Highlights of Cuba Escorted Tour Itinerary
DAY1 – Travel to Havana Cuba
We depart for Havana Cuba.
On arrival in Havana, we meet our local guide and transfer to our Havana hotel, our base for the next four or five nights (depending on your flight arrival times).
DAY2 – Discover Colonial Havana
Let’s discover Havana! We set off on a half-day guided walking tour of the colonial city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in Baroque and Neoclassical style, Old Havana is truly a fascinating place to explore. During the tour, we will see the Museo Capitanes Generales and the Plaza Vieja. From here we’ll visit the 18th century Cuban Baroque-style Palace of the Generals and the fortress of Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Along the way, we can discover some of Ernest Hemingway’s old haunts and perhaps enjoy a special Daiquiri (not included) in one of his favourite hangouts, the El Floridita bar, which features a life-size bronze statue of the famous writer.
Dinner is included tonight, lets get together and enjoy dinner out.
DAY3 – Uncover Pinar del Río – The Tobacco Land – Vinales – Full Day
Today there will be a full day excursion to the province of Pinar del Río. As we travel the “tobacco route” to the western part of the island, we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour through Viñales Valley, also including a stop at the lookout point “Los Jazmines”. Afterwards, we will walk down to an underground river through the cave “Cueva del Indio” and continue our journey by small motorboat. With its hanging vines and rocky wall surfaces, this extraordinary river region looks like it came straight out of a film. Inside the cave, we can view the ‘Prehistoric Wall,’ complete with a huge mural depicting the history of evolution.
Lunch in the afternoon and dinner this evening are included.
DAY4 – Experience Hemingway’s Havana and Vintage Car Excursion
Let’s begin the day with a half-day excursion to places that inspired Ernest Hemingway. We will visit the writer’s home, Finca Vigía, where he wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls in the 1930s. From here we continue to the fishing village of Cojimar, the backdrop for The Old Man and the Sea. We’ll savour a cocktail (included) at a local bar before visiting the 17th century Morro-Cabana, the largest fortress constructed by the Spanish in the New World. Lunch is included today.
In the afternoon, we feel the wind in our hair and a welcome breeze, during a guided excursion of 1950s Havana in a vintage classic car. Cruising in our car we uncover fascinating sights at Revolution Square, the Malecon and the famous Hotel Nacional, with a stop at this landmark establishment. After our classic car experience, let’s relax and enjoy dinner (included).
DAY5 – At Leisure in Havana
Let’s see more, as we explore Havana at our leisure. Strolling through the colourful streetscapes, we can admire the colonial architecture, take some photos and drink in the unique flavour of this lively and captivating city.
DAY6 – Experience a Cuban Family Farm and Matanzas En route to Varadero
After breakfast we check out from our hotel in Havana, and depart by coach for our next destination Varadero. We visit a traditional Cuban family farm nestled amidst lush greenery. Surrounded by a picturesque landscape with an array of trees including fruit and bamboo varieties, this farm is not just a place of agricultural innovation but also a conception for art and culture. Immerse yourself in the charm of this socio-cultural project, where farming meets creativity through their workshop, school, gallery, and locally crafted ceramics made by the very artists who cultivate the land.
DAY7 – At Leisure in Varadero
Today is a free day, to relax at our hotel and get to know our splendid beachside surroundings. A local representative will offer an information briefing at the hotel, to inform us about the activities on offer in and around Varadero.
DAY8 – Discover Rio Canimar Tour
Let’s uncover more of Varadero’s surroundings as we set off on a boat trip, sailing upstream for an hour and enjoying the pristine nature of Cuba. As we float along, we will see lush green shores, crystal waters, mangroves, flora and fauna and different species of birds, like the Cuban Spoonbill and parrot which are native to these areas.
DAY9 – Relax More in Varadero
Let’s savour more special moments on this day of leisure, as we embrace Varadero’s white sands, blue waters and warm weather. If seeking more active pursuits, we can embark on a further sightseeing adventure of our choice, or take in some local shopping.
DAY10 – Transfer to Havana on Panoramic Coastal Route
This morning we bid farewell to Varadero and travel by coach along the panoramic coastal road back to Havana (180km).
Arrive in the very late afternoon and enjoy the last night in Havana, to soak up the Cuban atmosphere.
DAY11- Return home from Havana Cuba
We say farewell to Havana, Cuba and depart for our return flights home after our journey of discovering the highlights of Cuba.
