The Essential Cuba

Sunday Arrivals

Day 1 - CIENFUEGOS

Fly to Cienfuegos, and upon arrival you’ll meet your Cuban Tour Guide and local expert. Transfer to your hotel in the bayside city of Cienfuegos, known for its French influence and scenic location. Check in and relax for the rest of the day. Later, your guide will meet with you to enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2 - CIENFUEGOS I TRINIDAD I CIENFUEGOS

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for the charming town of Trinidad at the mountainous edges of Topes de Collantes National Park! Enjoy an insightful walking tour of historic Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Trinidad History Museum, Palacio Cantero, which houses a collection of objects from the 18th & 19th centruries & offers a great overlook of Trinidad. Walk through the narrow streets of Trinidad and interact with the locals, visit art galleries, or pop into artisan shops along the colorful corridors. Share in a typical lunch together at a local “paladar”, a privately-owned restaurant. Then drive back to Cienfuegos and explore its historical center on a comprehensive city tour with your guide. Here you will walk along the main “bulevar” and learn about shopping practices in Cuba and the difference between ration stores and regular markets, as well as daily challenges people face. Visit the Thomas Terry Theater, a late 19th century eclectic jewel, where important legends such as Sarah Bernhard and Enrico Caruso once performed. Dinner will be on your own. (B,L)

Day 3 - CIENFUEGOS I BAY OF PIGS I HAVANA

Have a nice breakfast at your hotel before going to Cienfuegos’ nearby Cigar Factory to get a glimpse into the backstory of this famous Cuban product. Then, it’s off to Havana, stopping at Playa Giron, site of the notorious Bay of Pigs conflict. Enjoy lunch at a favorite local eatery before continuing the journey towards the capital city. Arrive in Havana in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel for the next 3 nights. Your guide will pick you up in time for dinner at restaurant “Fusion Habana” where you can enjoy Cuban tunes along with your delicious meal. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - HAVANA - OVERVIEW OF THE CITY

Savor breakfast at your hotel before heading on a panoramic tour of the city. Stop at the Plaza de la Revolución with its statue of Cuba’s national hero, Jose Marti, as well as symbols of the country’s revolutionary heroes including Camilo Cienfuegos and Che Geuvarra. Learn about the different neighborhoods in Havana, including the vibrant Vedado district, where the University of Havana is also located. Drive along the Old Havana seaside promenade, known as the malecón, and Prado Avenue, an elegant tree-lined boulevard with architectural gems on each side. A brief stop at the Capitol area will be a great place to get an iconic photo of one of Old Havana’s most beautiful squares. You’re sure to find many American antique cars in great condition. Stroll through Old Havana and learn firsthand from an architect about the recent restorations and the historical importance of its glorious buildings, many dating to Colonial times. Explore the 4 major squares in Havana: Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Francisco. Next, meet with local dancers for an interactive salsa lesson and learn the Cuban style of salsa. Take in a cocktail demonstration where you will discover the secret of how to make the perfect mojito and other famous Cuban beverages. Enjoy a light lunch before continuing towards the town of Jaimainitas which is also a public community project started by renowned Cuban artist Jose Fuster. Head to the San Jose Craft Market to meet local artists and artisans, and discover how a variety of crafts are made in Cuba. This evening you may choose to venture out on your own to try one of the local restaurants, or take in a show that demonstrates Cuban talents and musical heritage. (B, L)

Day 5 - HAVANA – HEMINGWAY & THE ARTS

After breakfast at your hotel, depart to Hemingway’s home, Finca Vigia “the lookout house.” See the famous writer’s home where time has stood still since his departure in 1960. Have lunch at a paladar back in Havana, then visit a local artist in his home studio and learn about the life of an artist in Cuba today. Next, you’ll visit the Angeles del Futuro children’s project that teaches young kids acrobatics to prepare them for the Cuban circus. Return to the hotel for some down time, and soon be whisked away by an old American car! Interact with your drivers to learn about the interesting ways they’ve been able to maintain these vehicles throughout the years. Share in a special farewell dinner at one of the capital’s finest restaurants. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - HAVANA TO USA

This morning your driver and Cuban guide transfer you to Havana International Airport where you will board your flight home. Your brief introduction to Cuba and your Colors of Cuba program ends here, taking home many memories and wonderful experiences of this colorful place! Buen viaje! (B)