Map of Premium Cuba  including Cuba

Step back in time and delight in Cuba’s vintage charm

This Premium adventure through Cuba plays out to the soundtrack of a sizzling salsa beat, against a vibrant backdrop of colonial architecture, sweeping beaches and verdant countryside. Cuba’s colourful history still dominates most aspects of daily life, painting the country with an atmosphere like no other. Explore 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. Let Cuba’s charm wash over you on an unforgettable journey.

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Terms & Conditions

Start
Havana, Cuba
Finish
Havana, Cuba
Destination
Cuba
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
QUPC
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.

  • Discover the cobblestone streets of colonial Trinidad, learn some salsa steps in slow-paced Vinales, and take in the colours of Soroa, the valley known as the 'Rainbow of Cuba'.

  • Explore Havana’s main sights during a tour in a classic American car – a nod to the city’s colourful vintage past.

  • Visit the home of a local family in Trinidad for an Exclusive Experience where you’ll enjoy a festive homecooked dinner, paired with the local drink, Canchancharam, made from 'fire water', local honey and lime juice.

  • Admire the colours of Soroa during an Exclusive Experience. Visit a vibrant orchid garden with a local expert and take a private tour to learn about the region’s diverse array of flora and fauna.

  • 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.

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.

Itinerary

Bienvenido! Welcome to Cuba. Your Premium adventure begins in Havana, the country’s captivating capital. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your historic Feature Stay hotel where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive with time to spare, there are plenty of excellent museums to check out, including the Museo de la Revolucion and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. After your meeting, head to a lively local restaurant for a welcome 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 a new 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
  • Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts (entrance fee) - EUR5
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information 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.

Please provide flights details at least 14 days in advance so we can arrange your airport collection. Please see "Joining instructions" for more information about exiting the arrivals hall and connecting with your arrival transfer driver.
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
  • Havana - American Vintage Car Tour (guide and transport included)
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Museum of the Revolution (entrance fee) - EUR8
  • Havana - Jose Marti Memorial tower entrance fee - EUR3
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)
  • Vinales - Farm-to-table dinner at an eco-friendly ranch
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 Union 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
  • Trinidad - Musical Instrument Lesson (guitar, double bass, tres, percussion) per hour - EUR10
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 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)
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Buena Vista Social Club Performance (entrance fee) - EUR34
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

Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Premium guesthouse (4 nights), Feature Stay (3 night)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Havana - Welcome Dinner
  • Havana - Revolution Square
  • Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
  • Havana - American Vintage Car Tour (guide and transport included)
  • 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)
  • Vinales - Farm-to-table dinner at an eco-friendly ranch
  • 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

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Cuba trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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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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