Bay of Pigs! Sample Itinerary*
*A significant portion of your in-country programming is customized for each;group in order to maximize your cultural experience; Many of our visits are not tourist destinations and are not always available, therefore, this program should be considered as a sample only, and may not be the actual itinerary for your particular program.
Day 1: Bienvenidos a Havana!
Welcome to Havana! After clearing immigration and customs, your Cuban host will greet you and accompany you to your hotel in the heart of Havana. Take some time to settle in, and spend the rest of the day soaking up the incredible sights and sounds of the city. Later that evening, celebrate your arrival with a welcome dinner at the hotel.
(Dinner included)
Day 2: Castillo del Morro and the Malecon
After breakfast at the hotel, your Cuban host will escort you on a breathtaking stroll through Castillo del Morro (Morro Castle), the majestic waterfront, and the elegant neighborhood of Miramar.
In the afternoon, visit La Casa del Niño y la Niña (The House of the Boy and Girl) which provides social and educative services for families.
This evening, you’ll have the opportunity to have dinner and attend a musical performance by a jazz ensemble at a local music venue.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 3: Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
After breakfast, enjoy a stroll through the streets of historic Habana Vieja, exploring the famous Cathedral Square, Plaza de Armas, the City Museum, and the Havana Club Rum Museum. The city has been restored to its historic splendor by UNESCO World Heritage; it exudes colonial charm at its finest and is a must-see for all travelers. Later that morning, visit the Callejón de Hammel (Hammel’s Alley) – a community project promoting art, music, and culture. You'll have the incredible opportunity to meet with several Afro-Cuban artists for an up-close and personal look at the thriving arts scene.
After lunch, you’ll visit a community project where you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful interation with local people.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 4: The Bay of Pigs and Playa Larga
This morning you’ll head south towards the Zapata Peninsula and the famed Bay of Pigs. Upon your arrival, you’ll visit the crocodile farm at Boca de Guama. You’ll also visit a re-creation of a Taino Indian village made up of roughly 50 small thatched huts spread over several islets in the lagoon. Here you’ll have the rare opportunity to meet some of the local Taino people and learn about their traditional way of life.
Next stop is Playa Larga. After a quick check-in at the hotel, take some time to explore the area. Located in Playa Larga is the Bird Watching International Center if you are a fan of our feathered friends.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 5: Playa Giron
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll head to the Bay of Pigs, also known as Playa Girón, site of the legendary battle in April 1961 between Fidel Castro's forces and the counterrevolutionary army. Shrouded in history, the area is home to Museo Playa Girón (Playa Girón Museum). There you will find photos, relics, and a written history detailing the Bay of Pigs Invasion and battles. With its thriving biosphere, Playa Girón also strongly appeals to the nature lover.
In the afternoon, travel to the rural town of Papite - home of the Korimacao Community Project, where residents from the surrounding communities are given the opportunity to develop and improve their performing skills such as singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. You’ll learn about the growth and development of the program and interact with the talented students.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 6: Travel to Cienfuegos, then back to Havana
This morning you’ll venture off to the seaside city of Cienfuegos, also known as the "Pearl of the South". Walk through the main square and marvel at the architecture, mingling with the vibrant people who call this beautiful city home. From there you’ll explore the attractions in the main square and the Punto Gorda Peninsula, stopping for lunch along the way. No trip to Cienfuegos is complete without touring the acclaimed botanical gardens.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 7: Back in Havana
After breakfast, you'll head back to Havana.
In the afternoon, you’ll travel to one of Havana's health facilities, also known as a “polyclinic”, and learn about socialized medicine. While at the facility, you’ll partake in a meet-and-greet with the director and staff.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 8: Adios Cuba!
After breakfast, you'll bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight back home.
(Breakfast included)