15 days exploring the island paradise of Cuba

Holguin

Day 1: Welcome to Cuba!

As soon was you arrive at Holguin Airport, look out for our assistant with your name on a sign and a welcoming smile in the arrivals hall. After assisting you with your luggage to the taxi, your private transfer will take you to your accommodation in Holguin. Take the chance to relax within the gates of the 19th century mansion, previously the cavalry headquarters of the Spanish army, before we begin the Cuban tour of your dreams.

Holguin

Day 2: The Lush Streets of Holguin

Prepare to discover the beauty of the “The City of Parks." Our walking tour takes us through the lush gardens of Parque San Jose, Parque Calixto Garcia, and Parque de las Flores, each with its unique floral scents. Stop by the San Isidro Cathedral, visited by Pope Francis, before continue to the Plaza de la Marqueta Cultural Center where you’re given the opportunity to interact with local artisans.

One of the main attractions of this age-old, 16th century city is la Loma de la Cruz, or Hill of the Cross, where the local festive celebration, Romerias de Mayo takes place every year. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole city. A bit further from the center, the tour will take you to the Mayor General Calixto García Revolution Square.

Holguin - Baracoa

Day 3: Gaze Out the Window at Paradise

After breakfast, you will be picked up by a taxi for a private transfer from your accommodation in Holguin to the city of Baracoa. Along the way, gaze out the window and get lost in the picturesque landscape, an island nation teeming with life and culture unlike anywhere else in the world. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will realize that you have arrived in paradise. Rising majestically over Baracoa’s coastline, your hotel - previously a Spanish colonial fort - offers splendid views of the mountains and the bay. 

Baracoa

Day 4: The Lively Coast of Baracoa

Walk through Cuba's first village and admire the heritage of the Spanish settlers. This lively city is one of the most beautiful destinations with a waterline that frames the coast, which is why many consider it one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Fall in love with the city's iconic fortresses, which cannot be missed while strolling through the beautiful streets and picturesque churches. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, the rich history, and the spectacular architecture.

Baracoa - Santiago De Cuba

Day 5: The Cultural Capital of Santiago

Today you will be picked up by a taxi for a private transfer from your accommodation in Baracoa to Santiago de Cuba, the nation’s cultural capital that blends a frenetic energy with a larger than life beauty. Your beautiful hotel in the heart of the city offers a unique view of the panoramic beauty of the bay. From the roof garden, you can sit back and relax while listening to the sounds of this lively island nation.

Santiago De Cuba

Day 6: Local Tastes in Santiago

After breakfast, you’ll tour the fearless city of Santiago to discover a warm and hospitable people and how the spirit of history is felt everywhere. Visit a formerly residential area to encounter a city steeped in history. See La Loma de San Juan, the Revolution Square and the Santa Ifigenia graveyard to witness the changing of the guard as well as the Moncada Barracks. Visit the Caney Rum bar to drink like the locals and to taste a locally brewed, spicy rum. A stopover at the Cespedes Park gives you the opportunity to spend time with the locals or pick out souvenirs. 

Santiago De Cuba - Camaguey

Day 7: Immerse Yourself in the Colonial Past

A taxi will pick you up after breakfast to take you to Camaguey, the city of clay jugs. Suave and sophisticated, Camaguey is a bastion of the arts for the island, its winding, pastel, colonial-streets a work of beauty. Tonight you will spend the night at a charming, railway-themed, boutique hotel that is filled with beautiful works of art. It’s the perfect base for history and culture lovers who want to discover the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage listed city.

Camaguey - Trinidad

Day 8: Sojourn through the Beauty of Camaguey

Enjoy a pleasant stroll along the rich colonial-style UNESCO heritage center of Camaguey city. Discover its irregular, intricate street network while admiring the architectural beauty of San Juan de Dios Square, Ignacio Agramonte Park, and the Worker’s Square among other local attractions. In the afternoon, a private taxi will pick you up in Camaguey to drive you to Trinidad.

Trinidad

Day 9: Experience Local Culture in Trinidad

Today, you will be taken on a tour of the historic center of Trinidad. The city is densely populated by colonial houses, many of which are inhabited by descendants of old families. See the details of the windows and balconies, the spacious interior of the houses and the irregular paved streets in the middle of an atmosphere of rousing music and open, friendly people. A visit to a museum and the miniature model of the city as well as a welcome cocktail at a local bar are included before taking part in and experiencing community cultural projects.

Trinidad - Cienfuegos - Havana

Day 10: The Pearl of the South

After some rest and a hearty breakfast, spend half a day discovering the secrets of Cienfuegos, the so-called Pearl of the South. Enjoy a panoramic tour through the national monument (La Punta), El Palacio de Valle and El Paseo del Prado. Walk along the boulevard to see the statue of one of Cuba's most famous musicians, Benny Moré. Spend the best of your time in the heart of the city by visiting the iconic Cathedral and the Thomas Terry Theatre, one of Cuba's oldest and most beautiful theaters. 

For lunch, you will enjoy Cuban cuisine at a local restaurant before driving from Cienfuegos to Havana.

Havana

Day 11: Explore the History of Havana

Havana may seem like a city of contradictions, an audacious yet gentle city begging you to enjoy each step with vigor. From the comfortable seat of an iconic vintage car, you will be taken on a tour throughout the city’s colonial history. Starting at your hotel, your guide will take you to the most important places of the old town: Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza de la Catedral. After enjoying a Cuban cocktail, you will be guided through the modern parts of the city by a local who has experienced it all. You will see the following sights: the Revolution Square, the University of Havana, the Hotel Nacional, the Capitol, and the former Presidential Palace.

Havana

Day 12: A Vibrant Havana

With 2.1 million inhabitants, Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean. With every step and down every street, you begin to start running, worried that you’ll miss the excitement around the next corner. Today you have the freedom to roam at your own pace and leisure.

We recommend the walk along Malecón, a 7 km long promenade from the old town to the Rio Almendares, connecting the districts of Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, and Vedado before ending in Miramar. You can also follow the tracks of Ernest Hemingway in Havana and visit the Ambos Mundos Hotel, Finca Vigía, Cojímar Village, Floridita, and Bodeguita del Medio Bars. Plaza de la Revolución is another place to visit. Start discovering! Havana is waiting for you!

Havana - Viñales

Day 13: The Serenity of the Island

After a good night’s rest and with some breakfast in your stomach, it is time to begin the drive to Viñales. You’ll leave the hustle and bustle of Havana and come face-to-face with rural Cuba. On arrival, you will be left speechless at it’s beauty.

Viñales valley is located in the western part of the Sierra de Guaniguanico and in 1999 was established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On today’s valley tour,  you will drive through the spectacular Sierra del Rosario before visiting a small tobacco plantation at Las Barrigonas. Famed globally, you will visit a cigar factory in the town of Pinar del Río and learn more about the production process. Discover the beauty of Viñales and enjoy the spectacular views from Los Jazmine's panoramic vantage point before taking a boat ride through the underground river in the Indian cave.

Viñales

Day 14: Explore the Breadth of Beauty in Viñales

After breakfast, feel free to spend your day in Viñales at your own pace and leisure! If you hear the calling of the scenic mountain region, feel free to re-visit the Viñales valley to experience some activities on offer in this slice of paradise. Explore the canopy of the rainforests or ride horses. Explore some of the caves in the region or, if you want to get to know one of the five tobacco regions of Cuba, we invite you to visit Vuelta Abajo, famous for her "Habanos."

Viñales - Havana

Day 15: Farewell to Cuba!

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell.

We hope you have enjoyed the experience of exploring this country of contrasts, filled with natural beauty, friendly people and a rich history.

At an arranged time you will be transferred to Havana Airport for your international flight back home. 

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!