Cuba & Mexico: 12-Day Cultural Adventure

We meet our Ejder Turizm guests at Istanbul Airport at 11:30. We depart at 15:50 on a direct flight with Türk Hava Yolları and arrive in Havana at 21:30. After being welcomed on arrival, we check in to our hotel. On our first night in Cuba, we feel the warmth of the tropical climate. Flight details for TK 183 are Istanbul (IST) - Havana (HAV), 15:50 - 21:30. We stay at the 4-star Hotel NH Capri or a similar hotel.

We start the day exploring the narrow, interconnected streets of Old Havana (Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Catedral and San Francisco Square, where we see examples of colonial architecture. Then we take a city tour in classic American convertibles from the '50s. Along the way, we explore Havana's waterfront, Malecon, and Revolution Square (Plaza de la Revolución). In the evening, you can stop at La Bodeguita del Medio, one of Hemingway's favorite spots. The day's planned activities are the Classic Car Tour and the Old Havana Walking Tour. Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel NH Capri or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, we leave Havana and head to Vinales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the fields where tobacco used in cigar production is grown and learn about cigar making from local farmers. We view the limestone hills known as Mogotes from the Los Jazmines terrace. We then take a boat ride along the underground river in Cueva del Indio cave. The day's planned activities are a Tobacco Farm Tour, views from Los Jazmines and a Cave Boat Tour. We have lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the valley. Accommodation will be at NH Capri Havana or similar 4-star hotels.

We leave Havana early in the morning and head towards Cuba's southern coast. First, we visit Cienfuegos, founded by French settlers and known as the Pearl of the South for its architecture. After seeing Jose Marti Square and Tomas Terry Theatre, we continue to Trinidad, known for its cobbled streets. The city's colourful houses and Plaza Mayor reflect its colonial past. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant during the tour. We spend the night at the 4-star Brisas Trinidad del Mar hotel or similar colonial hotels.

After breakfast, we depart for Santa Clara, the most important strategic location of the Cuban Revolution. During our visits to the Che Guevara Mausoleum and the Museo Memorial El Tren Blindado at the historic site of the “Armored Train” raid, we learn about Cuba's recent history. After the visits, we return to the capital, Havana, in the evening. We stay at the 4-star NH Capri Havana or similar hotels.

On our last morning in Havana, we have free time for souvenir shopping. We then transfer to the airport and fly to Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, on an Aeromexico scheduled flight. Departure from Havana (HAV) is at 16:15, and arrival in Mexico City (MEX) is at 18:35. On arrival, we take a panoramic city tour in the private vehicle waiting for us. After the tour, we head to a local restaurant in the city centre for dinner, where we sample Mexican dishes. We stay at the 4-star Barceló Mexico Reforma or a similar hotel.

We begin the day by exploring Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. First, we visit Zocalo Square, one of the world's largest squares in the city center, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. We then take a panoramic look at the National Palace, which reflects Mexico's history. After lunch at a local restaurant, we explore thousands of years of history at the National Museum of Anthropology, where artifacts from Aztec and Maya cultures are displayed. Our visit program includes Zocalo Square, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace and the Museum of Anthropology. We stay at the 4-star Hotel NH Collection Mexico City or a similar hotel.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and fly to Cancun. After a flight of approximately 3 hours, we arrive in Cancun on Mexico's Caribbean Sea coast. After checking in at the hotel, the rest of the day is free time. Guests can sunbathe on the beaches or relax and use the hotel's amenities. The Aeromexico flight from Mexico City (MEX) to Cancun (CUN) operates from 09:30 - 12:55. Accommodation is at the 4-star Wyndham Garden Cancun Downtown or a similar hotel.

Today, we set off early in the morning to explore the ancient city of Chichen Itza, an important center of Maya civilization and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We visit the Kukulkan Pyramid, the Temple of the Jaguar and the Temple of the Warriors to learn about the Maya's work in mathematics and astronomy. We then stop for a swim in a Cenote (a natural water well) considered sacred by the Maya. Afterwards, we visit the town of Valladolid, known for its colonial architecture. We have lunch at a traditional Maya restaurant. We spend the night at the 4-star Wyndham Garden Cancun Downtown or a similar hotel.

This additional day in the tour program offers a full day of free time to relax in Cancun's waters and enjoy the Caribbean. Guests can take boat tours, go snorkeling or shop for Mexican art items in Cancun's markets. Ejder Turizm guests can spend the day relaxing or taking part in these activities. Accommodation will be at the 4-star Wyndham Garden Cancun Downtown or a similar hotel. There will be no guided tour today. Guests can plan their day as they wish.

After breakfast, we spend some final time enjoying the sun and sea until midday. At the time set by our guide, we transfer to the airport and begin our return journey to Istanbul on a direct Turkish Airlines flight. After spending the night on board, we arrive in Istanbul on the morning of day 12, bringing our tour to an end. Flight details for TK 184 are Cancun (CUN) - Istanbul (IST), 14:40 - 10:40 (+1). Our arrival is scheduled for 10:40 on the morning of day 12.

We arrive. Our tour ends.