Day 1 |  Havana, Cuba

We depart on a flight to Havana, Cuba, a unique colonial city with over 2 million residents. Founded by the Spanish conqueror Velázquez during the colonial occupation, Havana became the departure port for Spanish ships before returning "home" and the central hub of Castro's revolution in 1959. Havana, captivating the likes of writer Ernest Hemingway and serving as a backdrop for the American Mafia in the 1930s, is a fascinating city with numerous sites to explore. Depending on the arrival time in Havana, we'll check into our hotel for the night (Kosher hotel in Havana).

Day 2 | Havana and its sites

During our tour of Havana, we will visit the local synagogue and explore the historic area, including the fortress "Real Fuerza" and stroll through the four traditional squares of the city: Plaza de Armas, San Francisco, Vieja, and Cathedral. In the afternoon, we will visit the Havana Club, also known as the Rum Museum, where we'll learn about the iconic Cuban beverage. There will also be free time to explore the local market and stroll through the authentic streets of Old Havana, offering a panoramic view of Capitol Hill (a replica of Washington) and the historic yacht "Granma," which played a significant role in Fidel Castro's revolution. Evening accommodations and dinner in Havana.

Day 3 | Day trip to Viñales region - Havana

Today, we leave Havana for Viñales, stopping on the way to visit tobacco farms and the largest and most prestigious cigar factory globally, where cigars are still handmade without machines. In the unique Viñales Valley, we'll enjoy a breathtaking view of Los Jazmines Valley and embark on an adventurous horseback ride through the giant mogotes (hills). Later, we'll explore the subterranean "Indian Cave" and return to our hotel in Havana for the night and dinner.

Day 4 | Havana - Bay of Pigs - Cienfuegos - Trinidad

In the morning, we depart for Trinidad, a colonial city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. En route, we'll visit the Bay of Pigs, the site of the failed U.S. invasion, and explore Cienfuegos, stopping at Parque José Martí and the "Palacio de Valle." In the afternoon, we'll reach the famous Bay of Pigs, where we'll learn about the events of the attempted American invasion. Continuing our journey, we'll arrive in the charming city of Trinidad for overnight accommodations.

Day 5 | Trinidad and the Valley of the Sugar Mills

Trinidad, a UNESCO-preserved city, may not be large, but it preserves remarkable authenticity. We'll stroll through its unique streets, visit two museums (the Romantic Museum and the Architecture Museum), and explore the local market. Of course, we won't miss the "must-visit" spot in the city, La Canchánchara Bar, where we'll taste the famous rum-honey concoction. Afterward, we'll venture to the nearby Valley of the Sugar Mills, learning about the famous sugar cane plantations. Returning to Trinidad, we'll have a private salsa lesson, followed by an evening meal and a visit to "Casa de la Musica," an authentic Cuban music club.

Day 6 | Trinidad to the beaches of Varadero

In the morning, we'll bid farewell to beautiful Trinidad and head towards Varadero, known as the "Cancun of Cuba." En route, we'll stop in Santa Clara, where the critical turning point in the 1959 revolution took place, and visit the monument honoring Che Guevara. Upon reaching Varadero, a resort town along the Caribbean Sea, we'll check in for overnight accommodations and dinner.

Day 7 | Leisure day on the beaches of Varadero

This morning, we'll enjoy true relaxation on the exotic beaches of the Caribbean Sea. We'll explore the tourist town at our leisure and recharge for the continuation of our journey in Costa Rica.

Day 8 | Havana - San Jose - Poas Volcano - La Paz Waterfall Gardens

In the morning, we'll depart for San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Upon arrival, we'll head to one of Costa Rica's active volcanoes, Poas Volcano, surrounded by unique rainforest landscapes and coffee plantations. We'll also visit the impressive La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Overnight stay near Poas Volcano.

Day 9 | San Jose - Tortuguero Reserve

This morning, we will leave San Jose for the Caribbean Sea towards the famous Tortuguero Reserve, known for its rich tropical wildlife, water birds, and sea turtles. We'll navigate through the water channels leading to the reserve while enjoying nature observations. Upon reaching the lodge, we'll embark on a walking tour of the Caribbean village of Tortuguero and its surroundings. Overnight stay in Tortuguero.

Day 10 | Tortuguero Reserve - La Fortuna Waterfalls - Arenal Volcano

This morning, we will leave the Tortuguero area and head to the Arenal Volcano, the central tourist site. The tropical rains refresh the soil, leaving it lush and green, with valleys full of natural vegetation, rushing rivers, hot springs, wildlife, and national parks. Our visit to the reserve will begin with a stop at La Fortuna Waterfalls, also known as the "Lucky Falls." A short walk will lead us to this impressive and tall waterfall, formed by the eruption of the Arenal Volcano. From here, we will continue to explore the ancient and picturesque village of La Fortuna, a place rich in history, culture, and tradition. We'll learn about the traditional sugar production methods, including the "ticos" Costa Rican tradition, and see different local farms processing their land using ancient methods from centuries ago. In the evening, we will relax in the hot springs for enjoyment and rejuvenation.

Day 11 | From Arenal to the Cloud Forests of Monteverde

This morning, we will continue to explore and be amazed by the breathtaking views of the Arenal Reserve, heading towards the lush green forests of Monteverde. Established in 1951, Monteverde is home to a community of North American Quakers living at an elevation of 1,400 meters, preserving the area from any intruders. With the help of private organizations, Monteverde has become a biologically rich reserve with ecological systems where visitors encounter various wildlife within this protected environment. Accommodation and dinner will be at Monteverde in one of the ecological lodges built for this purpose.

Day 12 | The Green Mountain Every Day of the Year - Monteverde

This morning, we will explore the green landscapes of the "Green Mountain," the vast reserve of Monteverde. Within the reserve, we will enter the jungles' depths, where the density of climbers and the famous skywalk offer unique perspectives of the cloud forests distinctive to Costa Rica. If lucky, we might encounter the rare "quetzal" bird with its long green tail. We will also visit the famous hanging bridges, the skywalk, which allows us to appreciate the unique cloud forests of Costa Rica. If luck is on our side, we may encounter the rare "quetzal" bird with its long green tail. We'll continue to visit the "Colibri Garden" located near the reserve, closely observing the hummingbirds that come to drink from the sugar water in the garden. Before concluding the day, we will ascend for one last panoramic view of the cloud forest, Arenal Volcano (where we have already visited), and the stunning Gulf of Nicoya. Accommodation and dinner will be at Monteverde.

Day 13 | To Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve

This morning, we will leave the Monteverde area and embark on a tour of Manuel Antonio Park, a stunning reserve that includes beautiful beaches, mangroves, an island chain, tropical forest, and the unique Ponte Uva Cathedral. The park consists of four beaches, each with its own special features. Upon arrival, we will embark on a guided tour, where a professional guide will enlighten us about the variety of butterflies, monkeys, raccoons, snakes, water animals, orchids, and more. In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip to the picturesque Damas Islands, trying to get closer to the rich wildlife of Manuel Antonio Reserve and reaching the distant areas inhabited by capuchin monkeys, happily approaching the boats. During the boat trip, we will discover mysterious islands, cliffs, and rocks with unique shapes, appearing close enough to touch, providing a home to many types of birds and waterfowl, such as pelicans and more. After the boat tour, we will return to the hotel in the reserve to welcome the Sabbath.

Day 14 | Paradise Beach - Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve

We will spend this day on the Pacific Ocean shore resting, and exploring the surroundings of our hotel and enjoying the Caribbean Sea beach as well. Accommodation at Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve.

Days 15 | Manuel Antonio - San Jose

This morning, we will leave the Manuel Antonio area, where we spent the Sabbath, and head towards the capital city of San Jose. On our way, we will stop to visit a special farm dedicated to the breeding of crocodiles, marvel at the giant reptiles, and continue to explore the local market for shopping and touring the capital city of Costa Rica - San Jose. We will not miss a visit to the Gold Museum and the National Theater, the Artists' Market, and more. In the afternoon, we will transfer to the airport for a flight.