¡EXPERIENCE CUBA! Self-Drive Tour.

Welcome to Cuba! Reception at the airport by an English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel in Havana. Dinner at own expense.

Old and Vibrant Havana:

After breakfast, an English-speaking representative of Holiplus will be waiting at the car rental agency. He will assist you at the delivery of documents and when filling in the contract, as well as answer questions regarding the route. (Caribbean Tours Car Rental Assistance) Beginning of your self-drive tour.

Suggestion for today´s program:

Since its foundation, Havana has been the Pearl of the Caribbean. Attacked by pirates and privateers, protected like a precious gem by the Spanish, occupied for 11 months by the English, yearned by Americans and turned into a casino by the Mob in the 50s, this city is a mix of cultures. Today you will walk through the plazas and alleys of the historic centre. Begin at Central Park, an important centre of the urban life surrounded by iconic buildings, such as the Great Theatre Alicia Alonso and the Inglaterra Hotel. Then proceed to the square where the Havana Cathedra is situated, a baroque-style church of singular beauty. Continue in direction of the Arms Square to visit the Palace of captains Generals (included), former residence of Spanish governors in Cuba. Enjoy some time to take in the old buildings and mingle with locals along Mercaderes street. At noon, take a break for lunch at a private restaurant, locally dubbed paladar. In the afternoon, taste a good Cuban rum while touring the Havana Club Rum Museum, where you will brief on this delicious spirit. You will also visit the Saint Francis of Assisi Square and the old Square, before enjoying time at leisure for shopping at San José Craft Market, the largest of its type in the island. Back toy your accommodation, your guide will take you out for a drink at a trendy bar.

Scenic Havana: Suggestion for today´s program:

There is no authentic Havana experience without a 1950s classic American car. Today you will do a sightseeing tour of some of the most beautiful places of Havana in a convertible. In the morning, visit the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Proceed to the sculpture of Jesus Christ, a monumental work that was blessed by Pope Pío XII and erected on December 1958, just before the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. Ironically, it was precisely that ground-breaking event what the statue was commissioned to safeguard against. Cruise along the underwater tunnel of the bay, onto the Malecón, the most famous avenue in Cuba and romantic hotspot in the warm Havana nights. Admire icons of the city, such as the Revolution Square, the Columbus Cemetery, the Metropolitan Park and Parque de los Jagüeyes. Continue onto the 5th Avenue to appreciate the mansions of the neighbourhood of Miramar, and finish at the Hotel Nacional with a refreshing mojito. Return to your accommodation. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Suggestion for today´s program:

Head early for the westernmost Cuban province, Pinar del Río. Also known as Vueltabajo, this region produces the best tobacco leaves in the world, which are used to make the famous Cuban habanos. Arrive at the vega of Héctor Luis, the youngest “Hombre Habano” in the word, who will walk you through the whole production process. Enjoy a traditional lunch and continue to Viñales. En route, stop at the lookout point of Los Jazmines to take a memorable picture of the Viñales Valley and its typical limestone outcrops of mogotes. Proceed to the town and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the picturesque countryside place.

Included meals today: breakfast Total km today: 260 km Total driving time today: 3 h 30 min - 4 h

Suggestion for today´s program:

In the morning, leave for Soroa, in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, to visit its orchid garden with more than 350 species. Continue to Las Terrazas, an environment-friendly community built in 1968 as part of a forestry project. Short break for lunch at one restaurant of the complex. Trek along the trail “El Contento” to learn more about the community and the surrounding area as you climb the hill of El Taburete, visit some old coffee plantations and refresh at the natural pools of San Juan River.

Included meals today: breakfast Included services: - Total km today: 140 km Total driving time today: 2 h

Suggestion for today´s program:

Travel in direction of Central Cuba, through the Zapata Peninsula, a wetland area with numerous endemic species of birds, plants and reptiles, including the Cuban crocodile (crocodylus rhombifer). Stop at Cueva de los Peces, an impressive crystal-clear natural pool with a depth of over 70 meters, which links with the sea through an underground tunnel. Take the opportunity to swim or snorkel. Continue to Cienfuegos, a city founded by the French at the turn of the 19th century. Walk through the Paseo de Prado and Parque Martí Explore to admire the beautiful architecture, including the Terry Theatre, where famous Italian tenor Enrico Caruso once sang. Continue to Punta Gorda, an exclusive area overlooking the bay, and enjoy a cocktail at one of the most iconic buildings in Cuba, the Palacio de Valle. Dinner at a paladar

Included meals today: breakfast Total km today: 290 km Total driving time today: 4 - 5 h

Suggestion for today´s program:

In the morning, depart for El Nicho Natural Park, a heavenly place in the Escambray Mountain Range. Meandering across small villages, arrive at this exceptional place, which boasts a great variety of animal and plant species. Take the opportunity to refresh in the transparent natural pools and the water fall. After lunch, proceed to Trinidad. Walk through the historical center to take in the untouched architecture dominated by colonial houses with large windows and gorgeous courtyards. Wandering among the cobblestone streets feels like a journey to the times when the sugar industry flourished and wealthy barons amassed these great mansions. The city is also rich in traditions, such as pottery, sculpture and warping. After a refreshing cocktail, enjoy your afternoon at leisure

Included meals today: breakfast Total km today: 150 km Total driving time today: 2 h

Suggestion for today´s program:

Leave early in the morning for the Valle de los Ingenios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in conjunction with the city of Trinidad. The sugar industry saw a boom here with the establishment of more than 20 mills in the 19th century, leading to the creation of great fortunes that allowed for the development of the city and the surrounding area. Visit the famous estate Manaca-Iznaga, marked by its imposing lookout tower. Continue to Santa Clara, important cultural, industrial and scientific centre of the country. Notable for the clash that determined the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, Santa Clara is the final resting place of the Argentinian-Cuban guerrilla commander Ernesto Guevara de la Serna and his fellow fighters in Bolivia. Visit the Memorial dedicated to the epoch-making personality and continue to Havana.

Important: The mausoleum of Che Guevara is closed on Mondays and can be closed on other days without prior notice. Holiplus assumes no guarantee for the opening times. However, the monumental memorial itself, with an imposing statue of Che, is worth a visit.

Climb the tower at own risk.

End of the program.

Included meals today: breakfast Total km today: 305 km / 370 km Total driving time today: 4 h / 5 h