A diversified tour to get to know Traditional Cuba. The trip includes spectacular nature like: the Viñales Valley with its impos- ing Mogotes, the Sierra Escambray, as well as the most important towns with its cultural and revolutionary highlights: Starting from the vibrant capital Havana driving to Cienfuegos – the pearl of the South, on to Trinidad – UNESCO world cultural heritage site with its unique colonial architecture. Continue to the interior of the island to Che Guevara’s Santa Clara and to Remedios, an idyllic colonial town hardly touched by tourism. At the end of the trip you will have the possibility to extend your holiday at a beach resort like Varadero or Cayo Santa María.

Day 01: Arrival in Havana 

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

Day 02: Explore Havana at your convenience 

In the morning enjoy a walking tour through Havana’s old town – UNESCO World heritage site – with its most important sights such as: Capitolio, Calle Obispo, Plaza de Armas, Palace of the Spanish Governors General, Castillo de la Fuerza Real, El Tem- plete, Castillo de la Fuerza Real, Cathedral square a.o. Taste a cocktail at Hemingway’s famous “Bodeguita del Medio”, see his working room at the Hotel Ambos Mundos. Lunch on the panoramic roobop terrace of the Hotel. It is here, in room 511, that Hemingway wrote his famous novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. In the abernoon panoramic drive through the Havana of the 50s with the Revolu:on Square, Malecón,
the legendary Hotel Nacional de Cuba and the residential district of Miramar with its splen- did mansions along the Quinta Avenida. (B/L)

Day 03: Drive to Pinar del Rio and visit a tobacco farm and sightseeing 

Early morning departure and drive on the Tobacco route to Pinar del Rio province, visit a cigar or a liquor factory. In continuation explore the Mogote Valley with its famous limestone rocks and the picturesque village of Viñales, where :me has stood s:ll. Visit a tobacco farmer who will explain all about tobacco growing, view the Mural de la Prehistoria on a cliff at the foot of the 617 m high Sierra de Viñales. Visit of the Indian cave including a short boat ride4 on an underground river through the electrically lit cave. Continue to Las Terrazas in the Sierra del Rosario. Cuba’s first UNESCO sanctioned biosphere resort. (B)

Day 04: Drive to Guamá and speed boat ride to Taino Village. Continue to Cienfuegos 

Drive towards the center of the island. Stop in Guamá on the peninsula Zapata, the largest swamp in Cuba with a special flora and fauna. Take a speed boat through the mangroves6 to the “Taino village” on the treasure lagoon and lunch e.g in the restau- rant „Punta Perdiz“ or „La Boca“. Continue along the historic Bay of Pigs to Cienfuegos inspired by French colonial architecture. Stroll over the main square to the nostalgic Terry Theatre where Caruso and Sarah Bernhardt performed once upon a :me. Cocktail at the Moorish inspired Palacio de Valle on the peninsula Punta Gorda the former residential area with its typical wooden houses. (B/L/D)

Day 05: Drive to Trinidad and excursion to the Sugar Mill Valley 

Drive along the panoramic road to Trinidad – UNESCO World heritage site with unique colonial architecture. Stroll through the cobblestone streets to the idyllic main square surrounded by the mansions of the former sugar barons. Visit of the museo Municipal at the Palacio Cantero take a break at the rustic “Canchánchara” bar to taste the local honey liquor. Lunch in a private restaurant (paladar), e.g. „La Marinera“ in the fishing village Casilda or “Sol y Son” with an:que furniture and a beautiful courtyard in Trinidad. In the abernoon excursion to the Sugar Mill Valley “Valle de los Ingenios” with the remains of small 19h century sugar mills, including warehouses, milling machinery, slave quarters, manor houses. Visit the hacienda Iznaga home of the former sugar barons Iznaga with its legendary slave tower. Enjoy the romantic night-life by listening to traditional music and dancing with the locals. Visit the Casa de la Trova or the Casa de la Música near the main square.

Overnight stay with breakfast: regional standard hotel with panoramic view over the town. (B/L

Day 06: Drive to Santa Clara and Remedios via Escambray Mountain  

Spectacular drive over the Escambray mountain range, passing Topes de Collantes towards the center of the island to the historic city of Santa Clara, where Che Guevara obtained his most important victory. Visit of the Che Guevara mausoleum. Then drive to the small colonial town of Remedios, where the na:onally known ‘Parandas’ take place every year. Stroll over the idyllic main square with the San Juan Bautista church (altar made of mahogany from the 16th century). (B)

Day 07: Drive to Havana for departure 

Drive to Havana for departure

PRICES INCLUDE: 

• Accommodation in 3 or 4 Star Hotel on sharing basis
• Meals: 6 Breakfast/3 Lunch/ 1 Dinner
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicle (taxi/micro bus/bus) in customary quality with chauffeur:
• Return Airport Transfers
• Excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees according to the programme
•  English speaking guide. Other languages on request