Cuba Colonial | 7 Days
Cuba, the largest island of the Caribbean, its capital is the legendary Havana. A multicolour country with its cultural and historical heritage that makes one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Havana, the capital with 2.5 million people is rich in cultural and historical sights, full of architectural delights to enchant everybody, young or old. Offers museums, palaces, churches, fortresses, art galleries, fine cuisine and a lot more. Those who visit Cuba take a time travel, as here the ancient sugar barons’ richness is present together with the 1950’s American mob, the 1970’s retro, and the socialism creates a unique atmosphere with vintage cars. Beside the sights, vibrant nightlife offers nightly entertainment at salsa clubs and jazz bars. Cuba is the safest country in the Caribbean, ideal for families, also!
The Cuba World Heritage Sites round trip covers the most beautiful parts of Cuba, going from West to East till the pearl of the Caribbean, the beautiful city of Trinidad. The specialty of the round trip that every of its stops are declared World Heritage by the UNESCO, that guarantee the unforgettable memories. Our trip is going to the places of natural beauty, completing with visiting the cultural heritage sites. After the travel we can see the beautiful white sandy beach of Varadero during our one night stay there with all the comfort of the all-inclusive hotel. The round trip gives the opportunity to see the rich culture of this country and to meet Cubans and know their culture and everyday life. While travelling, one can interact with the locals and get in-depth first-hand experience of Cuba.
Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel
Lunch during the program
Dinner
After breakfast we start a full day sightseeing tour of Havana, one of the most beautiful cities of Latin America. Havana captivates everybody, this real Caribbean metropolis has a unique atmosphere, where a time travel tempt us, where the Colonial era, the mark of the ‘50s US mob’s mark and the retro, socialist present is simultaneously existing.We start a panoramic city tour of modern Havana, we cross Havana's famous seaside promenade, the Malecon which is a favourite meeting place for locals, we can admire the mansions of the Paseo, then stop at the Revolution Square where the Jose Marti Memorial is located.On the way back to we enter to the world-famous Colon cemetery that is one of the world’s richest graveyards with more than 500 statues.Here we will have a visit with a local specialist explaining us the history of the cemetery.
After the visit we arrive to the old town. We visit the Havana Club Rum Museum where we get acquainted with the making of the world famous Cuban rum, the growing and processing steps of sugar cane to follow through the process until it has matured, barrel filling, bottling, and we close the visit with a tasting.We can purchase the original Havana Club memorabilia, as well as can taste the typical Cuban drink called Guarapo made from fresh sugar cane and the excellent Cuban cocktail, Guarabana. After it we start to explore the old town on foot with its rich cultural and historical attractions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. First visit the scale model of Habana Vieja to see the perspectives of the city.
Visit the Plaza de Armas, the "Arms’ Square", the Governor's palace, while we can hunt local antiques at the authentic antique market, walk through the Plaza San Francisco where we look at the old Stock Exchange Palace and St.Francis of Assis Church and the Cathedral Square.We visit a community project, called Arte Corte, where local entrepreneurs talk us about the project and their projection of their business. We have lunch here at a Paladar that belongs to the project. Inside the project we visit an elderly day-care to know more about the free health care system of Cuba. Then we visit La Plaza Vieja, the "Old Square". We join in Hemingway's footsteps: we visit the famous Hotel Ambos Mundos where the "For Whom the Bell Tolls" was born. We visit the hotel room and the thematic exhibition.Then stop at Hemingway's favourite places, La Bodeguita del Medio and La Floridita bars, where the world famous "Mojito" and "Daiquiri" cocktails began their journey of conquest. In the afternoon return to the hotel.Evening dinner in the hotel and then option to continue the discover of the Cuban Capital by visiting one of the most famous jazz clubs in Havana to join a live concert and listen to Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz
Breakfast at the hotel
Lunch during the program
After breakfast we start a full day excursion to the western part of the country, the province of Pinar del Rio, 170 km from Havana, the picturesque Viñales Valley, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Pinar del Rio province is also called the country's "green" part. Our way leads along the lush tobacco plantations. This excellent climate is the secret to the excellent Cuban tobacco, the raw material of the famous Cuban cigars. Today we will learn about the making of cigars, the tobacco production and processing through to wrapping cigars. We turn into the house of an authentic Cuban tobacco producer family, who lead us through the plantation, a tobacco drying barn and we can look at the process of tobacco step by step. We exchange ideas and learn how we can recognize high-quality tobacco leafs; learn the art of wrapping cigars as one of the famous Cuban cigars is made before our eyes. Also we will be able to observe the everyday life of Cuban farmers and exchange thoughts of traditional farming and industrial food production.
Next stop on our way is the exquisite Valley of Viñales, stopping at a lookout point where we can enjoy the breath-taking panorama with the remote scenery of "Mogotes" and mountains make this place deservedly a World Heritage site.Then lunch at a local family owned restaurant. The restaurant uses their own organic garden for their fresh produce that we can see, learn about organic farming and the options of not using chemicals or machines for production. After lunch we start hiking the Indian cave, and river boating inside the cave. Closing the program we visit the famous wall painting, the "Mural de la Prehistoria" that fascinates us with its unique technology of gigantic size. Late afternoon return to Havana. In the evening dinner is optional, as well as the Tropicana show, the most famous revue in Cuba. Pre-reservation is requested for the tickets! Transfers are provided with vintage cars to the show.
Breakfast at the hotel
Lunch during the program
Dinner in the house
Breakfast at the hotel and we start our trip to Santa Clara. The City that achieved its significance during the Cuban revolution and located in the middle of the country. The fate of the revolution was decided here in December 1958, when the Che Guevara led division took the armoured train carrying supplies. Visit the famous armoured train, and the Che Guevara Mausoleum where the famous military leader and several companion rest. Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch we continue our tr Breakfast at the hotel and we start our trip to Santa Clara. The City that achieved its significance during the Cuban revolution and located in the middle of the country.The fate of the revolution was decided here in December 1958, when the Che Guevara led division took the armored train carrying supplies. Visit the famous armored train, and the Che Guevara Mausoleum where the famous military leader and several companion rest. Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, we continue our trip to Sancti Spiritus, a small colonial town founded 500 year ago in 1514, preserved in almost original state.
Cuba's oldest stone bridge, the bridge Yayabo. We will meet the city’s historian’s office to learn about the conservation project of the 500 years old city and to see the recently renovated hotel: Don Florencio. We continue our trip to the famous valley of sugar mills that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and later the Manaca Iznaga estate. It is possible to climb the seven stories tower that offers a beautiful panorama. Then continue our trip to Trinidad, a small colonial town founded in the 16th Century that was once attributed by the abundance of its sugar cane plantations.In the afternoon Visit the local pottery maker, Oscar Santander, who continues the pottery traditions in the city together with his family since the 18th Century.He will explain about the new regulations for entrepreneurs and the options how to handle them. Our accommodation will be at a Casa Particular, the local B&B offering the options to see the Cuban life from inside and to live together with the locals. Dinner will be served at the house to learn about local food and home-made tastes.After dinner, we will sit on the slave stairs and listen to the live music that local bands play and watch the salsa dancers on the main square of Trinidad.
Breakfast at the hotel
Lunch during the program
Dinner in the hotel
Breakfast at the casa. Today Here, we discover another face of Cuba. Our journey is made not only on ground but in time, too. Trinidad preserves the unique atmosphere of the colonial era. While walking along the small winding streets we have the feeling as if we would have flown back in time. First we will meet an expert from the city’s historian’s office and we will learn about the city’s preservation projects. After it we go on sightseeing in the UNESCO World Heritage city; visit the Plaza Mayor, The Tower of Contrabandido, the Cathedral, La Santissima Trinidad Square and the exhibition of the Romantic Museum. The museum is located in the palace of the town's richest family with balustrade yard, marble floors, and neoclassical decoration; walking among the frescoes of the city's wealthiest merchant family we can enjoy the assembled exhibition of articles. Later we walk in the old town and stop at the famous Canchanchara bar where you can sample the authentic drink of Trinidad, special cocktail still made from the original recipe of Aguardiente and honey, called Canchanchara.
We have our lunch at a Paladar and we can meet the owner who will explain us the details of running a private restaurant in Cuba. In the afternoon we continue our trip to Cienfuegos, also a World Heritage Site city. We head towards downtown Cienfuegos, where we continue a walking tour of the city of former aristocrats. Cienfuegos, founded by French settlers, has European-style architecture. Walk down the Boulevard of the city via the Prado; visit the Jose Marti Square, the Governor's palace, the Thomas Terry Theatre famous for the excellent acoustics and the Cathedral. In the evening we visit the Club de Benny, a local music club where we listen to local groups’ rehearsal and we will have the opportunity to talk to local musicians about the music education and their future plans with the music incorporated in their life. Check in to the hotel. Dinner in the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel
Lunch during the program
Dinner in the hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel. Panoramic sightseeing tour of the famous Malecon, passing by the beautiful seaside villas, stop at the Palacio del Valle, a unique palace with architectural richness. Departure to one of Cuba's most important nature reserves, the world famous Zapata Peninsula, a bird and animal sanctuary which is located in the Montemar National Park. The first stop is the famous Bay of Pigs where the famous US disembarkation took place. We see the Museum of Playa Giron and learn about the history of the revolution. The rich historical past of the Bay of Pigs is still vivid while now the area is famous for its beaches and diving sites. Here we have our lunch at a seaside restaurant, while there is opportunity for swimming and snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea.
Then continue to Guama, the main attraction of the National Park. Speedboat tour of the natural lagoon, the Laguna de Tresoro, where the unspoiled nature can be observed, migrating and endemic birds and can be seen. Visit the Aldea Taino, the reconstructed Taino Aboriginal Village where we learn about the customs of the ancient indigenous inhabitants. We arrive back to port by motor boat and visit the country’s largest crocodile breeding farm, where we can observe hundreds of these reptiles in their natural habitat. We visit the crocodile nursery; here we will have the opportunity to learn about the crocodile breeding in Cuba and the crocodile conservation project they do here. Departure to Varadero, where we will arrive in the early evening. Check in. Dinner in the hotel.
Lunch
- + Day 1
-
Arrival HavanaMeal Plan:
Dinner
Highlights:Arrival to Cuba in the afternoon. Meet & Greet at the airport, meeting the local tour guide and transfer to the hotel. Check in. Dinner in the hotel. - + Day 2
-
HavanaMeal Plan:
Breakfast at the hotel
Lunch during the program
Dinner
Highlights:After breakfast we start a full day sightseeing tour of Havana, one of the most beautiful cities of Latin America. Havana captivates everybody, this real Caribbean metropolis has a unique atmosphere, where a time travel tempt us, where the Colonial era, the mark of the ‘50s US mob’s mark and the retro, socialist present is simultaneously existing.We start a panoramic city tour of modern Havana, we cross Havana's famous seaside promenade, the Malecon which is a favourite meeting place for locals, we can admire the mansions of the Paseo, then stop at the Revolution Square where the Jose Marti Memorial is located.On the way back to we enter to the world-famous Colon cemetery that is one of the world’s richest graveyards with more than 500 statues.Here we will have a visit with a local specialist explaining us the history of the cemetery.
After the visit we arrive to the old town. We visit the Havana Club Rum Museum where we get acquainted with the making of the world famous Cuban rum, the growing and processing steps of sugar cane to follow through the process until it has matured, barrel filling, bottling, and we close the visit with a tasting.We can purchase the original Havana Club memorabilia, as well as can taste the typical Cuban drink called Guarapo made from fresh sugar cane and the excellent Cuban cocktail, Guarabana. After it we start to explore the old town on foot with its rich cultural and historical attractions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. First visit the scale model of Habana Vieja to see the perspectives of the city.
Visit the Plaza de Armas, the "Arms’ Square", the Governor's palace, while we can hunt local antiques at the authentic antique market, walk through the Plaza San Francisco where we look at the old Stock Exchange Palace and St.Francis of Assis Church and the Cathedral Square.We visit a community project, called Arte Corte, where local entrepreneurs talk us about the project and their projection of their business. We have lunch here at a Paladar that belongs to the project. Inside the project we visit an elderly day-care to know more about the free health care system of Cuba. Then we visit La Plaza Vieja, the "Old Square". We join in Hemingway's footsteps: we visit the famous Hotel Ambos Mundos where the "For Whom the Bell Tolls" was born. We visit the hotel room and the thematic exhibition.Then stop at Hemingway's favourite places, La Bodeguita del Medio and La Floridita bars, where the world famous "Mojito" and "Daiquiri" cocktails began their journey of conquest. In the afternoon return to the hotel.Evening dinner in the hotel and then option to continue the discover of the Cuban Capital by visiting one of the most famous jazz clubs in Havana to join a live concert and listen to Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz
- + Day 3
-
Modern HavanaMeal Plan:
Breakfast at the hotel
Lunch during the program
Highlights:After breakfast we start a full day excursion to the western part of the country, the province of Pinar del Rio, 170 km from Havana, the picturesque Viñales Valley, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Pinar del Rio province is also called the country's "green" part. Our way leads along the lush tobacco plantations. This excellent climate is the secret to the excellent Cuban tobacco, the raw material of the famous Cuban cigars. Today we will learn about the making of cigars, the tobacco production and processing through to wrapping cigars. We turn into the house of an authentic Cuban tobacco producer family, who lead us through the plantation, a tobacco drying barn and we can look at the process of tobacco step by step. We exchange ideas and learn how we can recognize high-quality tobacco leafs; learn the art of wrapping cigars as one of the famous Cuban cigars is made before our eyes. Also we will be able to observe the everyday life of Cuban farmers and exchange thoughts of traditional farming and industrial food production.
Next stop on our way is the exquisite Valley of Viñales, stopping at a lookout point where we can enjoy the breath-taking panorama with the remote scenery of "Mogotes" and mountains make this place deservedly a World Heritage site.Then lunch at a local family owned restaurant. The restaurant uses their own organic garden for their fresh produce that we can see, learn about organic farming and the options of not using chemicals or machines for production. After lunch we start hiking the Indian cave, and river boating inside the cave. Closing the program we visit the famous wall painting, the "Mural de la Prehistoria" that fascinates us with its unique technology of gigantic size. Late afternoon return to Havana. In the evening dinner is optional, as well as the Tropicana show, the most famous revue in Cuba. Pre-reservation is requested for the tickets! Transfers are provided with vintage cars to the show.
- + Day 4
-
Havana – Viñales Valley – HavanaMeal Paln:
Breakfast at the hotel
Lunch during the program
Dinner in the house
Highlights:Breakfast at the hotel and we start our trip to Santa Clara. The City that achieved its significance during the Cuban revolution and located in the middle of the country. The fate of the revolution was decided here in December 1958, when the Che Guevara led division took the armoured train carrying supplies. Visit the famous armoured train, and the Che Guevara Mausoleum where the famous military leader and several companion rest. Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch we continue our tr Breakfast at the hotel and we start our trip to Santa Clara. The City that achieved its significance during the Cuban revolution and located in the middle of the country.The fate of the revolution was decided here in December 1958, when the Che Guevara led division took the armored train carrying supplies. Visit the famous armored train, and the Che Guevara Mausoleum where the famous military leader and several companion rest. Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, we continue our trip to Sancti Spiritus, a small colonial town founded 500 year ago in 1514, preserved in almost original state.
Cuba's oldest stone bridge, the bridge Yayabo. We will meet the city’s historian’s office to learn about the conservation project of the 500 years old city and to see the recently renovated hotel: Don Florencio. We continue our trip to the famous valley of sugar mills that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and later the Manaca Iznaga estate. It is possible to climb the seven stories tower that offers a beautiful panorama. Then continue our trip to Trinidad, a small colonial town founded in the 16th Century that was once attributed by the abundance of its sugar cane plantations.In the afternoon Visit the local pottery maker, Oscar Santander, who continues the pottery traditions in the city together with his family since the 18th Century.He will explain about the new regulations for entrepreneurs and the options how to handle them. Our accommodation will be at a Casa Particular, the local B&B offering the options to see the Cuban life from inside and to live together with the locals. Dinner will be served at the house to learn about local food and home-made tastes.After dinner, we will sit on the slave stairs and listen to the live music that local bands play and watch the salsa dancers on the main square of Trinidad.
- + Day 5
-
Havana - Santa Clara – Sancti Spiritus – TrinidadMeal Plan:
Breakfast at the hotel
Lunch during the program
Dinner in the hotel
Highlights:Breakfast at the casa. Today Here, we discover another face of Cuba. Our journey is made not only on ground but in time, too. Trinidad preserves the unique atmosphere of the colonial era. While walking along the small winding streets we have the feeling as if we would have flown back in time. First we will meet an expert from the city’s historian’s office and we will learn about the city’s preservation projects. After it we go on sightseeing in the UNESCO World Heritage city; visit the Plaza Mayor, The Tower of Contrabandido, the Cathedral, La Santissima Trinidad Square and the exhibition of the Romantic Museum. The museum is located in the palace of the town's richest family with balustrade yard, marble floors, and neoclassical decoration; walking among the frescoes of the city's wealthiest merchant family we can enjoy the assembled exhibition of articles. Later we walk in the old town and stop at the famous Canchanchara bar where you can sample the authentic drink of Trinidad, special cocktail still made from the original recipe of Aguardiente and honey, called Canchanchara.
We have our lunch at a Paladar and we can meet the owner who will explain us the details of running a private restaurant in Cuba. In the afternoon we continue our trip to Cienfuegos, also a World Heritage Site city. We head towards downtown Cienfuegos, where we continue a walking tour of the city of former aristocrats. Cienfuegos, founded by French settlers, has European-style architecture. Walk down the Boulevard of the city via the Prado; visit the Jose Marti Square, the Governor's palace, the Thomas Terry Theatre famous for the excellent acoustics and the Cathedral. In the evening we visit the Club de Benny, a local music club where we listen to local groups’ rehearsal and we will have the opportunity to talk to local musicians about the music education and their future plans with the music incorporated in their life. Check in to the hotel. Dinner in the hotel.
- + Day 6
-
TrinidadMeal Plan:
Breakfast at the hotel
Lunch during the program
Dinner in the hotel.
Highlights:Breakfast in the hotel. Panoramic sightseeing tour of the famous Malecon, passing by the beautiful seaside villas, stop at the Palacio del Valle, a unique palace with architectural richness. Departure to one of Cuba's most important nature reserves, the world famous Zapata Peninsula, a bird and animal sanctuary which is located in the Montemar National Park. The first stop is the famous Bay of Pigs where the famous US disembarkation took place. We see the Museum of Playa Giron and learn about the history of the revolution. The rich historical past of the Bay of Pigs is still vivid while now the area is famous for its beaches and diving sites. Here we have our lunch at a seaside restaurant, while there is opportunity for swimming and snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea.
Then continue to Guama, the main attraction of the National Park. Speedboat tour of the natural lagoon, the Laguna de Tresoro, where the unspoiled nature can be observed, migrating and endemic birds and can be seen. Visit the Aldea Taino, the reconstructed Taino Aboriginal Village where we learn about the customs of the ancient indigenous inhabitants. We arrive back to port by motor boat and visit the country’s largest crocodile breeding farm, where we can observe hundreds of these reptiles in their natural habitat. We visit the crocodile nursery; here we will have the opportunity to learn about the crocodile breeding in Cuba and the crocodile conservation project they do here. Departure to Varadero, where we will arrive in the early evening. Check in. Dinner in the hotel.
- + Day 7
-
Trinidad - Cienfuegos - Bay of Pigs – Guama – VaraderoMeal Plan:
Lunch
Highlights:Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Havana. Today we will learn about the Afro-Cuban religion, the “Santeria”. We visit the Afro-Cuban religious center, the Callejon de Hamel, where we can learn about the Afro-Cuban culture, religion, and rituals. Our farewell lunch will be served in a Paladar. After lunch transfer to the airport, leaving to the home country. End of services.