CUBA: from West to Center 12D
DAYS / NIGHTS
12 days / 10 nights
REGION
West / Central
ACCOMMODATION
Private accommodations / Hotels
TRANSPORTATION
Private Transfer / consult Car Rental / Combination Private and Collective Transfers
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
HaVana
3 nights
Trinidad
2 nights
La Habana
1 night
Zapata Peninsula
0 nights
Santa Clara
0 nights
Cienfuegos
1 night
Remedios
0 nights
El Nicho
0 nights
Cayo Santa María
3 nights
ITINERARY
Spain - Havana
Day 1
Depart by regular flight from Madrid.
Upon arrival in Havana, a member of the airport's VIP Service staff will greet you with a sign bearing your names as you exit the plane's boarding bridge. They will assist you through immigration and escort you to the VIP Lounge. There, they will request your luggage tags to retrieve your bags while you enjoy a complimentary coffee or drink and access the internet for 30 minutes. Once your luggage is collected, they will guide you to the airport exit where our staff will meet you.
Private transfer to your accommodation is arranged. Check-in. Dinner at leisure.
Havana
Day 2
Breakfast. Pick-up from the accommodation.
Private City Tour: Colonial Havana + Modern Havana in a Classic Car
Colonial Havana
We will embark on a guided walking tour through the Historic Center 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 Center 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.
During the tour, we will also explore Central Park and the exteriors of the National Capitol and the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater of Havana. Our walk will take us down Obispo Street, located in the Historic Center's core. We will stop by El Floridita bar, a city landmark famous for being a favourite haunt of the American author Ernest Hemingway.
Lunch in Doña Eutimia (private 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 neighborhood, 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 savor 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.
Dinner at leisure. We recommend private restaurant Cha Cha Chá.
Havana
Day 3
Breakfast
Day off. Pick-up of the rental car, if required.
We recommend the Private Tour: Viñales Valley, Cuba's Treasure, World Heritage Site
Characterized by the distinctive "mogotes," the small limestone hills with rounded tops, Viñales Valley is renowned as one of the island's most breathtaking natural landscapes, designated a National Park of Cuba and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 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 is served at a Creole 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.
*The sequence of visits can change based on the operating hours of the venues.
Return to Havana.
Dinner at leisure. We recommend private restaurant Iván Chef Justo.
Havana - Zapata Peninsula - Cienfuegos
If you have a rental car, we recommend visiting the Zapata Peninsula during the journey from Havana to Cienfuegos.
Breakfast. Departure to Cienfuegos.
Make a stop at the Zapata Peninsula, the largest wetland in the Caribbean and one of the largest in Latin America, recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar Site by UNESCO for its significant ecological value. The itinerary includes a visit to the Crocodile Farm, followed by an 8 km boat journey across Laguna del Tesoro to explore the Taíno Village, a ceramic recreation of an indigenous village by renowned Cuban artist Rita Longa, depicting the era of the Spanish arrival in 1492. Additionally, we'll stop by the Casa del Zunzuncito, where a local has devoted his life to studying the world's smallest hummingbird, an endemic species of Cuba. The day will conclude with a visit to the Cueva de los Peces, a cenote or natural pool known for its crystal-clear waters and depth exceeding 70 meters.
Free time for lunch. At the end, departure to the city of Cienfuegos.
Private City Tour: Cienfuegos, the Southern Pearl of Cuba
With the guidance of a specialist from the Office of the Conservator of the City of Cienfuegos, you will explore this central Cuban city, also known as "the Pearl of the South." Established by French immigrants in the early nineteenth century, Cienfuegos is nestled in a magnificent natural bay, home to Cuba's largest coral, named Notre Dame. The tour's itinerary includes the city's most iconic streets and avenues, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Highlights of the visit include Martí Park, the Tomás Terry Theatre, the House of Cultural Assets, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Check-in. Dinner at leisure.
Day 4
Cienfuegos - El Nicho - Trinidad
Day 5
If you have a rental car, we recommend visiting El Nicho during the journey from Cienfuegos to Trinidad.
Breakfast. Departure to Trinidad.
Make a stop at El Nicho, a natural marvel featuring numerous waterfalls and natural pools set in an almost untouched landscape, hidden amidst the mountains. It's part of the Hanabanilla basin settlements in the Cienfuegos province and is undoubtedly one of Cuba's most picturesque spots.
At the entrance, we'll park the car and embark on a roughly 1 km hike along a nature trail called the Kingdom of Waters. This path offers a glimpse into the region's lush flora and fauna, including palm trees and tocororos. You'll also have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the many natural pools that you will find along the way.
Lunch at leisure
Continue to Trinidad
Arrival. Check-in. Dinner at leisure.
Trinidad
Day 6
Breakfast
Private excursion: Trinidad and Valle de los Ingenios, a captivating journey through history
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. This boom, fuelled by the labour of thousands of slaves, enabled the settlers to accumulate vast wealth. 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.
Return to Trinidad. Lunch at leisure. We recommend San Jose (private restaurant).
We will continue our visit 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 Valle de los Ingenios.
The itinerary includes visits to the Romantic Museum, the Holy Trinity Church, the Ceramics Workshop, and the Canchánchara bar to savor a traditional welcome cocktail.
Dinner at leisure. For dinner accompanied by authentic Cuban music, we suggest the private restaurants Sol y Son, Los Conquistadores, Taberna La Botija, or La Esquina 373.
Trinidad - Santa Clara - Remedios (if you go with driver) - Cayo Santa María
Day 7
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 leisure. We recommend Fusione (private restaurant).
In case you have rented a car, it should be returned at the Santa Clara Airport, and you will go to Cayo Santa María in a private transfer.
Continuation of the trip to Cayo Santa María, making a small stop in the Villa de Remedios (only if you go with a driver).
Arrival. Check-in. Accommodation in an all-inclusive hotel.
Cayo Santa María
Days 8 & 9
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 Sun Cruise: 110€ /adt. Round trip fare, sailing catamaran, lunch at the Dolphinarium with lobster, snack and open bar, snorkeling, interactive contact and dolphin show.
Cayo Santa María - Havana
Day 10
Breakfast. Morning off. Check out, regular transfer to Havana.
Arrival. Check-in. Dinner at leisure.
Havana - Departure
Day 11
Breakfast. Day off until regular transfer time to Havana International Airport to take your flight back home.
Arrival in Spain
Day 12
THE PRICE INCLUDES
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VIP service upon airport arrival
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Private transfers in
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Regular transfer out
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Regular transfer CSM-HAV, and private transfer APT SNU-CSM, if the option of a rental car is selected.
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Program listed in DBL room
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10 nights of accommodation, allocated as per the table below
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Private City Tour of Colonial Havana + Modern Havana in a Classic Car, with meal included
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Private tours with local guides in Cienfuegos and Trinidad.
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Tourist Card (visa)
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Basic travel assistance insurance
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A phone with a local line for 24/7 support contact
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All private interprovincial transfers by air-conditioned tourist vehicle or rental car –Economy Mechanical category (2 pax) and Medium Automatic category (4 pax), subject to availability. Includes: Mandatory CDW Insurance + 1st Tank of Fuel (full-empty policy)
- General car rental conditions in Cuba: https://booktocuba.com/es/conditions-cars/
- Car rental cancellation policy: https://booktocuba.com/es/terms-and-conditions
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
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International flights
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Optional insurance with cancellation policy: 70€ per person
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Optional excursions
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Local payments with Visa or MasterCard cards (non-American) in Cuba, directly at the rental point when picking up the vehicle.
- Security deposit: 150€ for a manual car; 200€ for an automatic car, refundable upon the car's return.
- Supplement for airport delivery if the pick-up is from another city office: 25€.
- Drop-off charge in Santa Clara: 37€
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Any service not mentioned in the "Price Includes" section will be considered additional.
TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT
To enter Cuba, you need:
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A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
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A Tourist Card provided by FFV.
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The completed Entry Form in Cuba – D'Viajeros, available at the official website: https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/datosPersonales
D'VIAJEROS is a system designed to streamline and enhance the travel experience through the Republic of Cuba by providing advanced information to speed up entry procedures. It is mandatory for every traveller to accurately fill out the information requested by the Directorate of Identification, Immigration and Aliens, the General Customs of the Republic, and the Ministry of Public Health.
For more information:
- https://youtu.be/FxocT5xK1Ic
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcGwSCltiJE
IMPORTANT: To enter the U.S it is currently necessary to obtain a U.S. visa. if you have travelled to Cuba after January 11, 2021, since the presentation of the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is not sufficient. This visa can be applied for at any U.S. Consulate General or Consular Section. Thus, if you plan to travel to the U.S. after visiting Cuba, it is advisable to review the U.S. authorities' guidelines at the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en), by searching for "Cuba" in the "Search Help Topics" section.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Planned accommodations - Option 1
Planned accommodations - Option 2
NOTES
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This budget does not constitute any flight holds or ground services reservation
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Prices are subject to change and depend on availability at the time of booking.
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The departure times for each excursion will be determined based on the itinerary and client requirements.
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The maps and travel durations provided in the program are for reference only.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Booking:
For a reservation to be confirmed, we require an email that confirms the acceptance of the quote, details the services being contracted, and includes proof of payment.
Payment terms for ground services:
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30% of the total amount upon confirmation
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70% of the total amount 20 days prior to the trip's start date
Cancellation fees for ground services:
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10% of the total cost if cancellation is made 30 to 20 days prior to departure.
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25% of the total cost if cancellation is made 19 to 8 days prior to departure.
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100% of the total cost if cancellation is made less than 7 days prior to departure.
BANK DETAILS
BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA S.A
Owner: VIAJES Y REPRESENTACIONES S.L.
IBAN: ES0501824464220201626025
SWIFT: BBVAESMMXXX