DESCRIPTION:

The journey begins in Camagüey, Cuba’s largest province, rarely visited by foreigners. Its historic center, considered the largest and best preserved on the island, boasts many lavish churches and a twisted maze of streets designed to confound marauding pirates.

 

Discover Trinidad, one of the finest colonial towns in all the Americas, although tiny in size. A few square blocks of cobblestone streets, pastel-colored 18th and 19th century houses, palaces, and plazas demonstrate the Trinidad that once thrived courtesy of the prosperity from the sugarcane industry. 

 

After a night in Cienfuegos, nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the South’ after its magnificent bay, visit beautiful Cienfuegos Botanical Garden and the Zapata Peninsula Biosphere Reserve before driving to western Cuba. Here, explore Pinar del Río, a region famous for its tobacco plantations, and 250-million year-old eroded karst towers rising from a tropical plain, rich with vivid hibiscus and bougainvillea, and rice paddies. The scenes here are timeless and depict rural Cuba complete with thatched homesteads and farmers riding oxen-driven carts.

 

Conclude the journey touring historic Havana’s architecture and urban gardens, and experiencing its art, music, and cuisine. Old Havana, with its square mile of colonial palaces, handsome plazas, and charming cobbled alleys, was once one of the three richest Spanish cities outside of Spain.

 

CONSIDER:

Cuba's infrastructure is basic at best. Hotels (outside of Havana) are Spartan; restaurant service often slow; stairs and sidewalks uneven and pitted; roads bumpy, elevators often not functioning, and more. But for those willing and able to look beyond this, Cuba is a fascinating and rewarding country on the verge of big change. More details about the challenges can be provided.

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Please inquire.