Cuba, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, is much more than a collection of historical must-sees. This frozen-in-time island, 90 miles south of Florida, with picture-perfect scenery and historic communities, is slowly beginning to melt. Visitors frequently compare it to a time capsule, with throwback 1950s cars racing along old-fashioned streets and old-school bops blasting from boom boxes.
Havana, your first trip, is eye candy for culture vultures. The Cuban capital, with its time-worn architectural marvels and roaring nightlife, is both beautiful to look at and dripping with historical legacy.
You`ll get a sense for Havana`s bustling streets as you`re whisked away on a classic vehicle tour in true James Dean style. Every red light will give you the opportunity to pause and reflect on the Cuban way of life, from its vintage vehicles to its historic structures. You`ll also visit Plaza de Armas, the island`s historical heart, which is teeming with chirpy traders and camera-wielding tourists.
Following your tour to Havana, we will transport you to Cienfuegos, known as "the Pearl of the South" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cienfuegos, founded by the French, has two primary places of interest: Pueblo Nuevo and Punta Gorda, the former being the city hub and the latter a peninsula crammed with 1950s residences.
Then, as we make our way to Trinidad, prepare to visit this "outdoor museum" and its wealth of historical treasures. Turquoise waterfalls, braided hiking routes, and the famous Playa Ancon`s teal-colored waves.
Our final visit provides plenty of pampering before your return flight. Cayo Santa Maria is a beach bum`s paradise, with top-tier hotels nestled across a pearlescent shoreline. Cayo Santa Maria`s seemingly endless beachfront sits against a backdrop of deep hinterland forests and labyrinthine mangroves to the south, off the northern coast of mainland Cuba.
ITINERARY
Hello and welcome to Havana! You will be transferred by private taxi to the Hotel Nacional, where you will spend three nights.
OVERNIGHT IN HAVANA
This morning is free for you to spend relaxing in the hotel bar and soaking in the ambience of your hotel, a favoured haunt of the mafia before the Revolution and a favourite of Winston Churchill and Fred Astaire.
Alternatively, for £40 per person, schedule a walking tour to see all this city has to offer (including hotel pick up, but not drop off).
In the afternoon, take a 2-hour guided classic automobile trip throughout Havana (included in your package).
HAVANA OVERNIGHT
Today, you can explore Havana at your own speed or take a full-day tour of a cigar factory in Viales. You will also visit the Indian caves, the prehistoric museum, and enjoy a fantastic lunch. £85pp.
Alternatively, we may provide a cocktail making class, a Hemingway tour, a cigar factory tour, and even a salsa class!
Take a bus to Cienfuegos, where you will be met and led to your "casa" by your host. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating town at your leisure.
OVERNIGHT IN CIENFUEGOS / TRINIDAD
Today is free to explore this small colonial town at your leisure; alternatively, take a walking tour of Cienfuegos, which includes visits to Marti`s Park, Terry Theatre, City Museum, Cathedral, Cienfuegos` boulevard, and the city`s main walking promenade, for £35pp.
Transfer by taxi to your Trinidad casa in the afternoon.
TRINIDAD OVERNIGHT
Enjoy a stroll around Trinidad`s culturally rich streets, which includes visits to the city`s key squares and culturally significant sites.
OVERNIGHT IN TRINIDAD / CAYO SANTA MARIA
From Trinidad, take a taxi to Cayo Santa Maria. If you get hungry, you might stop in Santa Clara for lunch before visiting the Che Guevara Mausoleum.
Because the Che Guevara Museum and Mausoleum are closed on Mondays, taking the transfer on a Monday will give you more time to explore Santa Clara on your own. On Sundays, the Tren Blindado is closed. We then cross the incredible 45-kilometer-long causeway that connects the mainland to the Cayos, and you will be dropped off at your hotel upon arrival.
Check into your accommodation and enjoy your all-inclusive stay.
CAYO SANTA MARIA OVERNIGHT
Spend some time becoming acquainted with your hotel. Make use of the pool, magnificent facilities, and a variety of restaurants serving delectable cuisine.
CAYO SANTA MARIA OVERNIGHT
Today, you may spend your day lazing on one of Cayo Santa Maria`s pearlescent beaches, sipping a superb Cuba Libre cocktail and staring out towards the horizon.
CAYO SANTA MARIA OVERNIGHT
The stress-free tropical vacation continues to this day. Pamper yourself at your hotel`s facilities, visit one of the beautiful beaches, or lounge by the pool like a princess.
CAYO SANTA MARIA OVERNIGHT DAY 11 CAYO SANTA MARIA - HAVANA
You`ll be driven back to Havana and spend your final night at the Hotel Nacional.
OVERNIGHT IN HAVANA
