CUBA: from West to East 18D
DAYS / NIGHTS
18 days / 16 nights
REGION
West / Central / East
ACCOMMODATION
Private Accommodations / Hotels
TRANSPORTATION
Private Transfer / consult Car Rental / Combination Private and Collective Transfers
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Havana
3 nights
Trinidad
2 nights
Baracoa
2 nights
Viñales
2 nights
Santa Clara
1 night
Santiago de Cuba
2 nights
Zapata Peninsula
0 nights
Camagüey
2 nights
Cienfuegos
1 night
Gibara
1 night
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 Iván Chef Justo.
Havana
Day 3
Breakfast. Day off.
6:30 p.m. - Pick up the rental car at the confirmed rental point, if required.
Havana - Viñales
Breakfast. Departure to Pinar del Río, Cuba's westernmost province, renowned for cultivating the world's finest tobacco.
Check-in
Day 4
Viñales
Day 5
Breakfast. Departure to Pinar del Río, Cuba's westernmost province, renowned for cultivating the world's finest tobacco.
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.
Dinner at leisure.
Viñales - Zapata Peninsula - Cienfuegos
Day 6
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.
Cienfuegos - El Nicho - Trinidad
Day 7
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 8
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
Day 9
Breakfast. Departure to Santa Clara.
Upon arrival, we will visit the Ernesto Guevara Monumental Complex, which houses the museum and memorial that hold the remains of Che and his fellow fighters.
We recommend continuing to the heart of the city to visit the La Caridad Theater and the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Santa Clara - Sancti Spíritus - Camagüey
Day 10
If you have a rental car, consider visiting Sancti Spíritus on your journey from Trinidad to Camagüey.
Breakfast. Departure to Camagüey. Along the way, take a panoramic tour of the historic centre of Sancti Spíritus.
Arrival. Check-in.
Private City Tour: Discovering Camagüey by Pedicab
Guided by a knowledgeable local in pedicabs, delve into the Historic Centre of Camagüey, a colonial city established in 1514 (originally named Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe), recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 for its outstanding heritage.
The tour includes visits to the foundational squares, where you'll uncover the city's traditions and legends:
- Plaza San Juan de Dios, Camagüey's most well-preserved colonial setting, showcasing historical and architectural marvels alongside top art galleries.
- Agramonte Park, the city's original nucleus and vibrant hub, epicentre of city life, surrounded by cultural venues and services. In this place the model of the city is located
- José Martí Park, where diverse architectural styles merge, reflecting the city's evolution over three centuries.
- Plaza de la Soledad, a bustling crossroads linking three major streets, starting point for the themed Calle de los Cines walk.
- Plaza de los Trabajadores, once Plaza de la Merced, a site of unique historical and urban significance, home to the Nuestra Señora de la Merced church and the Ignacio Agramonte y Loynaz Birthplace Museum, a key figure in the Cuban Liberation Army during the Ten Years' War.
- Plaza del Carmen, the city's second best-preserved colonial ensemble, adorned with sculptures by artist Martha Jiménez, whose workshop is located in the square.
Dinner at the private restaurant 1800 and end of the tour.
Camagüey
Day 11
Breakfast
Private City Tour: Andar Camagüey
On this tour a specialized guide will lead us through places of artistic creation and and notable outdoor spaces, both within and beyond the historic center of Camagüey, ending with a delightful meal.
The tour includes a visit to the following locations:
- Daluz Studio-Workshop, a venue where two brothers from Camagüey, boasting over a decade of expertise in stained glass artistry, craft and refurbish stained glass, lamps, and other ornamental items. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe diverse techniques employed in distinctive creations that blend glass and metal to forge exceptional art pieces that play with form and illumination.
- Casino Campestre, recognized as the second-largest urban park in Cuba, was inaugurated in 1860. It served as a site for significant agricultural and livestock exhibitions in the 19th century before being transformed into a public park at the dawn of the 20th century, and has been officially known as Gonzalo de Quesada Park ever since. Visitors can also admire various monuments dedicated to the town's illustrious figures.
- Plaza de la Revolución Mayor General Ignacio Agramonte y Loynaz, a site that serves as the geographical heart of the city and a focal point for major public gatherings. It was in this square that the Holy Mass was celebrated by Pope John Paul II on January 23, 1998.
- Funda del Catre Alley, renowned as the city's narrowest alley, derives its colloquial name from its width, comparable to that of a cot, preventing two horses from passing side by side or crossing paths. Its official name is Ramón Ponte.
- Viewpoint of the Cathedral Church, after exploring the city from the ground, beholding it from this elevated position promises to be an unforgettable experience.
- CARSUEÑOS Project, led by Carmen, a master doll maker who has devoted her life to crafting rag dolls. Alongside a team of seamstresses, she has developed this initiative with multiple facets, all centered around children: ranging from the 'Hospital de los Juguetes' program, where children can bring their damaged dolls for repair, to 'Heart with which I live,' a scheme designed to provide therapeutic support to children with autism. Visitors also have the opportunity to assist Carmen in mending some of these dolls.
- E. Rosales Gallery Studio, a creative space in which the master Eduardo will conduct a lesson in plastic arts. Participants will explore various approaches to painting, and the most adventurous may even create an original piece alongside the artist.
Lunch at the private restaurant El Mesón del Príncipe.
Afternoon and dinner at leisure.
Camagüey - Gibara
Day 12
Breakfast. Departure to Gibara, in the province of Holguín.
On the way between the city of Holguín and Gibara you will be able to appreciate a curious elevation known as the Silla de Gibara for its similarity to a horse saddle.
Arrival in Gibara, a marine city that has the most remarkable architectural ensemble in Holguín today. In the nineteenth century, its harbor served as the primary maritime gateway to the entire northern coast of the former Oriente province. Since 2003, Gibara has gained increased recognition as the host city of the Poor Film Festival, established by the renowned Cuban filmmaker Humberto Solás.
Check-in. Dinner at leisure.
Gibara - Baracoa
Day 13
Breakfast. Departure to Baracoa.
We suggest visiting Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, a place of extraordinary beauty that hosts 2% of the world's plant species. It boasts the highest biodiversity and endemism rates in the Antilles, ranking among the world's largest. The park is the core area of the Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. It is named after Alexander von Humboldt, a prominent German naturalist and geographer who explored the island in the early 19th century and is celebrated for his scientific contributions as Cuba's Second Discoverer.
Arrival. Check-in.
Baracoa
Day 14
Breakfast
Day to discover Baracoa, also called the First City of Cuba because it is the oldest settlement on the island after the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. Officially named Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Baracoa, it was established on August 15, 1511, by Diego Velázquez, who held the title of Adelantado at the time. It served as the first capital and the first bishopric of Cuba. The region is characterized by mountains shrouded in dense vegetation and a network of rivers, creating a picturesque natural landscape enriched with historical and cultural elements. Coconut, cocoa, and coffee are the region's primary products.
We suggest embarking on the Cacao Trail. Dine at Rancho Toa, situated on the banks of the river of the same name, one of the places where you can taste the most typical dishes of the Taino culture. In the afternoon we recommend exploring the city, especially the Matachín Fort and the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption of Baracoa. This church houses the Cross of the Parra, the oldest historical religious relic fromthe convergence of the two cultures in the so-called New World, unique in both Cuba and the Caribbean.
Baracoa - Santiago de Cuba
Day 15
Breakfast. Departure to Santiago de Cuba.
Travel along the La Farola Viaduct, a road that crosses a landscape of incredible beauty in which breathtaking views of the mountain and the sea alternate. Due to the complexity of its execution, La Farola is considered one of the seven wonders of civil engineering in Cuba.
Arrival. Check-in. Dinner at leisure.
We recommend for the evening to go to the Casa de la Trova or the Casa de las Tradiciones to listen to traditional Cuban music.
Santiago de Cuba
Day 16
Breakfast
Private Tour: Santiago de Cuba, the Living Essence of the Caribbean
With the guidance of a specialist from the Office of the Curator of the City of Santiago de Cuba, explore the city that stood as Cuba's first colonial capital and now ranks as the country's second most significant city. Facing the Caribbean Sea in the island's southeastern region, Santiago de Cuba was established in 1515 by the Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez.
Our itinerary includes:
- The Castle of San Pedro de la Roca, also known as El Morro, acclaimed as the most complete and best-preserved example of Spanish military architecture in the Americas, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
- The Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, the final resting place for many of Cuba's notable figures, including National Hero José Martí, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Emilio Bacardi, and Fidel Castro.
- Historical landmarks such as the Diego Velázquez House (considered the oldest dwelling in Cuba), the Dranguet House, the City Model, the Rum Museum, and the Bacardi Museum.
- The Basilica National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, home to the venerated original image of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba's Patron Saint. This sacred site, perched atop Cerro de Maboa and located 27 kilometres from Santiago de Cuba, welcomes an estimated 500 visitors daily. The present Sanctuary of El Cobre was inaugurated on September 8, 1927.
Dinner at leisure. We recommend St. Pauli (private restaurant).
Santiago de Cuba - Departure
Day 17
Breakfast. Day off.
Depart for Santiago de Cuba International Airport at the scheduled time to catch your flight back home.
Delivery of the rental car, if required.
Arrival in Spain
Day 18
THE PRICE INCLUDES
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VIP service upon airport arrival
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Private transfers in and out
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Program listed in DBL room
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16 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 Viñales (with meal included), Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Camagüey (with meal included) and Santiago de Cuba
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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 Santiago de Cuba: 90€
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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
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
