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ITINERARY
Cuba
is the Caribbean 's
largest island. Its relative political isolation has prevented it
from being overrun by tourists, and as a result, the locals are very
friendly towards tourists. Cuba
is a relaxed place to visit, despite the formality of the colonial
architecture. It is known for its dancing, night life and
magnificent beach resorts, not to mention the famous Che Guevara.
Day
1.
SANTIAGO DE CUBA
Arrival
in Santiago de Cuba. Reception and transfer to your hotel.
Day
2. SANTIAGO DE CUBA
(Breakfast)
Free day to enjoy the city. Cuba
Santiago de Cuba was founded in 1515 by Governor Diego Velázquez. The
King of Spain made it the capital of the island in 1522, and it
remained so until 1553. This
is the Cuban city with the greatest Caribbean
flavor, and it hosts many popular festivities. It is also
distinguished by having been the scene of the most important events
in Cuba 's
history and by being the place where the Virgen de la
Caridad del
Cobre (Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre), Cuba 's
patron saint, is venerated with the most fervour. The adjacent
mountains and sea are ideal for ecotourism and adventures, water
sports, cruise ship tourism and health tourism. When visiting Santiago
de Cuba ,
be sure to stroll through its streets, to see the friendship and
contagious enthusiasm of the people who live here. Either of its two
main arteries, Enramada and Aguilera Streets, will take you from the
Plaza de Marte (parade ground) to Céspedes Park ,
the heart of the city. Magical Santiago
de Cuba
was the birthplace of the bolero, the conga and the son. Several
cultures blend in this city to give it a distinctive culture of its
own. Racial mixing-Spanish, black and French-is more clearly seen
here than in the rest of the country. The city has around 15 museums
and many other places related to folklore.
Day 3.
SANTIAGO DE CUBA- HAVANA (Breakfast)
After
breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Havana .
Reception and transfer to the Hotel Deauville.
Day
4. HAVANA (Breakfast)
After
breakfast, guided city tour on foot of the historical centre of Havana including a
visit to the Palacio de la Artesania. Founded
on its present site in 1519, the settlement of San Cristóbal de
La
Habana
prospered mainly due to its bay, which was a natural port of call
for ships sailing to and from the New
World . This
was one of the main historical reasons for the subsequent
development of a city noted for its architectural diversity and
whose nucleus still contains an exceptional collection of buildings
put up around public squares, and has led UNESCO to declare it a
part of its world heritage in 1982. Over
eight and a half miles ( 14
kilometers )
of excellent beaches lie to the east of the Cuban capital, which is
symbolized by the Giraldilla. To the south, a green belt contributes
to a healthful atmosphere. The city itself is a cultural center with
a solid infrastructure of hotels and is prepared to host all kinds
of conferences and congresses. Alejo Carpentier, one of Cuba 's
most famous authors, called it "the city of columns" and
focused attention on its
streets, which he considered a perennially rich show of life,
humanity and contrasts that was bound to entertain any observer. The
settlement of San Cristóbal de La
Habana ,
which was founded in the southwestern part of the island in 1514,
was moved to the northern coast of the port of Carenas
in 1519. Every November 16, the anniversary of its founding is
observed with a picturesque traditional ceremony at the Templete,
around an ancient silk-cotton tree in whose shade-according to
tradition, was the first meeting of the town council and where the
first Mass was held.
Day
5. HAVANA (Breakfast) Free
day.
Day
6. HAVANA - CIENFUEGOS (Breakfast)
After
breakfast, transfer to Cienfuegos
and accommodation at Villa Guajimico. Considered
the Cuban architectural jewel of the 19th century, Cienfuegos
is outstanding for the perfect design of its streets and for the
refinement and good taste of the buildings in the historical centre
of the city, which has been declared a national monument. When
visiting, stop by the Casa del Fundador (Founder's House); Nuestra
Señora de la
Purísima Concepción
(Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception) Cathedral; Tomás Terry
Theater; Ferrer Palace; and José Martí Park, which contains the
only arch of triumph in Cuba. Other
attractions include the Prado Promenade, Valle Palace ,
Museums of Naval and Provincial History, Reina (Queen's) Cemetery
and Jai-Alai Courts. Farther out from the center of the city, tour
the Nuestra Señora de los
Angeles de
Jagua (Jagua for short) Fortress, Tomás Acea Cemetery
and the Botanical Gardens. In addition to these cultural and
historical attractions, Cienfuegos
has excellent facilities for scuba diving and other water sports,
nature tourism and thermal baths.
Day
7. CIENFUEGOS
(Breakfast)
Free
day in
Cienfuegos
.
Day
8. CIENFUEGOS
(Breakfast)
Free
day in Cienfuegos.
Day
9. CIENFUEGOS
- VARADERO (Breakfast)
After
breakfast, transfer to Varadero and accommodation at your beach resort. Varadero's
main attraction has always been its marvelous beach, but this isn't
all it has to offer. You can explore its caves and escarpments and a
necklace of virgin keys that are easily accessible. In addition, Cárdenas,
the nearby city of Matanzas, the ZapataPeninsula and the San Miguel
de los Baños Spa offer cultural, historic and natural attractions. Varadero
is also a free port and has exceptionally good
conditions for scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, yachting and other
water sports.
Day
10. VARADERO (Breakfast)
Free
day.
Day
11. VARADERO (Breakfast)
Free
day.
Day
12. VARADERO (Breakfast)
Free
day.
Day
13. VARADERO
- SANTIAGO DE CUBA (Breakfast)
After
breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Santiago
de Cuba. Reception and transfer to your hotel.
Day
14. SANTIAGO DE CUBA
(Breakfast)
After
breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Prices available on request with excellent discounts for large groups.
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