Family Cuba Discovery

Family Cuba Discovery

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15 Days From

$2240

Family Cuba Discovery

15 Days Starting and ending in Havana, Cuba

Visiting: Havana, Vinales, Cayo Levisa, Soroa, Las Terrazas, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Topes de Collantes

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

FCLT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

FullOn

Age range:

7-0

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Snorkeling, Walking

From: $2240

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Join an unforgettable family holiday to explore Cuba. Discover all that Cuba has to offer, from cruising the streets of Havana in a Cadillac to snorkelling in the warm waters of the Caribbean. Our two-week trip packs an adventurous punch - swim in jungle pools, hike along forest trails and sleep under the stars at traditional haciendas.

Luscious nature - Discover the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Las Terrazas as well as the wildlife of the Escambray Mountains.

Snorkel and swim - Unwind on the white sands of the Caribbean coast or dip into the waters for a snorkelling adventure.

Viva la revolution - Visit iconic reminders of the Cuban Revolution, including the Che Guevara Memorial and the Bay of Pigs.

Highlights

  • Swim in jungle pools and hike forest trails in the Cuban wilderness.

  • Cruise through Havana in a classic 1950s American car.

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vinales Valley.

  • Relax on the pristine white sand beaches of Cayo Levisa.

  • Visit the Bay of Pigs and learn about its historical significance.

  • Discover the colonial charm of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage town.

  • Hike through the Topes de Collantes nature reserve in the Escambray Mountains.

  • Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum in Santa Clara.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Trip Starts In Havana

Location: Havana

Accommodation: Hotel, Sevilla

Accommodation Name: hotel

Arrive in Havana. Built around a deep natural harbour, Havana is one of the most impressive cities in the Americas. It's also one of the most exciting: the modern city is a fascinating mix of old and new, with crumbling tenement blocks and 1950s American Cadillacs rubbing shoulders with grand colonial buildings and monuments to the revolution. Our local Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 8am on the morning of day two. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Havana at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Havana's Jose Marti International Airport (airport code HAV) which is 23km, around 45 minutes from the airport. A representative from our local partners in Cuba will meet you at Havana Airport and assist you with the transfer formalities. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose head out to explore the city which is centrally located just a short walk from the elegant El Capitolio building and the scenic Malecon sea esplanade with fine views of the city. There are several restaurants and bars within walking distance and lively music with the hypnotic rhythms of salsa, trova and son being played along the Paseo del Prado adjacent to our hotel.

Day 2 : In Havana; Tour The City In 1950S American Cars And Take A Salsa Lesson

Location: Havana

Accommodation: Sevilla Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sevilla Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

What better way to get a feel for this vibrant and fascinating city than to cruise the streets in classic 1950s American cars, a colourful legacy of pre-revolutionary days? Our route takes in the beautiful, neoclassical architecture of Havana's Vieja (Old) district and the art deco buildings along the waterfront (Malecon) as well as driving through the Vedado and Miramar suburbs, where kids play baseball below rusting street lights. In the afternoon we get active with a salsa dance lesson: a chance to learn the basics of Cuba's most characteristic dance style.

Day 3 : Drive To Vinales To Discover This World Heritage Site

Location: Vinales

Accommodation: La Ermita

Accommodation Name: La Ermita

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Havana we head west to the beautiful Vinales valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the most famous tobacco fields in the world. The valley sits in the Sierra de los Organos mountains, where millions of years ago underground rivers cut tunnels through the soft limestone hills leaving behind strange hills or 'mogotes' that rise like cliffs from the rich, red soil of the valley floor. We take a short guided walk through this remarkable landscape, passing immaculate tobacco fields and beautifully tended fruit and vegetable gardens, pausing to visit local farmers and see for ourselves the intricate process of harvesting, drying and finally rolling the classic Cuban cigars (tabacco growing season is between Oct-April). The valley floor is dotted with simple, colourful farmhouses, each with its characteristic thatched-roof tobacco drying barn. Most of the farming is still very traditional and you can expect to see the fertile soil still being ploughed by oxen.

Day 4 : Relax On The White Sand Beaches Of Cayo Levisa

Location: Cayo Levisa

Accommodation: La Ermita

Accommodation Name: La Ermita

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we journey by ferry to the beautiful white sand beaches of the island of Cayo Levisa on the north coast of Cuba. Here, mangroves and pristine white sand welcome us for a day's relaxation on the beach. The more active among us may choose to take an optional snorkelling trip to explore the colourful marine flora and fauna on the reef. As there is little civilization on the island, you may like to bring your own snorkel and mask although they are often available for hire locally.

Day 5 : Drive To Soroa Visiting An Orchid Garden Including A Flower That Smells Of Chocolate

Location: Soroa

Accommodation: Soroa Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Soroa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we head east into the Sierra del Rosario at Soroa. We visit the beautifully tended orchid garden here, located on a steep hillside with views over the surrounding mountains. More than 700 orchid species are grown here (including one that smells of chocolate!) along with many other quite fascinating plants. This afternoon you may wish to take a walk to a beautiful nearby waterfall surrounded by dense, green forest which is rich in birdlife and home to many butterflies or you may wish to just relax by the pool.

Day 6 : Guided Walk In Las Terrazas With An Option To Try Out A Zipwire

Location: Las Terrazas

Accommodation: Soroa Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Soroa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We start our day with a drive to Las Terrazas a small village in the heart of the Sierra del Rosario, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The region used to be severely deforested so in 1968 an ambitious regeneration project was started. The hillsides were terraced (to reduce rain erosion) and millions of trees were planted. Now the area is covered in thick tropical vegetation, with the distinctive tall, white trunks of the majestic royal palm standing out against its rolling green hillsides. We set out this morning with a local naturalist guide to walk through the rich flora and fauna of Las Terrazas, finishing two or three hours later at a small waterfall with rock-pools, perfect for a refreshing swim (water-shoes are useful as there can be lots of scrambling over rocks). The rest of the day is left free to enjoy this beautiful area. A popular option is to do the exhilarating zip-wire course: three long wires take you flying over the tree-tops, the lake and even over the red-tiled rooftops of Las Terrazas village (it is easy to sit out the zip-wire course if not all family members want to participate). We will the return to Soroa for the night.

Day 7 : Drive To Cienfuegos Via The Bay Of Pigs

MotoZew Adventure

Location: Cienfuegos

Accommodation: Union Hotel

Accommodation Name: La Union

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Heading east across Cuba, we drive through giant citrus and sugar plantations and out into the flat marshlands of the Zapata Peninsula. We stop at the Cueva de los Peces (Cave of the Fish), a 70 metre deep flooded natural pool with subterranean tunnels connect it with the nearby sea. We stop for lunch here and a swim and snorkel before continuing to the infamous Playa Giron - the Bay of Pigs. This seemingly quiet, rural area propelled Cuba onto the world stage when the CIA backed an abortive coup attempt by Cuban exiles that resulted in humiliation for the Kennedy administration, the death and capture of some 1400 soldiers and the immediate elevation of Fidel Castro to hero status. We visit the museum here to learn how a 20th century superpower was humbled by a supposedly ragtag army of disorganised rebels, an event that practically threw Cuba into the waiting arms of the Soviet Union. We then drive to Cienfuegos, another beautifully preserved colonial city with UNESCO World Heritage status.

Day 8 : In Cienfuegos With Optional Boat Cruise

Location: Cienfuegos

Accommodation: Union Hotel

Accommodation Name: La Union

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we will start the day with a short city tour around the colonial heart of Cienfuegos. This city is often refered to as the 'Pearl of the South', originally founded by the French it boasts the impressive Terry Theatre where they host operas and ballet. This afternoon has been left free either to relax by the hotel pool or you may wish to take an optional boat excursion out to one of the local bays.

Day 9 : Visit Trinidad In The Morning, With A Free Afternoon To Explore The Colonial City

Location: Trinidad

Accommodation: Casa Particulares - Trinidad

Accommodation Name: Casas particulares

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we drive to Trinidad - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cobbled streets and Spanish architecture of Trinidad make it one of Cuba's most impressive and best preserved colonial towns. It was founded in 1514 but only came to prominence when French settlers fleeing the slave revolt in Haiti began arriving in the early years of the 19th century. These plantation owners built sugar mills in the nearby Valle de los Ingenios and the region quickly became responsible for a third of all Cuba's sugar production, generating huge wealth for the town. We will walk through the colourful streets, squares and markets of the old town and visit the cathedral. This evening we stay in a Casas particulares, the term given to a homestay in Cuba. Staying in a casa offers a unique opportunity to experience Cuban hospitality in local accommodation adapted for tourism. Casas are generally run by the owner and members of the family that live there. Staying close to the town centre allows us easy access to the lively music and salsa on show in the evening. Check out the bands playing on the steps leading up to the Casa de la Musica. The steps are often overflowing with people so it's worth arriving early.

Day 10 : Head To Topes De Collantes Nature Reserve. Hike Along The Forest Trails And Stay In A Tranquil Hacienda.

Location: Topes de Collantes

Accommodation: Hacienda Gallega

Accommodation Name: Hacienda de Gallega

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we skirt the edge of the wooded Escambray Mountains with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean on our left, taking a steep, switch-back road into the densely wooded Topes de Collantes nature reserve. Transfer onto an open-sided 4WD truck which takes us deeper into the reserve, then set off on foot through the forests with our naturalist guide. Our trail takes us along a ridge with panoramic views on all sides, then into a valley cut deep by the Guayanara River. Our guide will point out the rich and varied flora and fauna along the way, including the rare Cuban trogon, Cuba's national bird, whose red, white and blue plumage mirrors the national flag. After a walk of around 3 to 4 hours we arrive at our 'hacienda', set in a beautiful valley. Lying alongside a river with bathing pools, Hacienda de Gallega is a converted farmstead with a dining area, a bar, simple toilet and shower facilities and some flat terraces where our tents will be set up. Surrounded by beautifully tended flowerbeds and the forests of Topes de Collantes, this is a wonderfully relaxing and peaceful place to stay. Please note it is possible to travel by truck to the hacienda if you prefer not to walk today. After lunch there's the chance to walk along the river to the Salto de Rocio waterfall, a 3 hour round trip, through an area rich with trogons, hummingbirds and woodpeckers. Close to the waterfall there are rock pools where we can swim and - for the intrepid - swing out Tarzan-style on a liana overhanging the deepest pool. In the evening we eat a wholesome dinner at the hacienda then settle down to sleep overnight in our tents. 2-man tents are provided along with foam mattresses and blankets, but we recommend you bring your own sleeping bag (or at least a sleeping sheet) in addition. If you prefer, sleep out on the verandahs at the hacienda, under the eaves, rather than in a tent.

Day 11 : A Full Day In The Escambray Mountains, Exploring More Of The Topes De Collantes Nature Reserve.

Location: Topes de Collantes

Accommodation: Hacienda Codina

Accommodation Name: Hacienda Codina

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning we drive by truck to the start of our 3 to 4 hour walk. We follow a trail through forests and valleys, past streams and glades with flowers, butterflies and darting hummingbirds. Further on we reach La Batata, a cave through which an underground river gurgles, gently carving out rock pools. The water rarely exceeds 20°C so the swimming is exhilarating here! We walk on until we reach the beautiful, isolated Hacienda Codina, set in a green valley with manicured gardens all around. The traditional hacienda has a pleasant bar and verandah, with rocking chairs to sit back and enjoy the view. We enjoy a leisurely lunch in the dining area, surrounded by colourful flowers and birds, then rest through the heat of the day. Later in the afternoon we explore a short nature trail close to the hacienda, with rare orchids and unusual medicinal plants. At one point the trail actually passes through a cave (Cueva del Altar), emerging on the other side of the hill to beautiful views over the distant Caribbean. Later we have dinner, enjoying another traditional home-cooked meal, before settling down for the night in our tents (or, like last night, you can choose to sleep on the verandahs of the hacienda). Once again you can skip the walk today and travel to the hacienda by truck if you prefer.

Day 12 : Head To The Beach At Playa Ancon (Near Trinidad)

Location: Trinidad

Accommodation: Memories Trinidad

Accommodation Name: Memories Trinidad

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Hacienda staff, driving by open-sided 4WD truck to the park boundary, where we are reunited by our bus to take us the short distance to Playa Ancon, a 6km stretch of white sand beach located beyond Trinidad. These two days have been left free to make the most of the idyllic beaches near Trinidad, and the surrounding area. Relax on the beach and enjoy the facilities of the hotel which has an entertainment programme, traditional music band, aerobics classes, beach sports or just relax on the beach. Catamaran, wind-surfing, kayaking, and scuba diving are all possible.

Day 13 : Full Day To Relax And Enjoy The Beach At Playa Ancon (Near Trinidad)

Location: Trinidad

Accommodation: Memories Trinidad

Accommodation Name: Memories Trinidad

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There are various options available during our time here, giving you the chance to be as active or relaxed as you like. You may wish to head into the Escambray mountains for a 4 hour trek (approx 8km) up through an unspolit land of forest and water-eroded valleys. The trek is to an isolated hacienda where we would have lunch, before returning to Trinidad.

Day 14 : Drive To Havana Via Santa Clara

Location: Havana

Accommodation: Hotel, Sevilla

Accommodation Name: Sevilla Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning we drive west back to Havana. We will stop on route at the historically important city of Santa Clara. Here we visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum, the final resting place of one of the world's most iconic and recognisable revolutionary figures. we will then continue onto Havana where the rest of the day is free either to enjoy exploring more, perhaps wandering through some of the artisan markets looking for souvenirs to take home, or relax around the lovely pool at our hotel.

Day 15 : Trip Ends In Havana

Location: Havana

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Havana. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Havana at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Havana's Jose Marti International Airport (airport code HAV) which is 23km, around 45 minutes from the airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 5 dinners.

  • Accommodation

    Comfortable accommodation is provided throughout the tour.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours are included in various locations such as Havana, Vinales, and the Topes de Collantes nature reserve.

  • Transportation

    Transportation is provided throughout the tour, including a classic 1950s American car tour in Havana.

  • Activities

    Activities such as salsa lessons, hiking, and exploring local markets are included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as snorkeling trips and zip-wire courses are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Cuba are not included.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers are not included unless specified for certain arrival and departure times.

Why Book this Tour

This adventure is designed for families who want to discover one of the most unique countries in the world and a must do before the culture and ethos of the nation changes. You will travel to iconic reminders of the Cuban Revolution including the Che Guevara Memorial and the Bay of Pigs, enjoy Havana with its salsa dancing, music and colour and relax on the golden beaches of Playa Ancon and the Caribbean Island of Cayo Levisa. An adventure where we explore. learn and discover with time on the beach.

Meals

Breakfasts: 14
Lunches: 7
Dinners: 5

Mode of Transport

Travel through Cuba in style with classic 1950s American cars in Havana, ferry rides to Cayo Levisa, and open-sided 4WD trucks in Topes de Collantes. Enjoy scenic drives through the Cuban countryside, including visits to the Bay of Pigs and Santa Clara.

Accommodation

Experience comfortable accommodations throughout your journey, including stays at the Sevilla Hotel in Havana, La Ermita in Vinales, Villa Soroa in Soroa, and the unique Casa Particulares in Trinidad. Enjoy a tranquil night at Hacienda Gallega and Hacienda Codina, and relax at Memories Trinidad near Playa Ancon.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can we expect during the tour?

    The tour offers comfortable accommodation, including stays in hotels like Sevilla Hotel in Havana, La Ermita in Vinales, Villa Soroa in Soroa, and La Union in Cienfuegos. Additionally, there are unique experiences such as staying in casas particulares in Trinidad and camping in tents at Hacienda Gallega and Hacienda Codina in the Topes de Collantes nature reserve.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes meals with 14 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 5 dinners provided throughout the trip.

  • What activities are available on the beach days at Playa Ancon?

    During the beach days at Playa Ancon, you can relax on the white sand beaches, participate in hotel activities such as traditional music bands, aerobics classes, and beach sports. There are also options for catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and scuba diving.

  • Is there an opportunity to learn about Cuban culture during the tour?

    Yes, the tour provides several opportunities to learn about Cuban culture, including a salsa dance lesson in Havana, visiting local markets, and exploring historical sites such as the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum in Santa Clara.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes various modes of transportation, such as cruising through Havana in classic 1950s American cars, ferry rides to Cayo Levisa, and open-sided 4WD trucks for exploring the Topes de Collantes nature reserve.

  • Are there any unique natural experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes unique natural experiences such as swimming in jungle pools, hiking forest trails in the Topes de Collantes nature reserve, and visiting the orchid garden in Soroa, which features a flower that smells of chocolate.

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Paul  

Family Cuba Discovery

We really enjoyed the trip. The guidedriver were b

We really enjoyed the trip. The guidedriver were both excellent. Would recommend.

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    Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

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    Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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