A 14-night tour of both Western and Eastern Cuba
A 14-night fully escorted tour that has been carefully designed from over 25 years of experience of tour planning in Cuba.
You will gain a fantastic insight into Cuba, one of the most unique destinations in the world. Our fully escorted tour, led by an experienced guide will cover all the most important sights of the island, but also allow you to discover the real Cuba.
We have included unique highlights into the tour itinerary that other tours do not offer. These include:
- An afternoon cruising the streets of Havana in a chauffeur driven old American car
- A visit to a famous working cigar factory in Havana
- A visit to the fascinating City Museum overlooking the historic Plaza de Armas
- Authentic cocktail making and tapas served at a unique private bar-restaurant
- A day exploring picturesque Vinales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular scenery
- A visit to the Las Terrazas National Reserve and time in the local community
- 2 weekend nights in the historical UNESCO World Heritage city of Trinidad where the live music scene is atits best
- A trek to La Plata, the former HQ of Fidel Castro’s revolutionary heroes, situated deep in the Sierra Maestramountains
- A visit to Santiago De Cuba, a passionate and revolutionary city, home of the Mausoleum of Fidel Castro
- The birthplace of Fidel and Raul Castro at their former farm at Biran
- Sun-kissed shores and opportunities to relax in postcard-worthy settings in Guardalavaca
- A tour to the beautiful El Nicho national park
- A visit to the charming French influenced small colonial city of Cienfuegos
- A final farewell dinner in one of Havana’s famous private restaurants
- A final night performance by the outstanding Legendarios de Guajirito
Why Captivating Cuba
Tour Highlights
DAY ONE
Welcome to Havana
After a welcome at the airport, a transfer will take you to your accommodation confirmed for the tour, which will be well located in Old Havana. Depending on your arrival time, there may be the chance to take a wander through the local area and sample Havana’s amazing street life.
DAY TWO
Havana
A day packed full of Havana’s highlights including a visit to a working cigar factory, the City Museum, a guided walk through Old Havana, exploring the city in vintage cars, an authentic cocktail lesson, and a visit to a local tapas bar.
Those who want to visit the world-famous Tropicana cabaret show can reserve tickets.
DAY THREE
Vinales Valley & Las Terrazas
Travel west to Vinales Valley, protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site for outstanding natural beauty where there will be a boat ride through the El Indio caves, and a visit to a tobacco drying house.
Head to Las Terrazas National Park, there will be a tour of the reserve, village and an introduction to the eco-activities and farming practices.
DAY FOUR
Santa Clara & Trinidad
Explore Santa Clara, a city of major historical significance. Visit the final resting place of Che Guevara and the museum dedicated to his life. See Tren Blindado, the iconic remains of the government train that was attacked by Che Guevara and his revolutionaries.
Visit Sugar Mill Valley where the 145ft Manaca Iznaga Tower stands as a silent witness to Cuba’s history of slavery.
DAY FIVE
Trinidad
Take a tour of the center of Trinidad including a visit to the History Museum focusing on a family’s life in Cuba in the 1800s.
The afternoon will be free to relax, enjoy an independent lunch and further exploration of the city, or perhaps take a taxi to the nearby Caribbean beach of Playa Ancon, enjoy the beach and perhaps even sunset there.
DAY SIX
Camaguey & Bayamo
Travel alongside the foothills of the Escambray Mountains and head towards the east known locally as ‘Oriente’.
See farms producing sugar cane and a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables. After an interesting drive through Cuban towns and villages, you will arrive in Camaguey. There will be a tour before continuing to the small city of Bayamo.
DAY SEVEN
Sierra Maestra Mountains
There will be a walking tour then you will travel to the Sierra Maestra Mountains. Arrive at Villa Santo Domingo, with views to Cuba’s highest and most sacred mountain, Pico Turquino.
Jeeps will take you higher into the mountains for a walk to La Plata, the former HQ of Fidel Castro’s revolutionary heroes. Discover Fidel’s house and the radio station from where they launched the Revolution. Visit the tiny mountain community of La Platica.
DAY EIGHT
Santiago de Cuba
Today you will depart for Santiago de Cuba, a city of crucial importance throughout Cuba’s history, stopping enroute at El Cobre, a picturesque church and Cuba’s most sacred pilgrimage site. Take a tour of the church.
The tour will continue to Santiago de Cuba and the remainder of the day will be free to relax at the hotel or explore the local area.
DAY NINE
Santiago de Cuba
Spend the day with a full exploration of the city. Visit the Moncada Barracks, Central Square, Parque Cespedes, and Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, a most important site in Cuba and the final resting place of Fidel Castro.
Visit Calle Heredia, Padre Pico Street, and Castillo del Morro, a historical fortress offering fantastic views across the Caribbean Sea and the impressive Sierra Maestra mountains.
DAY TEN
Guardalavaca
Visit the tiny village of Biran in the foothills of the Nipe Mountains, birthplace of Fidel and Raul Castro. See the house where the brothers were born, also the final resting place of their parents.
The journey will continue to Guardalavaca, a stunning beach setting which will provide a beautiful backdrop for a couple of nights. The hotel we have chosen has a relaxed but fun and friendly atmosphere and we are certain you will enjoy your stay here.
DAY ELEVEN
Guardalavaca
Today will be totally free, so you can relax, enjoy a well-deserved rest, and make use of all the all-inclusive facilities and services that the hotel offers.
DAY TWELVE
Sancti Spiritus
The tour leaves Guardalavaca and travels west towards Camaguey passing through the quieter Las Tunas province. On arrival in Camaguey a short break will be taken before carrying on with the remainder of the journey.
You will continue to Sancti Spiritus, one of the smaller cities in Cuba and one that features an attractive colonial centre and uniquely, a river running through the city.
DAY THIRTEEN
El Nicho & Cienfuegos
Head to Cienfuegos, visit to El Nicho Park, with dozens of waterfalls and natural pools, one of the most beautiful spots in Cuba. Walk a hiking trail, observe the flora and fauna and enjoy swimming in the cool pools.
Tour the Botanical Gardens, one of the largest in the Americas. On arrival in Cienfuegos there will be a stroll through the centre and along the seafront.
DAY FOURTEEN
The Bay of Pigs & Havana
Discover The Bay of Pigs, the site of the failed CIA backed invasion of Cuba that was repelled by Fidel and Che and their revolutionaries. Visit the museum, explore the village and beach. Take an exhilarating boat ride through the mangroves in Guama.
Enjoy a farewell dinner, before heading to Legendarios de Guajirito’, with former members of the Buena Vista Social Club and the Afro-Cuban All Stars.
DAY FIFTEEN
Havana
Today is free for you to explore Havana independently, relax or leave Havana for your beach extension in Varadero, Jibacoa, the ‘Cayos’, or elsewhere.
For those leaving Cuba today, a transfer will collect you from the hotel and take you to the airport for your departure flight home.
