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CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

15 days from USD 1,670 to USD 1,980 land only
Tripcode: AUB

Countries Visited: Cuba

The best of Cuba: revolutionary history, faded colonial charm and Caribbean beaches

In 1492 when Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba he described it as 'the most beautiful land on earth'. As well as its beauty, Cuba offers a unique cultural experience with its blend of African and Spanish influences mixed with 50 years of socialism. On this trip we visit the sights Cuba is famous for - the dilapidated colonial grandeur of Old Havana, the lively nightlife of Santiago and the restored splendour of Trinidad.

This trip will also take you to the less well-known areas of Cuba where you can appreciate its natural beauty and rich heritage. We visit the Sierra Maestra, an area of steep, jungle covered mountains filled with bird life. It was in these mountains that Castro and Che Guevara coordinated the Revolutionary War. There is time to relax with two nights in Baracoa, a lively port town with great beaches and there is also the opportunity to take an optional catamaran trip to a remote Caribbean Island.

What makes this trip responsible?

We stop to buy fruit and refreshment en route from locals - this is a good way of providing much needed money directly to local people as well as fostering a greater understanding of rural life in Cuba. Re-use and recycling is a way of life in Cuba due to the scarcity of goods and we encourage a 'Leave no Trace' policy. On this trip we also make an effort to support small, family run restaurants known as Paladares. This helps to support local people and gives an insight into the realities of Cuban life where food rationing is prevalent.

Internal Flights in Cuba

We don’t use internal flights in Cuba, as we don’t believe that they are safe, necessary or environmentally sound. For more information, please read our Cuba Flights page.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Day 1

Start Havana.

Day 2

Walking tour of Old Havana including the Capitolio building; drive to Santa Clara to visit Che Guevara's Mausoleum; overnight in colonial Remedios.

Day 3

Drive to Holguin past agricultural towns and sugar cane plantations on the 'Circuito Norte'.

Day 4

Drive to Playa Maguana, a beautiful unspoilt Caribbean beach; afternoon continue to Baracoa for sightseeing.

Day 5

Free day to explore Baracoa; optional trek to 'El Yunque' mountain, walk through cocoa plantation or enjoy the beach.

Day 6

To Santiago de Cuba, the 'city of heroes'.

Day 7

Explore Moncada Barracks, Revolution Plaza and El Morro Castle.

Day 8

To the Sierra Maestra, Cuba's highest mountain range.

Day 9

Walk in the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra to Castro's revolutionary headquarters; afternoon departure to Camaguey.

Day 10

Morning sightseeing in Camaguey; to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad; city tour through the cobbled streets.

Day 11

Free day in Trinidad or optional catamaran trip to Cayo Macho or Cayo Blanco.

Day 12

Explore 'El Cubano' Nature Park near Trinidad; city tour of Cienfuegos, a World Heritage Site.

Day 13

To the Bay of Pigs for swimming and lunch; on to Havana, visit Revolution Square.

Day 14

Free day in Havana; optional visit to Vinales.

Day 15

Walking tour of Old Havana's plazas and lunch at Hemingway's favourite bar; depart Havana.

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Images from CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

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Looking out over the main plaza, Trinidad

Street scene with old car, Cuba