Cuba, with its varied landscape, rich history of literature, and vibrant rhythms will inspire you again and again. Explore this uniquely captivating land and meet friendly locals on this short, but sweet six-day adventure. Soak up Cuban culture in an immersive homestay experience, learn about the country's resilience at the Bay of Pigs Museum in Playa Girón, and visit Che Guevara sites in Santa Clara. Head into the refreshing mountain region to walk in a national park and learn about coffee production. Wander the cobblestone streets of Trinidad and see the magnificent seawall in Cienfuegos. Let yourself explore off the beaten path and witness the many treasures of this island in the Caribbean.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Havana Homestay, Havana. Arrival transfer. Bay of Pigs Museum. Lunch in Caleta Buena. Che Guevara monument and museum visit. Casa de Café visit and walk in Topes de Collantes National Park. Orientation walk in Trinidad. Salsa dancing lesson. Orientation walk in Cienfuegos. Panoramic bus tour of Havana. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Experience Cuban hospitality during a homestay, Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum in Playa Girón, Tour the Che Guevara monument and mausoleum in Santa Clara, Take a walk in Topes de Collantes National Park, Discover the cities of Trinidad and Cienfuegos on a CEO guided orientation walk, Learn some new moves during a Salsa dancing lesson
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Casas particulares (homestays) (5 nts).
Itinerary
Havana
Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included to the tour’s starting point, a “casa particular” (a local home used as a bed and breakfast), for an authentic Cuban experience. Havana is one of the oldest cities in the western hemisphere, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. As you drive to your accommodation look out for the popular colonial architecture and famed old cars of this creative and resilient city.
Havana/Santa Clara
Enjoy a city tour of Havana before heading east towards the city of Santa Clara. In the late afternoon, visit the Che Guevara monument and mausoluem before arriving at your “casa particular” in Santa Clara, and enjoy a night out on the town. Pass through thick green forests and lush plains as you drive east along the Carretera Central towards the city of Santa Clara. Then, visit the final resting place of Che Guevara and tour the massive Che monument in the city. Enter the mausoleum lit by an eternal flame ignited by Fidel Castro, and explore the adjacent museum, which exhibits pieces from Guevara’s childhood and beyond. Finish today's journey at your “casa particular” in Santa Clara.
Santa Clara/Trinidad
Today, travel south to the mountain region of Topes de Collantes where you’ll visit the Casa de Café before embarking on a short walk through the national park. Arrive to the coastal city of Trinidad in the evening. Travel south through the picturesque mountain region of Topes de Collantes stopping at the Casa de Café. This pleasant little coffee shop and museum, filled with contemporary Cuban artwork is rumoured to sell some of the freshest and tastiest coffee in Cuba. Learn about the history of Cuba’s involvement in the industry and observe tools used in the past to make and manufacture this delicious bean.Then, immerse yourself in nature on a short walk in the national park; think waterfalls, secret swimming pools, underground rivers, and caves amid coffee plantations, jungle, and mountains. End the day upon arrival in the coastal city of Trinidad.
Trinidad
In the morning take a short orientation walk with your CEO before enjoying a free day in Trinidad. Choose to snorkel, swim, or lounge on the beach during the afternoon. In the evening experience a salsa dancing lesson before putting those new moves to practice on a night out with your group. Discover the Spanish colonial town of Trinidad, founded in the 16th century on a free day. Learn about this UNESCO World Heritage site on a short orientation walk in the morning, then use the afternoon to further explore the cobblestone streets and past of this well preserved town. Trinidad also happens to be a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose to spend the afternoon lounging on the beach, swimming in the calm waters, or searching for sea life as you snorkel.
In the evening dust off those party shoes and take part in a lively salsa dancing lesson before practicing those new moves on a night out at the historic Casa de la Trova, featuring live Cuban music and a spirited atmosphere.
Trinidad/Havana
Travel to Cienfuegos and take part in another guided orientation walk before admiring Cuba’s “Pearl of the South” on your own. Transfer back to Havana with a stop along the way to stretch those legs in Playa Girón for a visit to the Bay of Pigs museum. Upon arrival in Havana take a short bus tour of the city and spend your final night as you wish. It’s off to Cienfuegos, known as Cuba’s “Pearl of the South”. Embark on an orientation walk of this town with French airs and a feisty Caribbean spirit. Wander around admiring the contrasting architecture and the turquoise blue of the water lapping at the iconic sea wall. Learn about the famous CIA-backed attempted invasion of Cuba and the involvement of the US military at the Bay of Pigs museum in Playa Girón. Travel back to Havana for a short, but panoramic bus tour of the city. Spend the evening as you wish, search for art among the buildings in Habana Vieja, or people watch from a local rooftop bar, sipping a refreshing mojito as the night settles in.
Havana
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
