Classic Western Cuba

Day 1 Havana

On arrival to Havana you will be transferred to your guesthouse, where there will be a welcome meeting at 6pm to meet other travellers and collect insurance and next of kin information. Beforehand, you will have the day free to explore Havana - a vibrant city full of lively nightlife, charming museums and plenty of fascinating landmarks. Wander to Coppelia for a delicious ice cream as you soak up the sun, or head to a few of the renowned Cuban museums including the Museo de la Revolucion, which hosts interesting exhibits on the 1950’s revolutionary war. To fully immerse in the Cuban culture, make a visit to La Catedral San Cristobal de la Habana with its awe-inspiring structure, and make a bee-line for the Plaza de Armas with its statue of Manuel de Cespedes – one of the leaders of the independence movement. The towering plaza is surrounded by eateries to tuck in to, too.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 2 Havana - Soroa

Today you will journey to Callejon de Hamel, a colourful alley located in the Cayo Hueso quarter, with buildings ornamented with religious Santeria murals created by local artist Salvador Gonzalez. A dynamic hub of Afro-Cuban culture, travel here on a Sunday and you’ll find energetic rumbas that take place at noon. Afterwards you’ll be visiting the quaint neighbourhood of Jaimanitas, where the talented artist Jose Fuster has redecorated over 80 houses with huge, vivid sculptures and murals. Afterwards you’ll continue to the mountain resort of Soroa in Sierra del Rosario, where you’ll embark on a peaceful tour through an orchid garden filled with an abundance of wild flowers, before choosing between a climb up the mountain for beautiful views, or a short hike to a nearby waterfall.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 3 Soroa - Vinales

Start your day with a saunter along to Finca de Planta Medicinales to learn about the local herbs and their medicinal properties. Cuba develops its own medicines due to international sanctions against it, and so you’ll discover how locals create their homemade remedies as you wander through the farm where the herbs are grown and crushed. You'll then continue on to the small town of Vinales in Pinar de Rio Province, one of the most picturesque towns in Cuba. Afterward a short orientation walk, you'll have a choice of fantastic optional activities including hiking through tobacco fields, visiting a bodega, or mix with the locals with a glass of rum.

Note: The Finca de Plantas Medicinales is a state-run facility. Entry is not always guaranteed due to government regulations.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 4 Vinales

In the morning you’ll start a half-day walking tour through a local farm, where you’ll get to experience the guajiro’s (farmers) way of life. It’s your choice of either relaxing in the farm, or getting stuck in to the daily farm activities, including toasting coffee or harvesting corn and tobacco, in the afternoon. The evening includes a fun, informal salsa lesson and you can purchase a fresh, seasonal dinner at a local eco-farm.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 5 Vinales

Wake up early to cross the water over a causeway connected to Cayo Jutias. Covered in twisting mangroves, this is a little 3km key with gorgeous views and home to Pinar del Rio’s most ‘undiscovered beach’ – with unspoiled sands and crystal clear waters, this will be the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunshine throughout the rest of the day.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 6 Vinales - Havana

The morning will be spent travelling back to Havana by minivan for approximately six hours, before whiling away the afternoon with a guided tour around Old Havana. A World Heritage Site with beautiful, colonial architecture, impressive churches and 16th century fortresses, you’ll be sure to enjoy its old-world charm. For your last evening, you’ll head down town to experience the lively Havana nightlife.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 7 Havana

Today you will check out from the Guesthouse at 10am and transfer to the Mercure Sevilla Hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 8 Havana

Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Why not extend your stay by a few extra nights? Talk to our experienced sales team who will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect hotel.