Welcome at Havana airport. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner at own expense.

Accommodation with breakfast: Hotel Mystique Regis Habana, Deluxe room or similar, La Habana

Going back in time is possible especially if the destination is Havana’s golden era: the 50s. Take a seat and enjoy a ride in a beautiful artefact that has roamed the streets of Havana for decades: a classic American car. Feeling like a notorious Mob boss, cruise past the Revolution Square, the Metropolitan Park, the residential areas of Nuevo Vedado and Miramar, up to the Malecón. In the best style of Al Capone, enjoy a cocktail in the gardens of Hotel Nacional and continue for a lunch at one of the top restaurants in the historical centre of the city. In the afternoon, with renewed energy, stroll across the 4 plazas and marvel at the architecture which spans across 5 centuries. (B/L)

Accommodation with breakfast: Hotel Mystique Regis Habana, Deluxe room or similar, La Habana

A perfect evening cannot come to an end in Havana without a good cigar. After breakfast, we will head towards the region that makes the best tobaccos in the world: Vueltabajo. In order to gain insights from an expert, visit Finca Quemado del Rubi owned by Hector Luis who is one of the best tobacco producers in Cuba. He was also the winner of the prestigious Havana man award in 2008. A longstanding family tradition has led to a continual improvement of the Finca’s cultivation techniques. Years of perfecting their trade has allowed them to produce their premium cigars which have been smoked by great personalities all around the world. Don’t miss the chance to try one of their prized cigars after a traditional lunch at the Finca. In the afternoon head towards Viñales, the picturesque town, comfortably nestled in the Viñales valley famous for its limestone mogotes. Before reaching the town, stop at the Mirador de los Jazmines to marvel at one of the most beautiful landscapes that the Caribbean Island has to offer. (B/L)

Accommodation with breakfast: Casa Particular, e.g. Villa El Carretero or similar, Viñales

Continue taking in the island’s beautiful nature during your stop in Soroa to visit that largest orchid garden in Cuba. The Soroa garden, which spans 35,000 m2, is home to over 20,000 orchids. The garden which was created as space to conserve Cuba’s orchids is a haven for nature lovers. While in Soroa, take a short walk to see the 22-meter-high Soroa waterfalls. The falls are also known as Cuba’s Rainbow due to the way the water cascades over the rocks and they are one of the many wonders of Cuban geography. In the afternoon, continue towards the capital where you will get a chance to stay in a Casa Particular in an authentic neighbourhood to experience the local way of life. (B)

Accommodation with breakfast: Casa Particular, e.g. La Siguaraya or similar, La Habana

Early morning departure towards the waterfront city of Cienfuegos. Upon arrival in the town stroll through the city’s main park and see the Tomas Terry theatre, one of the most elegant and eclectic buildings in the city. After lunch in a pleasant Paladar stroll along the Cienfuegos promenade to the Punta Gorda peninsula. As you arrive at the bay, the impressive architectural jewel Palacio de Valle, will come into sight. The unique building is reminiscent of Spanish-Moorish art with Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque influences. In the evening, continue towards the colonial city of Trinidad. (B/L)

Accommodation with breakfast: Casa Particular, e.g. Casa El Suizo or similar, Trinidad

Trinidad embodies the spirit of the 19th century. The city’s wide cobblestone streets, its grand squares and stately mansions with tiled roofs are symbols of the city’s golden era. Today we will unearth the gems which make Trinidad a World Heritage Site including the Romantic Museum and the former mansion of the wealthy Brunet family which houses many unique antiques. Stroll through the Plaza Mayor and see the Catholic Church which has beautiful colonial doors. In addition to Trinidad’s architectural legacy the city, which is also famous for its unique embroidery and crafts, was recently declared a World Craft City. While visiting the gallery of a renowned local artist do not miss the opportunity to acquire a beautiful piece. After lunch in a typical private restaurant, enjoy a fun dance class accompanied by the rhythm of salsa and son which makes a visit a pleasant experience. (B/L)

Accommodation with breakfast: Casa Particular, e.g. Casa El Suizo or similar, Trinidad

After breakfast head towards the day’s first stop: the sugar mill valley. The valley which was the industrial backbone of Trinidad’s splendour used to be home to numerous impressive and advanced sugar mills. Perhaps the best-known place today is “La Torre de Manaca”, observation tower which you will visit before continuing your trip to Sancti Spíritus, the head city of the province. Famous for its cultural heritage sight built in the 19th century, the Yayabo Bridge, which crosses the river of the same name. After on continue towards the northern cays of “Jardines del Rey” (Cayo Coco), where the turquoise blue waters, and the almost virgin nature of their beaches, will invite you to relax and enjoy of the paradisiacal environment. (B/AI)

Accommodation with All Inclusive: Hotel Meliá Cayo Coco, Classic Standard Room or similar, Cayo Coco, Ciego de Ávila

Take the day to relax and enjoy the sun and the refreshing sea. The beach Cayo Coco is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba. It is well known for its white sand and coral reef which allows the conservation of a wide variety of fish and marine flora. It truly is a gem for underwater diving and surface fishing. (AI)

Accommodation with All Inclusive: Hotel Meliá Cayo Coco, Classic Standard Room or similar, Cayo Coco, Ciego de Ávila

Leaving behind the paradise of the "Cayos", the way leads through Jaronú, a small town that was once one of the exponents of the glorious era of sugar in Cuba. Formerly the largest mill of the 19th century in the country can be found here and houses that are all the same and living witnesses of the past, with an impeccable almost intact architecture. The route continues to Camagüey, known as the city of jars in Spanish "Tinajones", a city that was built with asymmetrical streets that get tangled up and end unexpectedly. This very particular structure was conceived in this way to confuse the pirates who frequently looted the town. Walking through the city center and through its tangled alleys is a pleasant pastime. (B/D)

Accommodation with breakfast and dinner: Casa Particular, e.g. Hostal San Rafael or similar, Camagüey

In the morning you will depart for the city of Bayamo, located in the eastern province of Granma. Cuba's national anthem was written at this city, also famous for its horse-drawn carriages, something that is still preserved as a reminder of colonial traditions. Then, a short tour about the nation´s origin among its central park. On the way to Santiago, the tour will take a short detour to visit the most sacred site in Cuba: La Basílica de la Caridad del Cobre. Cachita, popularly known as the patron saint of Cuba, has been the object of adoration by many Cubans, poor as well as rich. In the church you can learn about the stories of famous stars and athletes who dedicated their triumphs to her. At the exit you will see street vendors selling souvenirs made from local items, including from the stones of the sacred soil, from old copper mines. Late arrival in Santiago, the second largest city in Cuba. (B/D)

Accommodation with breakfast and dinner: Hotel Meliá Santiago de Cuba, Classic Standard Room or similar, Santiago de Cuba

Today you will get the opportunity to explore the island’s most eastern city. The city is famous for its beautiful “mulatas”, Cuba's best rum and a mix of impressive Caribbean traditions. Visit the city’s main attractions such as the Santa Ifigenia cemetery which is the final resting place for various important Cuban figures including national hero Jose Marti, the leader of the of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro and the famous musician Compay Segundo. Stop at the Museo del Ron to learn about the rum history and taste a shot of Cubans first-class rum: Ron Santiago. Head for the iconic Céspedes Park and continue to San Pedro de la Roca fort to admire the spectacular view of the bay of Santiago de Cuba. The lunch will take place in a typical restaurant of the city. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, let loose to the rhythms of the traditional music at Casa de la Trova, the mecca of Cuban Son. (B/L)

Accommodation with breakfast and dinner: Hotel Meliá Santiago de Cuba, Classic Standard Room or similar, Santiago de Cuba

After breakfast, you will take the last approx. two-hour transfer of the trip to the beach hotels of Guardalavaca in the province of Holguín. The tour ends here. (B)

• The tours are always carried out in air-conditioned vehicles (Taxi/Microbus/Bus) of the quality customary in the country with a professional driver and tour guide. Depending on the number of passengers, the following vehicles are used:
  • Up to 2 people: standard taxi (Please note that the vehicle has a maximum of one piece of luggage per person as the driver and tour guide are in the same vehicle and carry luggage according to the duration of the trip.)
  • With 03 - 07 participants by minivan/microbus (6 - 10 seats)
  • With 08 - 10 participants by minibus (15 - 16 seats)
  • With 11 - 16 participants by bus (24 seats)
• Transfer from Havana airport to Havana accommodation on the starting day of the tour (transfers from/to the airport might be escorted by a Caribbean Tours representative instead)
• Transfer from Santiago de Cuba to beach hotel for extensions in the regions of Holguín or Playa Guardalavaca on day 11 of the roundtrip (no more services are included afterwards)
• Multilingual local guide service all 12 days of the tour
• Excursions, visits and entrances as per program
• 11 overnights at selected privately-owned houses
• 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 All-Inclusive

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program
• Optional excursions and shows incl. transfers (contact to sales@caribbeantours.ch)
• Private transfer on direct route from Santiago de Cuba to Holguín airport
• Extensions e.g., beach extension in Playa Guardalavaca
• Transfer to the Havana airport after a beach extension in Guardalavaca
• Personal expenses and tips

• The tours are always carried out in air-conditioned vehicles (Taxi/Microbus) of the quality customary in the country with a professional driver and tour guide. Depending on the number of passengers, the following vehicles are used:
  • Up to 2 people: standard taxi (Please note that the vehicle has a maximum of one piece of luggage per person as the driver and tour guide are in the same vehicle and carry luggage according to the duration of the trip.)
  • From 3-6 pax in a minivan/microbus (6-10 seats)
• Transfer from Havana airport to Havana accommodation (transfers from/to the airport might be escorted by a Caribbean Tours representative instead)
• Transfer from Santiago de Cuba to beach hotel for extensions in the regions of Holguín or Playa Guardalavaca on day 11 of the roundtrip (no more services are included afterwards) or directly to the airport in Holguín
• Excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees according to the program
• During the roundtrip days 1 - 12 English-speaking local guide. Other languages on request at the same price.
• 11 overnight stays in the mentioned accommodations (according to availability)
• 11 x breakfasts, 5 x lunches, 2 x dinners, 2 x all-Inclusive

• All meals and drinks not mentioned in the program
• Optional excursions and shows incl. transfers (contact to sales@caribbeantours.ch)
• Extensions e.g., beach extension in Playa Guardalavaca
• Transfer to Havana airport after the extending nights
• Personal expenses and tips

• Transfer from Havana airport to Havana accommodation (transfers from/to the airport might be escorted by a Caribbean Tours representative instead)
• Caribbean Tours car rental Comfort Set (see Caribbean Tours Rental Car manual)
• 11 overnight stays at the mentioned accommodation (according to availability)
• 11 x breakfasts, 2 dinners, 2 All-Inclusive.

• Car Rental (to be booked separately as per Manual)
• Main meals, drinks, entrance-fees, sightseeing, guide & driver
• The following services need to be paid directly by the client at the rental office with credit card: the one-way drop-off charge (additional charge applied for handing in the car in a rental office other than the one where it was received) / fee for any additional drivers, if applicable / deposit or any other additional costs for the car rental.
• Optional excursions and shows incl. transfers (contact to sales@caribbeantours.ch)
• Extending nights e.g., in Playa Guardalacava
• Transfer to Havana airport after the extending nights
• Personal expenses and tips