Family Road Trip, Cuba

In the morning you will check out of the hotel and be able to enjoy the last remaining hours of Varadero. At 14:00 Hours you will set off for the long journey to Havana. At 20:00 hours you will take part in a guided visit to the Canonazo. The canon shooting ceremony dates from the 18th century and consists of a cannon shot, infallibly performed at 9:00 pm local time from the San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress, which next to the Tres Reyes del Morro Castle dominates the entrance to the bay of the city and the main port of the Island. For the next three nights, you will stay in a Casa Particular.  A Casa Particular is a private home stay in the Cuba where you will be able to live with locals.

Day 6

In 1982, UNESCO declared Havana’s historic city centre as a world cultural heritage site. There is no city in whole Latin America with a larger colonial centre. Enjoy a walking tour exploring the old city centre through the alleys and over the squares of Old-Havana: Plaza de Armas, Templete, Palace of the Generals, Cathedral Square, Plaza Vieja and much more. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to learn Cuban rhythms during an entertaining salsa dance class on the terrace of a building.

Your program today includes:

Walking tour in the city centre where you will get to explore Havana and take photos to upload to your social media. While gaining an understanding of Havana’s cultural heritage. The next activity is an entrance at Camara Oscura. The Camara Oscura is located in the building Edificio Gomez Villa with a panoramic view of Havanna Vieja through the oldest “Camara Oscura ” of the new world.

For lunch, there is a table reservation for the private restaurant (Paladar) Doña Eutimia. Which is located in the centre of Old Havana Doña Eutimia serves authentic Cuban cuisine. Fairly huge servings are lovingly prepared for the guests. All main dishes are served with rice and the supposedly best black beans in town. There is a very cosy atmosphere, and just a few seats so it is best to book early! (Meal and drinks at an extra cost). The final activity for day 6 is dancing lessons which will last roughly 2 hours.  With your professional instructor, you learn how to dance the salsa Cuban style or improve your dance knowledge and personal style.

Day 7

Day 7 includes a panoramic tour through the “modern” parts of Havana including Malecón, “La Rampa”, Hotel Nacional, Avenida de los Presidentes and Plaza Revolución. In the afternoon, ceramic class at the Santacana Studio and drive in a classic convertible car along the famous 5ta Avenida throughout the former upper-class residential area of Miramar.

Your program today includes:

Cocotaxi Sightseeing tour (Havana ́s TukTuks) this is where you will be able to drive in a traditional Cuban car and a sightseeing tour throughout Havana. The next activity of the day is a photo stop at Revolution Square. The Revolution Square is a public square and with 72,000 square meters one of the largest in the world. It was created in the time of President Fulgencio Batista and was originally called Civic Square. Nevertheless, its international fame began with the Cuban Revolution. Here you find the Monument of José Martí, the Ministry of the Interior with the well-known image of Che Guevara and the Ministry of Communication with the image of Camilo Cienfuegos.

You will also take a drive through the enchanted forest Almendares Park. Along the banks of the Almendares River through the green areas of the city park of Havana, also known as “Bosque de La Habana” (Havana’s Forest) – one of the world’s greatest but least known urban parks. For the food, there will be a table reservation for the private restaurant (Paladar) Vistamar. This Paladar is located on the 2nd floor of an elegant private residence in the Miramar district converted into a private restaurant. You can taste delicious seafood while listening to the waves and enjoying the gorgeous sea view (meal and drinks not included).

The second to last activity for the day is a glazing techniques class called CeramiKarte at Santacana ́s Studio. Embraced by a nice ambience, at Santacana `s Studio yard, you will have the chance to experience, create and learn the different glazing techniques. That is how you will get your own work of art!. The final activity of the day is a panoramic tour in a classic convertible car which will last around an hour. A representative will meet you at the rental car station in Havana at the confirmed pick up time. They will assist you with the delivery of the documents when filling in the contract and answer their questions regarding the route (e.g. distances, driving times, accommodations, etc.). The documents which will need filling or receiving are:

1. Roadmap (Booklet with detailed road maps).
2. Route descriptions around Havana (detailed description and helpful information to find the way in and out of Havana and how to make a detour if necessary).
3. A booklet with general information about Cuba and car rental.

The documents will be handed over to clients personally by a representative on arrival at the airport in Havana (in the case of pre-nights, our representative hands them over at the accommodation, either directly to the clients or at the reception if the clients cannot be met).

Day 8

For the next eight days, you will rent a car which you will pick up at 17:30 hours at Havana City and drop off at 17:30 hours at Varadero airport. The car will be a Hyundai Santa Fe or similar. The suggestion for today’s trip includes departure to the Las Terrazas community to learn one of the most fascinating rural projects in Cuba. You will explore the community and have a Cuban typical lunch. After lunch, you will have time to enjoy a dip in the San Juan River. Continue the trip to Viñales Town with a stop to admire the famous Mogotes which are limestone mountains. Arrive in Viñales and check-in at the hotel or private home.

There will be a Saturday night party at the local disco for teenagers. Sunday afternoon special party for kids with artists at the local theatre. Allowing the parents to spend time together while knowing that their children are entertained. For the next three nights, you will stay in Villa Marilyn. The Casa Particular Villa Marilyn is kept by a warm and welcoming family. When walking into the Casa Particular and the cosy living room, guests already feel welcomed and the stunning view from the roof top-terrace over the surrounding Mogotes gives rise to holiday emotions. In the green backyard, guests find sitting areas and rocking chairs to relax.

Day 9

Today you will have a day where you can enjoy the beautiful countryside of Vinales.

Your program today includes:

An excursion of Horseback riding in Viñales for families this excursion will last approximately 3 hours. You will have the possibility to enjoy nature and the typical landscape of the region. During the tour, you will visit the house of a farmer. If you have children over 8 years old, there are ponies for children to ride. The next activity for today will be a canopy tour of El Fortín in the beautiful Valley of Viñales, a region with many tourist attractions for those who enjoy active and nature tourism, located at Canopy El Fortín. The route is divided into four separate zip lines and eight platforms. This unique experience allows you to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes from a new perspective. 

Day 10

Day 10 will include a departure to Playa Girón, there will be an optional stop at Fiesta Campesina restaurant to drink a juice or a cup of coffee. You will then visit the House of the Hummingbird which is a private home with a special backyard for bird lovers. Lunch at the private restaurant Paladar Don Alexis specialized in seafood. In the afternoon, there will be a visit to the “Cueva de Los peces”. There will be snacks provided for the journey. The accommodation for the night is Casa Costa Azul. Located on the beach with only 14 rooms and with a range of amenities. The amenities include wifi, beach, pool and a laundry service. 

Day 11

In the morning you will visit the Museon Playa Girón and continue onto Cienfuegos City, a port town characterized by its French colonial architecture and also known as the “Pearl of the South”. Walk through the historic city centre with its main square José Martí, the nostalgic Terry Theater, where Caruso used to sing and the beautiful Boulevard. While here you can experience the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and gain an understanding of Cuban history. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local “Paladar”. The accommodation for the next two nights is Hostal Cienfuegos Center which is a three-star hotel the historic building of Casa Particular Hostal Cienfuegos Center was built at the beginning of the 20th century and has been restored with attention to detail. The friendly and helpful hosts provide their guests with an insight into Cuban everyday life. On the three terraces with comfortable seating, you have a great view over the city and can end with a cocktail or fresh juice at the bar on an eventful day in Cienfuegos.

Day 12

Day 12 is a day where you can choose which activities you would like to participate in. This could be staying at the hotel, taking a trip to the beach and if history and culture are your cup of tea then you can take a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Cienfuegos and gain knowledge of Cuba’s history.

Day 13

Today includes leaving Cienfuegos in the morning to visit the Natural Park “El Nicho”. Time for enjoying Nature and hiking through the mountain range. In the afternoon you will continue to Trinidad. The accommodation for the two nights is Hostal “Casa de la Trinidad” which is a four-star hotel. The Casa Particular Casa de la Trinidad is located very centrally in the city centre of Trinidad. Many different historic and cultural attractions are reachable by foot from here. The building has been restored in its original colonial style. It offers a cosy patio with a bar and rocking chairs to relax. 

Day 14

Day 14 is your last full day in Cuba it is also a day for you to enjoy the beautiful colonial city of Trinidad. You can do any activity you wish to do. Some suggestions are the explore the city which has been given UNESCO World Heritage recognition, take part in the Valle de Los ingenious which include a tour in a 1906 steam train. You can also take a trip to El Pilon Waterfall where you can take a swim in the waterfall. 

Day 15

This day includes your departure from Trinidad and a drive to the north coast towards Varadero Airport where you will drop off your rental car and fly home.