This tour is the perfect way to experience Cuba’s rich culture, wildlife habitats and amazing natural beauty. We include all the highlights of Cuba’s cultural heartland with visits to the historical streets of Havana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos and then delve a little deeper into the incredible landscapes that this island has to offer including lush Las Terrazas, the pincushion hills of Vinales and pristine Caribbean beaches.
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
Arrival
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in a classic American car.
Havana, Cuba's colourful capital, is like no other place on earth. The minute you step outside the airport you will know exactly what we are talking about - the classic American cars, the cobbled streets, the fading, peeling paintwork, we guarantee that Havana will be one of the major highlights of your adventure.
Old & New Tour City Tour
Today you will get acquainted with Cuba's capital city by taking a guided walking tour through the crumbling splendour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed site, Habana Vieja (Old Havana). Wars and revolution have done little to damage its heritage, making it one of the finest examples of a Spanish colonial city anywhere in the Americas.
You will first enjoy a short walking tour around Old Havana including its most important squares and fortresses. You will then be picked up at the Plaza de Armas in your chauffeur-driven, classic American car for a scenic drive along the Malecón seafront to the elegant suburb of Miramar with a stop at Revolution Square. Finally we include a traditional Cuban lunch, a visit to the Ernest Hemingway museum and drop you off at your hotel.
This evening is at your leisure. You might want to consider taking in a cabaret show at Havana's famous Tropicana nightclub, which boasts more than two hundred performers, a fabulous orchestra and astonishing acrobatic feats.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Havana to Las Terrazas
This morning you will depart Havana and drive along the highway into the heart of the green western part of Cuba. Enjoy a visit of Las Terrazas, a former French coffee plantation, the botanical garden in Soroa. The evening and remainder of the afternoon are at your leisure.
Breakfast included.
Las Terrazas - Viñales
After breakfast this morning your trip continues to beautiful Vinales along the highway into the heart of the green western part of Cuba. Enjoy the simple life style in the countryside at the beautiful valley of Viñales with its dramatic limestone rocks. Visit a tobacco farmer and make a short stop at the prehistoric wall painting (Mural de la Prehistoria) paínted by the mexican artist Leovigildo González Morillo. He was a pupil of the husband of Frida Kahlo named Diego Rivera.
Enjoy a rustic lunch at "Alberto Vitamina", where you will enjoy a traditional Cuban dish then the remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Cayo Levisa Excursion
This morning you will be transferred to Palma Rubia to board a boat to Cayo Levisa which is not accessible by car. You have all day to enjoy mojitos and piña coladas on the beautiful beaches before returning to Vinales around 5 pm.
Day trip to relax at one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba. Early in the morning (8:00 h) until Palma Rubia. Continuation with a small boat to the island Cayo Levisa, once a popular fishing zone of Hemingway. Relax at the beautiful sandy beach or go on a snorkeling excursion (optional) or just enjoy the Caribbean scenery.
In the late afternoon back to Vinales or spend the day at the Finca Lechuza. Next to a refreshing bank river there is this idyllic place to take a bath and a rustic restaurant.
Breakfast included.
Vinales - Bay of Pigs - Playa Larga
In the morning you will head towards the central regions of Cuba. Along the way you will make a stop in Guama then continue along to the legendary Bay of Pigs with a stop to take a break and have a swim. The historic Bay of Pigs is where the US forces landed during the 1961 invasion of Cuba and here you will also visit a fascinating museum about the invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Finally, you will arrive in Playa Larga on the Bahía de Cochinos. Larga was one of two beaches invaded by US-backed exiles in 1961. It's now a diving and snorkelling paradise and is a good base for environmental excursions around the area including in the Cienaga de Zapata wetlands, a popular place for bird watching and fishing.
Dinner included.
Playa Larga to Cienfuegos
This morning you will head towards the central regions of Cuba. You will take a boat tour through the mangroves until you reach the Laguna del Telsor where you will spend some time in this beautiful place. Then continue by road to the legendary Bay of Pigs where you will stop at a lovely inviting swimming hole where you can take a refreshing dip. Australians may be interested to stop in a small town along the way called Australia.
Finally, continue on to the French colonial city of Cienfuegos with its relaxed atmosphere and pretty architecture. On arrival your guide will take you on a walking tour of this laid back maritime city, known as the 'Pearl of the South', due to its lovely location on a picturesque Caribbean bay. Walk through the city's well preserved colonial centre and learn about its proud musical tradition and its famous musicians, like Benny More.
This evening is at your leisure.
Breakfast included.
Travel to Trinidad
This morning we'll transfer you to the town of Trinidad, which is often referred to as the Soul of Cuba.
On arrival, we'll include a walking tour of the main sights of the city. The city was founded in 1514 by the Spanish conquistador Diego Velasquez and became a major centre for trading sugar and slaves for almost two hundred years. The wealth generated by the landowners during this region's dark past is reflected by the well restored colonial architecture found in Trinidad's colonial centre, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
After further walking the cobble stoned colonial heart of Trinidad, you should consider a drive out to Playa Ancón for beach time and perhaps even some scuba diving. Tonight we recommend you check out Casa de la Musica for some salsa dancing, before heading to the Disco Ayala, set in a cave and dinner in the private restaurant ‘Sol Ananda’ or ‘La Cubita’.
Breakfast included.
Day at Leisure
Discover Trinidad and its surroundings (transport and guide at disposition).
Recommendation: Dinner at the Paladar ‘Sol Ananda‘ or ‘La Cubita‘.
Breakfast included.
Santa Clara Tour & Return to Havana
On the way back to Havana we stop in at the town of Santa Clara, a key city in the Cuban Revolution. Upon entering Santa Clara, there is a huge statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara, to commemorate his death and that of the revolutionaries who died along with him in Bolivia. There is also a museum and mausoleum (closed on Mondays) here dedicated to his amazing life.
It's one final night of the tour in Havana, and your tour guide will have some suggestions for a farewell dinner and fun night out.
Please note you will cover approx. 335 km / 6h driving time today.
Breakfast included.
Departure
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Havana, Cuba - Casa Vitrales
Soroa, Cuba - Soroa - Casa Particular
Vinales, Cuba - Vinales - Casa Particular
Playa Larga, Cuba - Playa Larga - Casa Particular
Cienfuegos, Cuba - Cienfuegos - Casa Particular
Trinidad, Cuba - Trinidad - Casa Particular
Havana, Cuba - La Reserva Vedado
Havana, Cuba - Hotel Mystique Regis Habana
Soroa, Cuba - Hotel Castillo en las Nubes
Vinales, Cuba - Vinales - Casa Particular
Playa Larga, Cuba - Playa Larga - Casa Particular
Cienfuegos, Cuba - Hotel Perla del Mar
Trinidad, Cuba - Trinidad - Casa Particular
Havana, Cuba - Gran Hotel Bristol La Habana
Las Terrazas, Cuba - Hotel Moka
Vinales, Cuba - Vinales - Casa Particular
Playa Larga, Cuba - Playa Larga - Casa Particular
Cienfuegos, Cuba - Meliá San Carlos
Trinidad, Cuba - Hotel Mystique Trinidad La Popa
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