CLASSIC CUBA

16 days from GBP1,729 to GBP1,949 including flights

Tripcode: AUD

Itinerary

Day 1: The group flight arrives in the afternoon and takes a transfer to our hotel.
Day 2: We have a city tour of old and new Havana, Cuba's capital and the largest city in the Caribbean. This is a busy and bustling, energetic capital. Old Havana is often described as a living museum with its marvellous monuments, cathedrals and palaces; this is the finest surviving Spanish colonial complex in the Americas. Preserved by a combination of minimal war damage, post revolution restoration work and the millions of dollars invested since it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. We also visit the glitzier Miramar district, the Museum of the Revolution and the Plaza de la Revolucion. We have time to try a Mojito cocktail and lunch (included) in one of Hemingway's old haunts, La Bodeguita del Medio.
Day 3: After breakfast, we depart Havana and drive to Vinales. Upon arrival we board a small boat for a short trip on an underground river.
Day 4: Today we start with a walk on the 'Corazon del Valle' trail, visiting a local farmhouse, and passing through a cave within a mogote (limestone 'karst' similar to those found in Thailand and Yunnan), then head on to the nearby valley. Along the way, we will be able to observe malanga, maize, coffee, yucca and of course, the world's finest tobacco leaf. Transfer to hotel or we can be dropped off in Vinales town to look around, take dinner and enjoy the Saturday night atmosphere.
Day 5: Today is free to relax. There are many limestone caves in the region to explore, horse riding and cycling through the beautiful countryside are also on offer. Please speak to your tour leader about all available options
Day 6: Today we have a long drive to Cienfuegos, a colonial town on the Caribbean Coast with a magnificent main square and many restored municipal buildings. Its classic beauty has earned it the name "Pearl of the South".
Day 7: The well-preserved historical centre is considered one of the best examples of neoclassical architecture and was recently declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are many beautiful builders to admire - Moorish-Venetian style Palacio Valle, the Catedral de La Purisima Concepcion or just stroll down the boulevard to Parque Jose Marti and enjoy the atmosphere.
Day 8: The day is spent in this amazing small town � another World Heritage Site - where seemingly little has changed as the years have passed. We take a tour of the cobblestone roads strewn with classic cars and horse-carts and catch glimpses through the pastel-painted grilled windows of life in the town today. The evenings in Trinidad are something special � the Casa de la Trova is highly recommended, with live Cuban music, dancing and a superbly atmosphere.
Day 9: Today we board a catamaran to explore the south coast of Cuba. We embark from Ancon beach and sail across the Bay of Casilda to the small island of Cayo Macho, where tame iguanas roam free. We then enjoy a seafood lunch of fresh fish, lobster and shrimp (lunch included) on the island. There is time for relaxation, snorkelling on virgin coral reefs and enjoying the Caribbean life! In the late afternoon we return to our hotel in Trinidad.
Day 10: Depart Trinidad and head east. We visit the town of Sancti Spiritus, which was one of the seven original Spanish Colonial "Villas" or towns, founded in the 16th century. Then we drive for 3 hours, the final 40km is along the causeway which connects the main island to Cayo Las Brujas, famous for its' beautiful, unspoilt beaches.
Day 11: A free day on the beach to enjoy the relaxing environment, or try some water sports.
Day 12: Santa Clara was the site of the last battle of the Cuban revolution in December 1958, just before Fidel Castro took Havana. Che Guevara and his troops ambushed an armoured train carrying arms to Santiago de Cuba and this was a major turning point in the revolution. We drive in Santiago in the morning from Cayo Las Brujas and visit the Mausoleum of Che Guervara and the adjacent museum; offering a fascinating insight into the icon. In the afternoon, we continue on to Havana.
Day 13: A big day today as we follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and his life in Cuba, where he wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls amongst other novels. A huge figure in 1950's Cuba, we visit his museum and monument before heading for a Daiquiri cocktail at another of his favourite haunts � El Floridita. In the evening, classic cars will pick us up to take us to the Cabaret at the Tropicana Club, the hugely influential venue that secured Cuba's musical stature in the world during the 40s.
Day 14: Today we have time for personal exploration around the streets of old Havana or simply to relax after the indulgence of the previous night.
Day 15: The group flight departs in the afternoon and arrives in London the following day.
Day 16: Arrive London.