Highlights of Cuba
8 Days Starting and ending in Havana
Visiting: Havana, Old Havana, Vinales, Bay of Pigs, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Varadero, Matanzas
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CB1
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
13 - 35
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2272
$1436 (USD)
Operator discount: -$795
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$41
-37%
Tour Overview
Get set for turquoise beaches, captivating Latina culture, lush mountain scenery, and quaint cities bubbling with historical sights. Soak up the picturesque tropical vibes on Varadero Beach, explore the famous tobacco fields and sugar mill valleys of Viñales and embrace the authentic Cuban lifestyle in the cobble-stone streets of Trinidad and colourful Havana. This 8-day adventure through the highlights of Cuba will have you craving more of the Caribbean lifestyle!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation Name: Casa Particular Havana
Meals Included: No Meals
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: Old 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 Generals, 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 : Cigar Factory &Amp; Tobacco Farm, Viñales
Location: Vinales
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 : Bay Of Pigs In Giron, Cienfuegos
Location: Bay of Pigs, 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 MartÃ, 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: Cienfuegos, 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 SanterÃa 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 : Santa Clara, Varadero
Location: Santa Clara, 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 your 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
Location: Varadero, Matanzas
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
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Meals
7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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Airport Transfer
Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1.
Departure transfer to the airport on Day 8. -
Transportation
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
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Tour Guiding
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
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Airport Transfer(s)
Arrival and Departure transfers on first and last day of the trip
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Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access ( where available )
What's Not Included
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Entrance Fees
Sights and museums
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Travel Insurance
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Items of a personel nature
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Optional activities
Add Ons
Local Payment: £
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No children under age of 18 are not allowed
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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
Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Saturday
May 11, 2024 - May 18, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Saturday - 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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