“Ride to Valley of the Sugar Mills + Sancti Spíritus in Old Fashion American Classic Cars” Tour

“Ride to Valley of the Sugar Mills + Sancti Spíritus in Old Fashion American Classic Cars” Tour

Description:

The Valley of the Sugar Mills is a living museum of the former sugar trade of the 18th and 19th century. The Valley of the Sugar Mills is known as Valle de los Ingenios to the Cuban people and technically is comprised of three different valleys — Meyer, San Luis and Santa Rosa. This region of the country extends more than 100 square miles and contains more than 70 former sugar mills. The Cuban sugar empire lasted from the late 18th to the late 19th century. At its peak, 50 sugar mills were concurrently in operation, producing 140,000 sugar cane arrobas per 32 acres. Part of the reason the Valley of the Sugar Mills was ultimately named a UNESCO World Heritage Site is because these sugar plantations were closely tied in with the slave trade that was rampant at the time. It's estimated that some 80,000 Africans were brought to Cuba to work specifically on these sugar-producing farms during that time period.

Founded in 1514, and one of the seven original towns established by Diego Velázquez during the Spanish conquest of Cuba, Sancti Spiritus boasts a history as long. The city of Sancti Spíritus has one of the most beautiful representative sets of the colonial architecture of the country, as well as 2 national monuments (the Parochial Major Church and the Yayabo Bridge) and several interesting ones museums, among which the Colonial Art Museum, the Provincial History Museum, the Guayabera House, the Serafin Sanchez Home House Museum and the Natural History Museum stand out.Although it’s the provincial capital, it’s a tranquil place that has few activities to lure tourists to spend more than a day or two. Sancti Spíritus was founded in 1516 on the Tuinicú River, but it was moved to the banks of the Yayabo in 1524. It is the oldest city of interior Cuba, and narrow crooked streets, old churches, and plazas preserve its colonial atmosphere. Sancti Spiritus, a small town that is 500 years old, the same as Trinidad.

This beautiful and old colonial city has its own merits to shine for its impressive history. Its historic center was declared a National Monument on October 10, 1978. One of its most important sites is the Yayabo Bridge, which crosses the river of the same name, built in 1825, the only one in Cuba dating from the colonial era. . It consists of 5 arches made with bricks and has a marked romantic style, it is still active today and together with the historic center of the city and the Parochial Major Church represent the main tourist attraction of Sancti Spíritus, and for its heritage values ​​and architectural was declared a National Monument and is the pride and main meeting point of the inhabitants of the city.

The city is linked to the cultural and musical traditions of Cuba as a nation, especially the Guayabera, a traditional garment for Cubans. The city also stands out for other cultural traditions such as pottery, plastic arts, weaving by hand and guano, dances, tunes, verses and songs, agricultural and folk art fairs.

Our proposal is to join us to the Sugar Mills + Sancti Spiritus tour, those magical places that made his imagination fly threw out, and for this we offer our authentic American cars of the 50s. This is excellent original vehicles, classic and convertible in perfect condition, which undoubtedly will make you travel through time.

Feel yourself traveling back in time driving around the winding streets of Sancti Spiritus in an old fashion American car. You will be guided through the irregular streets of the city, its history, and culture.

Departures for this tour only take place from Trinidad, Playa La Boca and Casilda town.

Top places to enjoy in the tour in the Valley of the Sugar Mills:

• The lookout point to enjoy a panoramic view over the Sugar mills Valley, declared World Heritage since 1988 by UNESCO.
• The San Isidro and Guaimaro arqueological sites of great interest.
• The Manaca Iznaga site, one of the wealthiest family in Trinidad during the colonial period where you could enjoy the delicious Guarapo (sugar cane juice), optional.
• The watchtower( optional), built in the XIX century to enjoy the beautiful landscape of this site.
• The ancient Sugar Mills named Santa Elena de Sabanilla.

Top places to enjoy in the tour in Sancti Spíritus city:

• Major Parochial Church of the Holy Spirit.
• The Yayabo River Bridge.
• Central Park Serafin Sanchez.
• Boulevard de Sancti Spíritus.
• Provincial Library, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
• Municipal Museum of History,
• Museum of Natural Sciences.
• Museum of Colonial Art.
• Natal House Museum by Serafín Sánchez.
• Plaza and Perla Hotels.
• Casa de la Guayabera Museum (former Quinta Santa Elena).
• Main Theater of the city, built in 1839.
• Café Teatro and the Bar La Taberna.

The customers paying entrance fees, will enjoy the main attractions of the city,

Included services in the tour

• A local tour guide (Spanish, English).
• Transportation in Old Fashion American Cars.
• Pick up at the hotel or rental house and departure towards to Sancti Spíritus in American Classic Cars;
• Optional visit to the Manaca Iznaga farm in the Valle de los Ingenios. Free time to visit the lookout tower.
• Panoramic tour of Sancti Spíritus in American Classic Cars and round trip transfer to the hotel;
• City Tour of Sancti Spíritus city including the Serafín Sanchez Central Park, Major Parochial Church of the Holy Spirit and The Yayabo River Bridge, among other cultural and historical landmarks;
• Free time for optional lunch at one of the restaurants in the city. (Not included in price);
• Free time to visit the other places in the town;
• Return to the hotel or rental house.

Services not included in the tour:

• Tickets to museums, attractions or places of interest.
• Extra food and drinks.
• Tips.

We use this cars:

• This experience will be realized in classic hard top car, model: Chevrolet Bel Air 1957 (Sedan 4 doors) / Chevrolet Bel Air 1955 (Sedan 4 doors) / Pontiac 1957 (Sedan 4 doors) or similar (Classic), with air conditioning and with professional driver and guide in English and Spanish language (optional).

Maximum Pax for the tour: 5 Pax (without guide service) or 4 Pax (with guide service).

Distance to cover in the tour by car (round trip): 158 km approximately.

Duration approximate of the tour by car (round trip): 2.40 hours approximately.

Pick-up point: Lodging Place (House for Rent or Hotel).

Extra price for Lunch or Dinner: + 10.00 cuc per pax.

Important note: Tickets to museums, places of interest and tourist attractions, restaurants (meals), bars (drinks) and tips, among others, are not included in the price of the tour and require an extra charge to decision of the clients.

Important note: The clients, once the tour itinerary is completed, can be transferred directly to Cayo Santa María, for an additional charge of USD 40.00 per car (not per passenger).