Essential Cuba

Essential Cuba

75 Views
8 Days From

$1140

$1108

Essential Cuba

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

Visiting: Santiago de Cuba, Guardalavaca, Cayo Coco, Havana

Tour operator:

Europamundo

Tour code:

30717

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

36 - 72

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

3-85

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1140 $1108 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$32

NB: Prices correct on 16-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 of Copper and the historic Santa Ifigenia cemetery. Discover the archaeological wonders of Museo Chorro de Maita in Guardalavaca and enjoy a serene boat ride through the mangroves at Laguna de la Redonda. Delve into history at the Che Guevara Mausoleum Museum in Santa Clara and stroll through the vibrant streets of Colonial Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the iconic Revolution Square and the University in Havana, and savor the local flavors at paladares. This tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, history, and cultural immersion, promising an unforgettable Cuban adventure.

Highlights

  • Casa de la Trova in Santiago De Cuba for live Cuban music performances

  • Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of Copper in Santiago De Cuba

  • Santa Ifigenia cemetery where Fidel Castro and José Martí are buried

  • Museo Chorro de Maita archaeological park in Guardalavaca

  • Boat ride through the mangroves at Laguna de la Redonda

  • Che Guevara Mausoleum Museum in Santa Clara

  • Stroll through Colonial Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Panoramic tour of Revolution Square and the University in Havana

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Santiago De Cuba

Location: Santiago de Cuba

Accommodation Name: hotel

Arrival. Welcome to SANTIAGO. Transfer to hotel and free time. In the evening we will go to Casa de la Trova a meeting place for Cuban music lovers, with its live performances.

Day 2 : Santiago De Cuba

Location: Santiago de Cuba

Accommodation Name: hotel

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, Banes, Guardalavaca

Location: 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, Holguín, Cayo Coco

Location: Cayo Coco

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

We travel to the west of the island. Stop at PUERTO PADRE, a small town stopped in time, which was once the largest sugar port on the planet. Lunch included on route. In LAGUNA DE LA REDONDA, we will include a beautiful one-hour boat ride between the mangroves, foliage-covered tributaries and small inland lakes. After that, spectacular landscapes on the road that crosses the sea towards CAYO COCO. Arrival mid-afternoon, dinner included.

Day 5 : Cayo Coco, Remedios

Location: Cayo Coco

Accommodation Name: hotel

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: Havana

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

On the outskirts of Remedios, we see the old Marcelo Salado sugar mill, a former sugar mill closed after the fall of the USSR, and today a museum that shows us what traditional sugar production was like. We include a 20-minute ride on an old train with a steam engine. After that we travel to SANTA CLARA, where we see the Constantino Pérez cigar factory (Montecristo and Partagas cigars). After lunch (included) we visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum Museum. Return to Havana. Arrival at about 19:00.

Day 7 : Havana

Location: Havana

Accommodation Name: hotel

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. 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

After breakfast, end of our services.

What's Included

  • Arrival Transfer

    Transfer to hotel upon arrival in Santiago De Cuba.

  • Casa de la Trova Visit

    Evening visit to Casa de la Trova for live Cuban music performances.

  • Santiago De Cuba Tour

    Tour of Santiago De Cuba including the Basilica of our Lady of Charity of Copper, Santa Ifigenia cemetery, Ron Bacardí factory, and Castillo del Morro.

  • Guardalavaca Tour

    Visit to Museo Chorro de Maita archaeological park, Taina Village, and Bariay Bay.

  • Puerto Padre Visit

    Stop at Puerto Padre, a historic sugar port.

  • Laguna de la Redonda Boat Ride

    One-hour boat ride in Laguna de la Redonda.

  • Free Morning in Cayo Coco

    Free morning to enjoy the beach in Cayo Coco.

  • Camilo Cienfuegos Museum-Cemetery Visit

    Visit to the Camilo Cienfuegos museum-cemetery in Yaguajay.

  • Marcelo Salado Sugar Mill Visit

    Visit to the Marcelo Salado sugar mill museum and a 20-minute ride on an old steam train.

  • Santa Clara Tour

    Tour of Santa Clara including the Constantino Pérez cigar factory and Che Guevara Mausoleum Museum.

show more

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Cuba are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees for entry into Cuba are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy seamless transfers including arrival transfer in Santiago De Cuba, scenic drives through Cuba's landscapes, and a boat ride through the mangroves at Laguna de la Redonda.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable hotels and a resort, offering a mix of city and beach experiences in Santiago De Cuba, Guardalavaca, Cayo Coco, Remedios, and Havana.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of music experience can I expect at Casa de la Trova?

    At Casa de la Trova, you can enjoy live Cuban music performances, which is a meeting place for Cuban music lovers.

  • What historical sites will be visited in Santiago De Cuba?

    In Santiago De Cuba, you will visit the Basilica of our Lady of Charity of Copper, Santa Ifigenia cemetery where Fidel Castro and José Martí are buried, the Ron Bacardí factory, and Castillo del Morro.

  • What activities are included in Guardalavaca?

    In Guardalavaca, you will visit the Museo Chorro de Maita archaeological park, Taina Village, and enjoy free time at the resort by the beautiful Guardalavaca beaches.

  • What is unique about the boat ride at Laguna de la Redonda?

    The boat ride at Laguna de la Redonda is a beautiful one-hour experience through mangroves, foliage-covered tributaries, and small inland lakes.

  • What can I do during the free morning in Cayo Coco?

    During the free morning in Cayo Coco, you can enjoy the beach at your leisure.

  • What is special about the Marcelo Salado sugar mill visit?

    The Marcelo Salado sugar mill visit includes a tour of a museum that shows traditional sugar production and a 20-minute ride on an old steam train.

  • What will I see during the Havana tour?

    During the Havana tour, you will stroll through Colonial Havana, take a panoramic tour of Revolution Square and the University, and enjoy a boat trip to Regla.

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.

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Tourhub's Discount: -$33 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$33 (USD)

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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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