Day 1
Havana
Your tour will begin in Havana, a beautiful colonial city full of cobbled streets, stunning Spanish architecture, and friendly locals. You’ll arrive in the evening, so the time here will be free for you to check in to the hotel and rest for the day ahead.
Day 2
Vinales
The morning begins with a welcome meeting, before setting out 200km west to Vinales, a spectacular small town full of verdant landscapes. Along the way you’ll pass tobacco plantations, cane fields and tall palm trees, stiopping off at Soroa for a short walk to a nearby waterfall.
Day 3
Vinales
Today you will discover the Vinales Valley, boasting the oldest geological formation in Cuba - remarkable mogotes (sheer sided towers of limestone). The terrain here is similar to southern China or Vietnam, however with the addition of oxen working in the fields, and a scent of tobacco that fills the air. You’ll then continue to the rich countryside to see the rural life and rolling grassy hills, perhaps with a stop at a famer’s house (availability depending). The afternoon will be spent visiting the Cueva del Indio, a breath-taking limestone cave once home to local Indians. You’ll board a boat along a river that runs through the second half of the cave, taking you out into the daylight.
Day 4
Bay of Pigs/Playa Larga
Most of the day will be spent travelling – approximately five to six hours. The journey starts early and heads back to Havana, before continuing south into the Matanzas province. You’ll then journey past Zapata Peninsula and find yourself at Playa Larga, which stands at the head of the Bay of Pigs. The famous Bay of Pigs is the destination where a force of CIA trained Cuban exiles landed to begin a counter-revolution. In the evening you’ll have a homestay near the Caribbean beach, providing a brilliant snorkelling opportunity.
Day 5
Cienfuegos
Today you will explore Cienfuegos, a gorgeous coastal town full of European flavour, offering a picturesque Parisian style boulevard and pretty harbours. The afternoon will be spent taking a walking tour of the town, stopping by Coppelia ice cream parlour for a complimentary sweet treat.
Day 6
Trinidad
Your day will begin with an hour’s journey to Trinidad, a cool colonial city full of lively bars and restaurants. The locals here are extremely friendly, making you feel most welcome as you drink rum and watch salsa dancing.
Days 7-8
Trinidad
On day seven you’ll embark on a half day walk to Salto de Javira, a cascading waterfall where you can take a dip in the natural pool. That same day you’ll visit Playa Ancon, a classic Caribbean beach that offers the perfect spot to soak up the sun.
On day eight you’ll have the day to explore the city full of rich history and culture.
Days 9-11
Havana
Day nine begins with a journey back to Havana, stopping at Santa Clara on the way – including a visit to the fascinating mausoleum of legendary Che Guevara, a Marxist theorist. You’ll then arrive in Havana and head to your homestay, where you’ll be sleeping for the rest of the trip.
The next day you’ll venture on a walking tour of Old Havana, a well-preserved World Heritage Site full of colonial buildings, cobbled streets, and countless churches. The walking tour may take you past La Catedral San Cristobal de la Habana and the Plaza de Armas. You’ll then hop on a classic American car tour to the Plaza de Revolucion, Miramar, and the Maelcon.
On day 11 your tour ends.
What’s Included
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10 breakfasts
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Transport in a minibus
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10 nights of accommodation
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Activities including: hiking to the waterfall in Soroa, exploring Cueva del Indio, Valley walking tour in Vinales, snorkelling in Caleta Buena, walking tour in Cienfuegos, a visit to Cienfuego’s Coppelia ice cream parlour, trek to El Nicho Waterfall, half day trip to Ancon Beach, visit to Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum, walking tour of Old Havana, vintage American car tour in Havana.
Not included:
