Santa Clara 1 night
Suitably rested, return to the Circuito Norte at Morón and head west to Remedios, another colonial gem worth a hour's stroll. If you're traveling around year's end, time your visit for the Christmas Day parranda, when the entire town explodes in firework fever (book accommodation far in advance). A spectacular side-trip is to Cayo Santa María, which adds two hours round-trip but offers sublime sands and seas. Continue to Santa Clara. The sole reason to visit is to view the Monumento Che Guevara and, beneath it, the fabulous Museo de Che. The best among the city's mediocre accommodations is Hotel Los Caneyes, also boasting the best dining in town.
Retrace your steps across the pedraplen and turn west onto the Circuito Norte. Almost immediately you enter the run-down and sprawling port town of Caibarien. You can skip the town by taking the town center by following the circunvalación on the town's southeast side. Still on the Circuito Norte (Ruta 4-321), you'll find yourself heading inland, arriving after only a few miles in Remedios. At the Y-fork, take the right-hand along Calle Andres del Río, which leads to the central plaza. Park on the south side of the plaza, in front of the Restaurant Las Leyendas. You'll want about one hour for strolling.
Exit town along Calle Andres del Río. The 45 km to Santa Clara are among the most scenic in Cuba as you pass through the tobacco-growing region of Vuelta Abajo. The road is in relatively good condition, delivering you in Santa Clara. If you want to visit the Monumento y Museum Che Guevara, turn left onto the Circunvalación on the side of town and follow it all the way around to the west side of the city, where the exit for the monument is signed; it's on Plaza de la Revolución, immediately east of the ring-road.
To continue to Havana, return to the circunvalación and retrace your steps east, exiting at the first exit on the right for the Autopista. It's about three hours on the freeway to Havana.
Havana 2 nights
The autopista brushes past Santa Clara, returning you to Havana in four hours where you can continue with your exploration of the stunning capital city. Your last night in Havana should merit a final splurge and where better than at La Guarida, the most intimate and atmospheric Cuban paladar. Afterwards, if you have not seen a top class Cuban band play, then you really have no excuse not to go now. Pulsating music and a great atmosphere guaranteed. Ensure that you get to the airport in plenty of time especially if you are flying Cubana.
