Cuba Deliciosa Homestay Experience 15D/14N

Havana Airport Transfer
Welcome to Cuba! Upon arrival, you will be picked-up from the airport and transferred to your homestay. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Transfer to Viñales, Prehistoric Wall Painting and Indian Cave visit (B)
After enjoying an authentic Cuban breakfast at the local family home, at around 9:00 hrs, you will be picked-up at your homestay and you will take a transfer from Havana to Viñales. Upon arrival, you will embark on a Horse and Buggy Ride to visit the Prehistoric Wall Painting. Then, continue on to Cueva del Indio (Indian cave) by taxi. Entrance to the cave costs $5 CUC, but includes a boat ride through the cave to see its magnificent, ancient formations, coming out on the other end. Afterwards, you will be dropped-off at your homestay.

Half Day Finca Visit and Tobacco Culture (B)
At around 14:00 hrs, take a fun half day Finca Walk or Horse Ride to explore life in the Cuban countryside and on the tobacco farms surrounding Vinales. Enjoy the simplicity of life and breathe fresh country air as you meet friendly locals who welcome you with their generous smiles. A short walk from your homestay, horses are waiting to take you through a part of the village lost in time; farming techniques are based around horsepower and minimal use of modern machinery and pesticides. We enter the valley and continue through lush plantations of beans, maize and of course, tobacco - all the time overlooked by the imposing but beautifully distinctive karsh limestone mountains. We stop at a classic tobacco drying house and learn about the art of curing tobacco and hand rolling cigars. We then continue to Mirador, a lookout point high above the village with stunning views. Take a refreshment, enjoy the view and head back into Viñales as the sun goes down. Afterwards, you will be dropped-off at your homestay.

Transfer to Cienfuegos and The Pearl of the South Walking Tour (B)
After enjoying an authentic Cuban breakfast, you will be picked-up from your homestay and you will take a transfer to Cienfuegos. Upon arrival, you will embark on a very interesting walking tour. You will start with the panoramic tour through Prado promenade (the largest in Cuba), Cienfuegos seawall (Malecón), Club Cienfuegos, Park of the Sculptures, Jagua Hotel, visit to the Valley Palace, considered as the Cuban Taj Mahal for its extraordinary architecture with one of the most beautiful views to the Cienfuegos Bay, and “La Punta”, the singular architecture of the houses of this area declared National Monument. After this, you will have time to enjoy lunch and continue with the walking tour starting at the Statue of Beny More. Walk through the Cienfuegos boulevard, with entrance to the House of Rum, and Cigars, and Union Hotel to enjoy this symbol of the XIX century architecture and the wonderful view to the city offered from its terrace. Walk through the foundation area, the Jose Martí square, the oldest part in the city with a view of the main buildings, the Town Hall, the Cathedral, Tomas Terry theater, Ferrer Palace and The Arc of the Workers. After this, you will be dropped-off at your homestay. Please remember to use comfortable shoes, clothes, a hat, and sunscreen. Take with you a bottle of water.

Transfer to Trinidad and Salsa Dance Class (B)
Today, you will take a transfer from Cienfuegos to Trinidad. You will arrive to your new homestay, and late afternoon, you will be picked up to take part in a Salsa Dance Class. Trinidad is the home of 'salsa casino' - a mesmerising fusion of salsa and close up magic! However, to get you started why not enjoy a pre-cocktail hour before your 1-hour salsa lesson with your personal licensed salsa instructor.

Cubanito National Park and Waterfalls Excursion (B)
Depart your homestay at 9:00 hrs, and begin your full day adventure with a 1 or 2-hour horseback ride. (You may opt for biking, walking or taxi instead of horseback if you’d prefer - at no extra charge. All options are accompanied by a guide.) Ride through the ancient streets of Trinidad and into the rolling countryside, arriving at Cubanito Natural Park. Enjoy a 30-minute hike along the scenic river with lots of opportunities for spotting birds and flora along the way. Arrive at the grotto and waterfall, where you can jump into the fresh clean waters of a deep pool surrounded by high rock walls. Swim through the waterfall and into the cave behind for a magical experience. After some chill time and a picnic or snack lunch (not included), we will walk back to the horses for the ride back to your homestay, arriving around 15:00 hrs. Please remember to bring your swimsuit. Use comfortable shoes, clothes, a hat, and sunscreen. Take with you a bottle of water.

Transfer to Santiago de Cuba (B)
Enjoy your authentic Cuban breakfast and get ready to take your transfer to Santiago de Cuba. Upon arrival, get some rest to be ready for tomorrow's adventure.

Santiago de Cuba Full Day Walking Tour and Salsa Dance Class (B)
At 9:00 hrs, you will be picked-up to get to know the hottest, most rebellious and hospitable city of this Caribbean island: Santiago de Cuba. Visit historical sites such as the Moncada Barracks, the Clandestinity Museum, the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, the Antonio Maceo Revolution Square, the Cathedral, the Cespedes Park, the Gran Piedra, and the Morro Castle, among many other places that dazzle for their unique beauty. Do not miss the opportunity to meet the "santiagueros", cordial, simple and very hospitable people. After lunch, we visit the museum founded in 1899 by the first mayor of Santiago de Cuba, Don Emilio Bacardi. This tour will end with a visit to the famous Las Enramadas Ice Cream Shop. Then, at around 16:00 hrs, you will be picked-up again to take part in a 1-hour salsa lesson with your personal licensed salsa instructor.

Transfer to Baracoa and Half Day Walking Tour (B)
Today, you will be picked-up and you will take your transfer to Baracoa. Upon arrival, embark on a walking city tour with your tour leader, before planning the rest of your day in this region. Baracoa is Cuba’s first colonial village, founded in 1511 by the Spaniards. Packed with possibilities to go sightseeing and birdwatching, the city is also known for its rich culinary tradition, featuring coconut sauce, local cacao (chocolate!), and fresh seafood.

Free day in Baracoa (B)
Enjoy this day at your leisure and get some rest or if feeling more adventurous, take part in an optional activity, such as excursions to the nearby Unesco-listed National Park Cuchillas del Toa to explore caves, waterfalls and of course, stunning beaches.

Transfer back to Santiago de Cuba (B)
After breakfast, get ready to take your transfer back to Santiago de Cuba.

Transfer to Santa Clara (B)
During the day, you will have time to relax. You will take your transfer service to Santa Clara at night.

Half Day Walking Tour (B)
This morning you will be picked-up from your homestay to enjoy a half day walking tour of Santa Clara, the city made famous for being where "Che" won the battle that brought the end to the Batista Regime. A visit to Che’s mausoleum is a must along with the famous armored train monument and other points of interest with your bilingual guide. Afterwards, you will be dropped-off at your homestay.

Transfer to Havana (B)
Today, you will be picked-up from your accommodation and you will take your transfer to Havana. Upon arrival, you can visit the colonial plazas of Old Havana and neighbouring streets or enjoy enjoy some Havana nightlife!

Havana Airport Transfer (B)
Today, your tour comes to an end. You will be transferred to the airport to take your flight back home. Hope to see you soon!