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  4. Cuba Highlights
Days
14
Price from
2954EUR
Map of Cuba Highlights including Cuba

Cuba’s rich tapestry, in all its colour and candour.

Experience Cuba’s finest on an incredible journey across the colourful Caribbean island. Combining leisure, culture, coast and country, discover the depth of Cuba’s most fascinating traditions. Look behind the legend of Che Guevara, witness daily life in Vinales’ verdant tobacco fields, peel back the curtain on Santiago de Cuba’s ballet culture, wander the French-infused waterfront of Cienfuegos, dance to Cuban rhythms in Trinidad and go snorkelling in the Bay of Pigs. Finish it off with a cruise through Havana’s grand old streets in a classic American convertible.

Start
Havana, Cuba
Finish
Havana, Cuba
Destination
Cuba
Style
Peregrine
Code
PSTV
Physical rating
Trip rating
30 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Be swept away by the eclectic history of Cuba’s capital as you cruise through Havana in a vintage American convertible and enjoy a 2-night feature stay at the iconic Hotel Nacional.

  • Experience old-world charm at a leisurely pace in the colourful coastal town of Trinidad. Delve into the city’s sultry Latin rhythms with a salsa class and enjoy plenty of free time for seaside relaxation.

  • Glide around the culture-soaked streets of Camaguey in true local style – on a bicycle taxi! Feel the breeze on your cheeks as you explore parks, plazas and markets from the backseat of this traditional mode of transport.

  • Relish a real garden-to-plate dining experience at an organic eco-farm in picturesque Vinales – indulge in a variety of fresh produce all while gazing across sweeping views of the valley.

  • Receive a fascinating insight into the rise and fall of the charismatic and highly celebrated Cuban revolutionary – Che Guevara – at his mausoleum and museum in Santa Clara.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The guesthouses (Casas) we use are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling and each room is unique. Regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water supply are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country – but we believe that this is all a part of the local experience.

  • Part of Cuba’s appeal is its old-fashioned style – this includes the banking systems. Funds in Cuba can be difficult to access. Ideally bring multiple credit cards from several different banks just to be sure.

  • Internet access can be hard to come by, and when it's available it's often unreliable and expensive. Treat this as a great opportunity to take a break from modern devices and have a true holiday.

  • Cuba is different, and that's a big part of its allure. Things don't always go according to plan, and many things don't work the same way as back home. Patience and good humour will go a long way in this beautiful destination.

Peregrine Adventures cuba trinidad city aerial view
Peregrine Adventures cuba havana local man balcony
Peregrine Adventures cuba havana cienfuegos street sunset
Peregrine Adventures cuba feature stay hotel nacional
Peregrine Adventures cuba Cienguegos colourful building
Peregrine Adventure cuba havana older women smoking

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020.
 View the 2019 itinerary

Welcome to Cuba's capital. Your tour begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, the day is yours to explore. Consider a stroll through Old Havana to acquaint yourself with its colourful mix of '50s Americana, colonial architecture and budding modernity. There are plenty of good museums to check out, such as the Museo de la Revolucion (Museum of the Revolution), which is housed in the former Presidential Palace, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts). Perhaps line up with the locals for a taste of the legendary Coppelia ice cream, or wander along the Malecon, the sea wall that skirts the coastline. We recommend arriving a few days early to make the most of this exciting city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Nacional or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Revolution museum - CUC5
  • Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts - CUC5
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today you’ll take a day trip to the picturesque town of Vinales. Located in the beautiful province of Pinar del Rio – Vinales is a landscape of tobacco and agricultural fields dotted with limestone outcrops. Enjoy a walking tour of tobacco crops and lush cultivated lands for insight into rural life, then relish a real garden-to-plate experience with an included lunch at an organic eco-farm. Indulge in a variety of fresh produce – from numerous vegetables and salads – to meats, seafood and salsas – all while gazing across sweeping views of the verdant valley. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Vinales before returning to Havana for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Nacional or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Vinales - Half-day Valley Walking Tour including Tobacco Farmhouse (Guide included)
  • Vinales - Farm to Table Lunch at an Eco-friendly Ranch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Get picked up at 8 am to head to the airport and take a 2-hour flight to the opposite end of the island. During your bus ride – learn the local lingo from your leader with an informal Spanish lesson. Santiago de Cuba is the hottest place in Cuba – arguably in terms of both atmosphere and climate. Drop your bags at the guesthouse and head out for lunch (optional), while your rooms are made ready for check-in. Afterwards, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk and then you are free to relax or explore for the rest of the afternoon and evening. This ‘cradle’ of the revolution is home to a large Afro-Cuban population and a vibrant music scene so there is lots to experience after sundown.
Accommodation
  • Premium Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santiago de Cuba - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Peregrine has very high safety standards and itineraries are crafted so that only approved aircrafts are used. Unfortunately, Cuban airlines may change the aircraft from an approved to a non-approved one at last minute (i.e. at time of boarding). Should that be the case, alternative arrangements will be made. Alternative arrangements include, flying to a nearby airport and travelling the remainder of the journey by land, running the itinerary in reverse, or in some cases, completing the intended flight leg by land. The safest and most time efficient alternative will be preferred. Flight delays or cancellation may trigger similar alternative arrangements too.

Today your leader will take you on a 3-hour city tour of Santiago where you’ll learn about the town’s vital role in the revolution while visiting sites such as El Morro Castle, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery and the Moncada Barracks – the city’s half million residents are proud of their traditions, so you'll find plenty of museums around the town. Santiago is also famous for its energetic celebrations of Caribbean culture such as Carnaval – a 5-day festival that occurs every July. In the evening, you’ll get the unique chance to dine with a local family in their home, for a real slice of Cuban life and the chance to sample local food. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the locals and perhaps practice some Spanish.
Accommodation
  • Premium Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santiago de Cuba - Half-day City Tour Including El Morro Castle, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery & Moncada Barracks (Entrance Fees)
  • Santiago de Cuba - Dinner in a Typical Cuban Household
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Santiago de Cuba. If you want to delve into Santiago’s sizzling music scene, perhaps learn a few moves in a salsa dancing class – or for a taste of the city’s vibrant Carnaval celebration, visit Museo del Carnaval (Carnaval Museum) to see floats, costumes and the occasional dance show. Those looking to get active may want to climb the 452 steps to La Gran Piedra (The Big Rock), a natural viewing platform 1225 metres (4019 feet) above Santiago for stunning panoramic views of surrounding hills and mountains. In the evening, there are plenty of atmospheric venues with good Cuban rum and even better music for locals and tourists to showcase their dance moves.
Accommodation
  • Premium Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Santiago de Cuba - Music instrument lesson - CUC12
  • Santiago de Cuba - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour) - CUC15
  • Santiago de Cuba - La Gran Piedra Mountain (Entrance only) - CUC1
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, head west along the Carretera Central to Camaguey. The drive (approximately 6 or 7 hours) is broken up with a stop in Bayamo, where you can stretch your legs on walking tour and enjoy an included lunch. When you arrive in Camaguey you’ll soon notice that the city has maintained much of its colonial heritage. It is also characterised by winding streets, which are a joy to explore. Get acquainted with the city on a leader-led walking tour, including a stop at the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad (Church of Our Lady of Soledad) to see its Baroque frescoes.
Accommodation
  • Gran Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bayamo - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Camaguey - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today you’ll tour the sights of Camaguey in the same mode of transport as the locals – from the back of a bicycle taxi. Each taxi carries two passengers and the tour is led by an English-speaking local guide – hop on and visit parks, plazas and local markets before enjoying a free afternoon at leisure. The town is home to an excellent farmers market brimming with colourful vegetables, tropical fruits, herbs and lively local merchants. Later, visit an esteemed ballet theatre for a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain. Meet some of the people who keep the school running like the seamstresses, shoemakers and costume designers. As it is not possible to purchase things such as ballet shoes in Cuba, everything for the ballet school is made on the premises.
Accommodation
  • Gran Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Camaguey - Bicycle Taxi City Tour (Guide included)
  • Camaguey - Ballet School Tour
Optional Activities
  • Camaguey - Casa de la Trova - CUC3
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel by private vehicle to Santa Clara (approximately 4 hours). Along the way, stop at Ciego de Avila to visit a well-known local gallery that showcases unique sculptures made with a range of silverware. Talented artisans recycle discarded cutlery and skilfully create works of art to admire or purchase. Arrive in the revolutionary city of Santa Clara and acquaint yourself with the streets on a leader-led orientation walk. Less crowded and slower paced than Havana, Santa Clara is renowned for being the resting place of physician turned guerrillero leader, Che Guevara. Your leader will point you in the direction of the top sites to explore during your free time. Perhaps you would like to enjoy sweeping views of the city from one of the best lookout points in town, Loma del Caprio (Capiro’s Hill) – or for an additional cost you can opt to take a tour of one of Cuba’s best tobacco factories, Constantino Perez Carrodegua, where they produce a range of top-quality Montecristo, Partagas and Romeo y Juliet cigars.
Accommodation
  • Premium Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ciego de Avila - Pauyet Gallery Visit (Entrance fee, no guide)
  • Santa Clara - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's included lunch will be a packed lunch prepared by a guesthouse in Camaguey. It will include a sandwich, drink and a snack or piece of fruit.

Visit the final resting place of Cuba’s most famous son, Che Guevara. Che's remains were brought to rest here after they were found in a remote corner of Bolivia in 1997, where he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. The memorial is home to an impressive bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle and inside the museum, you can learn about his amazing life and see photos and exhibits such as letters, firearms, medical devices and other interesting artefacts – including his famous black beret. After this incredible insight into Cuban history, travel to Trinidad (approximately 2 hours) – a well-preserved colonial town that sits on the scenic Caribbean coast. On arrival, familiarise yourself with the area on a leader-led orientation walk. Later, delve into Trinidad’s sultry Latin rhythms with a salsa class.
Accommodation
  • Premium Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum
  • Trinidad - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Trinidad - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Trinidad is a standout destination for many visitors to Cuba, due in no small part to a friendly populace, old-fashioned feel and particularly well-preserved colonial buildings. The Santeria religion (a voodoo-like Afro-Cuban tradition) which is practiced here makes the town even more intriguing. Today is free for you to explore Trinidad at your own pace – perhaps enjoy some swimming at Playa Ancon or hire a bike and cycle along Trinidad’s colourful streets, past once-grand mansions, pastel buildings and wrought iron features. Hiking is an equally good option, there are some excellent walking trails in the nearby Sierra del Escambray mountains. For an insight into the colourful post-revolutionary period, why not visit the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos and the Casa de los Martires de Trinidad. Nearby is the sprawling Valle de los Ingenios, where sugar plantations stretch out as far as the eye can see. Attending a traditional Cuban dance show is also a fine choice.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Union or Similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Trinidad - Traditional Cuban Dance Show - Free
  • Trinidad - Massage - CUC25
  • Trinidad - Ancon beach shuttle bus - CUC4
  • Trinidad - Bicycle rental (full day) - CUC5
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Continue along the picturesque coast to Cienfuegos, a slice of Paris in the Caribbean. Take an orientation walk through its charming streets, before stopping at the opulent Palacio del Valle, hopefully in time for a sunset rooftop drink. Enjoy free time to perhaps stroll the promenade before reuniting with your tour leader for an included group dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Jagua or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (Entrance fee)
  • Cienfuegos - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Begin the day by travelling to a peaceful sandy arc on Cuba’s southern coast, commonly known as the Bay of Pigs. Learn about the Bay of Pigs Invasion – the battle between the US and the Cuban revolutionaries which resulted in the first defeat of a US-backed takeover in Latin America – then stop for a dip in its tranquil waters, either at Playa Larga or Playa Giron. With a deep underwater wall just off the shore and an outstanding variety of coral and fish, it just might be Cuba’s best-kept secret. Continue your journey back to the capital of Havana (approximately 3 hours) where you’ll check in to the iconic Hotel Nacional for a 2-night Feature stay. Declared a national monument, Hotel Nacional is considered a symbol of history, culture and Cuban identity. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Nacional or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bay of Pigs - Coastal Swim Stop
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, you will be picked up from the famous Hotel Nacional to see outer-Havana in a convoy of classic American vintage cars. Cruise via points of interest such as the Malecon, Revolution Square, Vedado and ending in Old Havana. Next, your leader will take you on a walking tour around the charming neighbourhood of Old Havana (approximately 2.5 hours) – a district that reflects an eclectic mix of different eras with its colonial architecture, baroque buildings and neoclassical monuments. Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, this area within Cuba’s capital remains virtually unchanged which makes it one of the Caribbean’s most impressive historical cities. Wander through Havana’s oldest square, Plaza de Armas, stroll around the architecturally eclectic buildings that line the 16th century Plaza Veija, admire the basilica of San Francisco de Asis and visit the Cathedral with its elaborate baroque facade. Now that you are orientated in Old Havana you have until lunchtime to explore further.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Nacional or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Havana - American Vintage Car Tour
  • Havana - Revolution Square
  • Havana - Leader-led Walking Tour of Old Havana
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Buena Vista Social Club - CUC30
  • Havana - Cigar factory tour - CUC12
  • Havana - Ernest Hemingway tour - CUC70
  • Havana - Jose Marti Memorial Tower - CUC2
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

There are no activities planned after your breakfast today. If you have time – why not find out more about the local customs, folklore and beliefs of Afro-Cuban religions from an insider on a colourful and unconventional 2- hour tour with Urban Adventures. Visit local homes and learn from devoted residents as you explore one of Havana’s sub-cultures not often seen by tourists. For more information – visit urbanadventures.com
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel Feature stay (4 nights), Comfortable hotel (4 nights), Premium Guesthouse (5 nights)

Included Activities

  • Vinales - Half-day Valley Walking Tour including Tobacco Farmhouse (Guide included)
  • Vinales - Farm to Table Lunch at an Eco-friendly Ranch
  • Santiago de Cuba - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Santiago de Cuba - Half-day City Tour Including El Morro Castle, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery & Moncada Barracks (Entrance Fees)
  • Santiago de Cuba - Dinner in a Typical Cuban Household
  • Bayamo - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Camaguey - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Camaguey - Bicycle Taxi City Tour (Guide included)
  • Camaguey - Ballet School Tour
  • Ciego de Avila - Pauyet Gallery Visit (Entrance fee, no guide)
  • Santa Clara - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum
  • Trinidad - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Trinidad - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour)
  • Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (Entrance fee)
  • Cienfuegos - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Bay of Pigs - Coastal Swim Stop
  • Havana - American Vintage Car Tour
  • Havana - Revolution Square
  • Havana - Leader-led Walking Tour of Old Havana

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 5 days prior to travel.
4. For the included internal flight ticket, please provide your full name exactly as per passport, at the time of booking or at least 45 days prior to travel. Airline luggage restrictions will apply.
5. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
6. A visa or tourist card, organised prior to arrival, is required for all nationalities visiting Cuba.
7. The Cuban government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers. Proof of insurance may be requested at Havana Airport by immigration officials.
8. There are unprecedented changes happening in Cuba right now. It is an exciting time but it also means some patience and understanding is required for the heightened demand of infrastructure, accommodation and services. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Is this trip right for you?’ and ‘Joining point description’ sections in the Essential Trip Information Document.
9. Certain aircrafts used by domestic Cuban airlines do not meet our safety standards. For your safety and that of our staff, we plan trips so that only approved aircrafts are used. Regardless of this, unfortunately Cuban airlines may change the aircraft from an approved to a non-approved one at last minute (i.e. at time of boarding). Should that be the case, alternative arrangements will be made. Alternative arrangements include, flying to a nearby airport and travelling the remainder of the journey by land, running the itinerary in reverse, or in some cases, completing the intended flight leg by land. The safest and most time efficient alternative will be preferred. Flight delays or cancellation may trigger similar alternative arrangements too.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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