Havana

Upon arrival into Havana, private transfer will be provided for the drive through the vibrant city to Hotel Nacional. Hotel Nacional is considered a symbol of history, culture and Cuban identity and is a National Monument of Cuba. With its privileged location in the middle of Vedado, it stands on a hill on the sea and offers a great view of Havana Harbor. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at Café del Oriente.

Hotel Nacional (D)

Havana

Today explore Old Havana during visits to the Museum of the Revolution and the National Museum of Fine Art. Havana is a  living time capsule, from its Spanish colonial history to the enduring legacy of the Revolution, characterized by 1950s American cars and colonial architecture. After lunch at la Torre visit the famous open air market of San Jose. This evening,  receive a presentation from a Cuban economist on Cuba's economy past and present.

Hotel Nacional (BLD)

Havana

Today will start with a visit to the University of Havana to talk with professors and study abroad programs. Next visit organic farm, El Vivero, in the populated area of the Alamar neighborhood. Established about 10 years ago it is considered one of the most successful organic farms in the city. After lunch at Bodega las Brisas, visit Ernest Hemingway's house, Finca Vigia, where Hemingway wrote two of his most celebrated novels: For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea. A Movable Feast was written there as well. In the evening attend the cannon firing ceremony and enjoy dinner at la Divina Pastora.

Hotel Nacional (BLD)

Trinidad

Today depart for Trinidad stopping in Cienfuegos along the way. Established in 1819, more recently than most major Cuban cities, and the only city in the country founded by French settlers, Cienfuegos is an easy going place, noticeably cleaner and more spacious than the average provincial capital and deserving of its label as the "Pearl of the South." After lunch at Dona Nora explore Cienfuegos, one of the chief seaports of Cuba, and the center of the sugar, coffee and tobacco production. During the exploration visit Castillo de Jagua, a fortress erected in the 1740s for protection against Caribbean pirates, the restored main square, the Catedral de la Purisima Concepción, and the Teatro Terry. Also visit Prado, which is decorated by monuments and important buildings such as the former Rotary Club building, which is now the house of the culture of the city. Later, drive along Punta Gorda on a nearly two‑mile‑long peninsula where the Malecón promenade is bordered by imposing villas, vestiges of the American period under Batista. Later in the day continue on to Trinidad. After dinner at the hotel have time to explore on own.

Hotel Brisas Trinidad del Mar  (BLD)

Trinidad

Trinidad is the perfect example of a colonial town, which has earned it a position on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cobbled streets are lined with colorful houses from a bygone era which remain well preserved even today. A particular highlight is the impressive palaces on the Plaza Mayor which used to belong to wealthy sugar barons. Upon arrival, visit the Painting School of Trinidad where and have the chance to take a look around the school and meet students and staff. Before lunch at Sabor Tropical, experience a traditional music bar, La Canchanchara, and taste a Cuban drink. Lunch will be in the Manaca Iznaga ruins, in the heart of the sugar cane valley of San Luis. These historic ruins once belonged to the Sanchez Iznaga family. On the visit learn about the history of the sugar barons and the development of the sugar cane industry in the first half of the 19th century. After lunch, return to the village and explore more of the cobblestone streets of Trinidad on a walking tour of this beautiful World Heritage Site. Visit Tres Cruces square, the former Fisher House, and El Cabildo de San Antonio, the first cult house where African slaves got permission from the Spanish authorities to worship their deities. Stop at a family‑run pottery workshop where the tradition of making pottery has been passed on for generations. Dinner on your own to enjoy local Paladar.

Hotel Brisas Trinidad del Mar  (BL)

Santa Clara

Travel today to Santa Clara exploring the Valle de los Ingenios along the way. Located 12 kilometers northeast of Trinidad are three interconnected rural valleys, San Luis, Santa Rosa and Myer. They make of up the Valle de los Ingenios. More than 50 super mills were in operation at the industry's peak in the 19th century. The valley is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Santa Clara you will enjoy lunch at Los Caneye. After lunch visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum. Learn about Che's life and his historic December 1958 capture of Santa Clara. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own.

Hotel Los Caneye or similar (BL)

Remedios

This morning depart for Remedios located a few miles from the coast. The town is known for its Parrandas de Remedio  (carnival like street party that takes place on Christmas eve). Upon arrival visit the Museo de las Parrandas Ramedianas to learn about the history of their famous celebrations. Enjoy lunch at Mascotte Hotel located on the main square. After lunch visit the seaside town of Caibarien and the Tradition House to learn about the history of the city and then have free time to explore before enjoying dinner and returning to Remedios for the night.

Mascotte Hotel (BLD)

Havana

This morning will be free to explore Remedios. Afterwards, visit Cuevas de Bellamar in Matanzas stopping for lunch at paladar Amelia del Mar before continuing to Havana. Dinner at Hotel Nacional or a Paladar this evening.

Hotel Nacional  (BLD)

Transfer to the airport for flight home. (B)