Overview of Jewels 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 (Breakfast)
Arrive
Havana and transfer to Hotel .
Day2 –
Havana (Breakfast, Lunch)
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 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.
Lunch at Palacio de la Artesania.
Day 3.
Havana (Breakfast)
Free day.
Day 4:
Havana - Cienfuegos (Breakfast)
After
breakfast, transfer to Cienfuegos (265km) and accommodation at Villa
Guajimico or similar. 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 5:
Cienfuegos (Breakfast)
Free day
in Cienfuegos.
Day 6: Cienfuegos
(Breakfast)
Free day
in Cienfuegos.
Day 7: Cienfuegos
- Varadero
(Breakfast, Dinner)
After
breakfast, transfer to Varadero (200km) 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 Zapata Peninsula
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 8:
Varadero (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Free day.
Day 9: Varadero
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Free day.
Day
10: Varadero (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Free day.
Day 11:
Varadero - Havana (Breakfast, Dinner)
After
breakfast, transfer to Havana by road (175km). Reception and transfer to
your hotel. Later, transfer to Tropicana Cabaret for dinner and a show,
including welcome drink +1/4 bottle of rum and peanut snacks. (Note,
transfer to Tango show not included)
Day 12.
Depart (Breakfast)
After
breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
End of
services
