ACTIVITY ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival Day—Welcome to Havana

Guide will welcome passengers at Havana airport arrivals hall and transfer to hotel in Havana city.

Day 2: Havana - Colonial & Modern

In 1982, the UNESCO declared Havana’s historic city centre as a world cultural heritage site. There is no city in whole Latin America with a larger colonial centre. Enjoy a walking tour exploring the old city centre through the alleys and over the squares of Old-Havana: Plaza de Armas, Templete, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, Hemingway’s “Bodeguita“… Also enjoy a panoramic tour passing by the Malecón, Hotel Nacional, Avenida de los Presidentes, Plaza de la Revolución, Quinta Avenida and much more.

Your program today includes:

• Cocotaxi Sightseeing tour (Havana´s TukTuks)
• Visit of Museum Maqueta de la Habana Vieja - a 1:500 scale incredibly detailed model of Havana’s historic city center complete with an authentic soundtrack meant to replicate a day in the life of the city.
• Visit of Museum Capitanes Generales - The building from 1791 is a prime example of the Cuban architecture at that time.
• Lunch at the restaurant "La Imprenta" in Old Havana. - The restaurant was built above the ruins of what used to be La Habanera print office (Imprenta) back in the 19th century. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas and you can have a light meal as well as grilled meat.
• Dancing lesson - Salsa lessons in a nice location. With your professional instructor you learn how to dance the "Cuban style" or improve your dance knowledge and personal style.
• Stop at the lookout point at the fortress Morro - Enjoy fabulous views over the bay of Havana.
• Visit & Cocktail at the Nacional Hotel - Visit to and cocktail in the Hotel Nacional - an architectural specialty and symbol of the Cuban history, culture and identity in the heart of the Vedado neighborhood, a few meters away from the ocean with a wonderful view over Havana´s bay of the Malecón and Morro Castle.

Day 3: Havana - Viñales - Havana (420 km)

Get an early start to the day. Today’s program includes a longer day excursion into the province Pinar del Río. Take the tobacco route to the western part of the island, where the best tobacco-growing ground and the imposing limestone towers (Mogotes) can be found. Panoramic tour through the Viñales valley, where time seems to stand still.

Your program today includes:

• Visit of the local project Patio de Pelegrín - The artist converted his huge property of 2.500 sqm into a place of art and a meeting point for the rural population. Especially children and teenager take advantage of the recreational activities and the possibility to develop their creativity. The program varies from courses for cooking, art, dancing, music etc. instructed by experienced tutors. Visitors can enjoy fresh fruit and coffe while they learn more about the project and visit the beautiful garden.
• Stop at the lookout point Los Jazmines - Great opportunity to take pictures of the unique Viñales valley.
• Visit of the tobacco farmer - Tour over tobacco fields and through a drying house.
• Lunch at the Paladar "Finca Paco Hernandez"
• Canopy Tour El Fortín- Propel down breath-taking heights along 4 separate zip lines crossing the beautiful Valley of Viñales.
• Visit to the casa taller Raíces -Visit to the private house of a local artists showcasing his art projects and wood carvings in his garden. Short hike to a small sightseeing spot possible.

Day 4: Havana - Playa Girón - Cienfuegos (300 km)

In the morning, longer drive in the direction of Central Cuba along the Autopista and the legendary Bay of Pigs to Cienfuegos, a port town characterized by its French colonial architecture also known as the “Pearl of the South” or the “City of a Hundred Fires”. In the afternoon, walk through the historic city center with its main square José Martí and the nostalgic Terry Theater, where Caruso used to sing.

Your program today includes:

• Coffee break at the "Fiesta Campesina"
• Boat tour to the Indian village Aldea Taína - A reconstruction of a native village built on stilts in the water located on the Peninsula of Zapata. Please note that longer waiting times might occur due to technical failures, the program is subject to change.
• Visit of Criadero de Cocodrilos - Crocodile rescue station in Guama. During the tour, you will experience all the development stages of the reptiles, from egg to full-grown 250 kg specimen.
• Lunch at the restaurant “La Boca“ in Guamá.
• Visit to the Cueva de los Peces - 17 km (10 mi) south of Playa Larga, is a 61-meter-deep (201-foot-deep) sinkhole filled with multi-coloured fish that come in through a subterranean passage. Diving through the banks of fish and the lush sub aquatic vegetation is superb. Possibilities to go snorkelling.
• Visit of "Palacio de Valle" - The most famous building in Cienfuegos was built in 1917 and features Gothic, Venetian and Moorish elements.

Day 5: Cienfuegos - Trinidad (85 km)

Early in the morning, drive along the panoramic coastal road to Trinidad, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site with one of a kind architecture. In the late afternoon, walk over the main square surrounded by the magnificent manors of the sugar barons.

Your program today includes:

• Visit of Tomás Terry theatre - Built in 1887, it is still in excellent condition. Well worth seeing are the ceiling fresco and the four-tiered stage hall.
• Lunch at the restaurant in Cafe Cienfuegos on the half-island Punta Gorda.
• Visit of Botanical Garden - It is the largest botanical garden in Cuba with more than 2000 types of plants and a total area of one square kilometer.
• Visit of the hacienda La Vega - Enjoy the beautiful nature at this cattle farm, where you will also receive explanations about the Cebu and his way of life. Possibility of hiking or horseback riding to the closest beach, where you can snorkel.

Day 6: Trinidad

One full day for Trinidad. Founded in the year 1514 and today the country`s most perfectly preserved colonial city. City walking tour through the old town with Plaza Mayor.

Your program today includes:

• Visit to the ceramics manufactory Casa del Alfarero - The rich pottery history of Trinidad dates back to the 19th Century with the creation of a workshop owned by Don Secundino Santander, who transmitted the knowledge to future generations.
• Visit of the church Parroquial de la Santísima - One of the biggest Catholic Churches of Cuba, rebuilt in 1892 on the site of a church destroyed in a tropical storm. Today the church graces numerous postcards of Trinidad.
• Cocktail at the "Canchánchara" - Enjoy one of Cuba´s lesser known cocktails from the 19th century, the Canchánchara made of water, lime, honey and sugar cane liquor.
• Lunch at the restaurant “Plaza Mayor" in the centre of Trinidad. Large menu and colonial flair.
• Visit of museum Romántico (Palacio Brunet) - Guided tour through the Palacio Brunet. The former palace of a sugar baron from the 18th century now houses the romantic museum.

Day 7: Trinidad - Sancti Spíritus - Santa Clara - Havana (475 km)

Drive through the offshots of the Escambray Mountains to Sancti Spíritus, a colonial town not yet discovered by the touristic mainstream. Stroll through the city. Continue to the island’s centre in the historic Santa Clara, where Che Guevara celebrated his biggest victory and found his last rest. Afterwards, continue to Havana.

Your program today includes:

• Visit of Torre Manaca Iznaga - Ascent of the slave tower with a wonderful panoramic view over the Valley of the Sugar Cane Mills. Please note, climbing at own risk.
• Visit to the Yayabo Bridge - The Yayabo bridge is one of the main symbols of the city. Built in 1815 with clay bricks it forms five arcs, the center being 9 meters tall. The entire bridge is only 85 meters long.
• Lunch at the restaurant “Mesón de la Plaza" in the center of Sancti Spíritus. Typical Cuban cuisine
• Visit of Memorial Ernesto Che Guevara - The impressive monument of Che Guevara, one of the most famous guerrillas worldwide, was erected en 1988 and finished in 1997 with the transfer of Che Guevara´s remains from Bolivia to Santa Clara.
• You can visit the main monument with the statue of Che, the mausoleum and a small museum which collects details of Che´s life and death. The mausoleum and museum, located behind the monument, are closed on Mondays and some other days without prior notice.
• Visit of museum Tren Blindado - This armoured military train from the Revolution was derailed in Santa Clara by Che, marking the rebel victory over the Batista regime.

Day 8: Departure of Havana

Time at leisure (depending on time of departure) and drive to the airport Havana.

Transfer Havana City Hotel - Havana Airport

Departure Transfer