A TASTE OF CUBA

9 days from GBP1,099 to GBP1,849 including flights

Tripcode: AUW

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Havana. We transfer to our hotel in the heart of old Havana. Those on land only arrangements will meet us at the hotel this evening for the pre-trip briefing.
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 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 little 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 and the Plaza de la Revolution with its images of the Cuban Revolution. We will also take time in to try a Mojito cocktail and lunch (included) in one of Hemingway's old haunts, La Bodeguita del Medio. The evening is free to explore Havana.
Day 3: Those that would like to can take an optional trip to the Hemingway museum at 'La Vigia' farm, just outside of Havana. This was actually Hemingway's house and has been left untouched since his death in 1961. We have time to explore the town of Cojimar, where Hemingway spent a good deal of his time, as well as visit the celebrated Las Terrazas restaurant. Others may want to take a full day tour to Viñales, the beautiful valley famous for it's Jurassic landscape and for producing the world's finest tobacco. There is plenty to explore if you decide to have a free day in Havana.
Day 4: Today we drive to Cienfuegos. There is time here to admire the main square and restored municipal buildings. Later on we drive to Guajimico, for a first taste of the beach and the Caribbean coast, where we stay for the night.
Day 5: Today we have a short drive to Trinidad, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1988 and perhaps the best-preserved colonial town on the island. We have some time sightseeing and exploring the quiet cobbled streets. Exploring Trinidad is like entering a time warp, the cobbled streets and horse drawn transportation take us back to Colonial Times. There are many interesting museums housed in old colonial buildings. We recommend a visit to Trinidad's Casa de la Trova in the evenings for traditional Cuban music and dancing.
Day 6: We embark from the beach of Playa Ancon and sail across the Bay of Casilda to lunch on fresh seafood amongst tame iguanas on the small island of Cayo Macho. The boat has some snorkelling equipment and there will be time for you to enjoy the tropical reef and see the marine life.
Day 7: Leaving Trinidad we head inland through the Escambray Mountains to Santa Clara city. 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 visit the armoured train museum and the Mausoleum of Che Guevara and his comrades who died in Bolivia. Overnight in Santa Clara.
Day 8: Depart Santa Clara in the morning to make our way back to Havana for our afternoon flight.
Day 9: Arrive London.