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 Viñales 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
- 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.
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 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
Morning will be at leisure and you can spend the same either relaxing or can choose private colonial walking tour while the afternoon will see you vroom around Cuba 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
Today there is an optional sightseeing tour in Cienfuegos. Choose between either a private walking tour or a private cultural tour and then in the afternoon enjoy a private transfer to Casa Colonial in Trinidad where you’ll spend 2 nights. 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
Spend the day however you please or opt for one of our optional tours: a private walking tour with lunch or a group train excursion to the valley of the sugar mills including lunch.
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 the Starfish Cayo Santa Maria, located on a beautiful stretch of beach and beautiful pools on an 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 private walking tour can be arranged in Cienfuegos at an additional £25 per person or you can also choose an optional private cultural tour at an additional £35 per person.
- On Day 6, optional private walking tour with lunch can be arranged in Trinidad at an additional £35 per person or you can also choose an optional group train excursion to the valley of the sugar mills with lunch at an additional £40 per person.
- 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.
- Incase optional train excursion to the valley of the Sugar Mills in Trinidad will not be available, guests will cover the same by road. Also doing this tour by road clients will visit other places which are not included in the train tour such as: Panoramic tour of Loma del Puerto look-out point, visits to Manaca Estate, Iznaga Tower and San Isidro de los Destiladeros, visit the pottery house or a local artist gallery where a community project is taking place, lunch in a traditional local restaurant and a English guide throughout.
- 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.
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 walking tour at an additional £29 per person.
- Exclusive English-escorted Cultural tour at an additional £39 per person.
OPTIONAL TOURS IN TRINIDAD
- Exclusive English-escorted walking tour with lunch at an additional £39 per person
- Exclusive 2 hours Salsa dancing lessons at an additional £29 per person
- Train excursion to the valley of the Sugar Mills with lunch (shared)at an additional £39 per person.
