Havana Experience

Itinerary

Day 1 Havana

Upon arrival you will be met at Havana airport and transferred to your hotel for overnight. One of the oldest cities in the western hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. It contains a wealth of colonial architecture, and the old city and streets around the malecon (ocean-side walkway) are best discovered on a walking tour.The Spaniard Diego Velázquez moved San Cristóbal de la Habana in 1519 from its original site to its present location and the city remained a port of relative obscurity, within the empire, until gold and silver began to flow from New World mines back to Spain. Havana became the gathering hub for shipments of treasure from the ports of Cartagena (Colombia) and Veracruz (Mexico).Soon pirates turned their attention to the port and the city of Havana and its annual treasure trove became the number one target for the Dutch, English and French. Eventually the Spanish began construction of various forts and a protecting wall to repel the invaders. Nevertheless, the city was sacked in 1762 and held by the British under the command of Lord Albermale for nearly a year. Eventually, the Spanish exchanged the Florida territory in trade for the island. The end of the British occupation also signalled the beginning of more economic freedom for the islanders, as they were given the right to trade with cities other than Cadiz in Spain. The ensuing economic boom translated into steady growth in population and material progress.The main area of interest to visitors is La Habana Vieja (The Old City), where walking or a taxi tour are the best modes of transportation. Points of interest in this part of town include La Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana, the Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras (which now houses a restaurant), the Museo de Arte Colonial and the Plaza de Armas, with its statue of Manuel de Céspedes (one of the leaders of the Cuban independence movement). The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales is also located on the Plaza de Armas, which now houses the Museo de La Ciudad. You will find the oldest colonial fortress on the plaza’s northeast sector, the Castillo Real de la Fuerza, whose construction began in 1558.The city is home to various museums, and depending on your area of interest, there is practically a museum for everyone. One of the city’s (and the island’s) most prominent attractions though, are its music and clubs. Everywhere you go you will hear and feel the music and see people freely dancing in the streets. The island literally pulses with the beat and blend of Afro-Hispanic rhythms and movement.

Day 2 Havana (B,L)

Today we go sightseeing in Havana. We walk through its colonial section, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with its squares, fortresses and mansions built in the 16th-19th centuries. Visit the Havana Club Rum Museum, after lunch we continue with a panoramic city tour of modern Havana including the Revolution Square and Malecon.

Day 3 Havana (B,L)

Today is a full day excursion to Viñales Valley, an important agricultural and tobacco growing province. Visit a cigar factory and then a stop at Los Jazmines lookout point to admire the unique knolls called "mogotes" Explore El Indio cave by taking a boat ride along the river that runs through it.Viñales, beautifully located in a fertile valley surrounded by the unusual mogotes, or limestone pincushion hills. Arguably one of the prettiest natural areas in Cuba. In Viñales' main plaza there's a cultural centre as well as a municipal museum, however most visitors to the area come for the views and the nearby outdoor activities.

Day 4 Depart Havana (B)

Transfer to the airport for your departure.