CITIES & BEACHES Group Tour

Welcome to Havana! Your adventure in Cuba begins in its vibrant capital: a city steeped in history, rhythm, and color that captivates you from the moment you arrive. Optional transfer available: A driver will be waiting for you at José Martí International Airport to comfortably take you to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Havana – 5-star standard (We can also offer a premium casa particular if you prefer a more local and authentic experience)

Arriving with time today? Here are some suggestions for a light first exploration of the city:

• Walking tour of Old Havana: Visit Plaza Vieja – lined with colonial buildings and sidewalk cafes, Plaza de la Catedral – impressive Baroque architecture, or Calle Obispo – lively with street music and local shops.
• Enjoy a unique sunset on El Malecón: Cuba's most famous seafront promenade. The perfect place to watch the sunset, chat with locals, and take unforgettable photos. - Sip a cocktail at El Floridita or La Bodeguita del Medio: Famous for their daiquiri and mojito, respectively, and frequented by Hemingway and other 20th-century icons.
• Other iconic spots (choose based on your time and energy): The Capitol Building, similar to Washington's, but with a Cuban soul; the Grand Theater of Havana, with impressive architecture and performances (opera, ballet); Morro Castle, a Spanish fortress with incredible ocean views; the Museum of the Revolution, with galleries dedicated to modern Cuban history; or the renowned National Museum of Fine Arts, home to the finest examples of Cuban art from colonial times to the present day.

Dinner? Recommended options near downtown:

• La Guarida – Cultural and culinary icon
• Doña Eutimia – Traditional Creole cuisine
• El Cocinero – Terrace with a modern atmosphere

Full-day in Havana: history, flavor, and classic style. Today, you'll experience an authentic Havana experience, combining art, tradition, and glamour. Get ready to discover the city from its colonial soul to its revolutionary and festive spirit. At 8:30 a.m., meet your tour guide after breakfast at your 5-star hotel. Your guide will pick you up from reception to begin a walking tour of the historic center. You'll visit the main attractions of Old Havana, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area preserves its original layout from the 16th to the 19th centuries. During the walk, you'll visit: Cathedral Square – with the majestic Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Habana; Plaza de Armas – surrounded by colonial palaces and secondhand bookstores, where the El Templete Monument is located, the site where the city was founded more than 500 years ago; Plaza San Francisco de Asís – next to the port, very photogenic; Plaza Vieja – restored, with cafes, art, and varied architecture; and you'll discover streets like Obispo and Mercaderes, full of life, history, and music. Your camera won't stop working: every corner has a Cuban soul. Later, you'll visit the Havana Club Rum Museum. Discover the history of Cuban rum, its production process, and its cultural legacy. At the end of the tour, you'll taste an aged rum (optional: you can purchase a bottle as a souvenir). Lunch is included at a local paladar, where a traditional Cuban cuisine awaits you.

In the afternoon, discover other areas of Havana on a classic American car tour. After lunch, you'll hop aboard an almendrón (a 1950s car) for a tour of modern Havana: the Malecón, the Vedado area – a residential neighborhood with eclectic architecture, the José Martí Revolution Square – a must-see photo in front of the Che Guevara mural. Finish in the gardens of the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba – a cocktail included with ocean views and a wealth of history. Relax on the terrace with a traditional drink like a mojito or Cuba Libre, enjoying the view and the sea air.

A free afternoon is suggested so you can continue exploring the varied attractions of this historic city at your leisure. Take the opportunity to continue exploring on your own, relax at your hotel, or visit one of these spots: the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Engraving Workshop in Cathedral Square, or shop for art, music, or souvenirs on Mercaderes Street.

Dinner options tonight (not included):

• El Floridita – Classic daiquiri with a historic atmosphere
• La Guarida – For an elegant dinner (advance reservation recommended)
• La Vitrola – More casual, with live music

Overnight stay at a hotel in Havana,: 5* level (breakfast, lunch).

Havana: Community Art and Relaxation on the Beach. Today you will experience a different and authentic Havana. You will begin with an urban art project that transforms realities, and end with an afternoon of tropical relaxation by the Caribbean Sea. In the morning, we will visit the Muraleando community project, located in the Lawton neighborhood. This project was born from the desire of residents to reclaim abandoned urban spaces through art, with the support of local artists. There, you will see a variety of colorful murals and sculptures made with recycled materials, a community art gallery, workshops, and street art. You will also enjoy interacting with local artists, children, and neighborhood residents with rhythm and culture: music, poetry, and the pure Cuban spirit. A visit that showcases the most human and creative side of Havana off the beaten path. Free time of your choice for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Eastern Beaches of Havana. About 20 minutes from downtown, the Eastern Beaches offer white sand, palm trees, and warm water without having to go to the keys. Among the most popular beaches: Playa Santa María del Mar, the largest and with the most services; Playa Bacurana, a slightly smaller beachfront beach with a local atmosphere; and Playa Guanabo, the most popular beach with nightlife and restaurants. Services available on the beaches include sun lounger and umbrella rentals, a variety of casual beachfront restaurants, and the opportunity to swim, snorkel, or simply relax.

Accommodation: Hotel in Havana, 5-star standard (breakfast, lunch). (ideal for relaxing after a day of sunbathing and activities)

Interested in visiting a museum in the afternoon or early morning before leaving? Here are some cultural gems: Thematic recommendations:

• Art: National Museum of Fine Arts (Cuban and international art)
• History: Museum of the Revolution, Museum of the City
• Literature: Hemingway Museum (at Finca Vigía, San Francisco de Paula)
• Gourmet: Rum Museum | Chocolate Museum | Perfume Museum

Havana – Las Terrazas – Viñales Route. Today, you'll enjoy a trip filled with natural landscapes and unique community projects as you head from the capital to the heart of Cuban tobacco: Viñales. After breakfast, depart from Havana and head west on the A4 highway toward Artemisa (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to the Las Terrazas Community). You'll pass through fields, hills, and small villages. Stop at Las Terrazas (Biosphere Reserve): Las Terrazas is an ecological community located in the Sierra del Rosario, recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. At Las Terrazas, you can see the reforestation: Learn about the project started in the 1960s to recover deforested areas. Visit the community: Houses integrated into nature, cooperatives, sustainable living. You can also learn about Café de María: Traditional coffee served in a local house with a view. Artisan Workshops: Visit local artists and artisans (ceramics, painting, recycling). Finally, you can cool off in the San Juan River: Ideal for swimming or relaxing in nature (bring swimwear if you wish).

Later, continue your journey to Viñales (approximately 2 hours by road). Along the way, you can enjoy a change of scenery: the mountains open up to green valleys with mogotes, the famous karst formations of Viñales. In Viñales, you will visit a tobacco grower (Casa del Veguero), a local tobacco farm, where you will see: traditional tobacco cultivation, the drying and fermentation process, and a demonstration of how a cigar is rolled. You'll have the opportunity to purchase cigars directly from the producer. Before reaching the town of Viñales, you can enjoy the Mirador del Los Jazmines, where you can see one of Cuba's most famous views. From this point, you'll see the Viñales Valley in all its splendor—tobacco fields, farmhouses, royal palm trees, and the iconic mogotes. It's an ideal spot for sunset photography.

Accommodation: Casa Particular in Viñales. An authentic experience: family-friendly service, home-cooked dinners (optional), and conversation with the local hosts.

Dining suggestions in Viñales (not included, but highly recommended):

• Finca Agroecológica El Paraíso – Organic menu overlooking the valley
• Restaurante El Olivo – Cuban-Mediterranean fusion
• Paladar Don Tomás – Traditional Creole cuisine

Full day in Viñales – Nature, culture and time for yourself. Today you will immerse yourself in the unique landscapes of the Viñales Valley, with its stunning natural beauty and historical importance as an agricultural region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Viñales has a tropical climate with dry (Nov-Mar) and rainy (May-Oct) seasons and is home to rare species of endemic flora and fauna. In the morning, after breakfast, we will go hiking through the Viñales Valley. A local guide will take you on one of the valley's classic trails, such as: Coco Solo – Palmarito Trail: Between tobacco fields, peasant houses and mogotes, along the way you can discover green tobacco, coffee and cassava plantations, the immense mogotes (limestone rock formations), natural caves, streams, traditional peasant houses and it will also be possible to visit a tobacco drying house or agroecological farm. Along the way, you can spot endemic birds such as the tocororo (national bird) or the zunzuncito (the smallest hummingbird in the world). Later, you can visit the Prehistoric Mural, painted on a 120-meter-high mogote wall, which depicts the evolution of life in the region. This impressive work was directed by Cuban artist Leovigildo González; it was controversial for some, iconic for others: it's worth seeing and deciding for yourself! Traditional lunch included. At a local paladar campesino (farmhouse) or finca, you'll enjoy a Creole lunch with fresh, local ingredients.

Free afternoon in Viñales. Suggested optional activities to make the most of your time:

• Relaxation: Enjoy the terrace of your casa particular (private house), overlooking the valley. Have a coffee at El Café de María or try a guarapo (sugar cane juice)
• Horseback ride through the valley
• Excursion to the Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave) by underground boat
• Visit an agroecological farm to learn about organic crops

Accommodation: Casa Particular in Viñales, category 4★ standard, cozy, with private bathroom, air conditioning.

Viñales – Playa Larga (Bay of Pigs) Route. Today, you'll cross the country from the verdant interior of Viñales to the warm Caribbean waters of Playa Larga, within the historic Bay of Pigs, in the heart of Ciénaga de Zapata National Park. The scenic route takes approximately 5–6 hours. The road winds from the mogotes in the west to the wetlands in the south. You can stop for short breaks in Pinar del Río or Artemisa for coffee or local fruit, or on the A1 National Highway to cross to Jagüey Grande and then Playa Larga. Stop at the Cueva de los Peces (Fish Cave), a natural tectonic rift over 70 meters deep, with crystal-clear freshwater (perfect for swimming and snorkeling) and surrounded by tropical vegetation, with free or very low-cost admission. You can also go scuba diving with local centers (optional) and enjoy the most impressive seabed, where you can see colorful fish, rock formations, and deep blue water. Arrival at Playa Larga, a quiet coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere and direct access to the beach and the natural park.

Free afternoon in Playa Larga – Recommended activities:

• Relax on the beach (white sand, turquoise sea, palm trees)
• Hiking trails through the Ciénaga de Zapata: habitat of crocodiles and endemic birds
• Gentle birdwatching walk (areas with flamingos, ibis, etc.)
• Rent a kayak or take a boat trip along the coast
• Snorkeling in Punta Perdiz or Caleta Buena (optional)
• Playa Girón Museum (about the Bay of Pigs invasion)
• Guided snorkeling or diving excursion in a protected area

Accommodation: Hotel in Playa Larga or Playa Girón – 2-star standard. Simple accommodations, close to the sea. Includes breakfast and dinner. Alternatively, comfortable private homes are also available if you prefer a more authentic experience.

From Playa Larga to Cienfuegos – Wild nature and urban elegance. Today, you'll combine natural adventure with colonial elegance, crossing the Ciénaga de Zapata swamp toward Cienfuegos, known as "The Pearl of the South." In the morning, we'll depart from the town of Playa Larga to Playa Girón, where you can hike the "Enigma of the Rocks" Trail, located within the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park. This guided tour of approximately 1.5 hours will immerse you in a unique ecosystem where you'll see: karst formations among mangroves and tropical forests, endemic flora, and possible sightings of birds, iguanas, and hutias. You'll also discover a hidden cenote where you can take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters. Bring closed-toe shoes, swimsuit, insect repellent, and water. The hike is easy to moderate.

Later, transfer to the city of Cienfuegos (approximately 2 hours). The landscape changes from wetlands to open coast and savannas. Upon arrival, you can take a stroll through the historic center of Cienfuegos, a city founded by French settlers in the 19th century, with an orderly urban layout and elegant neoclassical buildings. Declared a World Heritage Site (UNESCO), you can enjoy the city's must-see attractions: José Martí Park – the city's nerve center; the Tomás Terry Theater – architectural and musical beauty; the Ferrer Palace – a lookout point with panoramic views; and San Fernando Boulevard – shops, art, and local atmosphere. Cienfuegos stands out for its cleanliness, architecture, and Caribbean tranquility.

Accommodation: Casa Particular in Cienfuegos. Spacious houses, some facing the sea or near the historic center, offer personalized attention and local charm.

Dinner Recommendations in Cienfuegos: Style Location Restaurant

• Paladar Aché Restaurant: Creole cuisine + live music located in the Punta Gorda neighborhood
• Villa Lagarto Restaurant, ideal for dinner with an ocean view, located in the Punta Gorda neighborhood, at the end
• Casa Prado Restaurant, more sophisticated and centrally located on Paseo del Prado
• Doña Nora Restaurant, traditional and cozy located in the Historic Center

Cienfuegos – Trinidad Route: Colonial History and Afro-Cuban Night. Today, you'll leave the neoclassical elegance of Cienfuegos behind to delve into one of Cuba's colonial gems: Trinidad, a city seemingly frozen in time, with a Creole flavor and vibrant spirit. After breakfast, depart from Cienfuegos (approximately 1.5 hours). The route to Trinidad follows the southern coast and passes through small towns. Upon arrival, a tour of the historic center awaits you. Trinidad was an important sugar-producing center during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural and cultural authenticity. Highlights of the tour include the Plaza Mayor—lined with colonial palaces and royal palm trees; the Church of the Holy Trinity—the city's emblem; the Romantic Museum (Palacio Brunet)—with original furniture and colonial decor; and cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses and wrought-iron balconies. The city of Trinidad is ideal for photography: the sunset light highlights the colors of the facades and rooftops.

At night, you can enjoy the Palenque de los Congos Reales, located very close to the Plaza Mayor, in an open, rustic, and energetic space. A cultural evening, an unmissable experience to connect with Cuba's African roots, featuring live Afro-Cuban music and dance (batá drums, Yoruba chants), traditional rhythms like rumba, guaguancó, and conga. Audience participation is also possible (don't be afraid to move!). At the Palenque de los Congos Reales, Afro-Cuban and Santeria rituals are often performed, in an artistic and cultural context.

Our top recommendations for lunch or dinner (depending on your schedule):

• Sol Ananda Restaurant, Creole-European fusion cuisine with a colonial atmosphere, next to the plaza.
• Vista Gourmet Restaurant, Cuban and international cuisine, on a terrace with panoramic views.
• San José Restaurant, traditional Cuban cuisine, a very popular spot, with excellent quality.
• La Ceiba Restaurant, dining under a century-old tree with a rustic, tranquil style.

Accommodation: Casa Particular in Trinidad. Family-friendly atmosphere, colonial architecture. Some houses offer optional dinners and live music.

Day in Trinidad – History of Sugar in the Valle de los Ingenios. Today, you'll travel back in time through the Valle de los Ingenios, a symbol of Cuba's colonial sugar-producing splendor... and also of its shadow: African slavery. Excursion to the Valle de los Ingenios (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This valley, just 15 km from Trinidad, was one of the largest sugar-producing centers in the Caribbean in the 18th and 19th centuries. Putting this into historical context, the valley once had more than 50 sugar mills, thousands of African slaves were brought to work in extreme conditions, and sugar production enriched many Creole families and left an indelible mark on Cuban culture. We'll visit several ruins of sugar mills (sugar estates), some of which still preserve main houses, watchtowers, and slave barracks. These ruins are surrounded by a green and fertile landscape dotted with palm trees, colonial houses, and sugarcane fields. Among the most important sites to visit is the Manaca Iznaga Tower, built in 1816 and measuring 45 meters, it was a watchtower used to monitor the slaves working on the plantation. Climb its wooden stairs to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the region. At the base of the tower, there is an artisan market with lace, tablecloths, and embroidery handmade by local women. Return to Trinidad and free afternoon.

Recommended options for the afternoon:

• Visit pottery workshops or art galleries
• Short excursion to Ancón Beach to enjoy the Caribbean Sea
• Live music at the Casa de la Música, outdoors, at sunset

Would you like another recommendation for dinner tonight?

• Taberna La Botija – Thematic and historical atmosphere, good value
• Cubita Restaurant – Gourmet cuisine in a rustic and artistic setting

Trinidad – Santa Clara – Varadero Route: Revolutionary history and Caribbean relaxation. Today, your trip takes a complete turn: from the colonial and industrial legacy of Trinidad, you'll pass through the heart of Cuba's revolutionary history, before ending the day relaxing by the sea in Varadero, the country's most famous beach resort. En route, you'll make a stop in Santa Clara (about 2 hours from Trinidad). The city of Santa Clara is deeply linked to Ernesto "Che" Guevara and is key to understanding the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. Among the city's must-see attractions: the Che Guevara Mausoleum, the final resting place of Che and his fallen comrades in Bolivia, includes an eternal flame, and an underground museum with personal objects, photos, and historical documents. Surrounded by a solemn atmosphere, it invites reflection. Free admission; no photos allowed inside. Also on display is the Armored Train Monument, which depicts Che Guevara's final attack on a train loaded with Batista regime troops. It includes original carriages, sculptures, and explanations of the event (1958), one of the decisive victories of the Cuban Revolution. Lunch in Santa Clara (optional) Recommendations:

Continue the journey to Varadero (~3.5 hours from Santa Clara). You will arrive in Varadero in the late afternoon, with its 22 km of white-sand beach, turquoise waters, and all-inclusive resorts.

Services and accommodations: Hotel in Varadero, 5* standard (dinner included). Access to a private beach, pool, evening entertainment, buffet or themed dinner, spa options, water sports, or family activities

Restaurant suggestions in Varadero (if you prefer to eat outside the hotel):

• La Aldaba Restaurant, Cuban and international cuisine with an elegant atmosphere
• Casa del Gobernador Restaurant, steeped in history and gourmet cuisine, located in a former colonial mansion
• Paladar El Alba Restaurant, homemade Creole cuisine, affordable and tasty
• Sabore Arte Restaurant, where art and local cuisine blend with creative and bohemian service

Varadero – Full day of rest and optional exploration. Today is the perfect time to relax, enjoy the comfort of your resort, and, if you wish, explore some of Varadero's hidden gems. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your day.

Included Services: Hotel in Varadero, 5* standard (all-inclusive): Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (buffet or themed restaurants), open bar with domestic drinks. Daily activities: yoga, aquafitness, volleyball, evening entertainment, and direct beach access.

Our recommended activities for enjoying this day:

• A day of total relaxation: relax on the beach with sun lounger service and cocktails.
• Enjoy hotel activities: salsa classes, live shows, spa, or massages (additional fees apply).
• Take a sunset stroll along the seashore: the sunsets in Varadero are spectacular.
• Explore the local area (short excursions): visit Ambrosio Cave, a natural cave with pre-Columbian rock art and stalactites, easily accessible from downtown Varadero (affordable admission). Bring a flashlight or use your phone; bats are present, but it's safe.
• Visit the Varadero Dolphinarium: daily dolphin shows, and the option to swim with them (additional fees apply). Ideal for families or animal lovers.
• Varadero Golf Club, an 18-hole oceanfront course (designed by Les Furber). You can play, have a drink at the clubhouse, or simply walk around the grounds. Golf club rentals are available on-site.

Fancy dining outside the resort tonight?

• La Gruta Restaurant – Excellent seafood cuisine in a natural cave.
• La Vaca Rosada Restaurant – Bohemian atmosphere and views.
• Waco's Club Restaurant – One of the top-rated restaurants for its fusion cuisine.

Many hotels offer taxi or chauffeur service to restaurants outside the resort.

Varadero – End of the trip and return home. Today marks the end of your Cuban adventure, filled with history, culture, unforgettable landscapes, and idyllic beaches. Whether you're returning home or continuing your trip to another destination, here are some helpful tips for a smooth departure. Airport transfer (optional). You can arrange a private transfer from your hotel to Varadero International Airport (Juan Gualberto Gómez), Havana's José Martí Airport, or another destination where you will continue your vacation. Alternatively, taxis are available, or hotel staff can help you book one in advance. Recommended departure time for the airport: at least 3-5 hours before your flight, depending on your departure airport.

Flight Departure Checklist:

• Arrive early to avoid surprises at the airport, especially during peak season.
• Have your documents ready: passport, tourist card, e-ticket, and travel insurance (if requested).
• Treat yourself to some last-minute purchases: a good Cuban rum (Havana Club, Santiago), some cigars (purchased at official stores), or simply local handicrafts (textiles, ceramics, coffee). Spend your last few CUPs. Remember that Cuban currency cannot be exchanged outside the country, so use it for snacks, souvenirs, or tips.

End of Program.