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Map of Premium Mexico & Cuba including Cuba and Mexico

Delight in the colours and cultures of Mexico and Cuba

Uncover little pockets of paradise on a 23-day Premium adventure through Mexico and Cuba. Explore Mexico City and the great ruins of Teotihuacan, learn the colonial history of Puebla and Oaxaca before continuing south to Puerto Morelos. Walk through magnificent Maya ruins, the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula and renowned Chichen Itza before flying to Havana – Cuba’s captivating capital. Experience Havana in all its faded glory, uncover the easy beauty of rural Vinales, wander the cobblestoned streets of Trinidad and soak up the coastal vibe of Cienfuegos. Find a common thread with the locals and discover the warmth and charm of these neighbouring nations.

Start
Mexico City, Mexico
Finish
Havana, Cuba
Destinations
Cuba, Mexico
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
QBPCC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Explore Mexico City on a tour with your leader, visit the spectacular ruins of Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza and Tulum, learn some salsa steps in slow-paced Vinales, and take in the colours of Soroa, the valley known as the 'Rainbow of Cuba'.

  • Discover traditional craft industries and the locals who produce them in Oaxaca and Zinacantan, and meet a Maya family in the secluded Laguna Chabela for a traditional tortilla making demonstration.

  • Your local leader will help you learn the story of the Cuban Revolution, as well as a visit to the memorials dedicated to revolutionary hero Ernesto Che Guevara in Santa Clara.

  • Enjoy the old-world charm of your feature stays in Oaxaca and Merida – magnificent mansions turned boutique hotels, and walk in the glamourous footsteps of the famous and infamous during your feature stay at the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana.

  • Understand the diversity of Mexican and Cuban food during a taco crawl in Mexico City, traditional lunches with Zapotecan, Maya and Trinidadian families and dinners at an award-winning hidden restaurant in Oaxaca and in the Tulum jungle.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Hotels in Cuba are government-run, which means renovations are few and far between. As for the guesthouses (casas) we use, they are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling but keep in mind that each and every room is unique. That said, regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country.

  • Part of Cuba’s appeal is its old-fashioned style – this includes the banking systems. Funds in Cuba can be difficult to access. Please read our Essential Trip Information to be fully prepared.

  • Internet in Cuba can also be scarce, unreliable and expensive. Treat this trip as a holiday from emails and social media.

  • 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.

QUPC - Woman overlooking Vinales
QUPC - Locals walk through the streets of Havana
Trinidad, Cuba
cuba_vinales_local-tobacco-farm
QBPM - Street tacos from market stall in Mexico City
QBPM - Aerial view of people climbing the steps of Teotihuacan temple in Mexico
QBPN - View of Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
QBPM - Walking the colourful streets of Ooxaca city in Mexico
QPBN - Clear waters and blue sky of Tulum beach, Mexico
QBPN - Cenote visit in Vallodolid

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2022 to 31 Dec 2023.
 View the 2023 itinerary

Welcome to Mexico! Your adventure begins in Mexico City, the vibrant beating heart of the country. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet the rest of your group and local leader for a 6pm welcome meeting. Your hotel in Mexico City is housed in a beautiful building from the 1890s and the location is truly one of the city’s best. The buzzing Zocalo Plaza and spectacular National Cathedral are right on your doorstep; views of which can be admired from your hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your leader and small group. Tonight you will have the chance to sample a tempting array of local dishes during a tour of local street food stalls and taquerias with your leader. From tacos and tostadas to tamales and quesadillas, the city’s fresh food scene will surprise and delight even seasoned travellers. End the evening with some sweet treats at the city’s oldest churreria.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Zocalo Central or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Mexico City - Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Mexico City - Leon Trotsky Museum (entrance fee) - MXN70
  • Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) - MXN250
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
For your arrival transfer, please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today will be spent getting to know Mexico City on a tour with your knowledgeable leader. From cosmopolitan glamour to ancient and colonial history, there’s a lot to see, so rise early and head out to the National Museum of Anthropology where your leader will walk you through the different stages of the country’s past. Continue to the Zocalo Plaza, the lively main square of the city. Visit the National Cathedral to hear its story and marvel at its impressive Gothic architecture, then continue to the sprawling National Palace. This spot first held a palace built by an Aztec emperor in the early 16th century, and now houses the offices of Mexico’s president. Enjoy an evening at leisure. There’s no doubt that the food here is best experienced like a local, so be sure to ask your leader for some excellent dinner recommendations this evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Zocalo Central or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee)
  • Mexico City - Leader-led Historico Centro tour
  • Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Due to COVID, many museums and sights have closed without notice. If the Anthropology Museum and National Palace are closed during your stay, you will instead visit the Frida Kahlo Museum and have a tour of Coyoacan.

Depart Mexico City and travel to Teotihuacan. Here you'll discover the extraordinary ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which dominate the skyline. This was once one of the country's biggest ancient cities and the Aztec capital. Join an expert local guide and stroll down The Avenue of the Dead to see fascinating clues as to what life here was like nearly 2000 years ago. After lunch continue to Puebla. Stop off on the way to visit a local family who produce beautiful stonework carved form obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glasslike rock. Take some time to admire their striking pieces and speak to the family about their craft. Arrive in Puebla, a charming city that has retained its colonial heritage despite rapid growth and development. Set out for a walk around town and visit Calle de los Dulces (Candy street) and the El Parian handicraft market, as well as the impressive Rosary Chapel and Town Hall Palace. Mexican food is deliciously diverse and Puebla is no exception. Head to a marvellous restaurant for dinner this evening, where a local chef serves up creative food in an elegant setting – the mole here comes highly recommended.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Casareyna or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Teotihuacan - Archaeological site
  • Teotihuacan - Obsidian workshop
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, drive out to the fascinating Cholula archaeological site. Meet with an expert local guide and tour the complex, including the Great Pyramid of Cholula – if you include its basement, this is the largest pyramid in the world. Explore the excavated areas around the pyramid and learn how the structure was built to honour the god Quetzalcoatl. For lunch today, stop off at a wonderful restaurant serving up organic dishes made with locally sourced produce to minimise their impact on the environment. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations – you may like to join your leader for a visit to a local artisan to discover more about the Talavera pottery tradition.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Casareyna or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Puebla - Cholula archaeological site
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today you will make the journey to Oaxaca, a colourful and captivating city rich with history and culture. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle in to your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights – the beautiful Casa de Sierra Azul. Converted from a 19th-century colonial mansion, traditional charm emanates from every corner of this hotel, from its ivy-clad courtyard to original frescoes and stone fountain. Each room is wonderfully unique and individually decorated, but they all feature gorgeous high ceilings and modern amenities. Just a stone’s throw away from the city’s main Zocalo, bursting with interesting cafes, musicians and artisans, there’s no better base for your time in Oaxaca. Head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city, stopping by the delightful local markets of Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre, then enjoy a free evening for further explorations. The best way to get to the heart of Oaxaca’s culture is to taste its food, so your leader will be happy to offer up some great local recommendations for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Casa de Sierra Azul (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Oaxaca - Mercado Benito Juarez
  • Oaxaca - Mercado 20 de Noviembre
Optional Activities
  • Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) - MXN85
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours.

Today, venture out of the city and take a tour of the Oaxaca region. Visit the Mitla ruins archaeological site – once the religious centre for Zapotec communities – and the Tule Tree, considered the world’s widest tree at over 11 metres in diameter. The Montezuma cypress’ gnarled trunk is over 1500 years old, roughly the same as the ruins. Stop off in Tule town to try some Mexican ice cream – an important part of Mexico’s culinary history, this hand-churned ice cream is up there with the best of them. Perhaps try some Mexican vanilla, fresh fruit sorbet or even a scoop seasoned with chili. Continue to a beeswax candle-making workshop, learning age-old processes passed down for generations and the intricate designs that are created. Later, take part in a Zapotec weaving demonstration, which uses only traditional techniques, tools, patterns and organic dyes. Watch as local families meticulously craft folk clothing and rugs, some taking months to complete. You will learn the whole process from preparing and dyeing the yarn to traditional weaving methods. Here, enjoy a mostly plant-based lunch of regional Zapotec specialities. On your way back to Oaxaca, stop by an agave mezcal factory for a tasting before returning to the city in the late afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Casa de Sierra Azul (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Oaxaca - Beeswax candle workshop
  • Oaxaca - Weaving demonstration
  • Oaxaca - Tule Tree
  • Oaxaca - Mitla archeological site
  • Oaxaca - Mezcaleria visit
  • Oaxaca - Zapotecan home-cooked lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Enjoy a free day to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Oaxaca. There’s something here to suit every interest – speak to your leader about arranging a visit to the Monte Alban archaeological site, a local cooking class or a street art cycling tour. You may like to head to one of the city’s many markets to browse stalls of coffee, spices and crafts made by local artisans. In the evening, it’s time for a send-off in style as you head to a special dining experience. Your venue for this evening presents an amazing menu of traditional Oaxacan dishes, curated and cooked by the restaurant’s award-winning female owner and inspired by the recipes of her mother and grandmother. Let the dishes take you on a trip around the state of Oaxaca as you enjoy a multi-course meal. This final dinner will certainly be one to remember.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Casa de Sierra Azul (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Oaxaca - Farewell Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) - MXN90
  • Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1300
  • Oaxaca - Folkloric ballet (seasonal) - MXN130
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today you will catch a flight from Oaxaca to Cancun, transferring on arrival to Puerto Morelos, a charming seaside town on the Yucatan Peninsula, known for its stunning turquoise waters. You will be collected on your arrival at Cancun International Airport and transferred to your hotel. A meeting will take place here at 6pm to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure. The Yucatan’s bountiful Caribbean coastline means it is home to some of the freshest seafood in the country, and after your meeting you will head to one of the best restaurants in Puerto Morelos to sample some yourself. Here you can enjoy a traditional feast of fresh fish, mussels, shrimp and clams.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Casa del Puerto or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's flight is approximately 2 hours.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After breakfast, depart Puerto Morelos and head to the secluded Laguna Chabela. Here you will meet a local Maya family who have lived here for generations. Gain a deeper understanding on their way of life as you tour their farm, see what they grow and learn how they live off the land. Enjoy a demonstration on how to make delicious tortillas in the Coba style then sit down to a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, continue to the city of Valladolid, known for its delightful pastel coloured colonial buildings. On arrival, settle in to your hotel. Set on the city’s main square, the charming hotel was converted from a 16th century colonial house and offers a perfect base for your explorations. The main square is flanked by excellent local restaurants serving up classic Yucatan cuisine – you may like to try one out for dinner this evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel El Meson del Marques or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Valladolid - Home-cooked lunch
  • Valladolid - Tortilla making demonstration
  • Valladolid - Mayan homestead visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning will be spent exploring the fascinating complex of Chichen Itza. Named as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is considered the most important archaeological vestige of the Maya-Toltec civilization in Yucatan by UNESCO. Meet with a local historian for a guided tour to uncover the secrets of what is perhaps the most famous Maya site in Mexico, dominated by the Temple of Kukulkan, or El Castillo, a Mesoamerican step-pyramid. After your visit, you will be treated to a special lunch with a local family in the town of Piste. Here you will enjoy a traditional Pibil feast, a Maya style of cooking that involves barbecuing underground, which the family have perfected over generations. After lunch, visit a beautiful cenote for a swim, then continue to the historic town of Merida. Founded in 1542, the city is the Yucatan capital and retains much of its old-world charm. Your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three evenings is the magnificent La Misión de Fray Diego – a 17th century mansion turned boutique hotel. Spacious rooms flaunt elegant decor with traditional touches, surrounding a glowing courtyard with a wonderful swimming pool. Enjoy exceptional service and a privileged location in the heart of the city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Mision de Fray Diego (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site
  • Chichen Itza - Cenote swim stop
  • Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

This morning you will join your leader on a walking tour of downtown Merida to take in the splendour of its many colonial buildings and learn more about the Maya heritage of the town. Visit the market for a look at local life, and stop by the city museum, Montejo's House and the cathedral. Step inside the Palacio del Gobierno to admire the murals by Fernando Castro Pacheco, a famous Mexican artist from Merida. The paintings depict the history of the city and interactions between the Maya and the Spanish. The afternoon is free for further discoveries – you may like to relax in the green and shady Plaza Grande, or browse the outdoor market selling Maya replicas. Regroup for dinner at a fantastic local restaurant serving up Yucatan specialties – the sopa da lima (lime soup) is especially delicious here.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Mision de Fray Diego (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Merida - Regional Museum of Yucatan - MXN90
  • Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1400
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information

After breakfast, drive to the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve. One of the first places migratory birds arrive for the winter, the reserve offers a birdwatching experience like no other. Here you will meet with a local conservationist to tour the area, learn about its unique flora and fauna and hear about the conservation efforts taking place in the region. Look out for the Yucatan woodpecker, Mexican sheartail, tropical mockingbird and depending on the season (usually November–March), you may be lucky enough to witness thousands of flamingos painting a pink streak across the landscape. Return to Merida for an afternoon at leisure. For a taste of Merida's 19th-century glory, you may like to take a walk along the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo. Be sure to ask your leader for some great local recommendations for dinner this evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Mision de Fray Diego (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Merida - Celestun Biosphere Reserve tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

Depart Merida this morning and head towards Muyil, stopping off for lunch in the quaint village of Coba along the way. Continue to the Muyil archaeologic site. This ancient Maya trading post is one of the oldest once-inhabited sites in the country, with a history stretching back to 350BC. Explore the ruins with your leader who will explain what life here once looked like. Next, head to the banks of the Maya River and board a small boat, from which you’ll explore the canals and lagoons of the river. Admire Maya ruins on the riverbanks and enjoy a peaceful swim in the crystal-clear waters. You will be joined by guides from the local community who will help you get the most out of this tranquil experience. Carry on to Tulum, home to pristine beaches and ancient Maya history. Settle in to your unique hotel, just minutes away from the stunning white sand beach, then set out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for this mellow town.
Accommodation
  • Esplendor by Wyndham Tulum Nook or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tulum - Muyil river float
  • Tulum - Muyil archaeological site with local guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Tulum. You may like to unroll a towel and relax on the beach, or take a dip in the calm and clear Caribbean waters. A stroll through the town will reveal an array of independent shops selling handicrafts and Fairtrade goods. In the afternoon, head to the Tulum archaeological site for a special after hours visit, allowing you to appreciate the incredible history of the ruins without the crowds. One of the last cities built by the Maya, your leader will paint a picture of how life played out here as you explore the complex against a spectacular ocean backdrop. This evening you will dine at one of Tulum’s most celebrated restaurants. Set within the jungle and inspired by the freshest local produce, this final dinner with your newfound friends will certainly be one to remember.
Accommodation
  • Esplendor by Wyndham Tulum Nook or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tulum - Archaeological site visit
  • Tulum - Farewell Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Due to COVID 19, after hours visits of the Tulum ruins are not available. The ruins will be visited during standard hours, at a time selected by your guide to have the best viewing experience.


Today you will say goodbye to Mexico and catch a flight from Cancun to Havana, Cuba’s captivating capital. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel where a meeting will take place at 6pm to welcome any travellers joining you for the next leg of your adventure. After your meeting, head to a lively local restaurant for dinner with your leader and small group. Sitting down to eat in Cuba means experiencing the country’s rich African and Spanish roots. Tonight your leader will introduce you to some classic dishes such as picadillo, a flavoursome beef and tomato stew, and ropa vieja, pulled beef with vegetables. You may like to toast to the beginning of the Cuban part of your adventure with a delicious daquiri, which is believed to have been invented in Cuba.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Capri or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Havana - Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Cigar Factory Tour (entrance fee and guide) - EUR12
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's flight is approximately 1.5 hours.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Start the day in style as you tour the city in a convoy of classic American vintage cars. Cruise down Havana’s grand old streets as your leader points out significant sights like the Malecon, Revolucion Square and Vedado. Finish your ride in Old Havana where you’ll continue your explorations on foot during a walking tour with your leader. Learn the history of the Havana cathedral and discover the city’s old-world charm when you stop by Plaza de Armas, San Francisco de Asis, Plaza Vieja and Central Park. Enjoy a free afternoon in this exciting neighbourhood – perhaps head to a rooftop bar for a local cocktail or take a leisurely stroll around the famously colourful streets.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Capri or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Havana - Revolution Square
  • Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning drive west to Soroa, where you will tour a beautiful orchid garden. Meet with a local guide for a private tour of the gardens and learn about the vibrant array of plant and bird species from this diverse area – it’s not hard to see why this valley is known as the rainbow of Cuba. Take some time out for lunch then continue to Vinales, where tobacco and sugarcane fields lie side by side and limestone outcrops dot the landscape. Use this travel time to take part in an informal Spanish lesson so you can converse with the friendly locals throughout the rest of your trip. Check in to your guesthouses, then take a short orientation walk with your leader to get acquainted with this peaceful town. Later, perhaps enjoy the porch rocking chair and soak up the slow pace of rural Cuba as oxen plod gracefully along the streets.
Accommodation
  • Premium Guesthouse or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Soroa – Orchid Garden Tour (entrance and guide fee)
  • Vinales - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
Optional Activities
  • Vinales - Live music venues (entrance fee) from - EUR2
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Begin your day with a guided walk through the verdant farmlands of Vinales, where your leader will talk to you about the geography that makes up the area’s spectacular scenery. Vinales is known for its tobacco farms which still use traditional growing methods – learn more about the longstanding tobacco industry and watch a farmer whip up a world class cigar in seconds. Take some time to find a local place for lunch, then regroup in the late afternoon for a salsa dancing lesson. Find your feet and learn a few steps while embracing the electrifying rhythm of Cuba. After working up an appetite, head to the top of the valley for dinner at an eco-farm. Here you’ll enjoy an exceptional farm-to-table meal made entirely from organic produce grown on site – this is truly one of the freshest dining experiences in Cuba.
Accommodation
  • Premium Guesthouse or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Vinales - Half-day Valley tour on foot including Tobacco Farmhouse
  • Vinales - Salsa dance lesson (1 hour)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Prepare for a long travel day as you make your way to Cienfuegos. Drive back through Havana before stopping in the Bay of Pigs for lunch. After lunch, you may like to take a dip in the crystal clear water, or unroll your beach towel and sit back as your leader shares stories of the botched USA Military counter-revolutionary invasion in the Bay of Pigs. Now a tranquil spot for relaxing, it’s hard to imagine the chaotic battle that took place here in 1961. Then it is just a short drive to Cienfuegos, one of Cuba's prettiest coastal spots. Arrive in the early evening and join your leader on a short orientation walk before visiting the Palacio del Valle, Cienfuegos' architectural pride and joy. Its grandiose carvings in Venetian alabaster strike an impressive pose in this beautiful seaside city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Jagua or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bay of Pigs - Coastal swim stop
  • Cienfuegos - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (entrance fee)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Enjoy a free morning in Cienfuegos – perhaps stop by a local cafe for a fabulous cup of Cuban coffee. Then make the journey to Trinidad, a brightly coloured town peppered with colonial influences. On arrival, your leader will introduce you to the town’s history and stunning architecture during a walking tour. Take in Trinidad’s eye-catching combination of cobblestone streets, colourful houses and old-fashioned locals. It's a great town to explore on foot, and almost every scene offers superb photographic opportunities – from residents relaxing with huge cigars on their doorsteps to old Chevrolets cruising by. In the evening take a trip out of town to a local house for a homely and festive dinner. Be welcomed with the local drink, Canchanchara, made from 'fire water', local honey and lime juice. There will even be a musician or two serenading you and your fellow travellers as you dine.
Accommodation
  • Premium Guesthouse or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Trinidad - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Trinidad - Dinner at a local farmhouse
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours.

The day is yours to explore all that Trinidad has to offer. For some beachside fun and perhaps a little snorkelling, head down to Playa Ancon (just be careful you don't stand on a sea urchin!). The town is dotted with open-air venues where you can check out a folklore show that nods to Cuba’s rich and varied music and dance tradition. With roots in Spain, Africa and France the show is a delightful display of Cuba’s history. Be sure to speak to your leader who will be able to help tailor a wonderful day.
Accommodation
  • Premium Guesthouse or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Trinidad - Massage - from - EUR24
  • Trinidad - Bicycle rental (full day) - EUR5
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Head inland to the beautiful city of Santa Clara where you’ll enjoy an included lunch followed by a visit to the Che Guevara mausoleum. Here you’ll see the imposing statue of the iconic revolutionary leader. In the museum that accompanies the mausoleum, you'll find an intriguing spread of photos and other ephemera related to Che – letters, medical devices and firearms. Return to Havana and arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation – an iconic and historic hotel. Perhaps soak in the amazing views from the rooftop pool, or indulge in the hotel's 1950's mafia era history with a mojito at the bar.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Capri or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Your Cuban adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. As there's a great deal to do in Havana, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of this exciting city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, our reservations team will be happy to assist.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

22 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane, Boat

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (11 nights), Premium guesthouse (4 nights), Feature Stay (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Mexico City - Welcome Dinner
  • Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee)
  • Mexico City - Leader-led Historico Centro tour
  • Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee)
  • Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Teotihuacan - Archaeological site
  • Teotihuacan - Obsidian workshop
  • Puebla - Cholula archaeological site
  • Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Oaxaca - Mercado Benito Juarez
  • Oaxaca - Mercado 20 de Noviembre
  • Oaxaca - Beeswax candle workshop
  • Oaxaca - Weaving demonstration
  • Oaxaca - Tule Tree
  • Oaxaca - Mitla archeological site
  • Oaxaca - Mezcaleria visit
  • Oaxaca - Zapotecan home-cooked lunch
  • Oaxaca - Farewell Dinner
  • Valladolid - Home-cooked lunch
  • Valladolid - Tortilla making demonstration
  • Valladolid - Mayan homestead visit
  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site
  • Chichen Itza - Cenote swim stop
  • Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch
  • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Merida - Celestun Biosphere Reserve tour
  • Tulum - Muyil river float
  • Tulum - Muyil archaeological site with local guide
  • Tulum - Archaeological site visit
  • Tulum - Farewell Dinner
  • Havana - Welcome Dinner
  • Havana - Revolution Square
  • Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
  • Soroa – Orchid Garden Tour (entrance and guide fee)
  • Vinales - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Vinales - Half-day Valley tour on foot including Tobacco Farmhouse
  • Vinales - Salsa dance lesson (1 hour)
  • Bay of Pigs - Coastal swim stop
  • Cienfuegos - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (entrance fee)
  • Trinidad - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Trinidad - Dinner at a local farmhouse
  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. 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.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers entering Cuba. You may be asked to show proof of your travel insurance by immigration staff upon arrival at Havana Airport.
4. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel to aid guesthouse and rooming allocations, which are finalized 10 days prior to departure based on the configuration of each travelling party. You may request your confirmed guesthouse name and address inside 7 days of departure from your booking agent. Rest assured, the transfer driver will know the address of your assigned guesthouse.
5. There are unprecedented changes happening in Cuba right now. It is an exciting time, but it also means some patience and understanding is required for the heightened demand of infrastructure, accommodation and services. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Is this trip right for you?’ and ‘Joining point description' sections in the Essential Trip Information.
6. 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.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

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