Cuba is the last bastion of socialism in the Western Hemisphere and has, only recently, managed to break free from the shackles imposed by the negative associations of communism. Indeed, it is Cuba's long isolationism that proves one of the main attractions for travelers, as destinations untouched by Western influence are now so few and far between. One must only explore the cities, like the capital, Havana, to appreciate fully the unique charms of the country. With their colonial architecture, plethora of 1950s American cars, and imposing Revolutionary monuments, Cuban cities are strikingly unusual in history, color and character. These street scenes are only enhanced by the laid-back lifestyle and friendly disposition of the Cuban people - a population of largely Spanish and African descent - with the result that Cuba is an up-and-coming destination to be visited sooner rather than later.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Havana. Today we arrive in Havana and transfer to our hotel in the heart of the old city.* On arrival in the city, the vibrancy of the people is one of the first noticeable things. They are the descendants of the Spanish conquistadors who colonized the island in the sixteenth century and African slaves brought over to work on the tobacco and sugar plantations. Overnight in Havana. Dinner if required.
Day 2: Havana: City Tour. Cuba's cosmopolitan capital was once one of the world's most prosperous ports and the third most populous city in the Americas. As La llave del Mundo (Key of the World), it saw riches from Mexico, Peru, and Manila pass through her sheltered harbor to Spain. Overnight in Havana. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Havana - Vinales Valley. An early start has us leaving Havana and traveling west towards Vinales and its magnificent valley, partly reminiscent of Guilin in China because of the curious limestone mountains and rock outcroppings. Overnight in Vinales. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: Viñales Valley - Havana. The Vinales Valley is considered a National Park and was recently proclaimed by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site. This morning we take a leisurely walk through the countryside passing by crops of tobacco, yucca and corn before joining up with our vehicle again. Overnight in Havana. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Havana - Cienfuegos. En route to the village of Cienfuegos, we will head out along the shore of the Bay of Pigs where we visit the commemorative museum. We continue to Cienfuegos and have a tour of this town settled by French emigrants' descendants more than 150 years ago. Overnight Cienfuegos. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Cienfuegos - Sierra de Escambray - Trinidad. Today our journey takes us to Cuba's second highest mountain range - The Sierra de Escambray, reaching 1100 m (3,700 feet) and home to small mountain villages. The Escambray is a delight for birders and walkers alike. Slopes are swathed in Caribbean pines, ancient tree ferns, bamboo, and eucalyptus. Overnight in Trinidad. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Trinidad - Town Tour. This morning we tour colonial Trinidad (pop: 60,000). This is a perfect relic of the early days of the Spanish colony: beautifully preserved streets and buildings and hardly a trace of the 20th century anywhere. It was founded in 1514 by Diego Velazquez as a base for expeditions into the New World and Hernan Cortes, conquistador of the Aztecs, set out from here for Mexico in 1518. Overnight in Trinidad. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Trinidad - Camaguey. Today we travel to Camaguey. Founded in 1514 under the name of Puerto Principe and the center of nearly 490 years of history, Camagüey is also known as the City of Tinajones due to the continuing presence of big clay containers. Years ago they were used for storing rainwater; today they draw the attention of residents and visitors alike. Overnight Camaguey. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Camaguey - Sierra Maestra - Holguin. Referred to as the Oriente by most Cubans, this region contrasts with the rest of the island in many ways. The racial mixture is slightly different due to the influx of Haitians in the late 1700s which gives some cities a distinct Caribbean feel. Another distinctive feature is the lush green hills and mountains that rise above the humid plains. Eastern Cuba is a remote and wild paradise rarely explored by tourists. Overnight in Holguin. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Holguin - Baracoa. Today we travel to Baracoa, Guantanamo Province. Cuba's easternmost province is approximately 1000 km (650 miles) from the nation's capital. Its environment includes everything from near- desert to regions featuring luxuriant mountain vegetation. Mountains make up almost 99 percent of the Guantanamo's territory. Overnight in Baracoa. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11: Baracoa - Santiago de Cuba. This morning we might accomplish Barracoa sightseeing deferred from yesterday due to time constraints. After lunch we travel to Santiago de Cuba. The Spaniards established the island's first capital here after founding the village in 1514. In 1522, it officially became a city and throughout the 16th and 17th centuries it was attacked many times by pirates and corsairs, which prompted the construction of the Morro Fortress in 1640 as well as the building of other coastal defenses. Overnight in Santiago. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 12: Santiago de Cuba. Surrounded by impressive mountains that link the Sierra Maestra to the sea, Santiago is a city of hills and inclined streets, with numerous places of interest and a history linked to struggles for national independence. It is also a city that brings together people of African and Spanish origin, along with descendants of emigres from the French West Indies. Overnight in Santiago. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 13: Santiago - Havana. Today we fly to Havana with the balance of the day at leisure. Overnight in Havana. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 14: Departure from Havana. Breakfast. Buen Viaje!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants)
- All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuity, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable)
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs, shopping, and locally paid departure taxes.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Cuba
Archeology/History
Cultural Journey
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