Keeping Traditions Alive – Lunch with Locals

by coach & on foot

Departing from the port, you will embark on a sightseeing drive through the main streets of Santiago. Along the way, you will pass places of interest such as Plaza Dolores, famous for its neoclassical buildings, and the Plaza de Marte, which was formerly a military training ground before it became a meeting place for conspirators during the revolution.

You will enjoy some free time at the Cespedes Central Park and make a visit to Diego Velazquez House, the oldest house in Cuba and the first house built by the Spanish conqueror and governor. Parque Cespedes is located at the heart of Santiago de Cuba and you can admire the historical buildings with colonial architecture surrounding the lively plaza.

Your experience continues with a drive to one of the residential areas of the city, where you will visit a local restaurant. Here you can interact with your hosts to learn more about the national heritage of Cuba whilst enjoying a family-style meal including salad, meat, rice and dessert, accompanied by a glass of wine, beer or water. During your visit, you will discover the ‘pilon’, a handmade instrument used by the community to grind coffee for four generations, as you enjoy a demonstration of coffee being prepared with traditional Cuban flair.

Following your traditional Cuban experience, you will return to the port.