Cuba Highlights

8 Days | Historic Havana to colonial Trinidad, and all the mojitos in between

4.6 out of 5 based on 11 reviews submitted.
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Explorer
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USD $1,195
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City, countryside and dazzling Caribbean coast – take an eight-day adventure straight to the heart of Cuba. Set off from the charming capital of Havana, where old-time American cars, wafts of cigar smoke and laidback vibes permeate the streets. Visit a local tobacco farm in Vinales, experience the colonial charisma of Trinidad, and immerse yourself with the history, music and mojitos of a country caught in a bygone era. With plenty of time to swim, snorkel, cycle and hike, this adventure combines Cuba’s old-world charm with some seriously scenic vistas in a jam-packed itinerary.

Trip overview

Map of Cuba Highlights including Cuba
Start
Havana, Cuba
Finish
Havana, Cuba
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Cuba
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QUSA
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Be intrigued by the colourful streets and eclectic history of Cuba's capital as your knowledgeable local leader takes you on a casual walking tour of Old Havana.
  • Venture to Cuba’s charming countryside as you hit rural Vinales. Visit a local tobacco farm and immerse in the stunning nature in Vinales.
  • Wander the cobblestone streets alongside cowboys and farmers in Trinidad, passing by some of the best-preserved colonial buildings in Cuba. Plus, you’ll take part in a rum tasting – muy bueno!
  • Pay your respects at the mausoleum of Che Guevara and receive a fascinating insight into the rise and fall of the charismatic and highly celebrated Cuban revolutionary.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The guesthouses (casas) we use are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling and each room is unique. Regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water supply are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country – but we believe that this is all a part of the local experience. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
  • Luxuries such as air conditioning, plush pillows, and fly screens, are often scarce. Part of the experience here is learning to appreciate everyday Cuban resourcefulness.
  • You might have to save your status updates and photo posts for when you get home, as Internet is hard to find, unreliable and expensive. Treat Cuba as a holiday from social media too!
  • Cuba is different, and that's a big part of its allure. Things don't always go according to plan, and many things don't work the same way as back home. Patience and good humour will go a long way in this beautiful destination.
  • As this trip covers a lot of land, you'll be spending quite a bit of time travelling. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

Itinerary

Map of Cuba Highlights including Cuba

Inclusions

Meals

3 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi

Accommodation

Standard Guesthouse (7 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
  • Vinales - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Vinales - Half-day Valley tour on foot including Tobacco Farmhouse
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Bay of Pigs - Coastal swim stop
  • Trinidad - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Trinidad - Pottery workshop
  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
  • Santa Clara - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Havana - Night live music
Add on activities
  • Havana - Tourist Bus Day Pass (Hotel Plaza Buro) - EUR10
  • Havana - Museum of the Revolution (entrance fee) - EUR8
  • Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts (entrance fee) - CUP250
  • Vinales - Live music venues (entrance fee) - Free
  • Vinales - Salsa Dance Lesson (per hour) - USD10
  • Vinales - Farm-to-table dinner at an eco-friendly ranch - EUR13
  • Vinales - Cueva del Indio - Cave Visit including boat trip (entrance fee included, no transport) - EUR5
  • Trinidad - Live Music Venues (entrance fee) from - EUR2
  • Trinidad - Ancon beach shuttle bus - EUR4
  • Trinidad - Rum Tasting in a Local Bar - EUR15
  • Trinidad - Musical Instrument Lesson (guitar, double bass, tres, percussion) per hour - EUR10
  • Santa Clara - Derailed Train - EUR1
  • Havana - Cigar Factory Tour (entrance fee and guide) - USD10
  • Havana - Buena Vista Social Club Performance (entrance fee & dinner) - USD35
  • Havana - Murals & Mosaics: Community Projects Tour - Urban Adventures (entrance fee & guide included) - EUR108
  • Classic American Car Tour of Havana - Urban Adventures (guide & transport included - USD67

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. The Cuban government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers. Proof of insurance may be requested at the airport by immigration officials.
4. We recommend travelling to Cuba via Canada, Europe, South or Central America. Please refer to the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
5.We recommend you bring enough cash to last your whole time in Cuba. This is currently the best option and will provide you with the best value for money. Please see the ‘Money Matters’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 based on 11 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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DIANA · Traveled January 2024
I cannot emphasise enough how interesting this trip was and how excellent our guide was in informing us and keeping a light humorous and warm touch. I wish I had been better informed about Cuba beforehand, but owing to Juan Carlo's commitment I am now really inspired to find out more about this fascinating country. We did a huge variety of great activities in the short space of time.
Review submitted 31 Jan 2024

Brian Nicholas · Traveled January 2024
What a fantastic trip with a truly dedicated and knowledgeable tour leader. Such a beautiful country with a fascinating recent history.
Review submitted 05 Feb 2024

Didier · Traveled December 2023
This trip is perfect for those who want to visit as many historical and culture all sites as possible in a week long period. Gloria is an amazing guide who has a incredible knowledge of the history and culture of Cuba. Could not recommend this trip more.
Review submitted 20 Dec 2023

Freddy · Traveled November 2023
Great way to see the real Cuba beyond the resorts. Great mix of urban and rural landscapes. You get cultural experiences, historical insights, and relaxing beaches. There’s something for everyone. Just don’t expect wifi everywhere
Review submitted 26 Nov 2023

Karen · Traveled October 2023
A fantastic trip my partner and I throughly enjoyed. It was everything we were expecting and more, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick introduction to Cuba
Review submitted 09 Nov 2023
Cuba Highlights
From
USD $1,195