Portrait of an Island

Day 1: Havana

Havana
Welcome at the airport by a representative of the provider. Transfer to your hotel.
Included services: Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Havana

Habana Colonial and the Flair of the 50s (Breakfast, Lunch)
Going back in time is possible especially if the destination is Havana’s golden era: the 50s. Take a seat and enjoy a ride in a beautiful artifact that has roamed the streets of Havana for decades: a classic American car. Feeling like a notorious Mob boss, cruise past the Revolution Square, the Metropolitan Park, the residential areas of Nuevo Vedado and Miramar, up to the Malecón. In the best style of Al Capone, enjoy a cocktail in the gardens of Hotel Nacional and continue for a lunch at one of the top restaurants in the historical centre of the city. In the afternoon, with renewed energy, stroll across the 4 plazas and marvel at the architecture which spans across 5 centuries.
Included services: City tour Havana in classic American car, mechanics workshop tour, guided tour of Havana.

Day 3: Viñales

Havana - Vueltabajo - Viñales (Breakfast, Lunch)
A perfect evening cannot come to an end in Havana without a good cigar. After breakfast, we will head towards the area that makes the best tobaccos in the world: Vueltabajo. In order to gain insights from an expert, visit Finca Quemado del Rubi owned by Hector Luis who is considered to be one of the best tobacco producers in Cuba. He was also the winner of the prestigious Havana man award in 2008. Over the years family tradition has helped shape the Finca’s cultivation techniques. Years of perfecting their trade has allowed them to produce their premium cigars which have been smoked by great personalities all around the world. Don’t miss the chance to try one of their prized cigars after traditional lunch at the Finca. In the afternoon head towards Viñales, the picturesque town which is comfortably nestled in the Viñales valley famous for its limestone mogotes. Before reaching the town, stop at the Mirador de los Jazmine to marvel at one of the most beautiful landscapes that the Caribbean island has to offer.
Included services: Visit to Finca Quemado del Rubí, lunch at the Finca, visit to Mirador Los Jazmines.

Day 4: Havana

Viñales - Soroa - Havana (Breakfast)
Continue taking in the island’s beautiful nature during your stop in Soroa to visit that largest orchid garden in Cuba. The Soroa garden, which spans 35,000m 2, is home to over 20,000 orchids. The garden which was created as space to conserve Cuba’s orchids is a haven for nature lovers. While in Soroa take a short walk to see the 22-meter-high Soroa waterfalls. The falls are also known as Cuba’s Rainbow due to the way the water cascades over the rocks and they are considered to be one of the many wonders of Cuban geography. In the afternoon, continue towards the capital where you will get a chance to stay in a Casa Particular in an authentic neighborhood to experience the local way of life.
Included services: visit to the Soroa´s orchids garden and Waterfall.

Day 5: Trinidad

Havana - Cienfuegos - Trinidad (Breakfast, Lunch)
Early morning departure towards the waterfront city of Cienfuegos. Upon arrival in the town stroll through the city’s main park and see Teatro Terry one of the most elegant and eclectic buildings in the city. After lunch in a pleasant Paladar stroll along the Cienfuegos promenade to the Punta Gorda peninsula. As you arrive at the bay, the impressive architectural jewel: Palacio de Valle will come into sight. The unique building is reminiscent of Spanish-Moorish art with Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque influences. In the evening continue towards the colonial city of Trinidad.
Included services: visit to theatre Tomás Terry, cocktail at the Moorish Palacio del Valle.

Day 6: Trinidad

Trinidad (Breakfast, Lunch)
Trinidad embodies the spirit of the 19th century. The city’s wide cobblestone streets, its grand squares and stately mansions with tiled roofs are symbols of the city’s golden era. Today we will unearth the gems which make Trinidad a World Heritage Site including the Romantic Museum and the former mansion of the wealthy Brunet family which houses many unique antiques. Stroll through the Plaza Mayor and see the Catholic Church which has beautiful colonial doors. In addition to Trinidad’s architectural legacy the city which is also famous for its unique embroidery and crafts was recently declared a World Craft City. While visiting the gallery of a renowned local artist do not miss the opportunity to acquire a beautiful piece. After lunch in a typical private restaurant, enjoy a fun dance class accompanied by the rhythm of salsa and son which makes a visit a pleasant experience.
Included services: Hike, City tour Trinidad, visit to a museum.

Day 7: Cayo Coco

Trinidad - Valle de los Ingenios - Sancti Espíritus - Ciego de Ávila - Cayo Coco (Breakfast, All-inclusive)
After breakfast head towards the day’s first stop: the sugar mill valley. The valley which was the industrial backbone of Trinidad’s splendor used to be home to numerous impressive and advanced sugar mills. Perhaps the best known place today is La Torre de Manaca, which you will visit before continuing your trip to Sancti Espíritus, the head city of the province- Famous for its cultural heritage sight built in the 19th century, the Yayabo Bridge, which crosses the river of the same name. After on continue towards the northern cays of Jardines del Rey, where the turquoise blue waters, and the almost virgin nature of their beaches, will invite you to relax and enjoy of the paradisiacal environment.
Climb the slave tower at own risk.
Included services: Visit to sugar mill valley, visit to slave tower.

Day 8: Cayo Coco

Cayo Coco (All-inclusive)
Take the day to relax and enjoy the sun and the warm sea. The Cayo Coco beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba. It is well known for its white sand and coral reef which allows for the conservation of a wide variety of fish and marine flora. It truly is a gem for underwater diving and surface fishing.

Day 9: Camaguey

Cayo Coco - Jaronú - Camagüey (Breakfast, Dinner)
Leaving behind the paradise of the "Cayos", the way leads through Jaronú, a small town that was once one of the exponents of the glorious era of sugar in Cuba. The largest mill of the 19th century in the country can be found here and houses that are all the same and living witnesses of the past, with an impeccable almost intact architecture. The route continues to Camagüey, known as the city of jars in Spanish "Tinajones", a city that was built with asymmetrical streets that get tangled up and end unexpectedly. This very particular structure was conceived in this way to confuse the pirates who frequently looted the town. Walking through the city center and through its tangled alleys is a pleasant pastime.
Included services: City tour Camagüey.

Day 10: Santiago de Cuba

Camagüey - Bayamo - El Cobre - Santiago de Cuba (Breakfast, Dinner)
In the morning you will depart for the city of Bayamo, located in the eastern province of Granma. Cuba's national anthem was written at this city, also famous for its horse-drawn carriages, something that is still preserved as a reminder of colonial traditions. Then, a short tour about the nation´s origin among its central park. On the way to Santiago, the tour will take a short detour to visit the most sacred site in Cuba: La Basílica de la Caridad del Cobre. Cachita, popularly known as the patron saint of Cuba, has been the object of adoration by many Cubans, poor and rich. In the church you can learn about the stories of famous stars and athletes who dedicated their triumphs to her. At the exit you will see street vendors selling souvenirs made from local items, including soil, from old copper mines. Late arrival in Santiago, the second largest city in Cuba.
Included services: Carriage ride, Visit to El Cobre.

Day 11: Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba - The Caribbean heat (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today you will get the opportunity to explore the island’s most eastern City. The city is famous for producing the best rum in Cuba and for being a mix of Caribbean traditions. Visit the city’s main attractions which include the Santa Ifigenia cemetery which is the final resting place for various important Cuban figures including national hero Jose Marti, the leader of the of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro and the famous musician Compay el Segundo. Stop at the Museo del Ron to learn about the rum history and taste a shot of the best Cuban rum: Ron Santiago. Head for the iconic Céspedes Park and continue to San Pedro de la Roca fort to admire the spectacular view of the bay of Santiago de Cuba. The lunch will take place in a typical restaurant of the city. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, let loose to the rhythms of the traditional music at Casa de la Trova, the mecca of Cuban Son.
Included services: City Tour Santiago de Cuba, visit at the cemetery Santa Ifigenia, visit at El Morro, visit at Casa Velázquez and at rum museum.

Day 12:

Santiago de Cuba - Guardalavaca (Breakfast)
Following breakfast, enjoy a leisurely 2-hour (approximate) private transfer to your hotel in Guardalavaca, located within Holguin. This marks the conclusion of your exclusive tour. For clients with evening flights to Havana or Europe, a private transfer to Holguin Airport will be arranged accordingly.