Splendid Havana & Varadero 5 Days

The private, customizable, Splendid Havana and Varadero tour offers five days of fun and discovery.  First, explore the energy of the city of Havana.  Organized under the Support for the Cuban People category, activities that connect with the Cuban people are highlighted.  For example, guests will visit a “barrio,” and savor a delicious Cuban coffee at a family’s home.  Discover Old Havana’s heritage sites, while our friendly guide teaches the history behind each place.  For example, witness the splendor of the newly renovated, Capitol Building, and stroll the impressive colonial squares. Furthermore, be part of history as you join locals and tourists at the famous Cannon Fire Ceremony!

Next, the Varadero beach is famous for its crystal, shallow waters and powdered white sand.  The ride will take about two hours.  On the way to Varadero, we will stop at the impressive Bacunayagua look out point, and take in a panoramic view of the Matanzas province.  Once in Varadero, delight on lunch at a private restaurant, and connect with local vendors.  Then, enjoy the Varadero beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  

Since we realize that clients have different interests and budget, Letty’s Cuba offers a variety of optional activities to complement the Authentic Havana Tur.  For example, the Cabaret Parisien show “Cubano, Cubano” is a cultural delight.  The music is lively, the customs are colorful and the energy of the performers are impressive.  Also, Chef Ivan’s El Carbon fusion dining and memorabilia atmosphere, is a true treat to the senses.

Last, we organized the tour with one day free to explore on your own, with transportation included.  In our experience, guests like to have this flexibility.  Otherwise, clients may add activities from our trip extra list.  Actually, if you don’t see it on the the list, just ask and we will make it happen.  No matter your interest, you will be covered!  Havana, forbidden no more to Americans!

Day 1 - Travel to Havana, Cannon Fire

Day 2 - Coffee at Cuban Family's Home, Capitol Building & Old Havana Tour

Day 3 - Day Tour to Varadero Beach & Lunch

Day 4 - Explore On Your Own, or Add Optional Activities (transportation included)

Day 5 - Goodbye Havana, Cuba!

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in Havana/Check in Accommodations

Our Letty's Cuba driver and English speaking guide will welcome the group at Jose Marti International Airport. On your way to your accommodations, the Ultimate Havana Weekend Tour starts with a panoramic view of Plaza of the Revolution, Old Havana and Vedado. Then, our friendly guide will help you with the check in process, and allow you to take time to freshen up. Note: staying at a Bed & Breakfast is a great way to support the Cuban people!

Day 1 - Late Afternoon

Early Dinner at El Carbon (meal not included)

Ivan's El Carbon Restaurant, will pamper our senses with an outstanding, family style welcome dinner. For example, the menu includes typical Cuban dishes like "arroz con pollo" and "masitas de cerdo." Chef Ivan uses new recipe ideas from his travels around the world to create his flavorful "Cuban fusion" cuisine. Join the list of many happy clients including the King of Spain, Will Smith, Ben Affleck, Penelope Cruz and others!

Day 1 - Evening

Cannon Fire Ceremony

Conclude your first evening in Havana by taking a drive to the fairgrounds of Castillo de San Carlos de la Cabaña. An spectacular sunset and view of the city awaits you. Meet tourists and locals who visit the fort to witness the unique tradition of the Cannon Fire Ceremony. Since the 1700's, this event takes place at 9 pm, signifying the closing of the city doors. Furthermore, you may shop for souvenirs at the end of the event

Day 2 - Morning

Capitol Building Tour

Our Old Havana adventure starts today with a tour of the incomparable Capitolio Nacional. This is Havana's most ambitious and grandiose building. The outside renovation project was recently completed. The gold plated copula shines with the island's sun, a truly magnificent site. The main doors open into the Room of the Lost Steps, so named because of its unusual acoustics. The lobby displays the impressive statue of La República, the third largest indoor statue in the world stands 17.6m tall. The tour continues to the palatial hallways, the chamber of representatives and the newly established Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Day 2 - Morning

Coffee at a Cuban Family's Home

Take a drive to a suburb of Havana, Barrio Lawton, and visit with a Cuban family.  During this enriching experience, taste a delicious Cuban coffee and explore the daily Cuban life.  Certainly, this will be a great opportunity to bring a must appreciated, small, thank you gift to the family.

Day 2 - Afternoon

La Vitrola Restaurant (meal not included)

We will have lunch (cost not included) at La Vitrola Restaurant in Plaza Vieja. The menu offers a variety of Caribbean and American cuisine, in a relaxed atmosphere. Continue your discovery of the Old World charm of Old Havana with a relaxing walk of the colonial squares.

Day 2 - Afternoon

Walking Tour of Colonial Plazas

First, the 16th-century Plaza Vieja was restored in the 1980's, when Old Havana was listed by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage site.  The buildings surrounding the plaza are elegant colonial residences, art galleries, shops and restaurants. Second, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís was founded in 1628. Its main attraction is the former Convento de San Francisco de Asís, which is home to classical concerns today. Third, laid out in the 1520's, Plaza de Armas features include El Templete, Castillo de la Fuerza Real, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes park, Museum of the Capitanes Generales, and five stars Hotel Santa Isabel, among new restaurants and second hand book vendors. Lastly, the Cathedral of Havana dominates the square and it is surrounded by colonial residences renovated into restaurants like El Patio and La Moneda Cubana.  Moreover, on El Patio's side street, thousands of tourists visit La Bodeguita del Medio Bar, made famous by writer Ernest Hemingway.

Day 3 - Day Tour

Varadero Beach & Lunch

Varadero is one of Cuba's jewels, a charming town known for its powder white sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere. The ride will take about two hours.  On the way to Varadero, we will stop at the impressive Bacunayagua look out point, and take in a panoramic view of the Matanzas province.  Once in Varadero, delight on lunch at a local, private restaurant.  Then, enjoy the Varadero beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  Last, visit the town and connect with local vendors. Return to Havana in the late afternoon.

Day 4 - All Day

Explore on Your Own or Add Activities

This day, you are free to explore on your own and connect with the Cuban People.  You may add experiences from our Optional list.  Transportation in Havana is included. For instance, you could take a morning beach break in Santa Maria and visit Almacenes San Jose for souvenirs and art or stroll Obispo Blvd at no additional cost.

Day 5

Until next time, Cuba!

This Ultimate Havana Weekend Tour has reached its end. Thanks for traveling with Letty’s Cuba Travel and Tours. We hope that your experience was amazing! Our friendly driver will transfer you to Jose Marti airport. Please be aware that check in is two and a half hours prior to departure time. Until next time!

• Tourist Visa
• Lodging at Bed and Breakfast
• Breakfast
• Airport Transfers
• Daily Classic Car Transport
• 3 Days English Speaking Guide
• Entrance to Cannon Fire Ceremony
• Entrance to Capitol Building
• Day Tour to Varadero Beach & Lunch

• Airfare (which also includes primary medical insurance); quote upon request
• Guide on Day 4 (available for $69 a day) 
• Meals (except in Lunch in Varadero)
• Tips
• Travel insurance (in case of hurricane or other non-foreseeable circumstance)