AUTHENTIC CUBA – SUMMER 2025 – 9 DAYS

Departure from Athens via a stopover. Upon arrival in Havana, we will be greeted by our Greek Leader - Guide, a permanent resident of the country. Transfer to our newly built luxury hotel Melia Innside Habana Catedral 5* in the heart of the historic old city of Havana. A brief briefing and settling into the rooms for rest follows.

Ride in old American cars, rum and cohiba cigars! There are futuristic cities and others that have an almost love affair with their past. The relationship that each city has with time is absolutely unique and this is something that Havana will confirm to us from our first ride in the antique American convertible cars from the 50s that will be waiting for us outside the hotel! Our tour could not but begin with a panoramic walk in Miramar. With its beautiful low-rise buildings and aristocratic architecture that testifies that before the revolution it was the place of residence of wealthy Cubans, the emblematic suburb has remained intact over time, maintaining its old glory intact, while now it hosts most of the embassies and offices of large companies. Crossing the Cuban - equally wonderful - version of Fifth Avenue, we pass through the Havana cemetery area with its great architectural entrance, fascinating sculptures, and more than 500 marble mausoleums of great personalities. In the famous Revolution Square, we imagine Fidel Castro alive, giving a passionate speech and being adored by the crowd. Next to the Revolution Palace, we will also see the José Martí Memorial, the seat of government, as well as the buildings of the National Theater of Cuba, the Ministries of the Interior and Communications with the portraits of Che and Camilo Cienfuegos. The historic building of the University of Havana proudly dominates the Vedado area, while through the famous coastal avenue Malecon, we will end up in Central Park and then in the Alicia Alonso Theater and the Capitol of Havana. Of course, we will not forget to pass by the emblematic building of the Bacardi family, owners of the homonymous rum brand. Our lunch will follow in a traditional local restaurant. With emblematic squares, examples of neo-colonial architecture, which we will get to know in our tour, old Havana is a world cultural heritage monument protected by UNESCO. Our steps will bring us to the square of St. Francis of Assisi, with the Church of the same name and the beautiful fountain, Fuente de los Leones, where the Greek Church of St. Nicholas is also located, which we will visit. Next is the old square and then the square of arms, with the church of El Templete, the castle of Real Fuerza and the Palace of the Governors (Palacio de los Capitanes Generales). Then the small square of Santo Domingo and the square of the Cathedral. Beyond the squares, the authentic Cuba is distilled in its national drink! During our tour of the Habana Club museum we will learn the history of sugarcane cultivation, as well as the secrets of the production and maturation of the national drink of the Caribbean, while at the end we will have the opportunity to taste the famous Cuban rum! Finally, a visit to the entrance to the port, on the east side of Havana at the complex of Moro and Campania castles where we will enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Note: The rum museum may be closed for reasons of the Cuban state.

After our breakfast at the hotel, what could be more exotic than wandering the wide coastal avenues, such as the emblematic Malecon, as well as the picturesque alleys of the unique old town. Atmospheric bars with live music, authentic Cuban cocktails, dozens of small shops with local character. Every corner of this atmospheric city gives us the opportunity to feel as if we have entered a time warp that takes us back to the 50s. Lose yourself in the streets of atmospheric Havana on a free day where personal wandering meets urban exploration. Our leader, a unique connoisseur of the city, has excellent suggestions for you to experience it, such as: full of excitement, music, exotic flavors, good rum, fine tobacco and a wonderful soul that entices you to unite with it. However, if we could recommend something, no matter how classic it may sound, do not miss enjoying a mojito at the famous Bodeguita Del Medio, and a daquiri at the famous Floridita, just as perhaps their most famous patron, the charismatic American writer Ernest Hemingway, used to do. One thing is certain, whatever you do, Havana will "steal" your heart!!! Lovers of the genre can optionally enjoy the famous Buena Vista Social Club and indulge in the magic of authentic music (price range 45– 60€).

West of Havana, in the province of Pinar del Rio, lies the Vinales Valley, one of the most impressive sights of the island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The limestone hills, combined with the countless palm trees, create a unique landscape of natural beauty, which we can admire from the Los Jasmines observatory. The perfect panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding area makes it an ideal spot for souvenir photos. Next is Vinales itself with a boat ride on a highly mysterious route among stalactites and stalagmites in the famous Indian Cave, while we will then see the famous rock painting by Leovigildo Gonzalez, measuring 120 x 160 meters, which depicts the evolution of species, but also of life in Cuba. Lunch at a picturesque local restaurant, which beyond tasting offers the beautiful experience of contact with the authentic side of Cuba. Finally, one of the best cigar artisans – with state awards – awaits us at the Finca Montesino farm. Here, we will watch the cigar making process, taste a cigar combined with rum and coffee – Maridaje, and then we will visit the drying warehouses and the fields where the generally accepted, best tobacco in the world is grown! And of course, our office, always ahead and with unique knowledge and experience in Cuba, will offer you a Caracolillo there (we don't tell you what it is until you enjoy it). And for the more initiated, a Maridaje. A cigar and rum tasting. Return to Havana and under the guidance of our head tour guide, make the most of your last evening in the magical Cuban capital in the most ideal way.

Near the Bay of Pigs, on the Zapata Peninsula, known for the historic battle of the Cubans against the counter-revolutionaries, is one of the most important environmental biospheres. In the Guamá National Park, we visit a crocodile farm and, if we wish, we do a gourmet degustation by tasting their meat. With the group's speedboats, we will tour the park's canals. Along the way, we admire the architecture of the Taínos Indians, as well as the sculptures depicting moments of their everyday life. We disembark on one of the islets to see a faithful representation of an Indian village, to be initiated into a primordial mystical ceremony, and to admire the 25 statues that represent their lives and that have been crafted by the famous Cuban sculptor Rita Longa. Museum cities, rum and French architecture and we depart for the "New Orleans of Cuba". In Cienfuegos, the so-called pearl of the South, one of the most important ports in the country, we see the French influence, as it is reflected in the architectural monuments of the city. The beautiful central José Martí Park, famous for its government buildings of French architecture, as well as the famous Thomas Terry Theater, through which great names of world art have passed, surprise us with the unique atmosphere and the refined charm they exude. On the panoramic tour of the city we stop at the Palacio de Valle, in Punta Gorda, the aristocratic district of the city - a masterpiece of eclecticism, with a view of the sea and the bay of Cienfuegos. A journey into the past and we continue to Trinidad, the third oldest city in Cuba that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The central square with the renovated buildings, the parish church of the Holy Trinity, the romantic museum and the house of the noble Brinier are some of the sights that will catch our eye, while later, “Kantchatsara!” we will exclaim happily, seeing the homonymous local tavern where we will try the local drink of lemon and rum and crushed ice, accompanied by live traditional Cuban music. Our day will end with an arrival in the afternoon at the beach of Ancon Playa at the newly built All inclusive 5* hotel MELIA TRINIDAD PENINSULA. Note: The visit to the island of the Indians may not be possible as it depends on the availability of fuel for the speedboats.

"Hasta la victoria siempre": On the road to Che Dozens of personal belongings, as well as the very bones of Che Guevara and his comrades, who were murdered in 1967 in Bolivia, are located in the museum and mausoleum of the historic city of Santa Clara. Our guide here will tell us not only the historical details, but also many interesting moments from the life of the legendary Argentine revolutionary, as well as of course where the nickname Che comes from. Plains of Central Cuba, Cardenas and recreation in Varadero. Countless citrus crops pass before our eyes, on our way to Varadero. At a distance of 20 kilometers is Cárdenas, where the Cuban flag was first raised during the war of independence, a city that is also famous as the city with the most bicycles in Cuba. Arrival in Varadero, settling into our elegant rooms, at the most expensive and luxurious resort in the area, the famous Melia Internacional Varadero 5*, All Inclusive (Unlimited consumption of juices, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and meals). Free time for a first acquaintance with the wonderful tropical paradise and the amazing facilities of our hotel.

Under the palm trees, by the sea The locals call it the "Golden Coast" and not by chance. We relax and enjoy the golden powder sand and the deep blue sea, on a free day with all the comforts of our All Inclusive stay at the luxury hotel in Varadero and of course on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, so that we can enjoy this magical place as it deserves. Optional excursion to Cayo Blanco: Our office chooses to offer it to you at the official state price, without any other charge or office commission with a price of 101 € or USD. You declare and pay cash on the spot in Cuba.

We enjoy the hotel's amenities, ensuring free time for a last dip in the crystal clear waters of the beach that stretches lazily in front of us and invites us to enjoy it. Just before we approach Havana airport for our return flight, we cross the northern coastline of the island and pass through Matanzas (called the Athens of Cuba), the city that rocks to the rhythms of Afro-Cuban music to see the antiquated oil pumps while before we fly, the airport's duty free awaits us for our last souvenir, cigar or rum shopping.

Rich in images from this atmospheric journey, we return to Greece, knowing that the soul of authentic Cuba is now a part of ours.