DAY 1. MADRID - HAVANA (-/-/D)

 

Depart by regular flight from Madrid

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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.​

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Private transfer to your accommodation is arranged. Check-in.

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Welcome dinner at Mojito Mojito (private restaurant).

 

DAY 2. HAVANA (B/L/D)

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Breakfast. Pick-up from the accommodation.

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Private City Tour: Colonial Havana + Modern Havana in a Classic Car

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Colonial Havana

We will embark on a guided walking tour through the Historic Centre 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 Centre 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 Theatre of Havana. Our walk will take us down Obispo Street, located in the Historic Centre’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:

- Visit 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.

- 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.

- Miramar neighbourhood, 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.

- 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 enjoy 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 your leisure. We recommend Ivan Chef Justo (private restaurant).

 

DAY 3.  HAVANA - VIÑALES (B/L/-)

 

Breakfast. Departure to Pinar del Río, Cuba's westernmost province, renowned for cultivating the world's finest tobacco.

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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.

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Check-in. Dinner at leisure. We recommend Cuajaní (private agroecological project)

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DAY 4.  VIÑALES – CAYO LEVISA - SANTIAGO DE CUBA (B/L/-)

 

Breakfast. Departure to Cayo Levisa. Arrival at the Palma Rubia pier to take a boat to the Cayo.

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Enjoy the day on one of the most beautiful and exotic beaches in Cuba. Lunch on site.

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15H Return to Palma Rubia and departure to Havana Airport to take a flight to Santiago de Cuba.

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Box dinner

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Arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in.

 

DAY 5.  SANTIAGO DE CUBA (B/L/-)

 

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.

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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.

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​Dinner at leisure. We recommend St. Pauli (private restaurant).

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DAY 6.  SANTIAGO DE CUBA - BAYAMO - CAMAGÜEY (B/L/-)

 

Breakfast. Departure to Camagüey.

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Stop in Bayamo, the second of the first seven villages on the island, founded in 1513 by Diego Velázquez. Capital of the Granma province and site where the struggle for Cuban independence began in 1868.

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Lunch in Las Tunas at the El Bambú farm (private agroecological project)

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Arrival in Camagüey. Check-in.

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Dinner at leisure

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DAY 7.  CAMAGÜEY (B/-/D)

 

Breakfast

Visit to the Ballet of Camagüey, where we will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the artistic work of this important ballet company, the second of its kind in the country. Founded in 1967, it has performed on important stages in Europe and America. Its repertoire includes more than 250 works in various styles, ranging from classical to contemporary.

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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.

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Lunch and afternoon at leisure.

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Dinner at the private restaurant 1800

 

DAY 8.  CAMAGÜEY - SANCTI SPÍRITUS - TRINIDAD (B/-/-)

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Breakfast. Departure to Trinidad.

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Stop at the central square of one of the seven founding towns of Cuba, Sancti Spíritus. We recommend lunch at El Mesón de la Plaza.

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Continue to Trinidad. Stop in the Valle de los Ingenios, at the Hacienda Manaca Iznaga.

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Arrival, check-in and free time.

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We recommend dinner at the private restaurant San José.

 

DAY 9.  TRINIDAD (B/L/-)

 

Breakfast

 

Private Tour: Trinidad and Valle de los Ingenios, History and Nature

 

This tour offers a blend of history and nature as it explores the Villa de la Santísima Trinidad and the Valley of the Sugar Mills. The journey starts with a detailed description of Trinidad's historic center, a well-preserved colonial city in the Caribbean. Its mid-street ditches, the Plaza Mayor, and vernacular architecture give the impression that time has stood still. Recognized for its significant role as a sugar trading hub in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, along with the Valle de los Ingenios. The excursion will highlight the town's characteristic architectural features and discuss various points of interest about the society that flourished there during its most prosperous era.

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In the second part of the tour we will visit the Valle de los Ingenios, a vast plain that during the 18th and 19th centuries experienced its period of greatest splendor thanks to the sugar boom. On this tour of the valley, which is done on horseback or in a wheelchair (so a protective helmet must always be worn), we will enjoy various elements and traditions from the colonial era, such as tasting sugar cane juice or guarapo; observing a trapiche, the machine that produces it; trying Cimarrón coffee, typical of the area; or visiting the El Papayal, La Pastora or El Abanico haciendas (the Hacienda Manaca Iznaga is not reached due to its distance within the valley and the type of transportation used, but depending on the next destination, a visit can be arranged on the next transfer).

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During this rural walk, which will take place along dirt roads, there will also be sightings of native birds and typical trees of the island of Cuba. To conclude, you may enjoy a swim in a river, waterfall, or natural pool for an hour, tailored to your preferences.

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We take an alternate route back to the city through the mountains, a path made vibrant by stunning views that offer the perfect opportunity for panoramic photographs of the Valley of the Sugar Mills, providing a comprehensive perspective of its entire extension.

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The tour, lasting between four to six hours depending on client schedules, is conducted on horseback or in carriages, requiring the use of a protective helmet at all times. The package includes admission to the Nature Reserve, coffee, guarapo, a meal, a bottle of water, transportation, and guide service.

 

Dinner at leisure

 

DAY 10. TRINIDAD - SANTA CLARA - CAYO SANTA MARÍA (B/-/AI)

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Breakfast

Departure to Cayo Santa María through the Cuban countryside.

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.  

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Continuation of the trip to Cayo Santa María

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Arrival. Check-in. Accommodation in an all-inclusive hotel.

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DAYS 11 & 12.  CAYO SANTA MARÍA (AI)

 

Days off to enjoy the crystal-clear beaches and fine white sands of the Jardines del Rey keys in northern Cuba.

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DAY 13.  CAYO SANTA MARÍA - CIENFUEGOS (AI/L/-)

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Breakfast

 

Departure to 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.

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Private excursion: Cienfuegos, city of the sea

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Discover Cienfuegos uniquely with the Prada, an authentic fishing family. Departing from the dock in a private boat, we'll explore the Cienfuegos Bay, a trading bay home to 14 small keys. We'll visit the only inhabited key, Cayo Carena, to explore its ancient church, stroll through the streets, observe local life, and enjoy its two beaches. We will continue sailing through La Milpa and Las Damas. The tour concludes with a visit to the Village of the Castle of Jagua, where we'll enjoy our meal.

 

Return to the pier. Check-in. Dinner at leisure.

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DAY 14.  CIENFUEGOS – ZAPATA SWAMP - HAVANA (B/L/-)

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Breakfast. Departure to Zapata Swamp, the largest wetland in the Caribbean.

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Stop at the Cueva de los Peces and visit to the Taino Village of Guamá.

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Lunch

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We continue to Havana.

 

Check-in and dinner at leisure. We recommend the private restaurant CHA CHA CHÁ.

 

DAY 15.  HAVANA - AIRPORT - DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

 

Breakfast. Morning and lunch AT LEISURE. At the indicated time, departure to Havana International Airport to take the flight back home.

 

¡Hasta pronto, Cuba!

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DAY 16 – ARRIVAL IN SPAIN

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