Arrive in Havana, proceed through immigration, and step outside to meet your Cuban guide.

Enjoy your first drive-thru of Havana with two iconic stops. In central Havana, at the Plaza de la Revolution, walk across the enormous square and view the monument to Cuban hero José Marti. On the outskirts of the city, roam through whimsically charming Jaimanitas where Cuban artist José Fuster, inspired by Gaudi and Picasso, has turned his own home and the surrounding neighborhood into a showcase of fanciful, brightly colored murals and sculptures.

Depending on flight arrival time, lunch and orientation meeting, settle into the first of the many paladars you’ll sample on this trip. As restaurants that are privately owned rather than government-owned, paladars are a recent and welcome phenomenon in Cuba. Some have two tables and some have thirty. Each was started by a family in their own home or on their own property, and each is unique.

Arrive late afternoon at your bed and breakfast accommodation. Also known as a casa particular, these are privately owned houses or apartments. Enjoy a short orientation walk around the neighborhood, and dinner at paladar in Old Havana.

Many visitors on a week-long trip, spend their arrival day and then three more days exploring Havana and nearby locales. Cross the harbor for a spectacular view across the water at the full vista presented by Havana. Devote at least a full morning to exploring the four distinct plazas and the cobblestone walkways of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, stroll on the Malecon, the iconic seaside boulevard. Ride a bici-taxi to the local market. Visit one of the great history or art museums. Enjoy the street musicians during the day and live performances of jazz or salsa in the evening. An English-speaking Cuban guide will accompany you on your explorations. A professor of history or political science or architecture or music can offer you a formal lecture. The learning, through planned meetings and spontaneous encounters, is continuous.

Enjoy a short day trip out of Havana to Finca Vigía, the farm, and estate of Ernest Hemingway. Visit the nearby picturesque small seaside town of Cojimar and enjoy the story and the food produced at an entrepreneurial farm-to-food restaurant. Cooking class is optional.

Drive westward to beautiful Pinar Del Rio province. Visit a tobacco farmer’s home and family, and learn about the working of their farm. Continue onward toward Viñales National Park and Preserve. Lunch at a beautiful restaurant overlooking the valley.

In the afternoon, visit a well-known artist in his home and enjoy a private tour of his artwork. Later explore the town of Viñales. Check into your bed and breakfast and enjoy a beautiful view of the Viñales Valley. Enjoy a homemade Cuban meal.

This morning walk the national park trails. Stop at the home of locals for some freshly cut pineapple and a chat to see what’s being planted in the area for the season. Lunch in Viñales Valley.

In the afternoon, explore the unspoiled coastline of western Cuba. Local and migratory birds are found on the white sand beach at Cayo Jutías; explore with a local expert naturalist.  Return to Viñales town in the early evening and choose from a number of delicious paladars for dinner.

Dinner on own. Opportunity to visit the cultural house in town for live music.

After breakfast, drive to Las Terrazas in Sierra del Rosario, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Las Terrazas was Cuba’s first eco-community; the residents here make their living by maintaining the hardwood forests and engaging in small-scale ecotourism. Tour the area with a local specialist who will explain the history of the program and the challenges and successes it has endured.

Also, today, it’s possible to visit the Orquideario (Orchid Garden) in Soroa, a collection of over 700 species, including 250 endemics. This is a beautiful place to walk, and depending on the seasonal climate, the orchids may still be in bloom at the time of your trip.

Visit the home of a well-known artist and learn about his inspirations for his unique work. Traditional Cuban countryside lunch.

Back in Havana, stop by an artisanal market to see the private enterprise in Cuba and have an opportunity to make last-minute purchases of artwork or handicrafts.

Check into your private bed and breakfast in Havana. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner in one of the best paladars in Havana and enjoy our last night in the fabulous city.

Bid fond farewell to Cuba.