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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, not to mention the famous Che Guevara.
ITINERARY
Day 1. Santiago de Cuba
Arrival in Santiago de Cuba. Reception and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2. Santiago de Cuba (B)
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 flavour, 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 (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Havana .
Reception and transfer to the Hotel Deauville
Day 4. Havana (B)
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 (B) Free day.
Day 6. Havana - Cienfuegos (B)
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 centre 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 (B)
Free day in Cienfuegos .
Day 8. Cienfuegos (B)
Free day in Cienfuegos.
Day 9. Cienfuegos - Varadero (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Varadero and accommodation at your beach
resort. Varadero’s main attraction has always been its marvellous 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 10. Varadero (B)
Free day.
Day 11. Varadero (B)
Free day.
Day 12. Varadero (B)
Free day.
Day 13. Varadero - Santiago de Cuba (B)
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 (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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