Meals
Hop into a scenic coco-taxi ride along Prado Street, passing the Capitol and neocolonial landmarks. Stroll down lively Calle Obispo, stopping at the iconic Ambos Mundos Hotel - Ernest Hemingway’s former haunt - and the historic Taquechel Pharmacy with its elegant ceramic jars. Continue through Old Havana’s famed plazas: Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Francisco, and Plaza Vieja. Highlights include the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, and the charming Templete. Admire the Lion’s Fountain in Plaza San Francisco and the neo-classical Lonja del Comercio nearby.
Lunch is at Paladar Chacón 162, a retro spot decked with vintage motorcycles and Route 66 flair. Then enjoy a mojito at the lively Bodeguita del Medio and a visit to the Havana Club Rum Museum.
Cap off the day with a Cuban salsa lesson led by local dance experts, followed by dinner at La Esperanza, a 1930s home where the waiter recites the day’s French-inspired menu.
Overnight at the Grand Aston La Habana in Vedado (5-star)
Nicknamed one of the Seven Wonder Cities in 2016, Havana - often called the “City of Columns” - offers a day full of color, flavor, and nostalgia. Start with a ride in a vintage 1940s–50s car, then explore Fusterlandia, a whimsical mosaic-covered neighborhood crafted by artist José Fuster. Sip a cocktail at the legendary Bar de la Fama in Hotel Nacional, once a haunt of celebrities and mobsters. Dive into Cuba’s cigar and rum traditions with a private workshop and tasting session. Lunch at a local paladar that serves up authentic Cuban flavors, followed by a scenic visit to El Morro fortress for sweeping views of the city. On the way back, enjoy a cocktail at La Tasca before dinner at Iván Chef Justo or Al Carbón, retro-style favorites known for their classic Cuban charm and mouthwatering suckling pig (lechón).
Begin with a coffee stop at Fiesta Campesina, where you’ll enjoy a cappuccino and a brief stroll through its mini-zoo of native Cuban species. Continue to Cienfuegos for a city tour showcasing its French colonial elegance. Highlights include Parque Martí, Teatro Terry, and the ornate Palacio del Valle, complete with an interior visit. Lunch is served at Paladar Ache, a historic favorite known for its roast pork and eclectic décor.
In the afternoon, explore Trinidad, a beautifully preserved colonial town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Museo Histórico Municipal, once the mansion of a sugar baron, for a glimpse into Cuba’s storied past. End the day with dinner at Paladar Los Conspiradores, a charming spot blending traditional Cuban flavors with modern flair, right in the heart of Trinidad.
Begin with a visit to Manaca Iznaga, a historic hacienda in the Sugar Mill Valley. Once home to a sugar baron, its iconic tower was used to oversee enslaved workers—a poignant reminder of Cuba’s colonial past.
Continue to Santa Clara for a moving visit to the Museo Memorial Che, where Che Guevara’s remains lie beneath a striking monument illuminated by Fidel Castro’s tribute. Lunch is at the stylish Fusione Restaurant before heading back to Havana. Celebrate your final evening with a farewell dinner at La Guarida, Cuba’s most iconic paladar, famed for its cinematic ambiance, gourmet cuisine, and celebrity allure.
Spend your final morning in Havana browsing the vibrant San José souvenir market near the port, perfect for handcrafted keepsakes and local art. Farewell to the “Old Lady of the Caribbean”! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mexico.
Upon arrival in Mexico City, meet your English-speaking local guide and transfer to your hotel. Celebrate your first night in Mexico with a festive Welcome Dinner and Tacos Night—an irresistible taste of local flavor.
Begin your day with a soul-stirring visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most revered Marian shrine in the Americas. Gaze upon the miraculous image of Our Lady imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma, and join fellow pilgrims in attending Holy Mass at this sacred site of devotion and hope. Continue to the charming district of Coyoacán, where cobbled streets and colonial charm lead you to the iconic Casa Azul—Frida Kahlo’s birthplace and sanctuary of creativity. Step inside the vivid cobalt-blue home that cradled her most intimate works and life with Diego Rivera. Their legacy lives on in this cultural haven that once welcomed artists, thinkers, and revolutionaries from around the world. Return to your hotel for a lively Mariachi Night Dinner. Savor regional specialties, sip on Margaritas, and let the joyful rhythms of traditional Mariachi music wrap you in the warmth of Mexican hospitality.
After breakfast and check-out, travel to the enchanting colonial city of Puebla, renowned for its baroque architecture, vibrant markets, and culinary heritage. Explore the UNESCO-listed historic center, where highlights include the majestic Puebla Cathedral, the ornate Church of St. Dominic, and the dazzling Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, often called a “jewel of Mexican Baroque.” Browse the colorful Parian Market for local crafts, then stroll down Calle de los Dulces, a charming street lined with traditional candy shops. Visit a Talavera workshop to learn about Puebla’s iconic hand-painted ceramics, and perhaps take home a piece of this timeless tradition. Enjoy some free time to relax or explore at your own pace. In the evening, gather for a delightful dinner out, featuring regional specialties—including the iconic mole poblano, a rich and flavorful dish born in Puebla and beloved across Mexico.
After breakfast and check-out, journey to Cholula, a town steeped in history and layered with architectural gems. Begin with visits to two exquisite baroque churches: Santa María Tonantzintla, adorned with indigenous motifs, and the richly tiled San Francisco Acatepec. Continue to the Real Chapel of the former Convent of San Gabriel, one of the oldest Franciscan sites in the Americas. From the base of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, admire the iconic Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, perched dramatically above. Guests may opt for a gentle climb to enjoy sweeping views of the valley and nearby volcanoes. Next, travel to Teotihuacan, the legendary “City of the Gods.” Explore its vast archaeological zone, including the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, and remnants of ancient palaces and ceremonial platforms. Enjoy a special lunch at La Gruta, a celebrated restaurant nestled in a volcanic cave just steps from the pyramids. Savor traditional Mexican cuisine in an unforgettable setting that has welcomed travelers since the 1900s, including dignitaries and artists from around the world. After lunch, visit a nearby obsidian workshop, where artisans demonstrate the stone’s cultural significance. Cap off the experience with a Tequila and Mezcal tasting, a flavorful nod to Mexico’s spirited heritage. Dinner on your own—perhaps explore the nearby Zona Rosa for a range of dining options.
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full-day excursion to the enchanting silver city of Taxco de Alarcón, nestled in the mountains and famed for its colonial charm and artisanal silverwork. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed homes and red-tiled roofs. Visit the iconic Santa Prisca Church at Plaza Borda, a baroque gem that anchors the town’s historic center. Enjoy free time to browse local boutiques and markets—Taxco is a shopper’s paradise, especially for handcrafted silver jewelry and keepsakes. Return to Mexico City in the evening for a relaxed taco dinner, followed by time to unwind.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out on a half-day cultural tour of Mexico City, tailored for comfort and reflection. See Mexico City’s historic center, a vibrant tapestry of colonial grandeur and modern life. At the heart lies the Zócalo, one of the largest public squares in the world, surrounded by centuries of history. Visit the awe-inspiring Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest in Latin America, with its blend of architectural styles and storied past. View the National Palace from the outside, home to Diego Rivera’s famous murals and the seat of Mexico’s presidency. After lunch on your own you may choose to revisit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe for a quiet moment of farewell and reflection. This optional visit offers a meaningful close to the journey for those who wish to return to this sacred site. In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner, celebrating the memories, friendships, and cultural treasures shared throughout the tour. Time for packing and early rest in preparation for your early flight the next morning