Overview of Highlights of Cuba
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.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Havana - Pinar del Rio
Arrival Havana, reception and transfer to Pinar del Rio .
Accommodation in Aguas Claras.
Day 2:
Pinar del Rio (Breakfast)
Free day to enjoy the city. Because of its near-perfect natural
beauty, this province in the westernmost part of the country is also
known as "the Garden of Cuba ."It is famous for growing the best tobacco
in the world. It was named Nueva Filipinas in 1774, but that name never
caught on and since 1778, it has been known as Pinar del Río.
Day 3: Pinar del Rio - 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 4: Cienfuegos (Breakfast)
Free day in Cienfuegos
Day 5: Cienfuegos - Havana (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to Havana . Accommodation at the Hotel
Deauville. 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
16th, 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 6. Havana (Breakfast)
Free day.
Day 7. Havana (Breakfast)
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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