1. DAY: ISTANBUL – HAVANA | Journey to the Heart of the Caribbean
Our meeting for Ejder Turizm guests begins at Istanbul Airport at 11:30, and continues with Turkish Airlines’ comfortable direct flight. After taking off at 15:50 and enjoying a pleasant journey above the clouds, we arrive in Havana at 21:30 in the evening. After being greeted, we settle into our hotel and meet the warmth of the tropical climate on our first night in Cuba.
Flight Details: TK 183 Istanbul (IST) – Havana (HAV) | 15:50 – 21:30.
Accommodation: Hotel NH Capri 4 or similar
2. DAY: HAVANA CITY TOUR & CLASSIC CARS | A Wave of Nostalgia
We begin the day by exploring the labyrinth streets of Old Havana (Habana Vieja), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting gems of colonial architecture such as Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Catedral, and San Francisco Square, the most iconic moment of our tour begins: a magnificent city tour in 1950s open-top classic American cars, covering Havana’s seaside promenade Malecon and Revolution Square (Plaza de la Revolución). In the evening, you may stop by La Bodeguita del Medio, Hemingway’s favorite spot.
Activity: Classic Car Tour and Old Havana Walking Tour.
Accommodation: Hotel NH Capri 4 or similar
3. DAY: VINALES VALLEY & PINAR DEL RIO | The Story of Nature and Tobacco
After breakfast, we leave Havana and head toward Vinales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit tobacco fields, the raw material of the world’s finest cigars, and listen to local farmers explain the secrets of cigar making. After admiring the unique landscape created by the massive limestone hills called mogotes from the Los Jazmines terrace, we embark on a mystical boat journey on the underground river inside Cueva del Indio cave.
Activity: Tobacco Farm Visit, Los Jazmines Viewpoint, and Cave Boat Tour.
Lunch: Will be served at a local restaurant with a view of the valley.
Accommodation: NH Capri Havana 4 or similar
4. DAY: CIENFUEGOS & TRINIDAD | Colonial Gems
Early in the morning, we bid farewell to Havana and head down to Cuba’s southern coast. Our first stop is Cienfuegos, founded by French settlers and known as the “Pearl of the South” for its elegant architecture. After seeing José Martí Square and Tomas Terry Theater, we continue to Trinidad, a town that feels like an open-air museum with its cobblestone streets. The city’s colorful houses and Plaza Mayor will take us back to the grandeur of the colonial era.
Lunch: Will be served at a local restaurant during the tour.
Accommodation: Brisas Trinidad del Mar 4 or similar colonial hotels.
5. DAY: SANTA CLARA – HAVANA | A Symbol of an Era
After breakfast, we head to Santa Clara, one of the most important strategic points of the Cuban Revolution. By visiting Che Guevara’s mausoleum and the historic site of the “Armored Train” raid, we witness Cuba’s recent history. After this meaningful visit, we return to the capital, Havana, in the evening.
Visit: Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museo Memorial El Tren Blindado.
Accommodation: NH Capri Havana 4 or similar
6. DAY: HAVANA – MEXICO CITY | Crossing into the Land of the Aztecs
On our last morning in Havana, we have free time for souvenir shopping before transferring to the airport. We fly to Mexico City, Mexico’s vast and mysterious capital, on Aeromexico’s scheduled flight. Upon arrival, we enjoy a panoramic city tour with our private vehicle, then proceed to our dinner where we will taste the first examples of Mexican cuisine.
Flight Details: Aeromexico | Havana (HAV) – Mexico City (MEX) | 16:15 – 18:35.
Dinner: Will be served at a local restaurant in the city center.
Accommodation: Barceló Mexico Reforma 4 or similar
7. DAY: MEXICO CITY | Aztecs and Colonial Splendor
We begin the day by exploring Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. Our first stop is Zocalo Square, the heart of the city and one of the largest squares in the world, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Then we view the National Palace panoramically, where Mexico’s history is narrated. After lunch, we embark on a journey through thousands of years at the world-famous National Museum of Anthropology, where priceless artifacts from the Aztec and Maya cultures are exhibited.
Visits: Zocalo Square, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and Anthropology Museum.
Lunch: Will be served at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel NH Collection Mexico City 4 or similar
8. DAY: MEXICO CITY – CANCUN | Back to the Caribbean
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and fly to Cancun, Mexico’s holiday paradise. After about a 3-hour flight, we arrive in Cancun on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. After checking into the hotel, the rest of the day is free. Guests may relax on the white sandy beaches or enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
Flight Details: Aeromexico | Mexico City (MEX) – Cancun (CUN) | 09:30 – 12:55.
Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Cancun Downtown 4 or similar
9. DAY: CHICHEN ITZA & VALLADOLID | One of the Seven Wonders of the World
Today, we depart early to explore Chichen Itza, the pinnacle of Mayan civilization and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. As we visit the Kukulkan Pyramid, the Temple of the Jaguars, and the Temple of the Warriors, we will admire the genius of this mysterious civilization in mathematics and astronomy. Continuing the tour, we pause to swim in a sacred “Cenote” (natural water sinkhole) for the Mayans, and then visit the colonial town of Valladolid.
Lunch: Will be served at a traditional Maya restaurant.
Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Cancun Downtown 4 or similar
10. DAY: CANCUN | Free Time on Turquoise Shores
On this special day added to our tour, we offer a full day of free time so you can relax in Cancun’s turquoise waters and enjoy the Caribbean. Guests may join boat tours, go snorkeling, or shop for Mexican arts and crafts in Cancun’s lively bazaars. A relaxing and enjoyable stop for Ejder Turizm guests.
Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Cancun Downtown 4 or similar
Note: There is no guided tour today; guests are free to enjoy the day as they wish.
11. DAY: CANCUN – ISTANBUL | Return Journey
After breakfast, we enjoy the sun and sea one last time until noon. At the time specified by our guide, we transfer to the airport and begin our return journey to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines’ comfortable direct flight. After spending the night on the plane, we arrive in Istanbul on the morning of the 12th day and conclude our unforgettable tour with lasting memories.
Flight Details: TK 184 Cancun (CUN) – Istanbul (IST) | 14:40 – 10:40 (+1).
Arrival: Morning of the 12th day at 10:40
12. DAY: ISTANBUL | Arrival 10:40
Our arrival. End of our tour.
Transportation
TK 183 IST - HAV 15:25 / 20:45 Istanbul - Havana (Outbound)
AM 452 HAV - MEX 16:15 / 18:35 Havana - Mexico City (Connecting Flight)
AM 518 MEX - CUN 09:30 / 12:55 Mexico City - Cancun (Connecting Flight)
TK 184 CUN - IST 14:40 / 10:40+1 Cancun - Istanbul (Return)