Amando Cuba Homestay Experience 12D/11N

Duration: 12 days

Departure point: Havana Airport Pick-Up

Arrival point: Havana Airport Drop-off

Departure time(s):

1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, 00:00

Havana Airport Transfer

Welcome to Cuba! Upon arrival, you will be picked-up from the airport and transferred to your homestay. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Full Day Local Havana Walking Tour (B)

Today, you will embark on an exciting 8-hour walking tour.

Your Cuban guide will pick you up shortly after breakfast from your Casa Particular in the heart of Old Havana. This

walk will feature the beautifully preserved colonial plazas of Havana Vieja and neighbouring streets. There, you will find Cubans living alongside visiting tourists, kids going to school and locals playing games of chess or chequers in the street sipping coffee from 'peso cafes'. All life seems to be concentrated in these atmospheric streets. Your Cuban guide will recommend some of the best restaurants and bars for mojitos and live music, and give you insights into how Cubans live today in this complex and beguiling country. First, you will start with a scenic walking tour of the four main colonial squares of Old Havana including 'Plaza Catedral', 'Plaza de Armas', 'Plaza San Francisco de Asis' and 'Plaza Vieja', then, you will have time to enjoy lunch in 'La Vitrola' restaurant – a cool Paladares with live music on the corner of Plaza Vieja. After lunch, we will walk a short distance for some light browsing/shopping in the Mercado San José before continuing to the 'Cerveceria Antiguo Almacen de la Madera y El Tabaco', the largest brewpub in Havana, housed in a former lumber and tobacco warehouse. Afterwards, the walking tour continues

along the waterfront via the Orthadox Church, 'Havana Club Museum', Obispo and finally 'Parque Central'. There are many options for the afternoon depending on the client's preferences and of course, your guide will help you with any information you require or give you advice of what to do during your free time.

Havana to Cienfuegos

Transfer to Cienfuegos (B)

Today you will take a transfer from Havana to Cienfuegos. Please ask your host for the details.

The Pearl of the South walking Tour (B)

After enjoying an authentic Cuban breakfast, you will embark on a very interesting walking tour. You will start with thepanoramic tour through Prado promenade (the largest in Cuba), Cienfuegos seawall (Malecón), Club Cienfuegos, Park of theSculptures, Jagua Hotel, visit to the Valley Palace, considered as the Cuban Taj Mahal for its extraordinary architecture withone of the most beautiful views to the Cienfuegos Bay, and “La Punta”, the singular architecture of the houses of this area declared National Monument. After this, you will have time to enjoy lunch and continue with the walking tour starting at the Statue of Beny More. Walk through the Cienfuegos boulevard, with entrance to the House of Rum, and Cigars, and Union Hotel to enjoy this symbol of the XIX century architecture and the wonderful view to the city offered from its terrace. Walk through the foundation area, the Jose Martí square, the oldest part in the city with a view of the main buildings, the Town Hall, the Cathedral, Tomas Terry theater, Ferrer Palace and The Arc of the Workers. After this, you will be dropped-off at your homestay. Please remember to use comfortable shoes, clothes, a hat, and sunscreen. Take with you a bottle of water

Transfer to Trinidad and Salsa Dance Class (B)

Today, you will take a transfer from Cienfuegos to Trinidad. You will arrive to your new homestay, and late afternoon, you will be picked up to take part in a Salsa Dance Class. Trinidad is the home of 'salsa casino' - a mesmerising fusion of salsa and close up magic! However, to get you started why not enjoy a pre-cocktail hour before your 1-hour salsa lesson with your personal licensed salsa instructor.

Cubanito National Park and Waterfalls Excursion (B)

Depart your homestay at 9:00 hrs, and begin your full day adventure with a 1 or 2-hour horseback ride. (You may opt for biking, walking or taxi instead of horseback if you’d prefer -no extra charge. All options are accompanied by a guide.) Ride through the ancient streets of Trinidad and into the rolling countryside, arriving at Cubanito Natural Park. Enjoy a 30-minute hike along the scenic river with lots of opportunities for spotting birds and flora along the way. Arrive at the grotto and waterfall, where you can jump into the fresh clean waters of a deep pool surrounded by high rock walls. Swim through the waterfall and into the cave behind for a magical experience. After some chill time and a picnic or snack lunch (not included), we will walk back to the horses for the ride back to your homestay, arriving around 15:00 hrs. Please remember to bring your swimsuit. Use comfortable shoes, clothes, a hat, and sunscreen. Take with you a bottle of water.

Transfer to Santa Clara (B)

Enjoy your authentic Cuban breakfast and get ready to take your transfer to Santa Clara. Upon arrival, get some rest to be ready for tomorrow's adventure.

Half Day Walking Tour (B)

This morning you will be picked-up from your homestay to enjoy a half day walking tour of Santa Clara, the city made

famous for being where "Che" won the battle that brought the end to the Batista Regime. A visit to Che’s mausoleum is a must along with the famous armored train monument and other points of interest with your bilingual guide. Afterwards, you will be dropped-off at your homestay.

Transfer to Varadero (B)

Today, you will be picked-up and you will take your transfer to Varadero. Upon arrival, you will have time at leisure to relax at this paradise of Cuba

Free day in Varadero (B)

Enjoy this day at your leisure and visit the beautiful white sandy beaches. If you want to do something more active, scuba diving is one of the most popular things to do in Varadero, and for an alternative to swimming at the beach, one of the best things to do, is to go cave swimming.

Transfer back to Havana and Havana by Night Tour (B)

After breakfast, get ready to take your transfer back to Havana. Once there, in the evening, your guide will pick you up from your homestay at 19:30 hrs, as there are many exciting nighttime options in Havana, as you might expect. Start with a scenic walk through Old Havana stopping off at 'Floradita Hotel' and onwards to Parque Central to enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop terrace at 'Hotel Inglaterra', and enjoy free live music in one of the many mojito/salsa bars before continuing to the famous Malecon to hang out with local Habaneros. Hear the famous cannon shot at 21:00 hrs from across the bay, signalling that Havana is safe for the night. And then, it’s time to head into Vedado to enjoy some Havana nightlife! Enjoy some street music and dancing if you are up for it. Then, depending on your preference jump into a taxi or "colectivo" to explore the downtown in Vedado, where there are many options depending on your preferences. 'Fabrica de Arte' is open Thursday to Sunday, or if salsa dancing to a live band is your preference then 'Club 1830' is a popular option. For jazz lovers, 'La Zorra y Cuervo' or 'Jazz Café' host some of the best jazz you’ll hear anywhere in the world. Alternatively, you can explore a combination of options including the 'Hotel Nacional', 'La Rampa' and ‘Coppelia'. Your guide will help you develop a plan to ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment. (Please bring minimum an extra 15 CUC for entry to clubs, taxis and drinks which are not included.)

Havana Airport Transfer (B)

Today, your tour comes to an end. You will be transferred to the airport to take your flight back home. Hope to see you soon!