ITINERARY

Day 1 LONDON – Havana (D)

Depart London for Havana
Upon arrival in Havana, a member of the airport's VIP Service staff will greet us with a sign bearing our names as we exit the plane's boarding bridge. They will assist us through immigration and escort us to the VIP Lounge. There, they will request our luggage tags to retrieve our bags while we enjoy a complimentary coffee or drink and access the internet for 30 minutes. Once our luggage is collected, they will guide us to the airport exit where our guide will meet us and transfer us to our hotel. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Day 2 HAVANA (B,L, D)

After Breakfast we will be picked up for a Private City Tour: Colonial Havana + Modern Havana in a Classic Car up Colonial Havana
We will embark on a guided walking tour through the Historic Centre of Old Havana, established by the Spanish crown on November 16, 1519, as Villa de San Cristóbal de La Habana. Surrounded by numerous buildings from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, Old Havana stands out as one of the most architecturally rich colonial complexes in Latin America. Its extraordinary heritage value and preservation earned the Historic Centre of Havana and its fortification system the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.The tour's itinerary includes the four main squares of Old Havana:
- Plaza de Armas, the town's original square, established in the early sixteenth century with a military purpose due to its proximity to the Castillo de la Fuerza. It later became known for its governmental roles, marked by the nearby construction of the palaces of the Captains General and the Second Cape, historically and architecturally significant buildings now repurposed as museums.
- Plaza Vieja, a spacious square that appeared in the mid-sixteenth century to act as a public space for the town, a role it continues to play today, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, hotels, and art galleries housed in some of the finest examples of Cuban eclectic architecture.
- Plaza de San Francisco de Asís was established in the early seventeenth century primarily for commercial purposes, serving as a water supply point for fleets arriving at Havana's port. Surrounded by notable buildings such as the Church of San Francisco de Asís, the Lonja del Comercio, and the Cruise Terminal/Customs of the Port, it is affectionately known as Plaza de las Palomas.
- Plaza de la Catedral, initially called Plaza de la Ciénaga due to its marshy terrain, took on a religious role in the mid-eighteenth century with the erection of the Havana Cathedral, an illustrious example of Cuban Baroque architecture and the seat of the Archdiocese of Havana.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Modern Havana
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Havana in classic convertible cars, venturing outside the city walls. The journey includes:
- A visit to the Morro-Cabaña military complex with a brief stop at the Christ of Havana statue. Travel along the boundaries of Old Havana and Centro Habana on Prado and Zulueta streets, passing the iconic Bacardi building, Manzana de Gómez, and the Asturian Society of Havana. There will be a short stop outside the former Presidential Palace, now the Museum of the Revolution.
- A drive through El Vedado, including the University of Havana, and a panoramic view of Colón Cemetery, renowned for its sculptural works and architectural significance, ranking third globally. The tour will pause at Plaza de la Revolución to view the José Martí Memorial, followed by a visit to the Havana Forest, where you can relish the verdant surroundings with a refreshing Havana cocktail.
- A cruise through the Miramar neighbourhood, a residential district established in the early twentieth century. The route includes the National Schools of Art, known for their Catalan vault construction technique, exemplifying fine contemporary Cuban architecture.
- A stop at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a historic building noted for its eclectic styles and storied past. Explore the Hall of Fame, showcasing photographs and memorabilia of distinguished guests since its opening in 1930, and enjoy a classic Cuban mojito. * Please note that the sequence of this city tour's stages may vary based on current weather conditions or the preferences of clients/guides at the time of the tour.
During the tour, we will also explore Central Park and the exteriors of the National Capitol and the Alicia Alonso Grand Theatre of Havana. Our walk will take us down Obispo Street, located in the Historic Centre’s core. We will stop by El Floridita bar, a city landmark famous for being a favourite haunt of the American author Ernest Hemingway. Dinner at local restaurant

Day 3 HAVANA – VIÑALES – HAVANA (B/L/D) PRIVATE TOUR: VIÑALES VALLEY, CUBA'S TREASURE, WORLD HERITAGE SITE

After breakfast, Departure to Pinar del Río, Cuba's westernmost province, renowned for cultivating the world's finest tobacco. Distinguished by the unique “mogotes”, those small limestone elevations with rounded tops, the Viñales Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the island, declared a Cuban National Park and World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Upon arrival at a guajiro's home (the colloquial term for a Cuban peasant), the journey begins either on horseback or by horse cart. The tour starts with a visit to a vega (tobacco plantation), where a local farmer details the entire process from planting to cigar production. The path then leads to a lookout point offering a breathtaking view of the countryside. The walk resumes through the valley's heart, showcasing the genuine rural life of the Cuban guajiros. The tour concludes at the Casa del Café, where they explain the coffee pilón and guarapo, and guests sample Guarapirón (a blend of Guayabita del Pinar and Guarapo). Along the way, visitors will encounter plantations of cassava, beans, sweet potatoes, and other crops, some of which may be seen for the first time. Lunch at a local restaurant The itinerary includes a visit to the Mural of Prehistory, a significant open-air fresco depicting the evolutionary process of life in the Sierra de los Órganos; and the Cueva del Indio, a cave featuring ancient cave paintings and pre-Columbian archaeological finds, navigable by boat along the internal river. The tour culminates with a climb to the Mirador del Valle for a panoramic view of the landscape and a refreshing piña colada. Dinner at local restaurant.
*The sequence of visits can change based on the operating hours of the venues

Day 4 HAVANA - SANTIAGO DE CUBA (B/L/D)

After our breakfast, we will be transferred to Havana Airport to take the flight to Santiago de Cuba.
Arrival in Santiago de Cuba
Visit to the Castle of San Pedro de la Roca, also known as El Morro, acclaimed as the most complete and best-preserved example of Spanish military architecture in the Americas, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit to the French Tomb, declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003.
Dinner at the hotel

DAY 5 SANTIAGO DE CUBA (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Then a Tour: Santiago de Cuba, the Living Essence of the Caribbean.
We will explore the city that stood as Cuba's first colonial capital and now ranks as the country's second most significant city.
Our itinerary includes:
Historical landmarks such as the Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez House (considered the oldest dwelling in Cuba), the Dranguet House, the City Model, the Rum Museum, and the Bacardi Museum.
The Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, the final resting place for many of Cuba's notable figures, including National Hero José Martí, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Emilio Bacardi, and Fidel Castro.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
The Basilica National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, home to the venerated original image of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba's Patron Saint. This sacred site, perched atop Cerro de Maboa and located 27 kilometres from Santiago de Cuba, welcomes an estimated 500 visitors daily. The present Sanctuary of El Cobre was inaugurated on September 8, 1927. Dinner at the hotel

Day 6 SANTIAGO DE CUBA - BARACOA (B/L/D)

Breakfast and departure from Santiago de Cuba to Baracoa We travel along the La Farola Viaduct, a road that crosses a landscape of incredible beauty in which breathtaking views of the mountain and the sea alternate. Due to the complexity of its execution, La Farola is considered one of the seven wonders of civil engineering in Cuba. Lunch at local restaurant
Private City Tour: Baracoa, the first city of Cuba
The tour includes:
Cristóbal Colón Park. The park has a statue of the Admiral carved from a wooden stump and a cross that recalls the Cruz de Parra that he planted during his first voyage to the "New World".
Museo Fuerte Matachín. Located at Punta de Esteban de Guantánamo, northwest of the city, is the Museo Municipal de Baracoa, also known in Cuba as the Museo Fuerte Matachín. The cozy museum is located inside the fort, which received its name in the 19th century because two cattle were slaughtered there daily to feed the Spanish army. This imposing rectangular military construction was part of Baracoa's defensive system during the 18th and 19th centuries, protecting the beach and Ensenada de Miel. The museum building, opened in 1981, is organized into seven exhibition halls: Archaeology, Corsairs and Pirates, Conquest and Colonization, French Presence in Baracoa, War of Independence, Pseudo-Republic and Cuban Revolution, and El Polvorín.
Malecón. The Malecón Avenue is located along the entire northern coast of the city of Baracoa. It is 2 km long, with a route that runs from the front of the Fuerte Matachín Museum and ends at the Cacique Hatuey Plaza.
José Martí Park. It is one of the main squares in the historic center of the city of Baracoa. It houses a bust of José Martí, built in bronze on a pedestal with several plaques with thoughts of the National Hero of Cuba.
Boulevard. The Baracoa pedestrian walkway begins just outside the Cathedral, where the remains of the Cruz de Parra planted by Christopher Columbus are kept. Among its attractions are the bust of Hatuey, the first rebel of America, the statue of the pelú, a picturesque character of the town, and numerous striking buildings.
Balcony of the El Castillo hotel. A spectacular view of the city from one of the buildings from the Spanish era, renovated during the American occupation, which now serves as a hotel. End the tour at the Fuerte La Punta, an old Spanish military fortress with an unbeatable view of the bay.
Check in and Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7 BARACOA – MAISÍ – BARACOA (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel and then a Private Tour: From Baracoa to Maisi
1st. stop: The extensive route to the tip of Maisí will allow you to appreciate part of the Guantanamo landscape, mainly the northern coast, until arriving at the eastern end of the Island of Cuba, where the Maisí lighthouse is located.
2nd. stop: Yumurí River Canyon Viewpoint. On our way back to Baracoa we make a stop to appreciate the spectacular view of the Yumurí River canyon from the viewpoint. Right on one of its sides you can see, in their own habitat, the famous polymites.
3rd stop: Boat ride on the Yumurí River. The beautiful landscape of the canyon can be seen up close on a boat tour that goes down the river.
4th stop: Visit to a cocoa farm, where cocoa is grown and produced, you will be able to learn about the characteristics of cocoa crops, the artisanal production of chocolate and taste different products derived from cocoa and coconut.
Lunch at a private restaurant with the local rhythm:.
Return to Baracoa. Dinner at restaurant

Day 8 BARACOA – ALEJANDRO DE HUMBOLDT PARK – SALTO DEL GUAYABO - PINARES DE MAYARÍ (B/L/D)

In the Morning after Breakfast. Departure to Holguin.Private Tour: Taco Bay Trail
Visit Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, a place of extraordinary beauty that hosts 2% of the world's plant species. It boasts the highest biodiversity and endemism rates in the Antilles, ranking among the world's largest. The park is the core area of the Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. It is named after Alexander von Humboldt, a prominent German naturalist and geographer who explored the island in the early 19th century and is celebrated for his scientific contributions as Cuba's Second Discoverer.
Stop at the Environmental Station and talk with a naturalist about this wonderful place. Snack of fruits.
The route is just over 2 km and takes approximately 2 hours to complete, either by rowing boat or motor. It starts from a berth located in the center of Taco Bay, a bag-shaped bay that faces the Atlantic Ocean. On the tour you can see ruins of a settlement of North American families who resided there until the late 1950s, as well as remains of the old communication route (through the bay). Additionally, there is a possibility of sighting manatee.
Lunch at El Guayabo Falls
We continue the route to El Guayabo Falls. Tour along a simple and accessible 250m ecological trail. Includes bird watching endemic local flora, photographs of natural landscapes until arriving at a first jump from where there is an exceptional view of Sierra Cristal and Mensura. You can take a bath in the natural pools and enjoy the majestic natural scenery, within a totally ecological environment and a pleasant microclimate. We continue until Pinares de Mayari. Check-in and dinner at the hotel.

Day 9 PINARES DE MAYARÍ – BIRAN – LAS TUNAS – CAMAGÜEY (B/L/D)

Breakfast and departure to Camagüey.On the way we will make a stop and visit The Birán Farm
Birán is a symbolic and emblematic place in the contemporary history of Cuba, the birthplace of Fidel and Raul Castro Ruz, top leaders of the Cuban Revolution. The Historical Complex of Birán is currently made up of 12 representative facilities, mostly of native wooden architecture, highlighting Fidel's birthplace, which was rebuilt according to its original characteristics after being destroyed by a fire.
Lunch in Las Tunas at Finca El Bambú, a private agroecological project.
We continue the trip to Camagüey. Arrival in Camagüey. Check in.
City Tour: Discovering Camagüey by Pedicab Guided by a knowledgeable local in pedicabs, delve into the Historic Centre of Camagüey, a colonial city established in 1514 (originally named Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe), recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 for its outstanding heritage.
The tour includes visits to the foundational squares, where you'll uncover the city's traditions and legends:
Plaza San Juan de Dios, Camagüey's most well-preserved colonial setting, showcasing historical and architectural marvels alongside top art galleries. Agramonte Park, the city's original nucleus and vibrant hub, epicenter of city life, surrounded by cultural venues and services. In this place the model of the city is located José Martí Park, where diverse architectural styles merge, reflecting the city's evolution over three centuries.
Plaza de la Soledad, a bustling crossroads linking three major streets, starting point for the themed Calle de los Cines.
Plaza de los Trabajadores, once Plaza de la Merced, a site of unique historical and urban significance, home to the Nuestra Señora de la Merced church and the Ignacio Agramonte y Loynaz Birthplace Museum, a key figure in the Cuban Liberation Army during the Ten Years' War.
Plaza del Carmen, the city's second best-preserved colonial ensemble, adorned with sculptures by artist Martha Jiménez, whose workshop is in the square.
Dinner at the private restaurant. After dinner, pairing tobacco and rum with one of Cuba's best sommeliers.

Day 10 CAMAGÜEY - SUGAR MILLS VALLEY - TRINIDAD (B/L/D)

Early Breakfast
Departure to Trinidad
Lunch at Local Restaurant, in the Valley of the Sugar Mills
Private Tour: Valley of the Sugar Mills, jewel of Cuba, world heritage
Guided by an expert from the Trinidad City Conservator's Office, we'll embark on a historical journey. Our initial stop is the Valley of the Sugar Mills, a vast 250 km2 plain that reached its zenith in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries due to a sugar boom. The tour includes a visit to an ancient sugar plantation and a view from the Manaca Iznaga Tower, offering a unique panoramic perspective of the valley.
Arrive in Trinidad. Check-in.
Dinner at restaurant

Day 11 TRINIDAD & PENÍNSULA ANCÓN (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel.
Private Tour: Trinidad, a captivating journey through history.
Guided by an expert from the Trinidad City Conservator's Office, we'll embark on a historical journey by touring Trinidad, established in 1514 by Diego Velázquez as Villa de la Santísima Trinidad. Its cobblestone streets, central Plaza Mayor, and vernacular architecture appear frozen in time, marking it as one of the Caribbean's most well-preserved colonial cities. Its significant role as a sugar trading hub in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries led to its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1988, alongside Valley of the Sugar Mills.
The itinerary includes visits to the Romantic Museum, the Holy Trinity Church and the Canchánchara bar to enjoy a traditional welcome cocktail.
Visit to the workshop of the potter Chichi Santander.
Lunch at local restaurant
At 4pm we will head to Marina Marlin Ancón for a sunset stroll along the coast.
Return to Trinidad.
Dinner at restaurant
Optionally, at night, Casa de la Música or La Casa de la Trova.

Day 12 TRINIDAD – SANTA CLARA – CAYO SANTA MARÍA (B/L/AI)

Breakfast. Departure to Cayo Santa María.
Make a stop in Santa Clara to explore the Ernesto Guevara Monumental Complex, which houses the museum and memorial that hold the remains of Che and his fellow fighters.
Lunch at private restaurant
We continue our journey to Cayo Santa María.
Arrival. Check-in. Accommodation in an all-inclusive hotel (AI)

Day 13 CAYO SANTA MARÍA (AI)

Days off to enjoy the crystal-clear beaches and fine white sands of the Jardines del Rey keys in northern Cuba.

We recommend Optional Excursion Seatour. Sailing aboard a catamaran with snack and open bar, for the enjoyment of a snorkeling session and swimming time in picturesque areas near the keys. Included equipment for snorkeling (fins size # 38 and above) and transfer Hotel - Marina - Hotel.

Day 14 CAYO SANTA MARÍA – HAVANA (AI/L/D)

Breakfast.
Departure to Havana. Make a stop in San Juan de los Remedios, the eighth town founded in Cuba. Guided tour with the Town Curator.
Lunch at private Restaurant
We continue our journey to Havana.
Arrival. Check-in.
Dinner private restaurant.

Day 15 HAVANA – DEPARTURE (B/L/-)

Breakfast at the hotel.
10.00 hrs Visit to the National Capitol.
Farewell lunch at (private restaurant)
Depart for Havana International Airport at the scheduled time to catch your flight back home.
Airport check-in. Hasta pronto, Cuba!

Day 16 ARRIVAL IN UK

In the Arrival into UK and time to say see you soon for another Journey from the heart.

- END OF PROGRAMME -

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

- Return International and Internal flights inclusive of taxes
- 3*, 4*,5* accommodation as stated
- All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
- Tour manager from the UK and local ENGLISH speaking guides
- All entrance fees as per program
- Mineral water
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food, Set Menu):
- Tourist Visa (electronic)
- All Tips

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

- Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
- Drinks
- Early check-in or late checkout
- Insurances
- Optional excursions and activities
- Additional transfer required due to an emergency situation
- Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
- All not mentioned above
- Excess baggage charges