Inclusions:
- Meals - 7 breakfasts
- Transport
- Private vehicle
- Accommodation - Standard guesthouse (7 nights)
- Included activities
- Havana - Guided walking tour of Old Havana
- Vinales - Orientation Walk
- Vinales - Informal Spanish lesson
- Bay of Pigs - Visit & swim
- Playa Giron - Museum Giron Entrance and Film
- Cienfuegos - Orientation Walk
- Trinidad - an Orientation walk
- Santa Clara - Visit Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum
- Havana - Visit Plaza de la Revolucion
Exclusions:
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
2018 Departure Dates:
- 8, 15, 29 September
- 6, 13, 20, 27 October
- 3, 10, 17, 20, 24 November
- 1, 8, 15, 25 December
2019 Departure Dates:
- 5, 19, 26 January
- 2, 9, 16, 23 February
- 2, 9, 16, 30 March
- 6, 7, 13, 20 April
Discover Cuba
Discover Cuba, from historic Havana to the Caribbean splendour of Trinidad and Cienfuegos.
From city to country to coast, this is the perfect taste of Cuba. Begin on the charming streets of Havana, where old-time American automobiles, richly-scented Cuban cigars and an eclectic tapestry of architectures evoke a colourful past. Between the small-village vibes of Vinales and the outstanding the charisma of Trinidad, discover Cienfuegos and its heartbreaking blend of the Caribbean and Parisian flavours. With plenty of time to swim, snorkel, cycle and hike, this adventure combines Cuba’s old-world allure – including a fascinating snapshot of Che Guevara – with some of its best and most scenic destinations for outdoor activities.
The guesthouses (Casas) we use are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling but keep in mind that each and every room is unique. Regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country.
Funds can be difficult to access in Cuba. Ideally, bring multiple credit cards from several different banks just to be sure.
Luxuries such as air conditioning, and even toilet seats, are often scarce. Part of the experience here is learning to appreciate everyday Cuban resourcefulness.
Internet access can be hard to come by, and when it's available it's often unreliable and expensive. This is, on the other hand, a great opportunity to take a break from modern devices and have a true
holiday.
Cuba is different, and that's a big part of its allure. Things don't always go according to plan, and many things don't work the same way as back home. Patience and good humour will go a long way in this beautiful destination.
Life in Cuba may be slower and simpler than what you're used to. You'll have plenty of time free time to wander around villages, get active or while away the hours sipping rum in a bar.
Itinerary
Day 1: Havana
Bienvenido a Cuba! Welcome to Cuba! A complimentary arrival transfer is included with your trip. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so
the transfer can be organised.
As there's a great deal to do in Havana, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of this exciting city.
Accommodation – Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Havana - Buena Vista Social Club - CUC30
- Havana - Cigar factory tour - CUC12
- Havana - La Cabana Fortress canon blast ceremony - CUC8
- Havana - Baseball game (Oct-Apr) - CUC3
- Havana - Tourist bus day pass - CUC5
- Havana - Ernest Hemingway tour - CUC70
- Havana - Morro Castle - CUC3
Meals Included - There are no meals included on this day.
Day 2: Vinales
This morning your leader will take you on a 2 or so hour walking tour of the Old Havana. This tour includes a visit to the cathedral, Plaza de Armas, San Francisco de Asis, Plaza Vieja, Central Park and other sites. Next you will head west on a private bus to Vinales (approximately 3 hours). This is a small and charming rural village, and probably the easiest place in Cuba to mingle with locals, who are very sociable and love nothing better than to drink rum and dance the night away. The scenery around Vinales is some of the most picturesque in Cuba.
Accommodation - Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
- Havana - Guided walking tour of Old Havana
- Vinales - Orientation Walk
Meals Included
Day 3: Vinales
You will have an included informal Spanish lesson when the group decides. Then enjoy some free time today in Vinales, which you'll soon see is home to extraordinary scenery that's some of Cuba's best. Soak up the slow, old-world pace of rural Cuba, as oxen plod gracefully along the streets. There are many optional outdoor activities available. You might like to cruise around the area on a bicycle, hike through the tobacco fields or to explore one of America’s largest cave complexes up in the mountains. Your leader will have further recommendations.
Accommodation - Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities -Vinales - Informal Spanish lesson
Optional Activities
- Vinales - Bicycle hire (per day) - CUC5
- Vinales - Live music venues - CUC2
- Vinales - Palenque Cave - CUC1
- Vinales - Cueva del Indio (Cave visit with boat trip) - CUC5
- Vinales - Salsa lesson (per hour) - CUC10
- Vinales - Vinales valley guided walking tour - CUC10
Meals Included
Special Information
Cave visits will require sturdy footwear, as they can involve walking across slippery rocks.
Day 4: Bay of Pigs / Playa Larga
Today is a long travel day - Head back to Havana before continuing east to Playa Larga (approximately 8 hours). You will stop at the Bay of Pigs for a swim, and if there is time, you can hire snorkel gear. Continue to Playa Larga where you'll spend the night.
Accommodation - Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities - Bay of Pigs - Visit & swim
Meals Included
Day 5: Trinidad
Hit the road again today, firstly visiting the Giron Museum to learn about the Bay of Pigs Invasion – the battle between the US and the Cuban revolutionaries which resulted in the first defeat of a US-backed takeover in Latin America. Next stop is Cienfuegos, which some locals like to call 'The Pearl of the South'. You'll have time for an optional lunch or simply discover its beautiful colonial centre, with its wide Parisian-style boulevard and elegant colonnades. If there is time, pay a visit to the Palacio del Valle with the group. Once a modest home for a local trader, this palace is now Cienfuegos' architectural pride and joy. The entire edifice drips with ornate carvings in Venetian alabaster. Then finally on to Trinidad (approximately 1-hour drive) is a standout destination for many visitors to Cuba, due in no small part to a friendly populace, old-fashioned feel and particularly well-preserved colonial buildings. The Santeria religion (a voodoo-like Afro-Cuban tradition) which is practised here makes the town all the more intriguing. For an insight into the colourful post-revolutionary period, the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra los Bandidos and the Casa de los Mártires de Trinidad are great to visit. Nearby is the sprawling Valle de los Ingenios, where sugar plantations stretch out as far as the eye can see.
Accommodation - Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
- Playa Giron - Museum Giron Entrance and Film
- Cienfuegos - Orientation Walk
- Trinidad - an Orientation walk
Meals Included
Day 6: Trinidad
Today is a free day in Trinidad. For some beachside fun and perhaps a little snorkelling, head down to Playa Ancon. Just be careful you don't stand on a sea urchin. Hiking and cycling are equally good options and there are some excellent walking trails in the nearby Sierra del Escambray mountains. At some point while you're here, a great activity is to go to a folklore show at one of the town's numerous open-air venues. Cuba has a rich and varied music and dance tradition that draws roots from Spain, Africa and France, and this is your chance to experience it all first-hand, from the Mambo to the rumba.
Accommodation - Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Trinidad - Bicycle rental (full day) - CUC5
- Trinidad - Live music venues entrance (varies depending on venue) - CUC2
- Trinidad - Musical instrument lesson (guitar, double bass, tres, percussion - per hour) - CUC10
- Trinidad - Trek to El Nicho Waterfall (taxi, entrance fee & guide) - CUC27
- Trinidad - Ancon beach shuttle bus - CUC4
- Trinidad - Cayo Blanco island catamaran cruise - CUC45
Meals Included
Day 7: Havana
On the way back to Havana you will pass by Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial. Che's remains were brought to rest here after they were found in a remote corner of Bolivia in 1997, where he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. There is an impressive bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle. Inside the museum, you can learn about his amazing life and see photos and exhibits such as his famous black beret. On reaching Havana you will return to your guesthouse, then enjoy some free time. Take the opportunity to hit the town for a final night of salsa.
Accommodation - Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
- Santa Clara - Visit to Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum
- Havana - Visit to Plaza de la Revolucion
- Optional Activities
- Havana - Jose Marti Memorial Tower - CUC2
Meals Included
Day 8: Havana
Your adventure ends today. There are no activities planned for the final day and check-out time from the guesthouses is usually 10am.
Meals Included
