Discover Cuba in depth in this 9-day circuit. Live the Cuban son on the Malecón in Havana, stroll through Cienfuegos, Trinidad and snorkel on the beaches of Varadero.
CUBAN ESSENCE Private Tour.
(HAVANA - CIENFUEGOS - TRINIDAD - SANTA CLARA - VARADERO - HAVANA). (No minimum passengers for the tour)
Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this island on a tour of three Cuban gems: Havana, Trinidad and Varadero. Enjoy unique experiences in the 500-year-old capital city, which has just added the title of New 7 Wonder city to its long list of accolades. From the infinity pool of the Iberostar Grand Packard Hotel, admire the breath-taking view of the Morro Lighthouse and the Malecón Habanero. Discover Old Havana icons, including the Capitol Building and the Palacio del Segundo Cabo; as well as fascinating attractions, such as a classic car repair shop and studio-galleries of famous artists. Take a front row seat at a rehearsal of the dance company Havana Queens and meet a professional torcedor who will engage all your senses with a tasting of cigars, coffee and rum. Then, leave for the UNESCO World Heritage city of Trinidad in what will feel like a journey to the 19th century to appreciate the most authentic picture of a colonial city in its golden age. End your tour in style at Varadero, one of the most beautiful beaches worldwide, with a three-night stay at the all-inclusive Iberostar Selection Varadero Hotel.
Start of round trip: approximately 5.00 pm (on arrival in Havana)
End of round trip: approximately 4.00 pm (depending on departure time)
All departures with English-speaking local tour guide
Departure days: Daily departures
Driving conditions:
Please note, that the driving conditions in Cuba are not comparable to the streets in Europe or other countries. The roadways are partly in poor conditions (bumpy, with potholes and in parts not asphalted). Therefore, it is necessary to drive slowly. Also animals and carriages on the road are no rarity. Because of this, longer travel time might be possible.
Welcome at the airport by a representative of Holiplus. Transfer to hotel. Dinner at own expense.
Havana inspires a nostalgic passion in those who cannot enjoy it every day. It is 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 center. As you walk along the city you will visit the gallery of the famous Cuban photographer Raul Corrales, you will walk through the majestic halls of the National Capitol and, at noon, you will have lunch in a curious restaurant specialized 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.
Included meals today: breakfast, lunch. Included services: City tour Havana, visit to art studios, tobacco and rum tasting.
Cuban mix: Music, Classic Cars and the Revolution:
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.
Included meals today: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included services: Panoramic tour through Havana in American classic cars, visit to the Havana Queens company.
Setting out for 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. 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.
Included meals today: breakfast, lunch. Included services: City tour through Cienfuegos, visit to Palacio de Valle, cocktail.
The narrow cobblestone streets of Trinidad, used by the carriages in the colonial times, are not ideal for modern cars. For this reason, and because of the beauty of the local architecture, today you will do part of the city tour on foot. Before that, you can have fun trying to mold a clay figure in La Casa del Alfarero, the best known workshop in town. Pottery has been a tradition here for several generations and can be seen on the red tiles of almost every roof in the old part of town. Its color forms a beautiful spectacle at dusk next to the green of the mountains and the last rays of the sun. You will also learn about the art of Trinitarian embroidery, another craft that helped Trinidad to obtain the title of Craft City of the World granted by UNESCO. Later you will be able to acquire an embroidered piece at the handicrafts market during the tour of the old town. You can also visit the Brunet Palace, a small palace belonging to one of the richest families in Trinidad, which includes an exquisite collection of antiques from the colonial era. At noon, when the heat is intense, you will appreciate the traditional cocktails at Café Real accompanied by a delicious lunch in the patio of the old house, today one of the best preserved structures in the city. In the evening you will enjoy Cuban music with an entrance fee included to the Casa de la Trova. Live or recorded music with authentic Cuban rhythms will surely awaken your desire to dance, and it won't be too difficult to have a local dancer teach you the first steps.
Included meals today: breakfast, lunch Included services: Visit to an embroidery workshop and a potter's home, visit to Casa de la Trova
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 on 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.
Included meals today: breakfast, all inclusive. Included services: visit to the Mirador del Valle de los Ingenios, visit to the Manaca - Iznaga Tower, visit to the Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial, visit to Café Revolución.
Varadero, the beach of your dreams:
Varadero has for years been chosen by thousands of travelers, to be among the 10 best beaches in the world. With 22 km of extension 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 center where most of the inhabitants live, with local businesses and night clubs 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.
Included meals today: all inclusive
The Caribbean Paradise:
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.
Included meals today: all inclusive.
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.
Included meals today: All inclusive Included services: Transfer to the Airport.