The Unique Soul of Cuba

Havana inspires a nostalgic passion in those who cannot enjoy it every day. A charming city that ties you to its decadent architecture and wonderful people. Today you will explore Havana’s narrow streets to discover the 4 most important old squares in the historical centre. As you walk along the city you will visit the gallery of the famous Cuban photographer Raul Corrales, where you’ll walk through the majestic halls of the National Capitol and at noon, you will have lunch in a curious restaurant specialised in typical Cuban food.

In the afternoon, awaken your senses and enjoy an excellent tobacco and rum tasting accompanied by a steaming Cuban coffee. Finally, explore the collagraph technique with the Cuban artist Eduardo Guerra and learn about his personal project.

Who hasn’t dreamed of driving a classic car through the streets of Havana to the beat of Cuban music? To start the day and warm up, you will have exclusive access to the rehearsals of the famous dance company Havana Queens. Behind the stage you can experience with the dancers how a choreography with Cuban rhythms is created and you can even rehearse some steps.

After lunch in a local private restaurant (paladar), it’s time to visit the workshop where the antique cars used by U.S. President Barack Obama when he was in Cuba are kept. Besides the cars, you will see an original gas station from the 50’s and several tools from that time. At the end of the visit enjoy a tour of modern Havana in one of these jewels, including Fifth Avenue, the forest of Almendares Park and of course the Revolution Square.

Here you will stop to admire the beautiful statue of the national hero Jose Marti as well as the sculptural relief based on the famous photo of Korda to “Che” Guevara. Later in the evening you will enjoy a special dinner at La Guarida, the restaurant frequented by Hollywood stars and location of the successful Cuban film Fresa y Chocolate.

Setting out to the Cuban countryside will free you from the city’s hustle and bustle and bring you spiritual relaxation. Enjoy the Cuban landscapes on the way to the city of Cienfuegos, the first stop on today’s route to Trinidad. Cienfuegos is a French-born city, modern in design and crossed by a central axis that is the Paseo del Prado. Just at the end of this avenue, after walking along the promenade, you will find one of the most eclectic buildings in Cuba. The Palacio de Valle is a mixture of styles with a Mudejar touch, which you will be able to appreciate in detail during the tour of its halls that will end with a spectacular view of the bay.

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Paladar Aché, a place renowned for its incredibly tasty shrimp. Once you have finished your cup of traditional Cuban coffee, it’s time to cross the coastal road across bridges and rivers that will take us to Trinidad. Founded in 1514, the city emerged among the largest population of Cuban natives in the country, which was later exterminated and gave way to ships full of slaves who took care of the growing sugarcane plantations.

This turned the city into one of the richest in Cuba with families who spent fortunes on mansions, adornments of the latest European fashion and magnificent furniture made from the precious woods of the Cuban forests. After the decline in the price of sugar the city was frozen in time and, thanks to this, today you can appreciate the beautiful architecture.

Enjoy the Cuban landscapes on the way to the city of Cienfuegos, the first stop on today’s route to Trinidad. Cienfuegos is a French-born city, modern in design and crossed by a central axis that is the Paseo del Prado. Just at the end of this avenue, after walking along the promenade, you will find one of the most eclectic buildings in Cuba.

The Palacio de Valle is a mixture of styles with a Mudejar touch, which you will be able to appreciate in detail during the tour of its halls, ending with a spectacular view of the bay. Then you will enjoy a seafood lunch at Paladar Aché, a place renowned for its tasty shrimp. Once you have finished your cup of Cuban coffee, it is time to cross the coastal road across bridges and rivers that will take us to Trinidad.

Founded in 1514, the city emerged among the largest population of Cuban natives in the country, which was later exterminated and gave way to ships full of slaves who took care of the growing sugarcane plantations. This turned the city into one of the richest in Cuba with families who spent fortunes on mansions, adornments of the latest European fashion and magnificent furniture made from the precious woods of the Cuban forests. After the decline in the price of sugar the city was frozen in time and, thanks to this, today you can appreciate the beautiful architecture.

Today will be an intense day! Before leaving the Trinidad area, you will stop to see the Valle de Los Ingenios (Sugar mills Valley), first from the viewpoint of the Loma del Puerto and a little later during the visit to the icon of the city; The Manaca Iznaga hacienda. The remains of this 19th-century hacienda, including its legendary tower, are a living example of the economic power of Trinidad’s sugar families. Next, the route includes the passage through the Guamuahaya mountain range and el Hoyo de Manicaragua, famous for its top-quality dark tobacco.

Finally, you will arrive at Santa Clara, where the last battle was fought before the triumph of the Revolution. You will visit the impressive mausoleum that guards the remains of the Argentinean guerrilla fighter Ernesto “Che” Guevara and later, during the city tour, you will visit the Revolution Café to discover photos and amazing pieces of revolutionary history. For lunch, we recommend the FUSIONE restaurant (not included) with excellent dishes and a delicious “bombón” coffee that should not be missed. After lunch, it’s time to head to Cuba’s most famous beach.

After a 3 hour drive, we will reach the idyllic Varadero beach.

Varadero has for years been chosen by thousands of travellers, to be among the 10 best beaches in the world. With a vast area of 22km, there is enough space to enjoy its white sands and to swim in its calm waters all year round. There is also a small urban centre where most of the inhabitants live, with local businesses and nightclubs like the Palacio de la Rumba, La Casa de la Música or La Comparsita. In the hotel zones, you will find international marinas with facilities for fishing, water sports, excursions to virgin keys and diving. There is also an 18-hole golf course with magnificent views of the sea.

The Caribbean Sea is famous for its paradisiacal keys full of coconut trees and birds. During your stay in Varadero, you can choose (not included) a sea excursion on board of a modern catamaran to Cayo Blanco, a beautiful island off the coast of Varadero.

With beautiful memories of this unique country and a luxury stay on Cuba’s most famous beach, this trip ends. You will have to leave your room at noon and wait for your included transfer to the airport in Havana or to a hotel in the capital.

Important: For international flights you must be at the airport 3 hours before flight departure.