Map of Beautiful Cuba including Cuba

Follow the Cuban rhythm across this colourful Caribbean island, from the eclectic streets of Old Havana to the platinum sands of Playa Ancon.

From vintage cars to fragrant cigars, salsa your way from the colourful capital of Havana through the beautiful island of Cuba and surround yourself with history, music and mojitos in one of the world’s most unique places. Roll a cigar and sip rum with locals in the rural village of Vinales, feel the seaside breeze along the French-infused waterfront of Cienfuegos, surrender to the sultry salsa rhythms in perfectly preserved Trinidad and look behind the legend of Che Guevara on a visit to his memorial in Santa Clara. From the fresh mountain air that fills the streets of Soroa, to the crystal-clear waters that lap the shores of Playa Larga – experience a nation as endearing and diverse as its people on this 8-day adventure that immerses you in the colour, culture and natural beauty of this seductive Caribbean island.


Start
Havana, Cuba
Finish
Havana, Cuba
Destination
Cuba
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
QUKA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • A guided walking tour of Old Havana sheds lights on the difference between the lives of city and rural life in Cuba

  • Take in all the colours and aromas of Soroa, the stunning valley area known as the 'rainbow of Cuba'

  • Stroll along the rural dirt roads of Vinales as tractors, vintage cars and horse-drawn carriages pass you by

  • A visit to the Che Guevara mausoleum and museum allows you to learn about the iconic Cuban revolutionary in the right context

  • Trinidad is a real Cuban treat – step back in time on its old-world streets, then hit some fine palm-flanked beaches

  • Marvel at the unique architecture of Palacio del Valle in Cienfuegos 

  • Try your hand at traditional dance moves with an informal salsa lesson

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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Internet access can be hard to come by, and when it's available it's often unreliable and expensive. Treat this as a great opportunity to take a break from modern devices and have a true holiday.

  • 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

Bienvenido a Cuba! Welcome to Cuba! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, the day is yours to explore. Consider a stroll through Old Havana to acquaint yourself with its colourful mix of '50s Americana, colonial architecture and budding modernity. There are plenty of good museums to check out, such as the Museo de la Revolucion (Museum of the Revolution), which is housed in the former Presidential Palace, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts). Perhaps line up with the locals for a taste of the legendary Coppelia ice cream, or wander along the Malecon, the sea wall that skirts the coastline. With so much to do in this eclectic capital, we recommend arriving a few days early to make the most of this exciting city.
Accommodation
  • Comfortable guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Camera Obscura by Leonardo da Vinci (entrance fee and guide included) - EUR2
  • Havana - Museum of the Revolution (entrance fee) - EUR8
  • Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts (entrance fee) - EUR5
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

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. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

We have recently renamed the accommodation style on this trip to better reflect the different standards of accommodation we use across our different trip styles in Cuba. The standard of accommodation on this trip has not changed.
Spend the morning enjoying a short tour around Old Havana with your local guide. Founded in 1519 by the Spanish and designated a World Heritage Site in 1982, this well-preserved area within Cuba’s capital remains virtually unchanged which makes it one of the Caribbean’s most impressive historical cities. Wander through Havana’s oldest square, Plaza de Armas, stroll around the architecturally eclectic buildings that line the 16th century Plaza Veija, admire the basilica of San Francisco de Asis and visit the Cathedral with its elaborate baroque facade. Afterwards drive to Soroa, a lush enclave nestled in a picturesque valley and aptly known as the ‘rainbow of Cuba’. Stop for lunch and tour a beautiful orchid garden where you’ll learn the medicinal secrets behind wild Cuban herbs, before continuing your journey to Vinales. Located in the province of Pinar del Rio – Vinales is a landscape of tobacco and agricultural fields dotted with limestone outcrops. The scenery here is some of the most picturesque in Cuba and there are many ways to take it all in, ask your leader about the optional activities available including cycling, walking through tobacco fields and hiking to the mountains to explore the vast cave system of Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas.
Accommodation
  • Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Soroa - Orchid Garden (entrance fee and guide included)
  • Vinales - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
There are currently no comfortable guesthouses in this area so you will be staying in a standard guesthouse.
This morning, enjoy a walking tour through farms, tobacco plantations and lush cultivated lands for an insight into rural life in Vinales. Learn more about the simple lifestyle here and see first-hand the farmers who grow tobacco for some of the world’s most expensive cigars. For dinner this evening, relish a real garden-to-plate experience with an included dinner at an organic eco-farm. Indulge in a variety of fresh produce – from numerous vegetables and salads – to meats, seafood and salsas – all while gazing across sweeping views of the verdant valley. Afterwards, why not head out to a quaint bar and get to know some of Vinales’ residents. This small and charming rural village is one of the easiest places to mingle with locals in Cuba, who are very sociable, and many of them love nothing better than to drink rum and dance the night away!
Accommodation
  • Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Vinales - Half-day Valley tour on foot including Tobacco Farmhouse
  • Vinales - Farm-to-table dinner at an eco-friendly ranch
Optional Activities
  • Vinales - Live music venues (entrance fee) from - EUR2
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Begin the day by travelling to a peaceful sandy arc on Cuba’s southern coast, commonly known as the Bay of Pigs. Learn about the Bay of Pigs Invasion – the battle between the US and the Cuban revolutionaries which resulted in the first defeat of a US-backed takeover in Latin America – then stop for a dip in its tranquil waters, with an outstanding variety of coral and fish, it just might be Cuba’s best-kept secret. Then continue along the picturesque coast to Cienfuegos, a slice of Paris in the Caribbean. This is the gem of the south, a seaside town of relaxing streets and dazzling buildings that strike a beautiful pose by the water. Founded in 1819 by pioneering French immigrants, the elegant architectural influence that these settlers brought with them earned the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing in 2005. Enjoy a photo stop at Palacio del Valle, which is Cienfuegos' architectural pride and joy. Learn more about its history as you take in the beauty of its intricate carvings of Venetian alabaster and if you’re up for it, why not head to the rooftop for a sunset drink.
Accommodation
  • Comfortable guesthouse (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
Perhaps kick-start your morning with some Cuban coffee, it's served black, strong and super sweet, then bid farewell to Cienfuegos and board the bus for a short drive to Trinidad – a beautifully preserved colonial down that sits on the scenic Caribbean coast. There's no doubt it's one of Cuba's alluring destinations, a great place to wander around, with almost every scene offering a photo opportunity. Watch as locals casually smoke their huge cigars on the doorsteps of their homes, and hear the old Chevrolets rumbling by. Begin by strolling along the cobbled streets and marvelling at some of the colourful colonial architecture on display (this town was put on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988 for good reason), then feel the Cuban rhythms during a casual salsa class – a sure-fire way to boost your confidence in preparation for Trinidad’s nightlife!
Accommodation
  • Comfortable guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Trinidad - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Trinidad - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour)
Optional Activities
  • Trinidad - Romantic Museum (entrance fee) - EUR5
  • Trinidad - Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra los Bandidos (entrance fee) - EUR3
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Trinidad’s old-fashioned feel and friendly folk make it a standout destination for many visitors to Cuba, and the Santeria religion (a voodoo-like Afro-Cuban tradition) which is practiced here makes the town even more intriguing. Enjoy a free day to check-out Trinidad at your own pace. There are some great Spanish-style churches to see, and nearby is the Valle de los Ingenios, where sugar plantations stretch out as far as the eye can see. Why not go for a dip at nearby Playa Ancon and loll about on the long stretches of white sand or hire a bike of the vintage variety and cycle along Trinidad’s colourful (and cobblestone) streets. If you’re feeling energetic, then hiking in the Sierra del Escambray (the local mountains) is a great option – just ask your leader to help you decide! This evening, a folklore dance and music show in one of the open-air venues is highly recommended – a great chance to immerse yourself in Cuba's African, French and Spanish-influenced music and dance culture.
Accommodation
  • Comfortable guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Trinidad - Live Music Venues (entrance fee) from - EUR2
  • Trinidad - Ancon beach shuttle bus - EUR4
  • Trinidad - Massage - from - EUR24
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
On your way back to Havana, you'll stop in at Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial where you can get a rare insight into the legacy of the revolutionary leader. Che's remains were brought to rest here after they were found in a remote corner of Bolivia in 1997, where he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. The memorial is home to an impressive bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle and inside the museum, you can learn about his amazing life and see photos and exhibits such as letters, firearms, medical devices and other interesting artefacts – including his famous black beret. Upon arrival in Havana, stop by Revolution square then prepare for a final night of celebrations where you can toast to an incredible adventure across beautiful Cuba!
Accommodation
  • Comfortable guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
  • Havana - Revolution Square
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Jose Marti Memorial tower entrance fee - EUR3
  • Havana - Buena Vista Social Club Performance (entrance fee) - EUR34
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast, check-out time is 10 am. If you wish to stay on in this colourful capital, our reservations team will be more than happy to assist. Just ask at the time of booking.
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Cigar Factory Tour (entrance fee and guide) - EUR12
  • Havana - Morro CastleMorro Castle (entrance fee, no guide, no transport)10 am-9 pm - EUR8
  • Havana - Half-day Ernest Hemingway Tour (guide and transport included 2 pax min required) - EUR67
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable Guesthouse (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Soroa - Orchid Garden (entrance fee and guide included)
  • Vinales - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Vinales - Half-day Valley tour on foot including Tobacco Farmhouse
  • 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 - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour)
  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
  • Havana - Revolution Square

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Beautiful 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. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Havana. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
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 on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. 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 5 days prior to travel. 
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. A visa or tourist card, organized prior to arrival, is required for all nationalities visiting Cuba.
6. The Cuban government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers. Proof of insurance may be requested at Havana Airport by immigration officials. 
7. 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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