Experience an irresistible character, a juxtaposition of derelict and rejuvenated

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Fly to Havana

Depart on a daytime flight, direct to Havana. On arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 6 night stay. Your guide will answer any questions you may have, help you get your bearings and plan your programme to get the best from your stay in Havana. 

Wednesday, 31 May 2023

Havana city tour

Enjoy an included full day guided tour of Havana, starting in Havana Vieja - the historic colonial heart of the city. The walking tour covers the four most important squares, each of which has its own character and history.

The Plaza de Armas has a peaceful atmosphere with thick, tropical vegetation sheltering an antique book market. Impressive baroque palaces surround the square, such as the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, now the Museo de la Ciudad which houses a statue of Christopher Columbus under towering Royal Palms.

The Plaza de San Francisco has some impressive commercial buildings such as the old Stock Exchange and Customs House however the main attraction is the Basilica de San Francisco which dates back to 1580. Plaza Vieja is surrounded by pastel coloured town houses and is almost completely restored. The Plaza de la Cathedral is home to the exceptionally beautiful Cathedral de San Cristobal as well as important examples of early colonial architecture. All the squares are linked by historic streets, such as Calle Obispo, which are like open-air museums containing historic shops, vintage car museums and even a chocolate factory. Old hotels such as the Ambos Mundos, where Earnest Hemmingway wrote 'For Whom the Bells Tolls', are well worth a visit. We also enjoy a visit to a Rum Museum.

After lunch (not included), we visit modern Havana which contrasts strikingly with the attractive colonial heart of the city. We travel in a classic American car. Typically it includes a drive along the cities famous Malecon seafront from Havana Vieja to the high rises and crumbling atmospheric streets of Vedado, passing the historic Nacional Hotel. Other sights you can include are the Plaza de la Revolucion, an imposing square dominated by a giant statue of Jose Marti, Cuba's famous independence hero.

We continue to the Museo de la Revolution and end the day at the harbour fortress with a panoramic view of the city and Havana Bay.

Thursday, 01 June 2023

At leisure in Havana

Havana is an easy city to relax in and explore on your own. Discover the wealth of history, politics, local life, music and dance. The many bars, cafes and historic hotels are great places to eat and enjoy the unique ambiance. And in the evenings, the city comes alive in a quite magical way. Why not visit the famous Casa de la Musica for a great night of salsa music? Or try one of our many optional excursions.

Friday, 02 June 2023

Exploring Havana - optional excursions

Enjoy a wide range of optional excursions, providing an authentic experience to enhance your visit:

- Colonial museums of Old Havana
- Panoramic tour of modern Havana
- Cuban African Heritage: Religious dieties and tradition
- Havana architecture and fine arts
- Cuban art
- Dinner at a Cuban family "Paladar": La Cocina de Lilian
- Salsa dance and salsa lessons
- Tropicana and Parisien Cabaret Shows
- Vinales Valley and nature Tour
- Las Terrazas and nature Tour
- "La Serafina" trekking
- Jeep safari and birdwatching
- Nature tour at Jibacoa
- Caribbean Day to Matanzas, Coral Reef and the Bay of Pigs
- Day on the Beach at Santa Maria

All optional excursions are bookable locally through your guide when you arrive in Havana.

Saturday, 03 June 2023

Exploring Havana - optional excursions

Discover Havana at your own pace, or take an optional excursion.

Sunday, 04 June 2023

Exploring Havana - optional excursions

Discover Havana at your own pace, or take an optional excursion.

Monday, 05 June 2023

Fly back to the UK

Transfer to the airport for overnight flight back to the UK. 

Tuesday, 06 June 2023

Arrive in the UK