Highlights of Cuba
8 Days Starting and ending in Havana, Cuba
Visiting: Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Varadero
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CB1
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Cuba with the "Highlights of Cuba" tour. Begin your adventure cruising the vibrant streets of Havana in a classic convertible, exploring the iconic Old Town, and enjoying a Cuban salsa class. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Viñales Valley, renowned for its dramatic limestone mountains and lush tobacco fields. Visit the historic Bay of Pigs and delve into the revolutionary history at the Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial in Santa Clara. Relax in the coastal paradise of Varadero, with its stunning white sand beaches. Experience the rich culture and history of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, and explore local cigar factories and botanical gardens. With comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and private transportation, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and relaxation. Enjoy the vibrant Cuban atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, and the warmth of its people on this captivating 8-day adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation Name: Casa Particular Havana
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.
Day 2 : Old Town Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation Name: Casa Particular Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3 : Havana, Cigar Factory & Tobacco Farm, Viñales
Location: Viñales
Accommodation Name: Casa Particular Villa Marilyn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll head to the picturesque valleys of Viñales, home to some of Cuba’s most beautiful landscapes with dramatic limestone mountains and lush farming fields. Head through the Viñales 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, continue through Viñales 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 Jardin Caridad. Located in the heart of Viñales, 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.
Day 4 : Viñales, Bay Of Pigs In Giron, Cienfuegos
Location: Cienfuegos
Accommodation Name: Casa Particular Cienfuegos Punta Gorda
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Location: Trinidad
Accommodation Name: Casa Particular Trinidad
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
Day 6 : Trinidad, Santa Clara, Varadero
Location: Varadero
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Memories Varadero - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Learn from you guide about the significance of this leader and how he shaped the Cuban history books. In the afternoon, we'll reach the seaside paradise of Varadero - the largest and most stunning seaside resort in the Caribbean. With 20 kilometres of uninterrupted white sand, Varadero is the perfect spot to sit back and soak up the Caribean vibes with a cocktail in hand!
Day 7 : Varadero, Matanzas, Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation Name: Casa Particular Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a final morning in the Caribbean paradise of 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!
Day 8 : Havana
Location: Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast
After one final breakfast together, farewell your new travel mates and check-out of the hotel by 11.00 am. Feel free to explore more of Havana at your own pace before your included transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 Star Hotel and Casa Particular are included in the tour.
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Meals
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.
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Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle is provided for transportation.
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Airport Transfer(s)
Arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of the trip are included.
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Tour Guiding
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism are included.
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Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access is available where possible.
What's Not Included
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for sights and museums are not included.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is the responsibility of the traveler.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included in the tour.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included in the tour package.
Add Ons
Local Payment: £
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private air-conditioned vehicles ensuring comfort throughout your journey. Enjoy arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of the trip, making your travel experience seamless and stress-free.
Accommodation
Experience the charm of Cuba with stays in 4-star hotels and Casa Particulars, offering a blend of comfort and local hospitality. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Havana, the picturesque valleys of Viñales, and the coastal paradise of Varadero.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 4-star hotels and Casa Particulars.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, arrival and departure transfers are included on the first and last day of the trip.
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Will there be a local guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access is available where possible.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a private air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees to sights and museums are not included in the tour price.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are a Havana walking tour, Revolution Square visit, Cocotaxi sightseeing tour, Los Jazmines Lookout Point, tobacco fields visit, Cueva de los Peces visit, Bay of Pigs tour, Cienfuegos walking tour, Trinidad walking tour, Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial & Museum visit, Santa Clara walking tour, Matanzas walking tour, Bacunayagua Lookout visit, Cuban Salsa lesson, and a classic convertible car ride in Havana.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
Reviews of this operator
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Saturday - Saturday
Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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