Morning: flight to Santiago de Cuba. Estimated flight time: 2 hours. Santiago de Cuba is the former capital of the country and the second largest city in Cuba. Founded by Diego Velazquez in 1514, the city was built on the east side of the bay.

This was the starting point of the expeditions led by Juan de Grijalba and Hernan Cortes to the coasts of Mexico in 1518, and in 1538 by Hernando de Soto's expedition to Florida. The first cathedral was built in the city in 1528. From 1522 until 1589 Santiago was the capital of the Spanish colony of Cuba.

The city experienced an influx of French immigrants in the late 18th century and early 19th century, many coming from Haiti after the Haitian slave revolt of 1791. This added to the city's eclectic cultural mix, already rich with Spanish and African culture.

After arrival visit to San Pedro de la Roca Morro Castle, a XVII century military construction atop the cliffs at the narrow entrance to Santiago Bay and one of the settings of the Spanish American War. The fortress was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, cited as the best preserved and most complete example of Spanish-American military architecture.

Lunch at Paladar El Pirata, serving delicious local seafood dishes and boasting nice views of Santiago de Cuba bay and Sierra Maestra Mountains. Patronizing private family-run restaurants directly supports the Cuban people and the Cuban families financially while encouraging independent entrepreneurial activities that in turn strengthen civil society in Cuba.

Afternoon: then we will drive through the former bourgeois neighborhood of Vista Alegre for a visit to the Rene Valdes Art Gallery. This art space was established by the Caguayo Foundation, a cultural institution founded by world renowned local artist Alberto Lescay to promote monumental works of art.

Next we will pay a visit to Santiago’s Casa de la Ceramica where Santiaguero ceramic artists work using a range of techniques from raku, painted, to enameled work. Exchange with artists and staff members. Supporting the work of independent Cuban nongovernmental organizations, community projects and independent artists that promote independent business activity in Cuba by patronizing their private entrepreneurial activities is the main intend of our itinerary.

Panoramic bus ride of modern Santiago de Cuba. We will visit the Heredia Theatre, San Juan Hill, Square of Revolution Antonio Maceo, baseball stadium Saturnino Lora, Palacio de Justicia, among others.

Check in at your Luxury Casa Particular.

Late afternoon and evening: participation in the different musical venues taking place in the historical center around the Fire Festival. There are over 50 locations holding activities during the fire festival, many of them in natural open settings.

Morning: visit to Parque Cespedes, located at the heart of the historical center of the city. The Plaza is surrounded by important buildings such as:

The Cathedral, originally built in 1522 and where the remains of Diego Velasquez are buried.

Ayuntamiento (City Hall) erected in 1950’s. From the balcony of this building Fidel Castro gave his victory speech immediately after the success of the Revolution on January 1rst, 1959.

Visit the oldest house in Cuba, today Museo de Ambiente Historico Colonial and formerly the residence of Diego Velázquez in the XVI century.

Next we will pay a visit to Santiago de Cuba’s antique bookstore, Libreria Escalera de Edy, a privately-owned Cuban rare and old book store that also carries vinyl records, posters and other memorabilia. The book store serves also as a book exchange and cultural center for the neighbours. Run by self-employed Cubans (cuentapropistas) Edy Ferrer and Conrado Ferrer, here we can shop for some rare Cuban books, postcards and posters). Shopping in these sorts of stores directly supports the Cuban staff and their families while encouraging independent entrepreneurial activities that in turn strengthen civil society in Cuba.

Lunch at Paladar Aurora. Paladar is a Spanish word that refers to private independent restaurants run by Cuban restaurateurs (self-employers). Cuban entrepreneurs are showing an emerging confidence and a newfound responsibility to take control of their futures after Raul Castro's economic reform programme. We will engage in a conversation with Cuban owners and staff to learn more about the booming independent Cuban hospitality industry. Eating in privately-owned restaurants directly supports the Cuban people and their families.

Afternoon: during our support for the Cuban people trip to Cuba, we will engage in authorized support for the Cuban people activities at El Cobre Town, the headquarters of El Cobre Youth Steel Band. The community work of the band includes the betterment of El Cobre town and its locals. Under the direction of musician, Hermes Ramirez, a children’s steel band have been founded to preserve the musical and social work of the band for future generations. Performing for the Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity, the El Cobre Youth Stell Band is also a regular of the Cuba’s Jazz Festival.

This support for the Cuban people activity will result in a meaningful interaction with the people of El Cobre town. We will present donations of educational & humanitarian items and ask how we can help promoting their message of peace in the USA.

Followed by a visit to Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Cobre. This is the country’s most sacred pilgrimage site since the Virgin of Charity is the patron saint of Cuba. In the Afro-Cuban religion she is associated with Ochun, the Yoruba goddess of love.

Evening: join in the Parade of Festival del Fuego (Fire Festival). One of the biggest and best free street parties in the whole of Cuba, the annual Fiesta del Fuego turns the streets of Santiago de Cuba into a riot of colour, music, dance and celebrations.

With plenty of vendors selling the national drink, rum-fuelled revellers get in the festival spirit as live bands, musicians and DJs keep crowds at fever pitch. The whole city seemingly takes parts with celebrations continuing through until the small hours.

Morning: ferry boat ride to Cayo Granma, a picturesque little island of red-roofed dwellings just inside the Bay of Santiago de Cuba.

Next we will visit the community art project, Suenos y Fantasia (Dreams and Fantasies) carried out by local children who use their imagination to create toys and crafts from recycled materials collected from the seashores. During this visit we will engage with the Cubans to learn more about the role of this Cuban independent organization. This Support for the Cuban People activity will result in a meaningful interaction with the people of Cayo Granma. We will present donations of educational & humanitarian items.

Optional lunch: with the help of your Authentic Cuba Travel® guide assisting with individual bookings, dinner time serves as a good opportunity to try a new paladar (family-run privately-owned restaurant), a business model that has flourished in the city in the past years since the Cuban government opened the door to private enterprise.

Afternoon and evening: participation in the different musical venues taking place in the historical center around the Fire Festival. There are over 50 locations holding activities during the fire festival, many of them in natural open settings.

Your guide will give you options the days before so that you plan ahead this day or just play as it goes!

Morning: as part of our full-time schedule of support for the Cuban people activities, we will attend a Tumba Francesa performance by the Society of Tumba Francesa "La Caridad de Oriente ", declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

It conserves in all its splendor the contributions bequeathed by the French and dahomeyana- Benin, Congo and Niger cultures, in the island of Cuba; as genuine example of the tradition and expression of the popular culture of the Cuban east.

Afternoon and evening: participation in the different musical venues taking place in the historical center around the THE FIRE FESTIVAL 2025. There are over 50 locations holding activities during the fire festival, many of them in natural open settings.

Your guide will give you options the days before so that you plan ahead this day or just play as it goes!

Morning: flight back to Havana City. Estimated flight time: 2 hours.

Afterwards visit to Callejon de Hamel, an alleyway street caught in Centro Habana neighbourhood where an effort of cultural rescue and expansion started by late fine artist Salvador González has been underway since 1990. Salvador’s murals and sculptures have taken over entire buildings’ facades– shrines to Afrocuban deities.

Meet with local artist to discuss their work and its effects on the neighbourhood. Here we will also enjoy a Rumba performance!

Lunch hosted by Jose Fuster, one of the most important Cuban ceramists and painters today. Supporting the work of independent Cuban nongovernmental organizations, community projects and independent artists that promote independent business activity in Cuba by patronizing their private entrepreneurial activities is the main intend of our itinerary.

Followed by panoramic air conditioned coach tour of the most important historical sites in the Modern Havana neighbourhoods of Vedado and Miramar including the Revolution Square, University of Havana, Habana Libre Hotel, Coppelia Ice Cream Park, Plaza José Martí (in front of U.S. Interests Section), Monument to the Battleship Maine, Malecón seawall, Prado promenade, Central Park, The Great Theatre and the Capitol building.

Check in at hotel Valentin Quinta Avenida (Valentin 5th Avenue) or Luxury Casa Particular located at the cultural center of Havana City.

During the Obama and Trump administrations, the Cuban government significantly eased restrictions on Cubans to rent out rooms in their homes to foreign travelers. Soon Casas Particulares (private rental accommodations owned by a Cuban family or individual) boomed all through the island. Today some of these humble businesses have evolved into high-end full service boutique hotels offering high quality amenities, food and beverage services, wireless internet connection, and the highest level of customer care.

The luxurious 186-room Valentin Quinta Avenida was previously operated by US Starwood Hotels & Resorts. In 2016, this hotel opened as the Four Points Havana becoming the first American hotel in Cuba after the Revolution. The hotel is currently managed by the Valentin Hotel Group, a hotel chain based in Mallorca, Spain.

5-Star Valentin Quinta Avenida (Valentin 5th Avenue)
Address: 5ta Ave, e/ 76 y 80, Miramar, Playa, Havana, Cuba.
Postal Code: 11300.
Telephone: (+53 7) 214 1470 Ext. 8070 & 8071 / (+53 7) 214 1476

Evening: we will visit the home of a Cuban, Elsa who has managed to create a privately-owned cultural project La Azotea de Elsa in the rooftop of an Old Havana dilapidated building. Elsa is also the leader of a locally famous band that will play live for our group. Be ready to dance to Cuba’s most popular rhythms such as Son, Rumba and Salsa by the hand of Elsa, her family and friends. This is another great chance for our American visitors to patronize and to learn firsthand about the daily life of ordinary Cubans.

Morning: ferry boat ride across Havana harbour to Regla town. This Afrocuban community has a long, rich and still active tradition of African-inspired religions.

Tour of Regla's municipal museum to learn the origins of this unique community and its Afrocuban cultures.

Enjoy private Afrocuban religious dance presentation by Regla Folkloric Group. This is another great chance for North American visitors to learn firsthand about the daily life of ordinary Cubans. Your participation in these activities directly supports the Cuban people and the Cuban families financially while encouraging independent entrepreneurial activities that in turn strengthen civil society in Cuba.

Lunch: a new wave of paladares (privately-owned restaurants) has recently swept the Cuban dining scene offering excellent food and charming ambient. Today we’ll enjoy a welcome lunch at the stylish Paladar San Cristobal, one of Havana's top ten private restaurants.

Afternoon: visit to the headquarters of Conjunto Folklorico Nacional. The most outstanding performers of the National Folklore Group will show the secrets of Cuba folk dances, a mix of African and Spanis roots, and the magical sounds produced by the Cuban percussion instruments.

Followed by a guided walking tour of Old Havana, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit to the Cathedral Square, the most beautiful and private 18th century colonial plaza of Cuba, named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture: the Cathedral of Havana built by the Jesuit order.

Visit to Square of Arms, ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers and surrounded by impressive buildings such as:

Palacio de los Capitanes Generales was the former seat of colonial government. Today the building houses the Museum of the City.

Palacio del Segundo Cabo, the seat of the second authority of the island. Today it houses important publishing houses.

Castillo de la Real Fuerza. The second oldest fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies. The castle was recently renovated and reopened in June 2008 to hold the impressive maritime museum. Well laid out exhibits chart Spain and Cuba's naval history.

Continue walking tour onto San Francisco Square, one of the oldest in the historical quarter.

Visit to Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Notice it doesn't have a church or government building around. Here we will visit important institutions for visual arts.

Free time in the famous handicraft market of Old Havana where you can purchase all sorts of crafts and souvenirs by local artisans.

Evening: attend one of the most traditional and popular ceremonies in Cuba, Fire of the Cannon of 9 O'Clock at the Fortress of San Carlos de La Cabana. Followed by visit to Casa del Habano “La Triada”.

Early morning departure to Havana City International Airport for departure.