ITINERARY

We invite you to discover that the wide range of Cuba's national culture has also its own aromas and flavours. The Cuban Kitchen offers the visiting gourmet a varied number of options. From traditional dishes prepared with centuries-old recipes up to the most contemporary interpretations that place Cuban food among the vanguard international trends, there is a whole world of sensations to discover in Cuba. In prestigious restaurants of international renown such as "La Bodeguita del Medio", "El Floridita" or "El Aljibe", you will delight yourself with the complete offerings of Cuba's best kitchens. This varied cultural and culinary program will complement your enjoyment. The innovative preparations, characterized by bold combinations of vegetables, fruits and fine herbs, as well as a balance of diverse foods and seasonings will allow you new and unexpected ways to prepare tasty dishes to delight the senses of all who savor them.
Spanish, African, indigenous and other cultures, influences Cuban cuisine. The national dish is ajiaco, a stew of assorted root vegetables cooked with pork, poultry or beef. Other typical dishes are lechón (roast pork), fried green plantains (tachinos, chatinos or tostones), black beans, congrí (rice with red beans), moros y cristianos (rice with black beans), picadillo a la habanera (ground beef in tomato sauce), roast chicken and tamales among others. The Cuban sweet tooth ensures that each meal includes dessert. Please join us for this unique insight into Cuba's heritage.

Day: 1 Arrival Havana
Transfer to Hotel located in Old Havana. You will have breakfast daily at this fine hotel. Lunch at La Floridiana restaurant and a walking tour of Old Havana. Dinner at Café Oriente Restaurant. Evening free.

Day: 2 Havana
Breakfast. Tour the city including Vedado, La Plaza de Revolucion, La Maqueta de la Ciudad (scale model of Old Havana) and Miramar. Lunch at Le Ferminia. Afternoon return to the hotel. Dinner at La Divina Pastora restaurant and after view the Canon Firing Ceremony at the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabana.

Day: 3 Havana - Varadero
Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Varadero, stop at Bacunayagua Bridge to taste the typical "Saoco" cocktail, then on for a panoramic tour of Matanzas. Arrival at Varadero and a tour of the peninsula. Lunch at Retiro Josone restaurant. Afternoon at the beach with facilities to change clothes. Return to Havana with evening free.

Day: 4 Havana
Breakfast at hotel. Visit to a cooking school(s) to observe techniques of Cuban cooking with the guidance of the Culinary Association of the Republic of Cuba. Observe the preparation of dishes derived from traditional Creole recipes containing vegetables and meats that Cubans eat every day. Lunch at El Aljibe restaurant to sample traditional Cuban cooking. Return to the hotel with your late afternoon at leisure. Dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Day: 5 Havana - Las Terrazas
Following breakfast visit Las Terrazas nature complex, a natural reserve. Swim in the San Juan River if you like. Country lunch with the most typical national dishes as Roast Pig (puerco asado), Congri (red beans and rice), Tostones (fried plantain), Yuca and a rich Cuban soup. Your guide will be happy to explain the preparation of each dish. Visit the Buena Vista historic coffee plantation. Return to Havana for an evening of leisure and time to explore on your own.

Day: 6 Havana - S. Francisco de Paula - Cojimar
This day is immersed in the life of Ernest Hemingway in Cuba. Breakfast. The next 5 hours on Hemingways Trail. Visit La Vigia country mansion in the village of San Francisco de Paula. Then visit the coastal village of Cojimar with lunch at La Terraza restaurant. Stop at a handicraft fair then return to the hotel. Before dinner stop for a drink at El Floridita for Hemingway's famous Daquiri then on to La Bodeguita del Medio restaurant that Hemingway used to frequent. It serves authentic Cuban food.

Day: 7 Havana
Breakfast at hotel then transfer to Club Havana, the former Biltmore Yacht and Country Club. Observe as their chefs prepare todays luncheon delights and then have lunch at the club. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach or playing tennis, having a massage or other club activities (at additional cost). Return to the hotel with your evening free.

Day: 8 Havana - Vedado
Following breakfast the day is free for you to explore the cities numerous art galleries and museums at your leisure. Farewell dinner at a Cuban restaurant. This family operated restaurant is run from their home in Vedado and they will prepare for you one of the most memorable dining experiences of your stay in Cuba.

Day: 9 Havana
Breakfast. Free time with noon checkout from hotel. Lunch at La Maison Restaurant for your last opportunity to enjoy Cuban cuisine then continue to the airport for your return flight.