Cienfuegos City Center: Paseo del Prado (Calle 37) stretching from Río el Inglés in the north to Punta Gorda in the south is the longest street of its kind in Cuba and a great place to see the people from this city going about their daily business. Part of Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC Optional: walk down the Prado to see more of the local life. Mobility note: easy flat surface, wheel chair accessible.

Cienfuegos City Center: Statue of Benny Moré is located on the Prado on 54 Av. Benny Moré is often thought of as the greatest Cuban popular singer of all time. You can just pay your respects to this life-size likeness of the musician with his trademark cane. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

The Coppelia ice cream chain has parlors across Cuba. The large Coppelia ice cream parlor in Cienfuegos is on the Prado just a block from the Benny Moré Statue (you can see it in the backgroud of the photo of Benny Moré above. Cuban's love ice cream. There is almost always a long line at the palour. Even if you don't go in for a taste it is worth seeing this cultural icon. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

Cienfuegos City Center: Ave. 54 (San Fernando) is Cienfuegos shopping street aka Boulevard. The pedestrian street spans between Paseo del Prado and the city's main square Parque Jose Marti. On our tours we will walk along this Cienfuegos quintessential shopping street. Part of Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC Option: we can have a short visit to the state owned Cigar store and the House of Rum before heading over to see the historical sites around the square.

NOTE: only buy Cigars in official state owned Cigar stores, NEVER from street vendors!

Cienfuegos City Center: Parque Jose Marti is Cienfuegos's main square. This is the oldest part in the city surrounded by historical buildings: the City Hall, Tomás Terry theater, Casino Español, the Cathedral, , Ferrer Palace, The Arc of the Workers... There are many photo opportunities around the square. Part of Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

Cienfuegos City Center: Tomás Terry Theater Sharing French and Italian influences, it is grand from the outside (look for the gold-leafed mosaics on the front facade), but even grander within. Built between 1887 and 1889 to honor Venezuelan industrialist Tomás Terry, the 950-seat auditorium is embellished with Carrara marble, hand-carved Cuban hardwoods and whimsical ceiling frescoes. In 1895 the theater opened with a performance of Verdi´s Aida and it has witnessed numerous landmarks in Cuban music, as well as performances by the likes of Enrico Caruso, Anna Pavlova, and with plays and concerts. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC An optional inside tour is 5 CUC extra.

Cienfuegos City Center: Colegio San Lorenzo On the east side of Teatro Café Tomás, this building with striking colonnade façade was constructed during the 1920s with funds left by the wealthy city patron Nicolás Salvador Acea whose name also graces one of the city´s cemeteries. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

Cienfuegos City Center: Catedral de la Purisima Concepcion The Cathedral is on the side of Cienfuegos's main square. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC The Cathedral is opened for visitors to go inside.

Cienfuegos City Center: Palacio de Gobierno Most of Parque Marti’s south side is dominated by this grandiose building Palacio de Gobierno or Government Palace. This is the City Hall of Cienfuegos. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC Visitors are not allowed but you can still have a look at the palatial main staircase through the front door.

Casino Español (Museo Provincial de Cienfuegos) was a Casino now turned into a provincial museum. Located at the middle south side of the square, it is gorgeous inside with lots of marble and beautiful exhibits. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC If you would like to go inside the entrance fee is 1 CUC extra. Note that signs in the museum are in Spanish. However our guide is there to help translate. It is worth seeing even without reading the signs.

Cienfuegos City Center: Ferrer Palace Across the south west corner of the park is Ferrer Palace. Recently completely renovated. It has an accessible rooftop with one of the best panoramic view of the city. You can climb up the spiral staircase for a even higher view. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC Optionally we can go to the terrace and climb up the stairs for a great view of the square and the city. Extra cost: 2 cuc.

Cienfuegos City Center: Arch de Triumph Dedicated to Cuban independence, the Francophile monument ushers you through its gilded gateway toward a marble statue of revolutionary and philosopher José Martí. It catapults the plaza into the unique category: there is no other building of its kind in Cuba. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

Cienfuegos City Center: A block from the square La Union Hotel (Calle 31 Ave. 54 and 56) is a beautiful classic hotel in the center of Cienfuegos. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC Time permitting and if you like we can walk through the beautiful inner courtyards. The rooftop terrace is a perfect spot for a beverage break and/or to see the sunset.

Calle 29 (Santa Isabel) Crafts Vendors are lined up on the Vendor Street from the Cienfuegos' main square to the waterfront. Your guide will gladly help negotiate for the best price to buy your gifts home.Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

Beside La Union Hotel there are several other excellent beverage stops in the City Center. Often there is musical performance at no or minimal cover charge. El Palatino Coffee Shop is a nice bar Ave. 54 corner of Calle 25 Tropisur has daily music as well as nightly cabaret style entertainment with a modest entrance fee, Patio Terry (Ave 56, between 27 and 29 streets) is across from the main square, Jardines de la UNEAC (Calle 25, between Ave 54 and 56). Cienfuegos´ best venue with an outdoor patio hosting Afro-Cuban peñas (musical performances). Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

For a slice of Cuban life, our tours can include a visit to the local Peasant Market where the local sell their fruits and vegetables. Mercado Campesino is located at Ave 58 and 31 street. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

During our tour we can discuss the local economy and how Cuban's shops. We can visit a local government owned Supermarket and a local ration store and explain the Cuban food economy. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

From the Cienfuegos City Center driving down Paseo del Prado (Calle 37), the Malecón (Sea Wall) stands next to the Cienfuegos Bay. It is here that Cubans hang out The Cienfuegos Malecón does not overlook the sea but to the Bay of Jagua. Its calm waters are navigable by those ships that cross the narrow channel that connects to the Caribbean Sea. It is a peaceful stretch with spectacular views going into the Punta Gorda neighborhood. There are several gorgeous historical buildings worth seeing and stopping in. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

Palacio Azul Designed by the Italian architect Alfredo Fontana Giugni, graduated in Leonardo da Vinci Institute and author of numerous architectonic works in Cienfuegos. Built between 1920 and 1921, it was one of the first buildings situated in this zone of the city. It was the house of Emilio Menéndez Acebal who passed away in 1938. After Emilio´s death, the house is hired and later bought by Consuelo Trinidad, daughter of the owner of cigarette firm ¨Trinidad and Brothers¨. In the 60´s her husband Nicolás Rodriguez donated the palace to the Cuban State. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC Depending on timing we can arrange for an exclusive stops at the roof terrace for a great sunset view.

Punta Gorda area: Club Cienfuegos Once an exclusive yacht club and still offering nautical excursions aplenty. There is a state own restaurant onsite however quality at private restaurants are far more better. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC We can stop to go inside the building and walk around to the see the view from the back where the yachts are docked.

Punta Gorda area: Parque de Las Escultura The park has several interesting modern sculptures donated by famous Cuban artists. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC We can have an extended stop to see the many sculptures and take photos.

Punta Gorda area: Palacio de Valle Near the end of Calle 37 is the Arabian Nights like Palacio de Valle. Built in 1917 by Acisclo del valle Blanco, a Spaniard from Asturias, the structure resembles an outrageously ornate Moroccan Kasbah. This is simply the most beautiful building in Cienfuegos often called the Taj Mahal of Cienfuegos. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC We can have an extended stop for you to explore the architecture inside and out. The terrace is also a good place for an excellent view of the bay and a good rest stop for a beverage.

The best private restaurants in Cienfuegos are located in the Punta Gorda area. Let us know if you would like to have a relaxing authentic Cuban lunch as part of your Cienfuegos experience. Please note that some restaurants require reservation especially on cruise days. Please account for 1-2 hours as service in local restaurants can be spotty. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

Cienfuegos has the most beautiful sunsets in Cuba. If timing is right we can arrange to see the sunset in one of the Punta Gorda area roof terrace. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

Many of the houses in the Punta Gorda neighborhood are converted into Casa Particulares and private Paladars. If you have interest you are welcome to have a quick tour of our Casa Hostal La Verde. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

La Laguna del Cura beach is a beautiful local beach in Punta Gorder. It is a short walk from our Casa in Punta Gorda. If you have interest we can have a scenic drive and walk to this great neighborhood beach. Tours: TC, CC, BC, EC, DC, JC, LC

Drive to Trinidad The drive to/from Cienfuegos to Trinidad is 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. We will pass by horse/donkey drawn carriage and animals on the road. Beside the scenic view of the country side along the way we will take the opportunity to talk about Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Cuba, our people our culture, how we live day to day and how the country has changed over the years. We can go as deep as you like. The advantage of a private tour vs. a tour from a state owned company is you will hear about the area from the local guide who lives here. Tours: TC, TV

The Farmer's house near Trinidad is an optional 15 minutes stop. We can get a tasting of Cuban tropical fruits and local honey. Tours: TC, TV The fruits and honey are inexpensive for purchase and can be your snacks if you would like to save time by not having a sit down lunch.

Trinidad City Center: Plaza Mayor In Trinidad we will scroll through the cobble streets all roads lead to Plaza Mayor, the town´s remarkably peaceful Main Square, located at the heart of the old town and ringed by a quartet of impressive buildings. Tours: TC, TV

Trinidad City Center: Museo Romántico is across from Plaza Mayor. It was the glittering Palacio Brunet, the home of Spanish count Nicolás de la Cruz Brunet. The ground floor was built in 1740, and the upstairs was added in 1808. In 1974 the mansion was converted into a museum with an important collection of 19th century furniture and decorative arts. Tours: TC, TV With the optional tour inside you will see a luxurious décor of marble and crystal, fine porcelain, china statuettes and French opaline objects sitting on top of mahogany furniture.

Trinidad City Center: Iglesia Parroquial de la Santísima or “Church of the Holy Trinity” sits across Plaza Mayor. It was rebuilt in 1892 on the site of an earlier church destroyed in a storm, the church mixes 20^th-century touch-ups with artifacts from as far back as 18^th century, such as the venerated Christ of the True Cross (1713), which occupies the second altar from the front to the left. Tours: TC, TV We can go inside the church on our tour if you have interest.

Trinidad City Center: Museo de Arquitectura de Trinidad also across the square shows the upper-class domestic architecture of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. It was once the residence of the wealthy Iznaga family. Tours: TC, TV For a small entrance fee we can go inside for a tour of the interior if you have interest.

Trinidad City Center: Museo Nacional de la Lucha contra Bandidos: Perhaps the most recognizable building in Trinidad is the dilapidated pastel-yellow bell tower of the former convent of San Francisco de Asis. Since 1986 the building has housed a museum with photos, maps, weapons and other objects relating to the struggle against the counter-revolutionary bands that took a leaf out of Fidel´s book and operated illicitly out of the Sierra del Escambray between 1960 and 1965. Tours: TC, TV If you have interest for a small entrance fee we can go inside tour of the museum and also climb up the tower for a fantastic view of Trinidad and it's surroundings.

Trinidad City Center: La Bodeguita Del Medio is a good local paladar for a reasonably priced Cuban lunch.... there's live music during lunch time. Tours: TC, TV

Trinidad City Center: Taberna La Canchanchara is famous for its eponymous house cocktail made from rum, honey, lemon and water. Local musicians regularly perform here to entertain visitors. If we are tight in time on a 6 or 7 hour tour you may want to consider bringing snacks (or fruits from the farm house) and relax with a cocktail instead of having a sit down lunch. Tours: TC, TV optional stop.

Trinidad also has its share of crafts vendors as well as tourist shops. If you need help with negotiating prices for a gift to bring home. We will be glad to assist. Tours: TC, TV optional stop.

Trinidad City Center: Keramiker Santander, El Alfarero Casa Chichi (Santander family famous 'Casa Chichi' pottery house) The Muslim Spain's pottery techniques is still being used at the Santander family workshop in the Cuban town of Trinidad. At the workshop you can see artists at work. The finished work is also available for purchase. This is an optional stop for our Trinidad Tours: TC, TV

Valle de Los Ingenios Mirador Lookout (30 minutes) The Mirador Lookout has a sweeping panoramic view of the Sugar Mill Valley Valle de Los Ingenios it is a good rest stop to stretch and a good place for a quick beverage break. A very reasonably priced zipline across the valley is available as an optional activity. Tours: TC9, TV. For the mobility challenge there are steeps stairs to the lookout point. Instead we can continue for a panoramic drive around the valley.

Torre de Manaca Iznaga (Iznaga Tower) and plantation house. Manaca Iznag was the largest plantation in the area with the tallest watch tower in the Caribbean We will part at the old train station and take a short walk to the plantation house. Along the way are local craft vendors. Tours: TC9, TV If you like you can climb the tower for a haunting view of the valley (1 CUC extra). For the mobility challenge this would be a panoramic drive only. The walkway to the plantation is flat but is made of rough cobblestones. It may be difficult for some. Tour: TV

Ingenio San Isidro is a former sugar cane plantation has the best English speaking guided tour providing excellent insights into the era of slavery, the workings of the sugar mills and the sugarcane industry in Cuba. It is a easy walk around the ruins as the guide share this fascinating piece of Cuban history. Tour: TV9