Havana and the Highlights of West, Central and East Cuba

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN HOLGUIN – GUARDALAVACA (60KM, APPROX. 1H BY CAR) (- / L / D)

Welcome at the airport in Holguin and transfer to the hotel on the beaches of Guardalavaca.

Accommodation with All Inclusive: Hotel SOL Rio de Luna y Mares (4*), Standard Room (AI)

DAY 2 : GUARDALAVACA (B / L / D)

Time for Sun & Beach.

Accommodation with All Inclusive: Hotel SOL Rio de Luna y Mares (4*), Standard Room (AI)

DAY 3 : GUARDALAVACA – BARACOA (350KM, APPROX. 6H BY CAR) (-L / LB / D)

In the morning the guide picks you up and meets with all other participants. Later drive towards Cueto. Visit of the "Finca Manacas" in Birán, birth place of Fidel Castro with interesting insights about his youth, his parents' house and the conditions before revolution. Bumpy ride along the tropical green bays up to the Caribbean-like Baracoa, where once Christopher Columbus landed. Visit of the city museum "Matachin" and the church "Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción", where the sacred cross "Cruz de Parra" of Christopher Colombus is preserved. In the evening dinner at e.g. at paladar “La Colonial”.

Accommodation with breakfast: Hotel Baracoa (3*) or similar, Standard room.

DAY 4 : BARACOA (B / L / -)

In the morning trip to the tropical ambiance with café, cocoa and banana plantations. Passing the "Sendero de Cacao" (Cacao path) you get insights about the cacao plant, the most important raw material for the chocolate production. Followed by a light hiking tour at the "Alexander Humboldt National Park" or in the surroundings of Baracoa (depending on weather and road conditions).

Lunch with one of the local families and their neighborhood that it is part of a socio-cultural project called "Kiribá". They introduce their local traditions and try to approach them to the visitors - an authentic artistic performance that's preserved by the "Kiribá-Nengón" community. The "nengón" and "kiribá" not only represents the musical rhythms and peculiar dances, but is also a good reason to enjoy different traditional dishes of Baracoa's cuisine, in which oil and coconut milk are essential ingredients. (Difficulty level: easy / About 2.5 km on foot, approx. 10 km / Duration: 4-5 hrs.)

Accommodation with breakfast: Hotel Baracoa (3*) or similar, Standard room.

DAY 5 : BARACOA – SANTIAGO DE CUBA (240KM, APPROX. 4H BY CAR) (B / - / D)

Early in the morning ride along the panoramic route up to pass road "La Farola", passing the tropical green mountains and an desert-like cactus landscape along the coast towards Guantanamo, a stronghold of the Afro-Cuban santería cult and the Haitian vodoo; as well as origin of the famous Cuban song "Guantánamera". The famous-infamous US Naval base is located nearby (no access), which can be observed with a little bit of luck from a viewing-tower at a distance (subject of authorization). Enjoy panoramic view from La Gran Piedra. The huge boulder at over 1200 meters above sea level offers a beautiful view over the Caribbean on clear days. On dark nights, even the lights of Jamaica can be seen.

Continue to Finca La Isabelica. At the beginning of the 19th Century, immigrants from Haiti built this impressive one-storey mansion with three coffee dryers. The closed coffee estate, nowadays a museum was declared National Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. Continue to Santiago de Cuba, province capital of the "Oriente", city of the revolution and cradle of the Cuban Son. Drive through the residence district "Vista Alegre" with the mansion of the Bacardi family as well as San Juan Hill. Dinner e.g. at the paladar “Thoms Yadira”.

Accommodation with breakfast: COMFORT Casa Particular

DAY 6 : SANTIAGO DE CUBA (B / L / -)

In the morning passing the Moncada barracks, attacked by Fidel Castro and its revolutionaries in 1953, towards the city centre. Walking tour along the main square "Parque Cespedes" with its historic town hall and the "Casa Velazquez"; home of the former governor. Stroll around the street "Calle Heredia" and "Plaza Dolores".

Continue passing the revolution square to the Santa Ifigenia cementary, where the tombs of the Bacardi dynasty, various presidents and the poet and national hero Jose Martí are and Fidel Castro found his last resting place. Lunch in the bay of Santiago on the small island Cayo Granma which you will reach by boat. On the way back great panoramic view on the sea at the fortress "El Morro" (classified as Cultural World Heritage by UNESCO) - situated at the very top of the bay of Santiago.

Accommodation with breakfast: COMFORT Casa Particular

DAY 7 : SANTIAGO DE CUBA – CAMAGÜEY (350KM, APPROX. 6H BY CAR) (B / LB / D)

From the capital of the Oriente towards Sierra Maestra stopping at the pilgrimage site of El Cobre. Visit to the Basilica of the Cuban patron saint "Virgen de la Caridad". Stopover in the carriage town of Bayamo, where Manuel Céspedes declared the fight for freedom against the Spanish occupation. In the late afternoon arrival in Camaguey - town of the "Tinajones" (clay jugs). After a walk across the "Plaza San Juan del Dios" and the "Plaza Agramonte" with the birthplace of the freedom fighter of the same name, a ride with the local Bici taxis takes you through the labyrinth of narrow streets and idyllic squares, which formerly also served as protection against pirates served.

Dinner with a colonial atmosphere in the restaurant "La Campana de Toledo" or in one of the local paladares.

Accommodation with breakfast: Hotel La Sevillana (3*), or similar, Standard Room

DAY 8 : CAMAGÜEY – YAGUAJAY – REMEDIOS (290KM, APPROX. 5H BY CAR) (B / LB / D)

In the morning towards the north coast. Exploring the area around Jobo Rosado with exciting caves. Stopover in Yaguajay with the impressive museum in honor of the revolutionary hero Camilo Cienfuegos, who took control of the local barracks through a decisive battle. The exhibition rooms provide information about the life of Camilo, as well as facts and memories from the struggle of the revolutionaries. The statue "El Señor de la Vanguardia" (Vanguard) adorns the modern square in front of the museum. A little further, shortly after Caibarien, stop in a sugar and steam locomotive museum.

Later arrival in the quite Remedios, known for its local Christmas festival "Parrandas de Remedios". Walk across the idyllic main square with the magnificent church “Parroquial Mayor San Juan Bautista” (with a gilded cedar altar from the 16th century and a mahogany ceiling).

Dinner in the hotel or a private restaurant in the evening.

Accommodation with breakfast: Hotel E Barcelona (3*), or similar, Standard Room

DAY 9 : REMEDIOS – SANTA CLARA – TOPES DE COLLANTES – TRINIDAD (150KM, APPROX. 3H BY CAR) (B / - / D)

Short drive to Santa Clara, where Che Guevara achieved his greatest victory and his final resting place. Stop in the impressive "Café-Museo Revolución", led by a Spanish dropout, whose passion is collecting revolutionary items. Drive on a wonderful panoramic route, past coffee plantations up to the Topes de Collantes, known for its healthy micro-climate. Coffee break in the "Casa del Café". Shortly before noon down to Trinidad - UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique colonial architecture. City tour through the cobblestone streets and squares, surrounded by the mansions of the sugar barons. On the way insight into the "Templo de Yemaya", the house of an Afro-Cuban Santería priest and visit to one of the numerous museums, e.g. the Romantic Museum in the "Palacio Brunet" or the City Museum in the "Palacio Cantero".

Dinner in the museum palace "1514" with its unique table decoration made of crystal glasses and precious porcelain. Followed by a tour of the romantic-musical nightlife with live music and dance to salsa and son among the locals, e.g. in the "Casa de la Música" by the stairs in the main square or in the "Casa de la Trova".

Accommodation with breakfast: COMFORT Casa Particular

DAY 10 : TRINIDAD & THE SUGARMILL VALLEY (B / - / -)

Travel from the the idyllic little train station in Trinidad in an old steam train (if in working condition) through a typical Cuban landscape up to the the valley of sugar cane mills. Visit of the former hacienda of the sugar baron Iznaga and panoramic view from its famous slave tower. Afternoon free time at leisure.

Accommodation with breakfast : COMFORT Casa Particular

DAY 11 : TRINIDAD – CIENFUEGOS (90KM, APPROX. 2H BY CAR) (B / D / -)

Along the panoramic coastal road with stop for snorkeling in Guajimico. Enjoy the warm sea and its colorful sea beds! The Cuban virgin nature has a particular charm and show the visitor a unique possibility of keeping very particular memories. Continue to the city of Cienfuegos with its French colonial architecture. Walking tour along the main square "Parque Martí" with the renowned "Teatro Terry", where once Caruso performed. Adventurous ride in a rustic boat through the
harbor and the bay of Cienfuegos. Past the towering Castillo de Jagua and back to Punta Gorda.

After the check-in visit to the peninsula "Punta Gorda" with the Moorish style "Palacio del Valle" and the white yacht club. Dinner with views of the bay of Cienfuegos, e.g. at paladar “Villa Lagarto”.

Accommodation with breakfast : Hotel MELIA San Carlos (4*)or similar, Classic Room

DAY 12 : CIENFUEGOS – BAY OF PIGS – HAVANA (290KM, APPROX. 4H BY CAR) (B / L / D)

Towards the legendary bay of pigs. Simple lunch buffet at "Caleta Buena" with possibilities for swimming and snorkeling in cristal clear water. In the afternoonn continue until the "City of Columns" as Havana is also called, the largest colonial city in Latin America and since 1982 a UNESCO World Heritage. After the check-in and a refreshing shower enjoy a cocktail, while you stroll along the wonderful hotel gardens overlooking the sea. The nostalgic "Bar de la Fama" is also a must-see, with portraits of Mafia boss "Meyer Lansky", "Frank Sinatra", "Ava Gardner" and other celebrities, who are part of the the legend of the hotel.

Followed by a dinner in the Casa Miglis and a intimate performance of the dance artists "Havana Queens". The private restaurant is one of the "Top Ten Paladares" in Havana. This show group was nominated in Frankfurt (LEA) in 2016 for the best show of Germany, participated in the German TV series Dream Ship in 2017 and has already received millions of clicks on YouTube. In the year 2012 the director Rosario Garcia Rodriguez - graduated of the well-known Cuban dance academies Escuela Nacional de Arte (ENA) and Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) - and the Swiss Patrick Hofer founded the dance ensemble Havana Queens which is today an integral part of the dancing scene in Cuba. Their repertoire ranges from classical ballet to Flamenco, Modern Dance to Rumba and Salsa. An insider-tip for the young Cuba and a cultural highlight with sex appeal during a stay in Havana.

Accommodation with breakfast : COMFORT Casa Particular 

DAY 13 : HAVANA (B / L / -)

In the morning pick-up through your English speaking guide. In front of the hotel american classic cars are already waiting for your panoramic tour through the Havana of the 50`s along the sea promenade of the Malecón, passing the "Avenida de los Presidentes" up to the Revolution Square. Continue to Marianao to visit a trainings-Session of "Havanna Queens", the hippest dance ensemble in the city. Authentic introduction to the world of young dancers with a live performance and possibility to chat with the manager.

Later to the Old Havana along the residence- and diplomatic district Miramar with its impressing mansions passing the 5th avenue. Lunch in the Paladar "El del Frente" or similar. Walking tour through the old town to explore the most important sights and squares: "Plaza de Armas" with the "Palacio de los Capitanes Generales" and "El Templete", "Castillo del la Real Fuerza", "Plaza de la Catedral", "Plaza San Francisco de Asís" and "Plaza Vieja".

Finally enjoy "Papa Hemingway’s" famous daiquiri creation in its favorite bar "El Floridita". Evening at leisure.

Accommodation with breakfast : COMFORT Casa Particular 

DAY 14 : HAVANA (B / - / D)

Free day at leisure. Evening farewell program: Enjoy the hip coastline "1era y 70" in Miramar. The simple stone beach of the locals has been converted into a bar promenade.

OPTIONAL (SEE SUPPLEMENT) : DAY TRIP TO VIÑALES

Early in the morning along the highway into the heart of the green western part of Cuba, where time seems to stand still. Enjoy the simple life style in the countryside of the beautiful valley of Viñales with its dramatic limestone rocks. Stop at a tobacco farmer's house (Casa de Veguero) and visit a typical tobacco drying house, known as "Secadero". Short visit of the prehistoric wall painting (Mural de la Prehistoria) painted by the Mexican artist Leovigildo González Morillo. He was a pupil of Frida Kahlos husband Diego Rivera. Rustic lunch at "Alberto Vitamina's place", where the traditional Cuban dish "grilled pork with rice and beans" is cooked with love (as an alternative it is possible to get chicken instead of pork - must be ordered at least one day in advance through the guide). At the end of the day "anti-stress-cocktail" at the Finca AgroEcológica or an apertitif at Balcón del Valle. Both places with panoramic view over the valley. In the late afternoon return to Havana.

Dive in, watch the action and get in touch with locals. Followed by a dinner at the paladar “La Esperanza”.

Accommodation with breakfast : COMFORT Casa Particular

DAY 15 : HAVANA DEPARTURE (B / - / -)

In the morning possibility to go souvenir shopping at the handcraft market at the harbour of Havana.

Later back to the hotel. Late in the afternoon or in the evening (depending on your flight time) transfer to the international airport and check-in for the flight back.

End of the Tour