CUBA SALSA! - FAMILY HOLIDAY

Day 1
The group flight arrives in the afternoon and those on Land Only arrangements should join us at the hotel in the evening

Day 2
We have a city tour of old and new Havana, Cuba's capital and the largest city in the Caribbean. Old Havana is described as a living museum with its marvellous monuments, cathedrals and palaces. It is the finest surviving Spanish colonial complex in the Americas and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. We also have the option to visit the Museo de la Revolucion where we can learn more about Cuban history

Day 3
We transfer to Guama by speedboat, located in the heart of the Laguna del Tesoro, the biggest natural park in Cuba. We then transfer to our hotel on the beach of the Bay of Pigs.

Day 4
We continue on to Cienfuegos. On the way there is the opportunity to take a break in the beautiful warm Caribbean waters of Punta Perdiz, a well known diving and swimming spot. On arrival in Cienfuegos there is a short-guided city tour of this charming town and some free time to explore the Parque Marti. Late afternoon we continue onto Trinidad, which is a short drive away.

Day 5
In 1988 Trinidad was deservedly appointed a UNESCO world heritage site and is perhaps the best-preserved colonial town on the island. 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, with exhibits including exquisite Colonial house ware in the Museo Romantico. Trinidad is a place of real charm, little touched by modern times, even by Cuban standards. We recommend a visit to Trinidad's Casa de la Trova in the evenings for traditional Cuban music and dancing.

Day 6
Today you can choose to do an optional catamaran trip, we embark from the beach of Playa Ancon and sail the Caribbean to the small island of Cayo Macho de Afuera where we lunch on fresh seafood amongst tame iguanas and tree rats. If you would prefer, the day is free for you to explore Trinidad or relax by the hotel pool. In the late afternoon we have a short drive to Topes de Collantes.

Day 7
After breakfast we begin our truck safari to The Parque Naturel Topes de Collantes, situated in the heart of the beautiful Escambray Mountains, 800 metres above sea level. Here we will walk beside the beautiful Melodioso River, with free time for bathing in the wonderful natural mountain pools that are abundant here. After lunch the truck takes us back to Topes de Collantes. The afternoon is free to explore this health-resort town or relax at the hotel.

Day 8
Today there is a gentle nature walk trail to see the birds, flora and fauna particular to this wonderful region. Afterwards we drive to Sancti Spiritus, a relatively small town with an interesting old area. This town is also ideal for handicraft shopping, including leather wares. The afternoon is free before heading off to our hotel for the night.

Day 9
This morning we walk amongst rural houses in the farming region of Valle Alunado. This moon shaped fertile plateau, has been home to farmers for centuries. The area’s inhabitants are descendents of Canary Islanders brought over during slavery to work the tobacco fields. There is the option to either walk or take the vehicle back to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to swim in the thermal lake, spot flamingos, walk in beautiful gardens or relax at the hotel.

Day 10
To Santa Clara
We visit a sugar mill at Zulueta (Cuba’s largest crop production) before heading off for a steam train ride and a lovely lunch spot at a nearby farm. We reach Santa Clara in the early afternoon and are free to explore or relax by the hotel pool.

Day 11
Che's Mausoleum
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 Guervara and his comrades who died in Bolivia, on our sightseeing tour of this remarkable town. There is also some free time to soak up the atmosphere before heading off to Varadero.

Day 12 - 14
Beach time Three days to relax in this great tropical paradise: fantastic sweeping beaches and wonderful clear waters. There are activities that can be booked locally too and the hotel has a swimming pool. Though, perhaps, lacking the true intimate feel of Cuba it is a great place to unwind and fantastic for the children. Early afternoon of day 14 we head back to Havana and arrive in time for those that wish to explore this vibrant city.

Day 15
End Havana For those on the group flights, there is the morning free to explore Havana or do some last minute shopping before the evening departure to London, which lands the following day. Those on Land Only arrangements will leave us in Havana in the morning.

Day 16
Arrive London.