CUBA SALSA! FAMILY HOLIDAY

Itinerary

• Flight Inclusive itinerary
• Land Only itinerary

Day 1

Fly London to Havana, arriving in the evening. Those not flying with the group will join us in Havana in the evening.

Day 2

Havana city tour
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. 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 which as well as a fantastic building is also very informative of Cuba's revolutionary past and The Gran Teatro, famous for its outstanding architecture.

Day 3

On to Guama.
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

Cienfuegos.
This morning after breakfast 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 Central Park. Late afternoon we continue onto Trinidad, which is a short drive away

Day 5

Colonial Trinidad
In 1988 Trinidad was deservedly appointed a UNESCO world heritage site and is perhaps the best-preserved colonial town on the island. We have some free time for sightseeing and exploring the quiet cobbled streets. There are many interesting museums, housed in old colonial buildings, with exhibits ranging from natural history and Indian artefacts in the Museo de Arqueologia Guamuhaya to maps, photos and weapons relating to the struggles against counter-revolutionary gangs. 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

Catamaran trip
Short drive to Ancon Peninsula. We now board our catamaran to explore the south coast of Cuba. We embark from the beach of Playa Ancon and sail the Caribbean to Cayo Macho de Afuera where we lunch on fresh seafood amongst tame iguanas. There is time for relaxation, swimming or even snorkelling on virgin coral reefs and enjoying Caribbean life! Seafood lunch with fresh fish, lobster and shrimp are included. In the late afternoon we have a short drive to Topes de Collantes.

Day 7

Topes de Collantes
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 where the afternoon is free to explore this health-resort town or relax at the hotel.

Day 8

Nature walk
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. The main plaza is a great place to start. This town is also ideal for handicraft shopping, including leather wares. The afternoon is free here before heading off to our hotel for the night.

Day 9

Rural Cuba!
This morning we walk amongst rural houses and the farming region of Valle Alunado, a moon shaped fertile plateau, which has been home to farmers for centuries. These people were originally descendents of canary islanders brought over during the times of 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.