Day 1. Join tour Havana
Arrive Havana, the capital of Cuba, and check-in at our hotel. Built around a deep natural harbour, Havana is one of the most impressive surviving colonial cities in the Americas. 3 nights hotel H+.
Day 2. In Havana
Modern day Havana is a mixture of restored and crumbling architectural marvels. Kids play baseball below rusting, street lights whilst 50s style American Cadillacs cruise past. Baseball is enormously popular in Cuba, and they even play in the grounds of the famous Capitolio Building, modelled on the White House and the seat of parliament. In typical Cuban style, it also has a great café on the terrace and is wonderful for watching the world go by. We include a walking tour of the sights of the Vieja (Old) district, the beautiful neoclassical buildings of the Plaza de Armas and the baroque Cathedral. During your free afternoon you can visit the City Museum, the fascinating Museum of the Revolution. This evening, it’s time to get out and sample some of the capital’s famous nightlife. (Included meal: B).
Day 3. In Havana; visit Viñales
Today we drive to Viñales, home to some of the most spectacular scenery and colours in Cuba. Millions of years ago underground rivers cut tunnels through the limestone hills and when the roofs collapsed strange hills or ‘mogotes’, with interesting and sometimes unique vegetation, were left sticking up from today’s flat valley floor. The iron-rich, red soil creates some of the best tobacco in the world; and which used to provide for Cuba’s world famous cigars. We include a short walk; on arrival to El Pamanto (approximately 2 hours) before returning to Havana. (Included meal: B).
Day 4. Bus to Trinidad via Bay of Pigs
Today we head east across Cuba, we drive through giant citrus and sugar plantations and out into the Zapata Peninsula. Further on ‘cenotes’ or pools created by the ceiling collapse of the underground rivers dot the landscape and provide wonderful swimming opportunities. Later we visit the Playa Giron and the nearby museum dedicated to the infamous ‘Bay of Pigs’ invasion, where a USsupported attack by Cuban exiles failed to overthrow the Communist regime. Our journey then skirts the edge of the wooded Escambray mountains, hugging the coastline with views over the sparkling turquoise waters and arrive, where we will stay on the outskirts of the beautiful Spanish colonial town of Trinidad. 3 nights hotel H+ (included meal: B).
Day 5. In Trinidad
This morning we wander through the old centre of Trinidad, visiting one of the many interesting museums which reflect Trinidad’s varied history. In the early 19th century French settlers, fleeing a slave revolt in Haiti, landed and started to grow sugar cane in the Valle de Los Ingenios. This crop generated considerable wealth and consequently the town had to be regularly defended from pirates. The street layout is said to be deliberately complicated so as to confuse them! This afternoon is free to relax on nearby Playan Ancon, or continue to wander through Trinidad’s lovely colonial streets: a paradise for photographers. (Included meal: B).
Day 6. Free day in Trinidad
Today is free to explore deeper into Cuba’s terrain and culture. One option is 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. Alternatively you may wish to visit the deserted island of Cayo Blanco (optional). Here you can eat fresh paella, relax on the beach and snorkel in the coral wilderness. Snorkelling equipment is not always available - if you are a keen snorkeller you might prefer to bring your own. (Included meals: B).
Day 7. Return to Havana via Santa Clara
Today we bid farewell and make our way back to Havana via Santa Clara, the home of Che’s mausoleum, one of Cuba’s most famous revolutionary landmarks. We will also visit the infamous Tren Blindado before returning to atmospheric Havana to enjoy a final dinner and probably a dance. Overnight hotel H+ (Included meals: B).
Day 8. Tour ends in Havana
This morning is also free to explore more of Havana or travel to nearby Playa del Este, one of Cuba’s most popular beaches with the locals. (Included meals: B).
