Essential Cuba

Essential Cuba

7 Views
8 Days From

$1140

$997

Essential Cuba

8 Days Starting in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and ending in Havana, Cuba

Visiting: Santiago De Cuba, Holguín, Guardalavaca, Laguna La Redonda, Cayo Coco, Remedios, Sugarcane Mill, Santa Clara, Havana

Tour operator:

Europamundo

Tour code:

2506191

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

36 - 72

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

3-85

From: $1140 $997 (USD) Operator discount: -$114 Tourhub's Discount: -$29 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 08-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Essential Cuba" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of Cuba's rich cultural and historical tapestry. Begin in Santiago de Cuba, where live Cuban music at Casa de la Trova sets the tone. Explore the revered Basilica of Our Lady of Charity and the Santa Ifigenia cemetery. Discover the archaeological wonders of Museo Chorro de Maita near Guardalavaca, and enjoy a serene boat ride through the mangroves of Laguna de la Redonda. Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara and experience the vibrant streets of Colonial Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delight in the local flavors at Habana Club Rum Museum and soak in the lively atmosphere of Revolution Square. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with included meals and transportation ensuring a seamless experience.

Highlights

  • Visit the Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba for live Cuban music performances.

  • Explore the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of Copper and the Santa Ifigenia cemetery in Santiago de Cuba.

  • Discover the Museo Chorro de Maita archaeological park and Taina Village near Guardalavaca.

  • Enjoy a boat ride through mangroves at Laguna de la Redonda.

  • Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum Museum in Santa Clara.

  • Stroll through Colonial Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Habana Club Rum Museum.

  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Revolution Square and the University in Havana.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Santiago De Cuba

Location: Santiago De Cuba

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Santiago de Cuba! Transfer to the hotel and free time. Our guide will get in touch with you in the evening, either in person or through the information boards located at the hotel reception.Later in the day, we’ll visit the Casa de la Trova, a popular gathering place for Cuban music lovers with live performances.

Day 2 : Santiago De Cuba

Location: Santiago De Cuba

Meals Included: Lunch

We include a tour of SANTIAGO, Cuba’s second city and one of contrasts, capital of the ‘son’ and the revolution. Around 20 km from the city, in the mountains, we will go to the Basilica of our Lady of Charity of Copper, where we will be surprised at the veneration for the virgin patron of Cuba. After that we will go to the Santa Ifigenia cemetery, where Fidel Castro and José Martí are buried. We will see the Ron Bacardí factory and go to the CASTILLO DEL MORRO, an impregnable citadel on a promontory declared a world heritage site, which houses an interesting museum on Piracy. Lunch included. Free time in the afternoon.

Day 3 : Santiago De Cuba, Holguín, Guardalavaca

Location: Santiago De Cuba, Holguín, Guardalavaca

Accommodation Name: resort

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Among beautiful landscapes of tropical hills, we travel to the north coast. A walk through the quiet center of HOLGUIN before continuing to GUARDALAVACA, where we see the Museo Chorro de Maita archaeological park that protects the remains of a village and an Indian cemetery with the remains of 62 human skeletons, and Taina Village, which reproduces scenes of how the Indigenous peoples. We see the magnificent surroundings of BARIAY BAY. Lunch included. Afternoon free at the resort by the beautiful Guardalavaca beaches. Dinner included in the hotel.

Day 4 : Guardalavaca, Laguna La Redonda, Cayo Coco

Location: Guardalavaca, Laguna La Redonda, Cayo Coco

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

We’ll travel to the west of the island, beginning our day at Laguna de la Redonda, where we’ll enjoy a beautiful one-hour boat ride through mangroves, lush tributaries, and small inland lakes. Lunch will be included. Afterward, we’ll take in the spectacular landscapes along the road that crosses the sea towards Cayo Coco. We’ll arrive in the afternoon, and dinner will be included.

Day 5 : Cayo Coco, Remedios

Location: Cayo Coco, Remedios

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Free morning to enjoy the beach. After lunch (included) we will leave for YAGUAJAY, where the Camilo Cienfuegos museum-cemetery is located. Night in REMEDIOS, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Cuba. Dinner included.

Day 6 : Remedios, Sugarcane Mill, Santa Clara, Havana

Location: Remedios, Sugarcane Mill, Santa Clara, Havana

Meals Included: Lunch

Just outside Remedios, we’ll learn about the Marcelo Salado Sugar Mill, a former sugar factory that was closed after the fall of the USSR and is now a museum showcasing traditional sugar production. We’ll also include a 20-minute ride on an old steam train (if it’s operating). Afterward, we’ll travel to Santa Clara, where we’ll visit the Constantino Pérez Cigar Factory, home to Montecristo and Partagas cigars. After an included lunch, we’ll explore the Che Guevara Mausoleum. Our journey will then continue to Havana, where, upon arrival, we’ll include a ride in a vintage classic car to the San Carlos Fortress, passing along the Malecón. Here, we’ll attend the Cannon Shot Ceremony (admission included). Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by bus or car and settle into our accommodation.

Day 7 : Havana

Location: Havana

This morning we include a visit of about 4 hours; we will include a stroll through Colonial Havana; declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a panoramic tour of Revolution Square and the University. Visit to the Habana Club Rum Museum. We will include a boat trip across the bay in the little boat to Regla where we will see the church of the Virgin of Regla, a place of great devotion where there is a strong syncretism between the Catholic religion and the Afro-Cuban. Will you buy flowers and have a daughter of Ochun read your hand? After this, at lunchtime, we will take you to the area of the ‘Callejón del Chorro’, an area with multiple “paladares” (private restaurants) where you can have lunch. Afternoon free.

Day 8 : Havana

Location: Havana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast. End of our services. Transfer from the hotel to the airport not included.

What's Included

  • Live Cuban Music Performances

    Visit the Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba for live Cuban music performances.

  • Basilica and Cemetery Tour

    Explore the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of Copper and the Santa Ifigenia cemetery in Santiago de Cuba.

  • Archaeological Park Visit

    Discover the Museo Chorro de Maita archaeological park and Taina Village near Guardalavaca.

  • Boat Ride

    Enjoy a boat ride through mangroves at Laguna de la Redonda.

  • Che Guevara Mausoleum Museum

    Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum Museum in Santa Clara.

  • Colonial Havana Tour

    Stroll through Colonial Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Habana Club Rum Museum.

  • Revolution Square and University

    Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Revolution Square and the University in Havana.

  • Lunch and Dinner

    Lunch and dinner are included on several days of the tour.

  • Transportation

    Transportation between tour locations is included.

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation Details

    Accommodation details for this tour are not provided in the available information.

  • Transportation Details

    Transportation details for this tour are not provided in the available information.

  • Meals on Certain Days

    Meals are not included on some days of the tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of music experience can I expect in Santiago de Cuba?

    In Santiago de Cuba, you will visit the Casa de la Trova, a popular gathering place for Cuban music lovers, where you can enjoy live performances.

  • What historical sites will we visit in Santiago de Cuba?

    In Santiago de Cuba, you will visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of Copper, the Santa Ifigenia cemetery where Fidel Castro and José Martí are buried, and the Castillo del Morro, which houses a museum on Piracy.

  • What can I expect to see at the Museo Chorro de Maita archaeological park?

    At the Museo Chorro de Maita archaeological park, you will see the remains of a village and an Indian cemetery with 62 human skeletons, as well as the Taina Village, which reproduces scenes of Indigenous life.

  • What activities are included at Laguna de la Redonda?

    At Laguna de la Redonda, you will enjoy a beautiful one-hour boat ride through mangroves, lush tributaries, and small inland lakes.

  • What is the significance of the Che Guevara Mausoleum Museum in Santa Clara?

    The Che Guevara Mausoleum Museum in Santa Clara is a significant historical site dedicated to the revolutionary leader Che Guevara, where you can learn about his life and legacy.

  • What unique experience is offered in Havana related to Afro-Cuban culture?

    In Havana, you will visit the church of the Virgin of Regla, a place of great devotion where there is a strong syncretism between the Catholic religion and Afro-Cuban beliefs. You may also have the opportunity to have your hand read by a daughter of Ochun.

Reviews of this operator

Mauro Grasso García (Google Reviewer)  

I have taken a trip...

02-Apr-2024

I have taken a trip with them through Spain and Portugal and everything was very organized. Professional guides and wonderful places. Without a doubt, I will return.

alejandra gonzalez (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic trip...

27-Jun-2023

We had a fantastic trip with EuropaMundo. We visited France, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco and Spain. Gonzalo our guide was incredibly knowledgable and friendly, gave us a fantastic tour throughout the whole trip. We learned about history, art, culture and much more. He kept us entertained, was happy to answer all of our questions, also offered recommendations of things to do, see and places to eat during the tour. Also want to thank our drivers Narciso and Olivier both did a fantastic job driving us safe. Money and time well invested. Highly recommended.

Nimar Sekhon (Google Reviewer)  

I want to let you...

16-Jul-2024

I want to let you guys know your tour guides were excellent Frey, Julie and Alba was very professional. Also hotels in Spain quite clean. Only think you guys need to improve on giving accurate times guides bus because told 8:30 am because told I would little more accurate timings of the tour. I was wondering if guys tours in Greece or Israel plan another vacation next year asking if guys have any tours available in Greece or Israel.

Paul Quan (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished a 3 week...

22-Oct-2023

Just finished a 3 week tour not do long ago. Most of it was great, I couldn't ask for a better experience. Except for 1 tour guide (Maria). First of she and the driver was over an hour late to our hotel to pick every one up, which is fair enough, unexpected things happen. Then I thought that everyone was punished due to them being late. We were rushed everywhere we went. She made us pay for a toilet only to walk us down to the city centre to only allow us 45 minutes to find a restaurant to have so called lunch at around 3:00pm. Then we drove for at least 6 hours with very little breaks, not even to allow everyone to have toilet breaks. I would recommend eurpomando but not Maria as a tour guide. Every other tour guide we had were fantastic.

Julia Macapagal (Google Reviewer)  

We are three from the...

20-Aug-2024

We are three from the Philippines and were set to tour the Czech Republic (June 10). Overall, the tour was satisfactory except we would like to suggest giving more time to the highlights of each city. For instance, we were able to see the exterior of Versailles - but even if we wanted to get in to see more of its beauty, we could not as we were pressured by time to be at the meeting place at a certain point. That is exactly what happened to us during our Eiffel Tower experience as well. The Louvre museum was optional but we finished the cruise at 3:00 PM and the museum would close at 5:00 PM. This schedule was literally just like a tick the box list. Another important thing I would like to say is regarding William or Guillermo. He was our tour guide on June 12 from Pilsen to Germany. We understand that this is a group tour and that time is a big factor such that our punctuality is required. But it is also inevitable that sometimes you get late, you can get lost, but that was not intentional. That is exactly what happened to us, we got lost in Rothenburg and caused us to be late, meters away from the bus, he was yelling at us at the peak of his lungs. Very discourteous and very unethical! He was unlike other guides. Not to mention that he is not so knowledgeable in the topics he was discussing, again, unlike the other tour guides. To think that he has been doing his job for several years “with passion”, it was such a disappointment. His attitude did not show any passion for his work.

Glenn (Google Reviewer)  

We had an incredible time...

12-Dec-2023

We had an incredible time visiting Switzerland and Paris, and there was no need to worry about anything. The organization was perfect, and the hotels were booked and all this was at a resonable cost. But an issue arose with an extremely rude and unpleasant driver(Andres) for one of the days, who abruptly slammed the brakes on a high-speed bus because he was angry at kids talking. This could have been very dangerous for the passengers also. Would have given 5 stars if it wasbt for the driver

Talia Rodriguez (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible agency, total scammers. Booked...

08-Oct-2024

Terrible agency, total scammers. Booked a trip to Europe and didn’t received what was promised. We didn’t have free time (10-30 min in most cases) the whole trip felt rushed, we ate at every gas stations in Europe, not restaurants , we had to drag mas suitcases, couldn’t watch a show/performance because we had to book it advance and according to them this was included until we got to the places and they said “we couldn’t book the show” money was returned. This is false advertisement. Hotels were pure garbage, at some point we found bugs in our bed. To many lies, to many scams, I hated the whole thing. Our group was a gem, they handpicked the most annoying people ever and had to be together from 6 am until 12 pm in the mornings, we couldn’t visit or watch anything in Europe because we were busy 12 h on a bus crossing borders, so what they put in the paper example: “The alps” was literally the view of the alps from a bus, never visited anything that was stated in the world. We were to supposed to visit Switzerland, one of the bests countries and most beautiful places on earth but we were there 1 h, San Sebastián Spain 10 min, what the hell is that? Tourist guides are terrible, while on the bus they won’t tell you the history. We visited France and stayed ij burdeaux (for some reason burdeaux was included but never saw it. Nasty hotels in the middle of nowhere , felt like I was working the whole trip

Pete F (Google Reviewer)  

Poorly organized tours - no...

19-May-2024

Poorly organized tours - no continuity or directions to people on tours. Drivers and guides are often late and, while nice people, are also very disorganized with little support from the home office. We are missing our Versailles tour because the bus driver did not show up. One hotel had no water for the entire hotel. The company is about churning as many people through their tours than providing quality experiences. I plan to report them through our travel agent to prevent more people from using them.

Pedro Rascon (Google Reviewer)  

I had travelled with Europamundo...

24-Jul-2024

I had travelled with Europamundo twice back in 2013 and 2014. This year I decided to repeat a trip with them (Prague-Budapest-Vienna-Innsbruck). In the last 10 years I’ve done about 10 trips to Europe, but this time I decided to go back with them so I could worry less about transportation, hotels, guided tours, etc. I regret so much going with them. After spending about $20K on this trip my vacation got totally ruined by Europamundo. I am never traveling with Europamundo ever again. Rest of my review in screenshots attached...

Arielle Nicole (Google Reviewer)  

The absolute worst. They do...

02-Sep-2023

The absolute worst. They do not follow the itinerary provided. When we arrived in Versailles, tickets are sold out since instead of morning, they changed it to 3-4pm where all the tickets are sold out. Whole day wasted. Most of the museums/sights they state in their itinerary, they will just bring you there, entrance fee is not included. They will only bring you to free places, so just be aware that you will not be getting your money’s worth. Bus is ALWAYS late, today our meetup time is 7:45am, the bus arrived 8:25am, since they had to pick up other guest from a totally different hotel. They frequently change buses, it is a hit or miss. There are times where the airconditioner is good, leg space is acceptable. There are also times, they would rent a bus from a different company, where it is very cramped. Guide: they know the basics but not the nitty gritty details. For example they would just point you “Oh this is blah building, without any further explanation.” Hotels are mostly 4 star hotels with really shitty customer service. Once I had a room (cant remember the hotel in Lyon, France) assigned to me where the room has not been cleaned up. GROSS. One of the other hotel (Dormero Hotel, Zurich), did not have a reception staff at night, so when we were a defective bath tub, we had no one to complain to.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$1160 $1127 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$33 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
$1160 $1127 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$33 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$1140 $997 (USD)

Operator discount: -$114 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$29 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$1140 $997 (USD)

Operator discount: -$114 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$29 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$1140 $997 (USD)

Operator discount: -$114 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$29 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$1140 $997 (USD)

Operator discount: -$114 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$29 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$1140 $997 (USD)

Operator discount: -$114 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$29 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$1140 $997 (USD)

Operator discount: -$114 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$29 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
$1160 $1014 (USD)

Operator discount: -$116 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$30 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$1160 $1014 (USD)

Operator discount: -$116 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$30 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
$1217 $1064 (USD)

Operator discount: -$122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$31 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026
$1160 $1127 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$33 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
$1160 $1127 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$33 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
$1160 $1127 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$33 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$1160 $1127 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$33 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$1160 $1127 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$33 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$1140 $1108 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$32 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Europamundo requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 10 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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