Cuba for Connoisseurs

Day 1: Havana

Havana, Land in sight!
It was 1492; Christopher Columbus was completely mesmerized looking out at the coast from the bow of his ship La Santa Maria. Right in front of his three ships, a magical island appeared full of trees, birds and fruits: a completely new kind of beauty. More than 500 years later, we are glad to welcome you to Cuba to enjoy all the wonders that make this island known all over the world.
Included services: Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Havana

My Havana (Breakfast, Lunch)
Havana is a marvellous city, a catalogue of architecture, an inexhaustible source of interaction with its people who invite you to live it passionately.
Today's tour will begin with a 50's classic car ride along the Malecón (the favourite place of Havana’s locals), passing under the bay to Morro Castle for you to enjoy an exceptional view of the city. We continue along the side of the Almendares River through the green areas of Havana's city park, also known as "The forest of Havana". After the panoramic tour, we have lunch in a typical Cuban restaurant (Paladar). With new energy we will begin to walk the streets of Old Havana through its great squares. We continue to meet several Cuban entrepreneurs, women who, with initiative and charisma, have launched innovative projects with great acceptance, such as the Crepería Oasis Nelva. A true oasis in the city where great cocktails are served, and the owner will be happy to exchange experiences in her green garden paradise. Zulu a venture with more than 30 years of experience in making beautiful leather bags, learn more about the story of professional women who learned how to give shape and life to the humble beauty of this natural row material with just some small cuts of leather, left over from a shoe factory. Finally, visit the Ciclo Papel project, an ecological and family business oriented towards recycling. End up the day with a nice ride back to the hotel in one of those funny tuck tuks (coco taxis).
Included services: Tour in classic cars, tour of the city of Havana, visits to different Cuban women's businesses, return transfer to accommodation.

Day 3: Havana

The World of Tobacco (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Made entirely by hand, Cuban cigars ignite the most intense passions in thousands of smokers around the world. This kind of art has its origins in America. Today we will follow the tobacco route traveling to the province of Pinar del Rio, specifically to the region of Vuelta Abajo, where the best tobacco in the world is harvested. To learn about this exciting field, we chose La Finca de Quemado de Rubí owned by Héctor Luis, one of Cuba's most famous tobacco producers, who was awarded HOMBRE HABANO for the excellence of his leaves. A tour of the farm followed by a typical lunch will reveal to you the complex process of cutting, drying, aging and selection of the leaves. Then you will visit a tobacco factory where cigars are finally produced. The trip will continue to Viñales, a small rural town known for its small limestone cliffs called mogotes. Have a walk through the small town while admiring the mogotes in detail and the beautiful natural surroundings. After on return to Havana, but not before contemplating the valley from the viewpoint of Balcón del Valle for the last picture. In the evening, special dinner in a relaxed ambience.
Included services: Visit to the farm of tobacco farmer Héctor Luis.

Day 4: Havana

Cuban Art: The Expression of the people (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Cuban art is hidden in every corner of this island. It appears around an old alley, in a small gallery, in a painting by an artist or through the shoes of a young ballet star. With today's tour, you will experience the diversity of Cuban art. Early in the morning after breakfast, tour of Havana's most exclusive area: Miramar. Bordering fancy gardens, wide avenues with huge tree parks and imposing mansions, you will arrive at a modern art space: Eduardo Guerra home & studio. Then you will visit the photo gallery of the Corrales family, who for 3 generations has photographed and documented the Cuban revolution. You will have lunch at the paladar of Chef Iván Justo, whose owner was Fidel's personal chef and one of the first chefs to have a private restaurant in Cuba. After lunch, enjoy the rest of the afternoon on your own. In the evening a gourmet dinner awaits you in the company of artists.
Included services: Visit to a photographer’s gallery, a la casa - studio of a Cuban artist, dinner in art gallery.

Day 5: Cienfuegos

The Sea and the City (Breakfast, Lunch)
Cienfuegos is a city shaped by the sea, which shows its French origin and design, and is the pride of its inhabitants who familiarly call it the Pearl of the South. It has a very particular elongated layout that influences the daily life. You will arrive in Cienfuegos and start the tour of the city. Enjoy a typical lunch in a Paladar in Punta Gorda with a relaxing view of the bay. Later you will visit the Moorish Palace, which keeps a beautiful fairytale-like love story and share a walk through the bay to see one of Cuba's oldest fortresses: Nuestra señora de los Ángeles de Jagua. The rest of the day is free for you to walk along the seafront in the evening and take in the sea air.
Included services: Boot ride bay of Cienfuegos, city tour through Cienfuegos, visit to theatre Terry.

Day 6: Trinidad

Once upon a time, Trinidad (Breakfast, Lunch, All-inclusive in the hotel)
Today's destination is no ordinary town. Declared World Heritage and Artisan City of the World by UNESCO, Trinidad was the third town founded in Cuba by the Spaniards. During the middle of the 19th century, sugar prices and the enormous amount of sugar mills brought great prosperity to the town.
Departure in the morning and journey along the southern coast to Trinidad. Walk through its old cobblestone streets adorned by its colonial houses, symbols of the power of the old sugar barons. During the visit to a local museum, you will admire the collection of ancient objects belonging to 5 centuries of history. Enjoy delicious traditional cocktails and a lunch in a local restaurant. Later you visit the Casa del Alfarero, where in a craft workshop you will learn more about, the tradition rooted in the city and of how these clay pieces are made. Rest of the afternoon free for handcraft shopping. In the evening, you will enjoy the nightlife and the contagious Cuban music at a place you can choose from the Casa de la Trova or Casa de la Música.
Services included: City tour, visit to a museum, visit to a potter.

Day 7: Trinidad

Journey to Paradise (60 kilometers) (Breakfast, All inclusive)
Cuba would not be a paradise without its dozens of unique beaches with crystal clear waters and fine white sand. Enjoy a relaxing day, in the shade of a palm tree on the nearby beach of Playa de Ancón, next to the wonderful Meliá Trinidad Peninsula hotel. If you prefer to explore the narrow streets of Trinidad a little, you also have the possibility to do so, as transportation is at your disposal. (Departure and return times to the hotel for group tours in agreement with the other participants). Arrival at the hotel to enjoy the beach.
Included services: Transfer.

Day 8:

Trinidad - Havana / Varadero (380 kilometers / 450 kilometers) (Breakfast)
Departure from Trinidad heading to Havana or Varadero. (Direct transfer to Havana or Varadero included only for this day, either to the airport or to the accommodation).
Included services: Transfer.