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A journey into the Western provinces of Cuba offers a taste of both Cuba's rural and urban life with some spectacular scenery along the way. We visit some community art projects in Havana and then the mountain communities of Las Terrazas and Soroa, that are surrounded by some of Cuba's lush forest. Viñales offers a charming village atmosphere, and some stunning mountainous scenery, sprawling tobacco fields and friendly locals. We include a visit to a tobacco farmer's house and learn how to roll the perfect Cuban cigar. There are also opportunities to experience Cuba's famous white sand beaches of Cayo Levisa and Cayo Jutias near to Vinales.
Arrive in Havana (HAV) and check into your accommodation (often a casa particular or guesthouse). Settle in and, in the evening, take a stroll along the famous El Malecón, the vibrant seafront promenade, to soak in the atmosphere and watch the sunset.
Spend the day exploring Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Morning: Take a walking tour of the four main plazas: Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza de San Francisco de Asís. Visit the City Museum or the Castle of the Royal Force. Lunch: Dine at a local paladar (privately owned restaurant). Afternoon: Visit La Bodeguita del Medio, a famous bar where Ernest Hemingway used to enjoy mojitos, and explore the bustling Obispo Boulevard for shopping and people-watching. Evening: Enjoy a lesson and dinner in Old Havana over night stay.
Explore the more contemporary side of the capital. Morning: Visit the unique community art projects of Fusterlandia (Jose Fuster's mosaic neighborhood) and Callejón de Hammel, known for its Afro- Cuban art and culture. Afternoon: Head to the Vedado neighborhood to see the Plaza de la Revolución and the José Martí Memorial. Afterwards, you could visit the futuristic ice cream parlor, Coppelia. Evening: Experience Havana's nightlife at the sophisticated Fábrica del Arte Cubano (FAC), an art gallery, bar, and club all in one, or catch some live jazz at a club like La Zorra y El Cuervo.
Take a full-day excursion (about a 3-hour drive each way) to the stunning Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape known for its dramatic mogotes (limestone pincushion hills) and tobacco fields. Activities: Visit a tobacco farmer's house to learn how cigars are rolled, take a boat ride through the Cueva del Indio (Indian Caves), and enjoy lunch at an organic farm overlooking the valley. Note: If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can stay the night in Viñales and return to Havana the next morning.
Head back to Havana if you stayed overnight in Viñales, or spend your final full day in Havana exploring more sights. Morning: Explore some of Havana's museums, such as the Museum of the Revolution in the former Presidential Palace or the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Afternoon: Browse the large artisan market for souvenirs. Evening: Have a special farewell dinner at a renowned paladar.
Enjoy a final Cuban breakfast before heading to the airport for your departure. An airport transfer is often included if booking through a tour.
