Fuel your wanderlust with this 12-day tour of tropical Cuba with flights, accommodation and excursions included! Whizz around Havana on a classic car tour, gaze at the sights and delights of sensational Trinidad and top up your tan on the sun-splashed island of Cayo Santa Maria… we wouldn’t blame you if you conveniently missed your flight home.
Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, the island of Cuba is much more than just a handful of historical must-sees. Lying 90 miles south of Florida and boasting picture-perfect landscapes and historic cities, this frozen-in-time island is finally starting to thaw. Visitors often liken it to a time capsule with retro 1950's cars revving through old-fashioned streets and old-school bops blaring on boom-boxes.
Your first stop, Havana, is eye candy to culture vultures. Delightful to behold and oozing historical heritage, the Cuban capital attracts both history buffs and party goers alike with its time-worn architectural gems and roaring nightlife.
Whisked off on a classic car tour in true James Dean style, you’ll get a feel for Havana’s bustling streets. Every red light will give you a chance to stop and ponder the Cuban way of life, from its old fashioned vehicles to its age-old buildings.You’ll also explore the Plaza de Armas, the island's historical epicentre, thronging with chirpy vendors and camera-wielding tourists.
After visiting Havana, we'll take you to Cienfuegos, “the Pearl of the South” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the French, Cienfuegos offers two main points of interest: Pueblo Nuevo and Punta Gorda, the former being the city centre and the latter a peninsula cluttered with homes from the 1950's.
Here, the opportunities are endless. Secluded mountain lakes make for great fishing excursions and harbour boat trips offer the chance to stop in at other islands and satisfy those mojito cravings. The iconic Malecon promenade is perfect for quaint evening strolls along the hazy sea front too.
Making our way then on to the sparkling city of Trinidad, get ready to explore this “outdoor museum” and its abundance of historical treasures. Turquoise waterfalls, tangled hiking trails and the teal-coloured waters at the famous Playa Ancon provide ample opportunity for thrill-seeking and beach-flopping.
Then shop ‘til you drop at the old colonial centre market, loading up on keepsakes and handicrafts to pack into your suitcase before enjoying a tipple or two at the open-air salsa show at Casa de la Musica in the evening.
Our last stop promises plenty of pampering before your flight home. The island of Cayo Santa Maria is a beach-bum’s paradise full of top-of-the-range hotels sitting adjacent to a pearlescent shoreline. Perched off the northern coast of mainland Cuba, Cayo Santa Maria’s seemingly never-ending coast sits against a backdrop of thick inland forests and labyrinthine mangroves to the south.
What's Included:
A riveting tour of Cuba’s hot spots all neatly packaged into one deal
- Return flights from UK to Havana
- A fantastic 4 nights’ stay in Havana
- A 1 night’s homestay with breakfast in Cienfuegos
- A wonderful 2 nights’ stay in Trinidad at Casa Colonial 1830 (or similar) with breakfast
- A marvellous 4 nights spent in Cayo Santa Maria
- An exciting guided American classic car tour of modern Havana for 2 hours
- Airport transfer from Havana
- Coach transfer from Havana hotel to Cienfuegos hotel
- Taxi transfer from Cienfuegos hotel or casa to Trinidad casa
- Taxi transfer from Trinidad to Cayo Santa Maria with a 2-hour stopover in Santa Clara
- Coach transfer from Cayo Santa Maria to Havana
- Taxi transfer from Havana hotel to Havana airport
- Walking tour in Cienfuegos which include visits to Marti’s Park, Terry Theatre, City Museum, the Cathedral, Cienfuegos’ Boulevard and the city’s main walking promenade.
- Walking tour in Trinidad that includes visits to main squares and places of cultural interest in the historical centre.
- Local representatives on hand to help with whatever you need
- Local taxes are covered
Add an optional tour to Viñales from Havana at an additional £79 per person!
Inclusions
- An enjoyable day tour of the Viñales Valley with English-speaking guide and delicious lunch included
- A visit to cigar factory
- Take a tour of the Indian Caves and Prehistory Museum
- Pick up and drop off from your Havana hotel
Add an optional exclusive Viñales program at an additional £179 per person! (Tour Code: HAV001E1)
Inclusions
- Door to door comfortable coach transfers
- A fabulous 2 nights’ accommodation in Hotel La Ermita / Rancho/ Los Jazmines
- A hearty breakfast included
- A privately guided day-tour of Viñales (with English-speaking guide) including visits to San Vincent’s farm and a tobacco processing plant where you’ll witness the de-stemming process
- Visit the Palenque de Cimarrones with cocktail included
- Tour the Indian Cave via a short boat ride
- Chow down on a traditional Cuban farmers lunch at a cigar-growing house
Holiday Highlights:
Historical Havana, captivating Cayo Santa Maria and terrific Trinidad await you!
- Stroll through mesmerizing Havana, a city steeped in history and likened to something of a time capsule.
- Enjoy an American classic car tour, whizzing along the Malecon like James Dean.
- Partake in a homestay in Cienfuegos and get a taste of authentic Cuban life.
- Relax in the beachy paradise of Cayo Santa Maria, a perfect destination for R&R.
- Discover the city of Trinidad, a World Heritage Site with a stunning coastline offering ample opportunity for beach-flopping.
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 Hostal Maikel in Cienfuegos is a beautiful and independent house located in the residential area of Punta Gorda.
It has 4 bedrooms, ready for quick accommodation if it comes with your family or if you. Food is delicious grilled meats prepared with the best olive oils, all natural and an amazing freshness.
The guest house is just 400 meters from the “malecon” and very close to other attractions.
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.
Playa Cayo Santa María Located on the sea front of one of the Cuba's most stunning beaches, Cayo Santa Maria, an area renowned for its white sands and clear blue waters, beautiful beaches where nature is almost virgin and very well preserved, especially designed for the enjoyment of couples and families. The resort sits on the stunning beach of the area, boasting spectacular views over the shimmering ocean. Guests will find themselves in the perfect setting in which to escape the bustle of daily life, and completely unwind.
The rooms at the Playa Cayo Santa María Hotel are spread over 3 floors and have privileged views of the sea, the surrounding gardens and the resort’s 4 pools. Every room offers air conditioning, safety deposit box, private bathroom, hairdryer, TV with satellite transmission, Terrace or balcony, Mini bar, coffee maker, iron and ironing board. For your convenience facilities offer rooms accessible for disabled guests and rooms for smokers and nonsmokers.
The Playa Cayo Santa Maria Hotel has a wide range of bars and restaurants where you can find the best Cuban and international cuisine. At the El Tesoro del Almirante Buffet you can taste a full range of international flavors.
Day 1 HAVANA
Welcome to Havana! You’ll take a private taxi transfer to the Hotel Nacional where you’ll spend three nights.
OVERNIGHT IN HAVANA
Day 2 HAVANA SIGHTSEEING
This morning will be at your leisure, spend the same relaxing in the hotels bar and soak in the atmosphere of your hotel, favourite haunt of the mafia before the Revolution and a favourite to the likes of Winston Churchill and Fred Astaire. Alternatively book a private colonial walking tour to see what this city has to offer for £40pp. In the afternoon travel in style around Havana on a 2-hour classic car tour (included in your package).
OVERNIGHT IN HAVANA
Day 3 HAVANA
Today you can get to know Havana at your own pace or enjoy a full day excursion to a cigar factory in Viñales .You’ll also see the Indian caves, prehistoric museum and satisfy your appetite with a delicious lunch.
For more information on optional tours, please see Other Information.
OVERNIGHT IN HAVANA
Day 4 CIENFUEGOS
Take a coach transfer to Cienfuegos, on arrival you will be met and escorted to your “casa” by your host. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore this fascinating town.
OVERNIGHT IN CIENFUEGOS
Day 5 CIENFUEGOS / TRINIDAD
Discover the sites on a walking tour of Cienfuegos, which will include visits to Marti’s Park, Terry theatre, City Museum, the Cathedral, Cienfuegos’ boulevard and the city’s main walking promenade, finish the morning off with a drink.
You might decide to spend your evening partaking in a little salsa class lasting 2 hours at an additional cost.
OVERNIGHT IN TRINIDAD
Day 6 TRINIDAD
Enjoy a walk through the culture filled streets of Trinidad, the tour includes visits to main squares and places of cultural interest in the historical centre.
OVERNIGHT IN TRINIDAD
Day 7 SANTA CLARA / CAYO SANTA MARIA
Make your way to Cayo Santa Maria, en route stop in Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and have lunch (not included) before continuing on to the beautiful beaches at Cayo Santa Maria. Check in to your hotel Playa Cayo Santa María, and enjoy All inclusive basis.
OVERNIGHT IN CAYO SANTA MARIA
Day 8 CAYO SANTA MARIA
Take some time to familiarise yourself with your hotel. Make use of the pool, luxurious facilities and various restaurants serving mouth-watering cuisine.
OVERNIGHT IN CAYO SANTA MARIA
Day 9 CAYO SANTA MARIA
Today you might decide to spend your day lounging about on one of Cayo Santa Maria’s pearlescent beaches with a delicious Cuba Libre cocktail in hand, gazing into the horizon.
OVERNIGHT IN CAYO SANTA MARIA
Day 10 CAYO SANTA MARIA
The stress-free tropical break continues today. Pamper yourself at your hotel’s facilities, head down to one of the pristine beaches or laze about by the pool like a princess.
OVERNIGHT IN CAYO SANTA MARIA
Day 11 CAYO SANTA MARIA - HAVANA
You’ll be escorted back to Havana by coach where you’ll spend a night at the Hotel Nacional.
OVERNIGHT IN HAVANA
Day 12 DEPARTURE
Time to go home! We’ll escort you to the airport ready for your flight home.
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.
- Optional Colonial Havana walking tour on Day 2 can be arranged at an additional £40 per person.
- On Day 4, private coach transfer can be upgraded to private transfer at an additional £65 per person.
- On Day 5, optional salsa dancing can be added at an additional £29 per person and can only be booked if passenger is in Trinidad between Monday-Friday.
- On Day 11, transfer can be upgraded to private transfer at an additional £90 per person.
- Incase Hostal Maikal will be unavailable, we may offer you Amigos De Barcelo, House Carlos & Ana María or Hotel La Union by Melia as an alternate.
- Hotel in Cayo can be upgraded to Royalton Cayo Santa Maria at an additional supplement.
- When taking shared transfers, please be aware that the couch will pick up and drop off at multiple destinations. We are able to arrange private transfers at a supplement.
- 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.
OPTIONAL TOURS IN HAVANA
- An optional English-guided collective day tour to Viñales from Havana available at an additional £79 per person which includes visit to a cigar factory, Indian caves, Prehistory Museum and lunch. Collection and drop off at hotel Nacional.
- An exclusive optional English-escorted Colonial walking tour available at an additional £39 per person.
OPTIONAL TOURS IN CIENFUEGOS
- Exclusive English-escorted Cultural tour at an additional £39 per person.
OPTIONAL TOURS IN TRINIDAD
- Exclusive 2 hours Salsa dancing lessons at an additional £29 per person.
