Best of Cuba

Welcome to the island paradise of Cuba! Keep your eyes peeled at Havana airport for your shuttle transfer to the hotel. Explore the vibrant city of Havana at your own pace before an informal meeting with your new tour group and guide at 7.00pm, gathering at a Casa. Afterwards, join in on an optional group dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your new travel mates.

There’s no city in all of Latin America with an Old Town quite like Havana’s. Today we'll hit the streets on an included walking tour through Old Havana and visit the main squares including Plaza de Armas, Templete, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja and Revolution Square. Then hop on board a Coco Taxi (aka Havana’s quirky-looking TukTuks) for a zoom around the Old Town before cooling off with a mojito in hand at Hemingway’s favourite bar, La Bodeguita del Medio. The evening is yours to enjoy. Follow the rhythm of salsa throughout the streets or find a lively bar and get amongst the local atmosphere.

Today we'll head to the picturesque valleys of Vinales, home to some of Cuba’s most beautiful landscapes with dramatic limestone mountains and lush farming fields. Head through the vinales Valley to Pinar del Rio and visit a region famous for its tobacco growing grounds. We’ll head to the Francisco Donatién cigar factory and watch the art of Cuban cigar rolling by the ‘Torcedores’ (aka Cigar rollers). Please refrain from taking any pictures or videos while inside the factory. Then, journey through Vinales valley to the tobacco fields of Casa del Vegeuro as we continue our fascinating history lesson on cigars and tobacco. Next up is the Mural de la Prehistoria. Your guide will explain the significance of this 120 metre long and 80 metre high mural. Finish up the day with a visit to the private gardens of Jardine Carded. Located in the heart of Vinales, these private botanical gardens are amongst the most beautiful in Cuba with over 190 varieties of plant. Please note: Tobacco factories are closed to regular visitors during holidays, weekends, company holidays and festivals. We cannot guarantee factory hours and in case of closure an alternative itinerary will be discussed with travellers.

Kick-start the day at Cuba's largest wilderness area - Zapata Peninsula National Park! We'll stop at the picture-perfect beaches of Playa Girón or 'Bay of Pigs' to check out the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. Your guide will then give you a detailed tour of the Bay of Pigs museum here to learn of the failed attempts of the USA and their invasion on Cuba soil back in 1961. We'll make plenty of stops throughout today's travels for breaks, including a visit to Finca Campesina at the rustic Finca Rest Area where you'll find a mini-zoo of native fauna and flora! Then throw on your swimsuit for a visit to Cueva de los Peces - this pretty spot is a popular inland sinkhole filled with tropical fish, making it the perfect destination for a dip or a snorkel! We'll finish our day in the portside town of Cienfuegos - Cuba's 'Pearl of the South' - with French-architecture and feisty Carribeans spirit. Take a stroll through the elegant plazas of Parque Martí, visit the Terry Theater, and marvel at the historical ocean-front villa of Palacio del Valle with your guide. The night is yours to enjoy in Cienfuegos.

Set the alarms early for a morning walking tour through Cienfuegos with your guide before hitting the coastal roads as we make tracks to Trinidad. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city was once a thriving port and sugar town. Today, Trinidad gives a glimpse of eclectic architecture and authentic Cuban lifestyle. Follow your guide on a walking tour through the cobble-stone city to unmissable sites including the Casa Templo de Santería Yemayá and restored sugar barons for a glimpse into the way wealthy families once lived in Trinidad. After a big day exploring, park up at La Canchánchara bar and enjoy one of Cuba’s lesser-known cocktails, the Canchánchara – made of water, lime, honey and sugar cane liqueur!

Take a trip through Cuba’s history books as we head from Trinidad to Santa Clara. Stop by the Valle de los Ingenios lookout and Ingenio San Isidro de los Destiladeros to see the valleys and ruins of dozens of sugar mills scattered across the countryside. Next up is the historic city of Santa Clara, home to all things Che Guevara! Guevara is remembered as the symbol of revolutionary power throughout Cuba. While in Santa Clara, visit the Memorial Ernesto Che Guevara where his remains now rest, after he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. Next up, the tranquil town of Remedios. Famous for its firework Festival - Las Parrandas – the town sets the skies alight in a berserk display of fireworks every Christmas Eve. Take a stroll down main square and explore the beautiful church Parroquia San Juan de Bautista with your local guide. Then continue to the island paradise of Cayo Santa Maria. Arrive late in the afternoon and enjoy free time to relax by the beach with a few refreshing cocktails and a Caribbean sunset. The night is yours to enjoy

Throw on the swimsuits, grab a snorkel or try out a new water sport! The day is yours to enjoy in Cayo Santa Maria. Fringed with white-sand beaches and azure blue water, there is no better place to enjoy some Caribbean sunshine with like-minded travellers.

Enjoy a slower morning today, relaxing in Cayo Santa Maria. In the afternoon will head towards the seaside paradise of Varadero. With over 20 kilometres of uninterrupted sugar-white sand, Varadero is considered one of the largest and most stunning seaside resorts in the Caribbean. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the peninsula, swim, sunbath or take it easy with a freshing cocktail in hand!

Enjoy a final morning in Varadero before we hit the coastal road back to Havana! On the way, stop in the seaside city of Matanzas – a place commonly referred to as a sunken galleon filled with hidden treasure. Dive deep into the history of this city's jewels from theatres to galleries and churches on a guided walking tour. Next up, we’ll stop at the Bacunayagua lookout that borders the provinces of Matanzas and Havana. Soak up the scenic mountain views with a Piña Colada in hand. We'll arrive in Havana with plenty of time to explore! Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a classic car ride through the city, so hop in an old-school convertible and coast the streets on an included one-hour tour. End the day with an included Cuban Salsa dance class at Casa del Son!

After breakfast at the hotel, our trip will end in Havana as we say goodbye to our new travel mates and check-out of the hotel by 11.00 am. Feel free to discover Havana on your own pace until your departure transfer to the airport.