This week-long group tour of Cuba offers the perfect introduction to one of the most intriguing and extraordinary islands in the world.
Discover old Havana, a colonial city that has hardly changed since the Revolution half a century ago; visit Ernest Hemingway’s former home and Che Guevara’s mausoleum; marvel at steep-sided mountains, limestone caves and mangrove swamps; and stay on a nature reserve to fully appreciate Cuba’s outstanding natural beauty. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, into a vibrant land of passion, music and dancing, where life is lived to the full every single day.
DAY 1: After arriving into Havana Airport transfer to a hotel in the heart of the old quarter for overnight.
DAY 2: After breakfast a tour of Havana will visit all the major sights of the old city including Plaza de Armas, Cathedral Square, and the narrow cobblestone streets. Visit the Museum of the Revolution, the Partagas Cigar Factory and the Havana Club Rum Museum before continuing to the impressive Revolution Square overlooked by the mural of Ernesto "Che" Guevara with lunch taken at a local restaurant.
After lunch the tour continues to Finca Vigia, the former Cuban home of Ernest Hemingway, the contents of which remain untouched since he left the house for the last time. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to enjoy exploring Old Havana or relaxing at the hotel.
Dinner will be at one of Havana's picturesque local restaurants with an option to visit the world famous Tropicana Cabaret, depicting the history of Cuban dance and music involving over 100 dancers.
DAY 3: After an early breakfast the tour will leave Havana heading east through the sugar plantations for the town of Santa Clara, the final resting place of Che Guevara. After a visit to the mausoleum and museum the tour continues through the beautiful Escambray mountain range to Cienfuegos, known as "Pearl of the South" and characterized by colonial mansions overlooking a large bay. Dinner and overnight at local hotel.
DAY 4: After breakfast the tour will leave for Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best preserved colonial cities in the world. The city is best explored on foot and the tour will include a visit to the Romantic Museum and a chance to try the unique Trinidad rum cocktail at La Canchanchara, an old house dating back to the 18th century. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant with time to explore independently before returning to Cienfuegos for dinner in a local restaurant and overnight.
DAY 5: After a short orientation tour of Cienfuegos, the tour departs for Pinar del Rio province, an area known throughout the world as Cuba's main tobacco growing region. A stop will be made en route at Guama were there will be a boat ride through the mangroves to a replica Taino Indian village on the shores of Treasure Lake. Lunch will be taken in a local countryside restaurant before continuing to the Moka hotel, situated deep in the Sierra del Rosario Nature Reserve. The evening will be at leisure to enjoy the tranquillity of this country hotel with dinner served in the hotel restaurant.
DAY 6: The day will be spent exploring Vinales Valley with stops for absorbing the beauty of the area. There will be a subterranean boat ride through the El Indio limestone cave system followed by lunch in a countryside restaurant. Return to the Moka hotel and dinner in the house of a local farmer, an excellent end to the day.
DAY 7: After breakfast a visit will be made to the local community of Las Terrazas, followed by a cooling swim in the San Juan river. After lunch transfer back to Havana for return flights or onwards to Varadero for a week of relaxation. Alternatively continue with the
Cradle of the Revolution tour, which explores fascinating Eastern Cuba.
PLEASE NOTE SOMETIMES DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THE TOUR MAY CHANGE - WE WILL INFORM YOU AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY.