Havana & Romantic Cayo Santa Maria
9 days from £1765 per person
From the upbeat salsa streets of Havana, its colonial past, dilapidated houses through the vast greenery of the tobacco fields in Vinales, to the romantic beaches of the Cayos. For those who prefer more secluded places, it is worth driving over to Cayo Santa Maria. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches and water sports, as well as the Wildlife Refuge in the Northeast of the island, home to the beautiful rare national bird of Cuba.
Day 1 - Welcome to Havana
Meet & greet at the airport with your English-speaking guide or our airport representative and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation
Day 2 - Havana Day Tour & American Classic Car Ride
In the morning pick up at your hotel by your private, English speaking Cuban guide. The day starts with a walking tour through old colonial Havana Vieja, with its most important sites: Calle Obispo, Plaza de Armas with Palacio de los Generales, El Templete and Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Cathedral Square with Hemingway’s “Bodeguita” nearby – and the “Old Square” Plaza Vieja. Lunch in one of the popular private restaurants like “Dona Eutimia” or “La Moneda Cubana” near the Cathedral Square. In the afternoon, a classic American car with driver is waiting for a tour through the Havana of the 1950’s along the Malecon to the Revolution Square and via Avenida de los Presidentes to the residential and diplomatic quarter of Miramar, with its beautiful mansions along the Quinta Avenida. After a cocktail at the garden of the legendary Hotel Nacional with stories of the Mafia in the 50’s, it’s back to Old Havana.
Day 3 - Day Trip to the Tobacco Valley
In the morning drive along to “tobacco route” to the western part of the island where the best tobacco-growing soil can be found. Upon arrival in the valley walking tour through the Palmarito Valley, along the imposing mogotes and numerous tobacco fields. The Viñales valley is a UNESCO world heritage site with its impressive landscape panorama and diverse vegetation. Stop at a local veguero (tobacco farmer) who will introduce you to the secrets of tobacco growing. While walking through a tobacco drying house, you will be shown how to produce a real Cuban cigar the traditional way. Lunch creole style e.g. at the paladar “Alberto Vitamina” or at the “Finca Agroecologica”. Later enjoy an “anti-stress” cocktail at Finca Agro-Ecologica”. Before heading back to Havana, stop at the Mirador Los Jazmines for panoramic views of the valley.
Distance: around 4h by car
Day 4 - Havana - Cayo Santa Maria
In the morning, private transfer to your beach resort in Cayo Santa Maria.
Time for Sun & Beach.
Distance: approximately 390km, 4.5h by car
Day 5-7 - Sun & Beach
Relax on the pristine beaches of the romantic Cayo Santa Maria
Day 9 - Havana Airport
Depending on your flight time private, transfer to Havana international airport.
Details:
This itinerary costs from £1,765 per person based on 2 sharing and including all private transfers but not international flights.
Included:
- Roundtrip in a modern air-conditioned taxi or microbus or minibus with private driver and guide
- Excursions, visits and entrance fees according to the programme
- During the trip day 1 to day 4 English speaking Cuban guide
- 4 nights in Havana on B&B basis
- 4 nights in Cayo Santa Maria on All Inclusive basis
- 2 Lunches