad. Lodging for 3 nights, at the inhabitant's house, breakfast included.

In the evening, free time in town. As suggestion : Casa de la Música de Trinidad (open daily), 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 site, where locals share with visitors over a drink and Cuban salsa ; Casa de la Trova de Trinidad (open day and night), to listen to typical Cuban rhythms and share them with the local population; Palenque de los Congos reales, with presentations by Afro-Cuban music groups; Ayala Disco, located inside a natural cave, with a very modern atmosphere. Free dinner and overnight stay with the locals.

Discover the city of Trinidad, one of the first cities founded and declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, by visiting :
- The Plaza Mayor, framed by venerable houses, enhanced by some majestic royal palms and surrounded by elegant white gates;
- the Church of Santísima Trinidad, one of the largest temples in the country (exterior);
- 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 the magnificent views of the city from its tower;
- the tavern La Canchánchara, to enjoy a typical cocktail as local musicians play Cuban music;
- the former Royal Prison, which has undergone changes in its use but is still a firm exponent of colonial-era military architecture in the city; and
- Carrillo Square, also known as Céspedes Park, the first leisure plaza and the most popular site where the social, economic and cultural life of Trinidad takes place, far from the tourist masses.
Approximate duration: 3 hours. Lunch free.

In the afternoon, free time in the city. Some activities are optional.

In the evening, free time in the city. As a suggestion: Casa de la Música de Trinidad (open daily), 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 site, where locals share with visitors over a drink and Cuban salsa ; Casa de la Trova de Trinidad (open day and night), to listen to typical Cuban rhythms and share them with the local population; Palenque de los Congos reales, with presentations by Afro-Cuban music groups; Ayala Disco, located inside a natural cave, with a very modern atmosphere. Free dinner and overnight stay with the locals.

Horse riding excursion to Topes de Collantes, natural park of the region :
- A ride of about 5 km in an eco-tourist trail extending the mountains (suitable footwear to be provided because of the steep terrain);
- discovery of the species of flora and fauna of the region, as well as the tropical forest and coffee plantations; and
- swimming in natural pools and in one of the several waterfalls in the park.
Typical lunch in the park. Approximate duration: 5 hours.

In the afternoon, free time in town. Some activities are optional.

In the evening, free time in town. As a suggestion: Casa de la Música de Trinidad (open daily), 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 site, where locals share with visitors over a drink and Cuban salsa ; Casa de la Trova de Trinidad (open day and night), to listen to typical Cuban rhythms and share them with the local population; Palenque de los Congos reales, with presentations by Afro-Cuban music groups; Ayala Disco, located inside a natural cave, with a very modern atmosphere. Free dinner and overnight stay with the locals.

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 many relics;
- the Mausoleo de los Mártires de la Revolución, dedicated to the memory of Che and his companions who fell with him in Bolivia;
- the Leoncio Vidal Park, the nerve centre of the city; and
- the La Caridad theatre, an architectural jewel of the city (exterior).
Approximate duration: 3 hours. Lunch free.

Continuation to Varadero, Cuba's first and most important seaside resort. Accommodation for 2 nights in a 4****NL hotel, all included. Dinner and night at the hotel.

Free time to enjoy the beautiful turquoise water and white sand beaches of Varadero, all included. Optional: all excursions offered at the hotel (snorkeling, catamaran trips, etc.).

Free time at the seaside, in Varadero, all included. Optional: all excursions offered at the hotel (snorkeling, catamaran trips, etc.).

Then, 6 hours before take-off, private transfer to José Martí airport in Havana.