Spend 11 nights on the sun-kissed shores of Cuba! Hopping between first-class destinations such as Havana and Trinidad, prepare for glorious shorelines, bustling city streets and architectural masterpieces!
The island of Cuba is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. Blessed with a gorgeous climate and fresh, luscious landscapes which rub shoulders with more built-up, urban areas, it’s hard not to fall in love with an island which is often likened to something of a time capsule. Picture old-school automobiles littered along the streets with old-fashioned tape decks and ‘50' s tunes blaring, a by-product of Cuba’s tumultuous history and trade ban with the USA.
Touching down in Cuba, you’ll be whisked off to Viñales. This emerald valley is found in the Pinar del Rio province and enjoys World Heritage Status. Indeed, when Fidel Castro declared this mountainous haven as his favourite place in Cuba, we can assure you he wasn’t misguided.
Viñales’ micro climate and red farmland make it the birthplace of some of the best tobacco in the world. With mogotes (mountains) occupying the horizon, steep and unforgiving, this area offers some of the best scenery you’ll ever stumble across. When you’re not traipsing through thick undergrowth or inhaling that sweet tobacco scent, spend some time at the main square, home to the Casa de la Cultura, one of the oldest edifices in the area.
Next, the Cuban capital of Havana waits. This is a city where old-meets-new, an urban hub which has done little else other than thrive over recent years. Imagine age-old architecture, bronzed from the sunlight, like that of the Havana Vieja district, merged with a plethora of modern bars and roaring nightlife. What does this mean? That from history buffs to party goers, Havana offers something for everyone.
As we take you off on a classic car tour along the Malecon promenade in true ‘50's style, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the bay and ample opportunity to people-watch. When you’re finished whizzing around town, visit the Plaza de Armas, a square which vibrates with the hearty chirp of vendors selling anything from knick-knacks to Latin American literature.
You’ll then make your way to the breath-taking city of Trinidad. Awarded World Heritage Status in 1988, this central Cuban town oozes history and has been dubbed an “outdoor museum.”Within spitting distance of glistening waterfalls, beautiful hiking trails and Playa Ancón (the crème de la crème of Cuba’s southern beaches), Trinidad promises to please thrill-seekers and beach bums alike.
Wander the market in the old colonial centre and fill your pockets with keepsakes and handicrafts and come nightfall, get ready to boogie on down at the Casa de la Música, an open-air location where you can watch salsa dancing and have a tipple or two.
Spend the last leg of your trip getting to know the island of Cayo Santa Maria. Replete with to-die-for beaches and well-known for being a thriving hub of high-end hotels, this island is perched just off the northern coast of mainland Cuba. With a seemingly never-ending coastline of pearly-white sand towards the north of the island and thick forests and spaghetti-like mangroves towards the south, there’s ample opportunity to laze about by the rippling shoreline or head off exploring the island’s varied landscapes.
What's Included:
Stellar accommodation options right in the cultural heart of Cuba!
- Return flight from UK
- A splendid 2 nights accommodation in Viñales with breakfast included
- Bus transfer from Viñales to Havana
- A memorable 3 nights spent in Havana at the superb Hotel Nacional de Cuba
- Bus transfer from Havana to Trinidad
- 2 nights stay in Trinidad in an exclusive colonial-style B&B hostel
- Taxi transfer from Trinidad to Cayo Santa Maria with a stop in Santa Clara for lunch and chance to visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum
- A wonderful 4 nights accommodation in Cayo Santa Maria on All Inclusive Board Basis
- Bus transfer from Cayo Santa Maria to Havana
- A riveting 2-hour sightseeing tour of Havana in a classic car with an English-speaking guide
- Taxi transfer from Havana to the airport
Holiday Highlights:
Cuba is a modern-day time capsule of golden beaches and breath-taking architecture!
- Explore the wonderful emerald valley of Viñales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Wander the streets of historical Havana, abundant with colonial architecture and bustling bars and restaurants.
- Whizz along the Malecon promenade by classic car in true James Dean style.
- Discover the colonial city of Trinidad, an “outdoor museum” and home to Playa Ancón, a sublime beach.
- Put your dancing shoes on and get ready to boogie at Casa de la Música.
- Relax and unwind on the pristine beaches of Cayo Santa Maria.
Hotel E Central is a brand new hotel in the heart of Viñales. It is localted in a privileged position which allows you to visit all the main attractions including Viñales main square, the Parochial Church, the Polo Montañez cultural center and the House of Culture. Being part of the Cuban brand E hotels, it is a charming boutique hotel.
Each of the hotel’s 23 rooms are equipped with individually-controlled air-conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, coffee maker, minibar, and private bathroom with hair dryer.
Breakfast is served daily in the lounge, Amencar. Enjoy an afternoon beverage at Carretero, the Lobby Bar.
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is considered a symbol of history, culture and Cuban identity. With its privileged location in the middle of Vedado, the center of Havana, it stands on a hill just a few meters from the sea, and offers a great view of the Havana Harbor; the seawall and the city.
The Hotel stands out due to its refined elegance and its ancient splendor, which since 1930 has attracted a large number of personalities from the arts, science and politcs.
The hotel's 426 rooms, 34 suites, and Presidential Suite are conveniently prepared and equipped for maximum comfort, while their location offers a magnificent view of the city.
The sloping garden with aerial Malecón views is perfect for enjoying a cappuccino, tuna sandwich, Cuban cigar or stiff cocktail. Dotted with palms and archetypical wicker furniture, it’s an oasis of tranquility. It is a popular meeting spot for local business people, visiting dignitaries and Cuban cultural icons.
Music and dance are equally represented at the Nacional where extravagant shows are hosted nightly at the Cabaret Parisien, second only to the Tropicana. Meanwhile, Salon 1930 is dedicated to Compay Segundo (of Buena Vista Social Club fame) and his successors perform here weekly.
Casa Colonial 1830 is a good example of the colonial times and not only because of its name, design and architecture, but also because it enjoys a privileged position right in the historic center, just two blocks away from the Plaza Mayor.
Passing through the wooden front door of Casa Colonial 1830, you may think for a moment that you have stepped into an antique shop. The high ceilings with exposed wooden beams are typical of the style of construction of these residential houses back in 1830, and the romantic murals and various antique objects are perfect reflections of the bygone colonial period.
Five (standard) rooms are located along two open corridors at the back of the house. On the second floor, there is a large and cozy terrace with a seating area and sun beds.
On the third floor, there is a small platform unfolding an inspiring view of the city, the sea and the mountains. This 360º panorama can certainly be helpful to plan the next day’s agenda. In case you would like to dive, fish, horseback ride, or learn to dance, the landlords can provide you with information about these activities.
In the house also dinners and breakfasts are offered by request of the client. The court possesses an exotic vegetation, offers an agreeable comfort, and along with this one family, you will spend unforgettable moments in this beautiful city.
Located alongside the sublimely soft white sand beaches of Cayo Santa Maria, the Starfish Cayo Santa Maria all-inclusive resort offers guests a wonderful vacation escape. Cayo Santa Maria, a small and exotic islet paradise 13 km long by 2 km wide, is situated north of the main island of Cuba in the Jardines del Rey. The islet, linked to the mainland by a causeway, boasts 11 kilometers of beautiful beaches and is a charming location for visitors to enjoy the tropical sun, warm breezes and crystal turquoise waters.
All 684 suites offer king or twin size beds, in-room safe, air-conditioning, mini-bar, iron & ironing board, bathtub, coffee maker, room service, and en-suite bathroom.
Starfish Cayo Santa Maria offers a variety of extra services such as Gift Shop, Currency Exchange, Disco etc to make your stay even more enjoyable. Guests can treat and rejuvenate themselves with our on-site spa, massage therapy, sauna and Jacuzzi.
At Starfish Cayo Santa Maria guests can indulge in delicious cuisine and a variety of sumptuous feasts to please all appetites and tastes. Enjoy two international buffet offering a wonderful collection of favourite dishes as well as 4 à la carte restaurants featuring a variety of global cuisines.
Day 1 WELCOME TO HAVANA!
Touch down in Havana and take an exclusive taxi transfer from the airport to Viñales hotel Hotel E Central (or Casa Porry or similar) where you’ll stay for 2 nights.
OVERNIGHT IN VIÑALES
Day 2 OPTIONAL VIÑALES TOBACCO FARM TOUR
Today take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to tour one of Viñales’ tobacco farms. The full-day tour will see you venture out to San Vincent’s Farm, a tobacco processing plant, and witness the de-stemming process with the help of an English-speaking guide. This is where half of the stem of the tobacco leaves are removed. Continue to Palenque de Cimarrones and quench your thirst with a cocktail. Later, venture into the Indian caves system by boat before sipping a piña colada at the Prehistory Mural. Round off this fantastic tour with a Cuban farmer lunch at the cigar grower house!
OVERNIGHT IN VIÑALES
Day 3 VIÑALES – HAVANA
Transfer by bus from Viñales to Havana and spend 2 nights at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.
OVERNIGHT IN HAVANA
Day 4 HAVANA SIGHTSEEING
Channel your inner James Dean as you head off on a sightseeing tour of Havana in a classic car. For two hours an English-speaking guide will talk your ear off about the historically rich Cuban capital.
OVERNIGHT IN HAVANA
Day 5 HAVANA – TRINIDAD
Transfer by bus from Havana to Trinidad where you’ll spend 2 nights with breakfast included in an exclusive colonial-style B&B hostel.
OVERNIGHT IN TRINIDAD
Day 6 TRINIDAD SIGHTSEEING
Tour this wonderful area at your own pace today. Trinidad is known as an “outdoor museum” so there’s plenty of history and heritage to learn about.
OVERNIGHT IN TRINIDAD
Day 7 TRINIDAD – CAYO SANTA MARIA
Transfer by taxi from Trinidad to Cayo Santa Maria. If hungry you may stop at Santa Clara for some lunch and then visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum. Rest your head at the Starfish Tropical Cayo Santa Maria for 4 nights.
OVERNIGHT IN CAYO SANTA MARIA
Day 8 CAYO SANTA MARIA SIGHTSEEING
Cayo Santa Maria has some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever stumble across, so if R and R is high on your priority list, today there’s ample opportunity to do this!
OVERNIGHT IN CAYO SANTA MARIA
Day 9 CAYO SANTA MARIA SIGHTSEEING
If you tire of the beach, head to the south of the island and explore the abundant vegetation which this area has to offer. The flora and fauna is stunning and you’ll find many species which are endemic to the area.
OVERNIGHT IN CAYO SANTA MARIA
Day 10 CAYO SANTA MARIA SIGHTSEEING
Relax and unwind at one of the many heavenly beaches. It’s your last chance to breathe in Cayo Santa Maria’s beauty before heading back to Havana!
OVERNIGHT IN CAYO SANTA MARIA
Day 11 CAYO SANTA MARIA – HAVANA
Transfer by bus from Cayo Santa Maria to Havana where you’ll spend a night at the Hotel Nacional.
OVERNIGHT IN HAVANA
Day 12 TIME TO GO HOME!
Transfer by taxi from your Havana hotel to the airport. We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay in Cuba!
END OF TOUR
- We recommend that you buy a travel Insurance as any costs incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc. are not included and will be passenger’s responsibility.
- Accommodation will be on twin sharing basis unless otherwise stated.
- The package is non-refundable for any inclusion items not used/taken.
- Anything not included in the package will be charged separately.
- In case Hotel E Central will not be available we will offer Casa Porry or similar as an alternate.
- Private B&B stay in Casa Colonial 1830, Trinidad or similar is subject to availability at time of booking.
- For Havana to Trinidad transfer client will be picked up from Havana hotel & will be dropped at the centrally located Hotel Iberostar Grand Trinidad. From here you will be met and transferred by taxi to the Casa.
- Cuba is a fascinating country full of history, architecture and natural beauty. However you will find the tourist infrastructure in Cuba remains less developed then you will find in other Latin American countries. This can result in erratic standards of service, hotels are often outdated, road journeys that can take longer than anticipated. Dining and shopping options are limited so please take all essential items with you.
- UK passport holders need to obtain a visa for Cuba.
EXCLUSIONS
- Tips, bar, laundry, telephone calls and other personal expenses not specified above.
- Early Check in / Late Check out.
