For more information on the Walking Adventures International, check out: https://walkingadventures.com/.
0700 – Breakfast available at the hotel
(They did not let us know it was included with the room, but in any case Sherry and a few others were hit last night with some sort of gastro intestinal ailment so we skipped breakfast. She was not feeling the best, but since today was the classic car highlight of the trip, we had to go.)
0845 – Meet in the lobby for classic car tour
Our day begins with a memorable tour of the city by convertible classic car. Perhaps the most iconic images of Cuba are these wonderfully restored automobiles from the 50s and 60s.
1000 – Arrive at San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress for start of today’s walk
Our vintage vehicles deposit us at the entrance to San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress on the opposite side of Havana Bay to start today’s walk. This late 18th century behemoth is the third largest fortress in the Americas and sits atop the cliff overlooking Havana, providing outstanding views of the harbor and the city, and contributing an intriguing piece of Cuba’s history. From La Cabaña, our trail takes us to the fishing community of Casa Blanca to ride the local pedestrian ferry across the harbor. We disembark in Habana Vieja – Old Havana – to continue our walk through the oldest parts of the city, dating back to 1514! Of primary interest are Havana’s lovely squares – four of which are featured on our walk.
1300 – Finish walk in Old Havana followed by lunch together
After lunch, we return to the hotel. However, this is a great opportunity to stay in Old Havana to explore this fascinating combination of wonderful architectural restoration and rampart decay, overlaid with a vibrant cultural vibe that continues into the night. No activities are planned for the rest of the day.
As part of our stay at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, we were entitled to a free drink. We went outside on the Atlantic Ocean, got our Mojitos, and sat watching the ocean. Did not bring the camera. Saw there were some walking paths and began walking on them. On our left was what looked like a strange building, so we went to it. It was open. We went in. Found a really old guy [I know, I can relate] and he took us on a tour of the Cuban Defense System Early Warning bunkers, where every time there were threats the army posted soldiers here to watch the ocean for incoming attackers. We actually walked underground, stuck our heads up into observation tubes, made a huge circle. It was very interesting and included photos in the lobby taken during the Bay of Pigs invasion. I don't think anyone else on the tour saw it, and I am sorry I did not get any pictures of it. From the Malecón pictures yesterday, behind and to the right of the rock wall waterfalls with 'CUBA' are the tunnels and observation posts.
Breakfast Buffet
Meeting out front to choose our car for the morning drive
Vintage cars dropped us off at the Plaza de la Revolución, with the Monument to José Martí, and the outlines of José Martí and Che Guevara on the side of buildings
Return to the cars for the continuation of the voyage into the San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress
San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress
El Cristo de la Habana
Casa Blanca local pedestrian ferry across the harbor
And off into Habana Vieja - Old Havana
Plaza Vieja
The oldest drug store in the country
And back on the streets of Old Havana
Lunch, tomorrow's schedule, then back on the walk
Plaza de la Catedral on Calle Empedrado, home of the Havana Cathedral
