Welcome to Havana!

A complimentary transfer from the airport to the guesthouse is included with your trip to ease you into the life in Cuba. You can check in at any time, your casa hosts will be waiting for you. If you arrive early, enjoy your free time till your welcome meeting at 6pm.

Depending on your arrival into the country and how you feel there are some options for you to discover Havana.

Start your exploration of this wonderful country in Havana, the heartbeat of the forbidden country. Since its foundation in 1519, Havana has had a rich history of piracy, colonialism and mobster rule. It survived two independence war, a revolution and the continuing US trade embargo. Despite the difficulties its people are the kindest, most friendly people in the world. Maybe it’s the survivalist spirit of its people, the decaying grandeur of its majestic buildings or the salsa energy that gives this feeling that just make you fall in love with it. Whatever you do, make sure you arrive with an open mind and immerse yourself in the experience this city has to offer.

Today we will begin with the Old Havana Walking Tour. We will wonder the historical, cobble stone streets of this wonderful city on foot, sharing with you it's history from foundation to today. You can find out everything from when things were built, to why cannons are facing into the ground along the way, to the local story of the Gentleman of Paris and more.

This part of your Havana discovery will take around 3 hours. After which will have time to break for lunch in one of the finest in Havana, with an inspiring story! 

After lunch, it is time to hop into your classic car to cruise around Havana and enjoy some more iconic spots, such as the Capitolio, the Theatre, Revolucion square, and the Malecon of course before heading over to the other side of the bay to get a whole new perspective of this magnificent city.

We will end the day at the Floridita, where you may wish to enjoy a beverage and take a happy snap with Hemingway.

We have a fun day ahead, tantilising the tastebuds and the senses today…

We’ll meet with your chef this morning who’ll take us out to his/her supplier (a nearby farm) to collect seasonal vegetables and fresh produce for your afternoon cooking class. He’ll tell you all about the dishes you’ll prepare, you’ll meet the farmer and pick your produce. After your outing, we’ll head back in the kitchen to learn how to make your Cuban feast.

From preparation to cooking and of course tasting your tasty creation is all in a day’s work. You’ll have the evening off to relax after all the hard work.

Ready to recharge? Today we will head out to the mountain town of Soroa. We will stop at Las Terrazas community and nature reserve in the Sierra del Rosario mountains. It is an eco-village built around a creek that has been a UNESCO Biosphere reserve since 1985. It is the country’s best kept secret! The goal in this village is to integrate tourism into an existing community rather than create artificial tourist experiences. It succeeds by using local farming, energy efficiency and a focus on the greater good of the community.

Will visit the coffee plantation to learn about the coffee trade and lives of slaves back in the days before making our way to Soroa.

Soroa is a hidden gem only 85kms from Havana. With the sun glistening off of the beautiful flowing waters of the area, you will be amazed to see the rainbow rays shining off of the surface. This is what awarded the region the affectionate nickname ‘The Rainbow of Cuba’. It is a gorgeous natural area and tiny settlement named after Antonio and Lorenzo Soroa, Spanish brothers from Guipuzcoa, who owned a 19th-century coffee plantation in these hills.

We'll spend the afternoon enjoying a dip in the local waterfall with crystal clear waters or you can take a stroll up to the Castle of the Clouds or simply hang out by the pool of the local hotel.

After all the fresh air and natural recharge, you’d have worked up an appetite! So we’ll take you to a local paladar to enjoy a delicious home cooked meal for dinner.

Soroa is a hidden gem only 85kms from Havana. With the sun glistening off of the beautiful flowing waters of the area, you will be amazed to see the rainbow rays shining off of the surface. This is what awarded the region the affectionate nickname ‘The Rainbow of Cuba’. It is a gorgeous natural area and tiny settlement named after Antonio and Lorenzo Soroa, Spanish brothers from Guipuzcoa, who owned a 19th-century coffee plantation in these hills.

It is set on the edge of the Sierra del Rosario, which is the easternmost and highest section of the Cordillera de Guaniguanico. The region’s heavy rainfall (more than 1300mm annually) promotes the growth of tall trees and orchids. 

Perfect spot for the Soroa Orchid garden, that was created by a Spaniard in 1943. The garden is fairly large and extends over a hillside with paths leading between large trees, ferns, and greenhouses. A nice variety of delicate, intricately colored orchids are on display in the greenhouses. The garden is home to over 6,000 ornamental plants and 700 species, 250 of which are native to Cuba. You need to experience the Orquideario with a guide.

Beautifully rural, Vinales is endowed in mogotes, covered with vibrant green forests and artisian tobacco farms, delivering you the world famous Cuban Cigars. It’s one of the cooler areas of Cuba, so it’s also a nice escape from the hotter parts of the country. Here we will start with admiring the views over the valley, before we make our way to the pre-historic mural (handy hint the pina colada here is a must try!) after which we will enjoy a lunch with a view before heading into the township for our orientation walk before we the your salsa Lessons. It’s to prepare you to dance the night away as the nightlife is very active in this village with the local residents more than willing participants in dancing to the local live music.

Vinales Valley is a World Heritage site, being an amazing “living landscape” of traditional farms and 300 meter high limestone formations. It boasts an abundance of local seasonal fruit and vegetables, such as enormous avocados, mangoes and pineapples. It is a fascinating scene to see where oxen are working the fields and the scent of tobacco fills the air. In the morning we’ll take a guided walk through this rich country side, to discover the life of Cuba’s farmers and learn the secret methods of rolling a Cuban cigar directly from those who grow it. Not only will you get to try one, you get to learn how to roll them yourself.

Enjoy some free time in the afternoon discovering the township or taking a siesta before heading to the Organic Farm, El Paraiso to enjoy stunning sunset valley views and a delicious farm-to-plate experience that will excite your senses!

This morning we will set out to Cienfuegos, a French colonist town. If Cuba had a Paris this place would be it. The elegance of the place combined with a feisty Caribbean spirit and lingering Spanish influence, earnt it not only the nickname ‘Pearl of the South’ but also a UNESCO Heritage Listing in 2005.

Once we get there, will visit a local artist to check out his art gallery and work before going into town for an orientation walk, checking out arts and crafts markets and the mansions of the French settlers. We’ll even take a closer look of Palacio de Valle, that has a fascinating history.

You’ll have the evening off to discover the place further.

We’ll make our way to Trinidad today. On the way, we will stop at Topes Collantes Nature Reserve that stretches across the south eastern Escambray Mountains. Packed with rivers, waterfalls, canyons and caves, this jungle shrouded natural area is a great way to escape the heat and explore some beautiful scenery. We will visit Parque El Nicho and meander through the swaying palms to visit the waterfall, the perfect spot for a refreshing swim in the Cuban jungle.

Once we get to Trinidad we will settle in our casas, enjoy a stroll through town before heading to rum tasting and sunset dinner at a rooftop restaurant in town. Perfect way to sit back and enjoy a lazy afternoon/evening at a time where time has stopped in 1850s.

You’ll have free time this morning to enjoy the cobblestone streets, bright-colored colonial buildings, markets, art galleries, museums, people, various modes of transport from horsing carts to classic cars. If you are up for discovery, you can walk up the hill to take in the views of Trinidad. Later on we will enjoy a delicious Cuban cocktail class, where you can master your skills at making the perfect mojito. After which we will head out to Ancon beach for a lazy afternoon on the sunbeds, watching the sunset over the Caribbean sea.

We will head back to Havana today. On the way through we will visit Manaca Iznaga, an 18th century sugar plantation. The estate’s major highlight is the 149-feet (45-meter) tall Manaca Iznaga Tower where you can admire the sweeping views of a picturesque countryside made up of farmland, forests, patchwork fields and the distant Escambray Mountains. We'll also stop in Santa Clara for a visit at the Revolution Square providing opportunities to get to know the life of Che Guevarra, and capture images of the monuments celebrating his life.

Should be back in time to enjoy your last sunset over the Malecon.

It’s time to say good bye to this amazing island. We have not planned any activity for you today. Your check-out time is 12pm. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we loved showing it to you!

This is where we depart, yet would strongly recommend that you stay a few more days to explore this unique city. If you would like to take this opportunity, please let us know and we can arrange extended accommodation for you for an additional fee.