Day 1: Mexico City
Welcome to Mexico! Transfer to the hotel and free time. Our guide will contact you late in the afternoon.
Day 2: Mexico City
Today we have a fantastic day ahead to explore MEXICO. In the morning, we’ll head to the neighborhood of Xochimilco, a wonderful place known for its canals and semi-floating gardens. Here, we’ll enjoy a ride on a trajinera — colorful, flower-decked boats.Afterwards, we’ll take a panoramic tour of the city. We’ll see the Plaza of the Three Cultures, the historic downtown featuring the Zócalo and its Metropolitan Cathedral, the Aztec Templo Mayor, Chapultepec Park, Paseo de la Reforma, and the main avenues of this impressive city.We’ll have free time for lunch at the Zócalo in Mexico City.After lunch, we’ll visit the Basilica of Guadalupe, the most visited Catholic shrine in the Americas, home to the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. There, we’ll see both the old 18th-century basilica and the modern temple.In the evening, we’ll head to Plaza Garibaldi, famous for its many cantinas, restaurants, and bars where tacos and tequila are served and Mariachi bands perform.Dinner is included at a typical Mexican restaurant
Day 3: Mexico City - Mine two star - Tlalpujahua - Patzcuaro
We’ll begin our day heading toward the mountain and forest areas where the monarch butterflies spend the winter. We’ll visit La Mina de las Dos Estrellas, a mine-turned-museum that showcases the region’s rich mining history and culture.Next, we’ll explore TLALPUJAHUA, a "Pueblo Mágico" in the state of Michoacán. With its magnificent Baroque sanctuary, cobblestone streets, and charming atmosphere, this town is famous for its handcrafted Christmas ornaments. You’ll be surprised to see Santa Claus figures displayed in many of its shops. There will be free time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.We’ll then continue on to PÁTZCUARO, where we’ll take a panoramic tour of one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. With its pre-Hispanic origins, colonial architecture, craft markets, and vibrant ambiance, Pátzcuaro is truly unforgettable.
Day 4: Patzcuaro - Morelia - Tlaquepaque - Guadalajara
We’ll depart for MORELIA, the capital of Michoacán — a UNESCO World Heritage City known for its magnificent pink-stone architecture and beautiful historic center. Highlights include its Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and the University of Morelia, founded in 1540. There will be free time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.On our route, we’ll stop in TLAQUEPAQUE, a Pueblo Mágico filled with mariachi music, live performances, artisan shops, and a variety of local cuisine.We’ll then continue to GUADALAJARA, the capital of the state of Jalisco, a vibrant colonial city known as the birthplace of Mariachi and Tequila. Arrival will be in the late afternoon.
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
We’ll travel through the mountains to Dolores Hidalgo, the birthplace of Mexican independence. Next, we’ll visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, known as the "Sanctuary of God and Country," also declared a World Heritage Site (please note that on some occasions we may not be able to visit the interior due to ongoing retreats). Afterwards, we’ll explore San Miguel de Allende, a stunning World Heritage city with beautiful colonial architecture and charming cobbled streets. There will be time to stroll around. Later, we’ll arrive in Queretaro, known for its magnificent colonial center, its Plaza de Armas, and its lively restaurants and pedestrian streets.
Day 8: Queretaro - Tula - Puebla - Mexico City
We’ll depart for TULA, where we’ll include a visit and entrance to the archaeological site, the ancient capital of the Toltecs. Its main attraction is the Atlantes, impressive four-meter-tall warrior statues. The site also features pyramids, palaces, and carved columns that reflect the sophistication of this pre-Hispanic civilization.We’ll then arrive in PUEBLA,, where we’ll take a panoramic tour of this historic city, renowned for its gastronomic tradition, colonial architecture, and distinctive pottery. Highlights include its magnificent Renaissance-style cathedral and lively Zócalo (main square).We’ll reach MEXICO CITY at approximately 8:30 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’ll include a tour of approximately four hours. We’ll explore Colonial Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Revolution Square and the University. We’ll also visit the Havana Club Rum Museum. Our experience continues with a short boat ride across the bay to Regla, where we’ll visit the Church of the Virgin of Regla—an important site of devotion where Catholicism and Afro-Cuban religions blend in a powerful expression of syncretism. Will you buy flowers and have your palm read by a daughter of Ochún? Around lunchtime, we’ll head to the Callejón del Chorro area, known for its many “paladares” (privately-owned restaurants), where you’ll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch. The afternoon will be 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
Just under one hundred kilometers separate us from Trinidad. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the most beautiful and best-preserved colonial city in Cuba, a true open-air museum and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our tour, we’ll visit the Yemayá Santería Temple, dedicated to the orisha (deity) of the sea, where offerings of fruit, water, and stones are placed. A local santero will share insights into this fascinating religion and its beliefs. Following the visit, lunch will be included, and we’ll head to our resort hotel in Playa Ancón. You’ll have the afternoon free to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on this stunning beach, or—if you prefer—to explore Trinidad at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll offer a transfer to the cathedral so you can experience the “music square,” filled with small restaurants and the vibrant sounds of Cuban music. Dinner will be 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’ll go on a panoramic tour of Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city—an energetic place full of contrasts, known as the capital of music and the Cuban Revolution. Just 20 km outside the city, nestled among the mountains, we’ll visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, where we’ll be moved by the deep devotion to Cuba’s patron saint. Our journey will then take us to Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, the final resting place of Fidel Castro and José Martí. We’ll also visit the Bacardí Rum Factory and the Castillo del Morro, an imposing fortress perched on a promontory, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a fascinating Piracy Museum. Lunch will be included. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to continue discovering the magic of Santiago at your own pace.
Day 16: Santiago de Cuba
Breakfast. End of our services. Transfer from the hotel to the airport not included.