Day 1: Mexico city
Welcome to Mexico! Transfer to hotel and free time. Our guide will contact you late in the afternoon.
Day 2: Mexico city
Today we have a fantastic day acquaint ourselves with Mexico. We include a sightseeing tour of the city. We will visit the Plaza of Three Cultures, and the historic centre in which the Zócalo (main square) and its Metropolitan Cathedral stand out, the main Aztec temple, Chapultepec Park, the “Paseo de la Reforma” Avenue and the other main avenues of this impressive city. At the end of the visit we travel to the BASILICA OF GUADALUPE, the most visited Catholic temple in the Americas where the Virgin of Guadalupe is found. There we will be able to explore the old basilica dating back to the 18th Century and also the modern temple. In the afternoon we travel to the neighbourhood of XOCHIMILCO, a wonderful place with its canals and semi-floating gardens. Here we include a ride in a “trajinera”, one of the boats festooned with flowers. In the evening we include a transfer to the Plaza de GARIBALDI, with its many bars, restaurants and bars where tacos and tequila are served and the Mariachis sing. Dinner is included in a traditional restaurant.
Day 3: Mexico city - El oro de hidalgo - Mine two star - Tlalpujahua - Patzcuaro
We’ll begin our journey by visiting El Oro de Hidalgo, a charming Pueblo Mágico that was once one of Mexico’s main mining centers. The gold and silver mines attracted investors and workers from all over the world, and today you’ll find European-style buildings, such as the old train station and Teatro Juárez. We’ll continue through an area of hills and forests where monarch butterflies migrate for the winter, and visit Mina de las Dos Estrellas, a mine-turned-museum that highlights the region’s rich mining history and culture. Next, we’ll head to Tlalpujahua, another Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán, with a magnificent Baroque sanctuary and cobblestone streets. This town is famous for its handcrafted Christmas decorations, and you’ll be surprised by the presence of Santa Claus in many of its shops. There will be free time to stroll and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Pátzcuaro, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico, with pre-Hispanic origins. Its colonial architecture, artisan markets, and unique atmosphere make it an unforgettable destination.
Day 4: Patzcuaro - Morelia - Cuitzeo del porvenir - Guadalajara
We’ll depart for Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its magnificent pink stone architecture and historic center. Highlights include the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and its university, founded in 1540. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Cuitzeo del Porvenir, located next to Mexico’s second-largest lake. Here, you can visit the Ex-Convent of Santa María Magdalena, a Plateresque-style architectural gem from the 16th century, and stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings. Our journey will conclude in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, a vibrant colonial city known as the birthplace of Mariachi music and Tequila. Arrival is expected in the evening.
Day 5: Guadalajara
In the morning we include a visit to Guadalajara, the modern metropolis with its colonial historic center, its cathedral, its market, its Tapatía square. We will enter the Cabañas Hospice, declared Unesco World Heritage. After the visit, we will go on to the next town of TEQUILA, we include entrance to the MUNDO CUERVO distillery and will see how this famous Mexican drink is made (entrance and tasting included). After this, time for a stroll and lunch in the picturesque town of Tequila. After lunch, we return to Guadalajara.
Day 6: Guadalajara - Guanajuato
We travel to the state of GUANAJUATO. Arrival at midday. In the afternoon we include a city tour of this very beautiful university city declared World Heritage, its steep slopes, its narrow streets, its churches, and we also include a cable car ride to admire the view from “el Pípila”.
Day 7: Guanajuato - Dolores hidalgo - San miguel de allende - Queretaro
Amidst the mountains, we will travel to DOLORES HIDALGO, the city that is the cradle of Mexican independence. Afterwards we head to SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, a beautiful city with vice regal architecture and cobbled streets declared World Heritage. Time for a stroll. In the afternoon, we visit the ATOTONILCO Sanctuary, known as the “Century of God and the Patria”, World Heritage site (sometimes it will not be possible to visit inside due to the retreats that take place there). We then go to QUERETARO, with its very beautiful colonial center, its main square, its busy restaurants and pedestrian streets.
Day 8: Queretaro - Tula - Puebla - Val quirico - Mexico city
We’ll depart for Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltecs. Admission to its archaeological site is included. The Atlantean figures, imposing four-meter-tall warrior statues, are the site’s main attraction. You’ll also see pyramids, palaces, and carved columns, showcasing the sophistication of this pre-Hispanic civilization. We’ll then arrive in Puebla, a historic city renowned for its culinary traditions, colonial architecture, and ceramics. Highlights include its impressive Renaissance cathedral and its lively main square. Next, we’ll head to Val’Quirico, where the European-inspired architecture, particularly reminiscent of Italy’s Tuscany, and its medieval style will transport you to another era. Arrival in Mexico City is expected around 08:30 p.m.
Day 9: Mexico city - Havana
After breakfast a transfer takes you to the airport to take your flight to La Havana. Upon arrival, we shall be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. To welcome you at the end of the afternoon we will include a trip in an old classic car to the fortress of San Carlos passing the ‘Malecón’ and we will attend the cannon shooting ceremony (admission included). Return to the hotel (by coach or vehicles) and accommodation.
Day 10: Havana
This morning we include a visit of about 4 hours; we will include a stroll through Colonial Havana; declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a panoramic tour of Revolution Square and the University. Visit to the Habana Club Rum Museum. We will include a boat trip across the bay in the little boat to Regla where we will see the church of the Virgin of Regla, a place of great devotion where there is a strong syncretism between the Catholic religion and the Afro-Cuban. Will you buy flowers and have a daughter of Ochun read your hand? After this, at lunchtime, we will take you to the area of the ‘Callejón del Chorro’, an area with multiple “paladares” (private restaurants) where you can have lunch. Afternoon free.
Day 11: Havana - Guamá - Punta perdiz - Giron - Cienfuegos
We’ll depart from Havana and head south, taking in the island’s beautiful tropical landscapes. Our first stop will be Guamá, where we’ll visit the crocodile farm and enjoy a boat ride through this area, which has been declared a National Park. In the Taina village, we’ll learn more about the indigenous population that lived here before the arrival of Europeans. We’ll continue along the road by the Caribbean Sea. Don’t forget your swimsuit! We’ll have time at Punta Perdiz, where lunch will be included, and you can swim, explore the cenotes, or go snorkeling. Afterward, in Girón, we’ll visit the Playa Girón Museum, which offers insight into the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Revolution. Our journey will then take us to Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. This charming colonial city boasts French neoclassical architecture, and we’ll pass by its historic streets. Dinner will be included.
Day 12: Cienfuegos - Trinidad
A little under a hundred kilometers take us to TRINIDAD, arrival and visit to Cuba’s most beautiful and best-preserved colonial city, a true “open-air museum”, declared a world heritage site. After the visit we will see the “Temple of Santería Yemayá”, dedicated to the orisha (God) of the Sea, with its offerings of fruit, water and stones; a santero will tell us about this religion and its beliefs. After the visit and lunch included, we will stay at our resort hotel at Ancon beach. You will have the afternoon free to enjoy the Caribbean Sea on this magnificent beach, or, if you prefer, to stroll at leisure in Trinidad. At night we provide a transfer to the cathedral to enjoy the “place of music” and its little restaurants with Cuban music. Dinner included.
Day 13: Trinidad - Valle de los ingenios - Camaguey
Our day will be filled with beautiful landscapes and unforgettable experiences. We’ll travel by bus to the Valle de los Ingenios, where we’ll visit the old San Isidro de los Destiladeros sugar mill, the best-preserved in the area. Here, you’ll learn about the history of sugar production and slavery. We’ll then continue to Manaca Iznaga, located at the heart of the sugar-producing region that fueled Trinidad´s prosperity. Next, we’ll head to Sancti Spiritus, a charming colonial town rarely visited by tourists, where we’ll have time for a stroll and lunch will be included. Our journey will continue through the center of the island towards Camagüey, the third-largest city in the country, known for its vibrant art scene and lively nightlife.
Day 14: Camaguey - Guáimaro - Bayamo - Santiago de cuba
In the morning, we’ll tour the historic center of Camagüey, famous for its theaters, squares, narrow alleys, and churches. We’ll then continue our journey with a brief stop in Guáimaro, where the first Cuban constitution was approved, and the emancipation of slaves was demanded. Our next stop will be Bayamo, a charming colonial town where we’ll take a stroll and watch schoolchildren practicing at the chess academy. Lunch will be included. We’ll then head to Santiago de Cuba, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Casa de la Trova, a popular gathering place for Cuban music enthusiasts with live performances.
Day 15: Santiago de cuba
We include a tour of SANTIAGO, Cuba’s second city and one of contrasts, capital of the ‘son’ and the revolution. Around 20 km from the city, in the mountains, we will go to the Basilica of our Lady of Charity of Copper, where we will be surprised at the veneration for the virgin patron of Cuba. After that we will go to the Santa Ifigenia cemetery, where Fidel Castro and José Martí are buried. We will see the Ron Bacardí factory and go to the CASTILLO DEL MORRO, an impregnable citadel on a promontory declared a world heritage site, which houses an interesting museum on Piracy. Lunch included. Free time in the afternoon.
Day 16: Santiago de cuba
Breakfast. End of our services. Transfer from the hotel to the airport not included.
