Welcome at the Havana airport. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants nearby.

Overnight stay with breakfast: Hotel Iberostar Parque Central (5*) or similar, Havana

The day begins with a ride in a classic American car along the iconic Malecón promenade. See the legendary Hotel Nacional, Avenida de los Presidentes and Plaza de la Revolución, where the portrait of Che Guevara and the Jose Martí monument are found. Continue along the iconic Cementerio Colón to the “Bosque de La Habana”: Havana’s lungs and traditional setting for Afro-Cuban rituals. Bask in the glamour as you drive along 5th Avenue in the exclusive neighbourhood of Miramar. You will visit a cigar factory¹ too and observe the skilful hands that create the world-famous Cuban cigars. Take a short break to enjoy lunch at a Paladar (private restaurant) that offers an authentic cuisine. Finally, continue to Old Havana in one of Havana’s famous coco taxis (Cuban tuk tuks). Stroll through the cobblestone streets and observe the enchanting people and beautiful colonial architecture. While in Old Havana, you will visit an impressive 16th century fortress, which formed an important part of Havana’s defence system. (B/L)

Overnight stay with breakfast: Hotel Iberostar Parque Central (5*) or similar, Havana

¹ Tobacco factories are closed for regular visitors on public holidays, on Sundays, during the company holidays and the tobacco festival. They can also close on other days, without being announced beforehand. Caribbean Tours cannot guarantee that the factories are open. If closed, we will offer a replacement program (e.g. visit in Santa Clara´s tobacco factory).

After breakfast, head east onto the national highway towards central Cuba. Arrive at Santa Clara, the historic city where the Argentinian “guerrillero Che” Guevara secured an important victory that effectively determined the triumph of the revolution. The decisive action entailed the derailment of an armoured military train in December 1958. Visit the Mausoleum² where his body, found in Bolivia in 1997, was put to rest. Finally, visit Vidal Park, cultural centre of the city, and the restored Teatro la Caridad. The rest of the afternoon will be free for leisure activities. (B/D)

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner included: Hotel E Central (3*) or similar, Santa Clara

² The Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and may close on other days without prior notice. Caribbean Tours does not guarantee opening hours. However, the monumental memorial itself, with the imposing statue of Che, is worth a visit in itself.

Early morning departure to the colonial city of Santi Spíritus, founded in the 16th century. Upon arrival, visit the Yayabo Bridge, a time-defying symbol of the colonial city. Stroll along the beautiful boulevard and the city’s colourful streets. Continue to Camaguey, the city of the Tinajones (clay jugs). Founded in 1514, Camaguey was target of frequent pirate attacks, so the city was built with narrow streets and labyrinthine alleyways to disorient the invaders. Finally, enjoy an interesting tour on a bicitaxi through the most important plazas of the city. (B)

Overnight stay with breakfast: Hotel E Santa María (3,5*) or similar, Camagüey

Holguin is dubbed the city of parks in Cuba. With a lively cultural life, it is known for its many festivals, such as Las Romerías de Mayo, which take over the streets and “plazas” every year. Today you will discover the city in and out. Ascend to the iconic Loma de la Cruz for a spectacular panoramic view. Continue to the small fishing town of Gibara, located on the northern coast, well off the typical tourist path. Enjoy the absolute serenity, which is only interrupted annually by the Gibara International Film Festival. Afternoon at leisure to walk the town and meet its people. (B/D)

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner included: Hotel Ordoño (3*) or similar, Gibara

Early morning departure in direction of Finca Manacas, in Birán. Birthplace of Fidel Castro, it has been only a few years since this place opened to the public. The tour of the old estate will offer interesting insights into the life of the Cuban leader. Head for Baracoa via Moa, famous for its nickel, along a bumpy coastal road. Turn onto the embankment that borders the Alejandro de Humboldt Natural Park. This whole area is rich in endemic species, including the smallest bird and frog in the world. It also offers beautiful landscapes, exotic bays, huge rivers and high mountains. Finally, arrive at Baracoa, the first town founded in Cuba. Columbus set foot here in 1492, leaving the first catholic symbol in the New World, the vine cross. In the evening, dinner at a local restaurant offering authentic Cuban food for which Baracoa is well-known, including delicious seafood and coconut infused dishes. (B/D)

Overnight stay with breakfast: Casa Particular, e.g., Isabel Castro or similar, Baracoa

With the iconic El Yunque Mountain as a backdrop, Baracoa is located amidst a picturesque landscape. Its lush tropical vegetation, full of coffee, cocoa and banana, makes it a true Caribbean paradise. In the morning, visit Finca Duaba to learn about the production of cocoa. Enjoy a boat trip down Río Toa and lunch at an Eco-Finca surrounded by beautiful scenery. In keeping with the eco-friendliness of the restaurant, typical dishes will be served in containers made with natural elements. Later, walk through the colonial city centre up to the church Nuestra Señora de Asunción when you will have the opportunity to behold the iconic Vine Cross brought by Christopher Columbus. Rest of the day at leisure. (B/L)

Overnight stay with breakfast included: Casa Particular, e.g., Isabel Castro or similar, Baracoa

After breakfast, cruise through the tropical mountains via the breath taking viaduct La Farola, one of the seven civil engineering wonders in Cuba. En route, you will appreciate the whole spectrum of Cuban climate, from tropical forests to semi-desert areas. Once in Santiago, head for the beautiful bay and the San Pedro de la Roca Fort, which was erected in the18th century to protect the city from pirate attacks. Later, visit Casa de Diego Velázquez, former residence of the Spanish conqueror. Built in 1515, this gem is said to be the oldest house in Latin America. Enjoy a delicious Cuban meal and witness a very special moment: Compay Ramón’s coffee ceremony. (B/D)

Overnight stay with breakfast included: Casa Particular, e.g., La Hiedra or similar, Santiago de Cuba

In the morning enjoy a scenic bus ride through the city. Appreciate the Moncada Barracks, target of Fidel Castro’s famous attack in 1953. Visit the lovely neighbourhood of Vista Alegre, the historic San Juan Hill and Santa Ifigenia cemetery, final resting place of former president Fidel Castro, national hero Jose Marti and members of the illustrious Bacardi family. Visit the city’s Rum Museum to learn about the typical Cuban spirit. Return to the city centre to visit the Emilio Bacardi Natural History Museum. After lunch on a beautiful terrace, you will have some free time to explore on your own. In the evening, enjoy traditional Cuban music at the legendary Casa de la Trova where famous musicians such as Compay Segundo, from the Buena Vista Social Club, started their careers. (B/L/C)

Overnight stay with breakfast included: Casa Particular, e.g., La Hiedra or similar, Santiago de Cuba

After breakfast, head for the Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre. Located atop a hill, Basilica is shrouded in a peaceful calmness that not even the frantic vendors can break with their cries to sell allegoric stamps and stones. More than one celebrity has commended to “Cachita”, as the Virgin is commonly known. Continue to the historic city of Bayamo. Famous for its horse-drawn carriages, it is here that the struggle for the independence from Spain began. Bayamo is also where the national anthem was composed and sang for the first time; fittingly it goes by the name of “La Bayamesa”. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour in one of those carriages before proceeding to Camaguey. Visit a local gallery at the city of “tinajones” and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. (B/D)

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner included: Hotel E Santa Maria (3.5*) or similar, Camagüey

In the morning, leave for Trinidad, a city with cobblestone streets and unique colonial architecture. The 500-year-old Spanish villa recently added to its long list of accolades that of World Craft City, bestowed by the World Crafts Council. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s Romantic Museum, former palace of the wealthy Brunet family. Stroll through the main square to see the magnificent mansions that used to belong to the town’s sugar barons in the early nineteenth century. Continue to your hotel on the Ancon peninsula, just a few kilometres from the city centre. (B/AI)

Overnight stay with All inclusive: Hotel Memories Trinidad del Mar (4*) or similar, Playa Ancón, Trinidad

Take the day off to relax at the all-inclusive hotel in Trinidad. Enjoy the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. (AI)

Overnight stay with All Inclusive: Hotel Memories Trinidad del Mar (4*) or similar, Playa Ancón, Trinidad

Your day begins with a drive along the coastal road to the port city of Cienfuegos, the only city in Cuba that was founded by the French. Stroll across the main square and see the iconic Teatro Terry, a local art symbol where the Italian tenor Enrico Caruso once sang. Continue to Punta Gorda to enjoy a cocktail at the emblematic Palacio de Valle, a gem of Moorish-style Cuban architecture. Lunch at a local paladar and leave for Havana. Dinner at own expense. (B/L)

Overnight stay with breakfast included: Hotel NH Capri (4*) or similar, Havana

Enjoy the free time today to discover the city on your own. Day at leisure (no program included). (B)
To live an authentic experience, we highly recommend one of our half-day excursions:

• Half-day excursion Havana by E-bike: The half-day trip Havana by E-bike offers an excellent panorama of Havana. The tour is perfect for active and outdoorsy individuals who want to get an impression of Havana in half a day. The pickup of the bicycles takes place at the office of Caribbean Tours in the district of Vedado. From there, you cycle through different districts of Havana: Vedado, Nuevo Vedado, Habana Vieja, Centro Habana and Miramar. Among other locations, cycle along the Malecón, Havana's famous coastal road, visit the Revolution Square and take idyllic photos amidst nature along the Almendares River. In a charming café you will enjoy a delicious juice as a refreshment. The trip ends at the starting point where you drop off the bikes.
  Departure days: daily / Departure time: 09:00 am / Return time: about 02:00 pm / Duration: about 5 h / Start & End: Office Caribbean Tours, Havana / Minimum number of participants: 2 pers. / Maximum number of participants: 12 pers. (Prices on request)
• Half-day excursion Live the Experience! E-bike + climbing: We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure and today's tour offers the unique opportunity to live a very different and unique experience. In the morning, the tour starts with picking up the electric bikes at the offices of Caribbean Tours, in the Vedado neighborhood. From there pedal through different avenues and streets of this famous Havana district until reaching the Boulder Sector of Havana, a location that appears on the Mountain Project page where climbing sites from around the world are registered. A sport rock climbing experience on this 8m high rock formation, on the banks of the Almendares River, is today’s main attraction. It is not necessary to be an expert to carry out the activity, all safety equipment will be provided and certified instructors will accompany groups during the activity. After a little warm up and stretching to relax the muscles two designated routes will be taken uphill. After the climb one gets on the bike again and the way leads through the forest of Havana, where the beauties of Havana's natural environment can be admired. Final stop is at the emblematic Plaza de la Revolución to take some pictures before heading back to the offices of Caribbean tour where the E-Bikes will be returned.
  Departure days: daily / Departure time: 8:15 am / Return time: approx. 12:30 pm / Duration: approx. 4 h / Start & End: Caribbean Tours office, Havana / Minimum number of participants: 1 pers. / Maximum number of participants: 12 pers. (Prices on request)
  Route Total: 10 km
• Half-day excursion Aroma Havana is the perfect choice for those Cuba travelers who like to enjoy and to indulge. Visit the Revolution Square where the José Martí Monument Tower stands, the highest point in Havana. From the tower enjoy stunning views over the entire city. Afterwards, an exclusive cigar tasting will be hosted in a special art gallery. Learn about the world’s most famous tobacco products and taste their differences. Continue a panoramic drive in an American classic car and wrap up the day with a delightful journey through the world of Cuban rums. Enjoy locally selected rum varieties on a rooftop bar with a perfect view over the Malecón, as the sun sets behind Havana's famous coastal road.
  Departure days: Monday – Friday / Departure time: 2:30 pm / Duration: approx. 5 h / Start: Accommodation, Havana / End of excursion: Rooftop in Centro Habana / Minimum number of participants: 2 pers. / Maximum number of participants: 16 pers. (Prices on request)
• Half-day excursion Nostalgic Wheels - Havana on the Road: Predominantly in pink or sky blue, 1950s classic cars filling Havana streets is a sight to behold. How come have Cubans kept in such a great shape these beauties? In this thrilling half-day excursion, learn how locals restore vintage cars to their original, glorious splendour; no matter if they labour in professional facilities or improvised street repair shops. Meet a Cuban entrepreneur with a fascinating story of passion for American cars and chug along the streets of Havana on board of one of his amazing collections, just like Michelle Obama and countless Hollywood stars did before you. Close your day in style with a cocktail at the terrace of Hotel Nacional, a favourite of the Mob in the 40s for their legendary social gatherings. Do not forget your camara to capture the unique moments you are about to live.
  Departure days: Monday – Saturday / Departure time: departure time as requested / Duration: approx. 5 h / Start & End: accommodation, Havana / Minimum number of participants: 2 pers. / Maximum number of participants: 12 pers. (Prices on request)

Overnight stay with breakfast included: Hotel NH Capri (4*) or similar, Havana

Morning at leisure to purchase souvenirs. Check-out at the hotel and transfer to the airport (depending on the time of your return flight; you must be at the airport 3 hours before departure). (B)
Guests extending their stay on the beach in Varadero can book for an extra charge a private transfer from the hotel in Havana to the hotel in Varadero, their beach stay in one of the hotels of Varadero and the final transfer back to the airport.

• 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 Havana airport to hotel Havana and transfer back to Havana airport if the transfer is on the last day of the round trip. If not, the transfers have to be booked separately. (Due to possible guide shortage, the airport transfer might be carried out by a Caribbean Tours representative.)
• Excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees according to the program
• During the roundtrip day 1 - 15 English speaking Cuban guide
• 14 overnight stays at the mentioned accommodation (according to availability)
• 14 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 6 x dinner, 2 x All Inclusive

• All meals and drinks that are not mentioned in the program
• Optional shows and excursions including transfers (contact sales@caribbeantours.ch)
• Extending nights e.g., in Varadero
• Transfer to Havana airport after the extending nights in Varadero
• 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 Havana airport to hotel Havana and transfer back to Havana airport if the transfer is on the last day of the round trip. If not, the transfers have to be booked separately. Private roundtrips include the airport transfer to the hotel in Havana in case of a pre-night in Havana. (Transfers from/to the airport might be escorted by a Caribbean Tours representative instead.)
• Excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees according to the program
• During the roundtrip day 1 - 15 English speaking Cuban guide
• 14 overnight stays at the mentioned accommodation (according to availability)
• 14 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 6 x dinner, 2 x All Inclusive

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