US$ 1475 + 450 CUC Local Payment
- Duration: 22 days / 21 nights
- Group Size: Minimum 2 / Maximum 12 / Average 7
- Accommodation: Twin-share. 9 nights simple hotels, 12 nights homestays
- Transport: Local bus, domestic flight, private mini-bus, taxi
- Inclusions: 21 breakfasts, local guide throughout
Departures with Special Events
- Sep 12 to Oct 3, 2010 - CDR Anniversary Party - Viñales
- Sep 19 to Oct 10, 2010 - CDR Anniversary Party - Baracoa
- Sep 26 to Oct 17, 2010 - CDR Anniversary Party - Trinidad
- Dec 12 to Jan 2, 2011 - Charangas de Bejucal Festival - Havana Province
- April 3 to 24, 2011 - Humberto Solas International Film Festival - Gibara
- April 10 to May 1, 2011 - May Day Celebration - Havana
- April 17 to May 8, 2011 - May Day Celebration - Havana
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1 - Arrival Day Havana
- Day 2 - Santa Clara
- Day 3,4,5 - Trinidad
- Day 6 - Camaguey
- Day 7,8 - Santiago
- Day 9,10,11 - Baracoa
- Day 12* to 15 - Havana
- Day 16,17 - Viñales
- Day 18,19 - Maria la Gorda
- Day 20 - Soroa
- Day 21 - Havana
- Day 22 - Departure Day
* Please Note: Occassionally there is not availability for the whole group on the flight from Baracoa to Havana on Day 12. In this case we either take the flight from Baracoa to Havana on Day 13 of the tour, or take private transport from Baracoa to Santiago, and fly from there to Havana on Day 13.
Description
The 22 day Complete Cuba tour is a combination of our Original 15 day itinerary and our 8 day tour of Western Cuba. If you have the time, we highly recommend this trip to travel the entinre length of the island to discover its fascinating diversity. As well as visiting many of Cuba's natural and historic highlights, our focus is on contact with the Cuban people and their culture.
Itinerary Details
Day 1 - Arrive Havana
Arrive in Havana at any time. Today is the arrival day of the tour so there are no planned activities and you can check into the hotel and relax or go and explore the city. Adventure among the splendorous crumbling architecture of the streets of old Havana and sit on the famous sea wall (malecon) to take in the view and some fresh air, and to socialize with the colourful and friendly 'Habaneros'
. We will provide you with contacts for local guides, so if you wish, you can pay a small price to have someone show you around.
Arrive in Havana at any time. Today is the arrival day of the tour so there are no planned activities and you can check into the hotel and relax or go and explore the city. Adventure among the splendorous crumbling architecture of the streets of old Havana and sit on the famous sea wall (malecon) to take in the view and some fresh air, and to socialize with the colourful and friendly Day 2 - Santa Clara
We head east along the island to Santa Clara, a key city in the Cuban Revolution. It’s about a 4 hour bus ride through the flat central region of Cuba, where there are lots of citrus plantations. Upon entering Santa Clara, there is a huge statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara, to commemorate his death and that of the revolutionaries who were murdered along with him in Bolivia. There is also a museum here dedicated to his amazing life (free entry). This is where you will get your first experience staying with a Cuban family. You’ll have time in the afternoon to check out this small city. Santa Clara isn’t a thriving tourism hub, and that in itself creates its own interest as you can experience a more authentic Cuban city. Take a walking tour with the tour leader or explore on your own.
We head east along the island to Santa Clara, a key city in the Cuban Revolution.
It’s about a 4 hour bus ride through the flat central region of Cuba,
where there are lots of citrus plantations. Upon entering Santa Clara,
there is a huge statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara, to commemorate
his death and that of the revolutionaries who were murdered along
with him in Bolivia. There is also a museum here dedicated to his amazing
life (free entry). This is where you will get your first experience staying with
a Cuban family. You’ll have time in the afternoon to check out this small
city. Santa Clara isn’t a thriving tourism hub, and that in itself creates
its own interest as you can experience a more authentic Cuban
city. Take a walking tour with the tour leader or explore on
your own.Day 3,4,5 - Trinidad
After a short bus ride we reach the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful colonial city of Trinidad, which is home to numerous churches and many beautiful colonial buildings. We are near the lovely Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of Sugarmills) and Playa Ancón, where you can enjoy long stretches of unspoiled, white sand beaches. Scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming in waterfalls and horse-riding are other optional activities.
After a short bus ride we reach the Caribbean Sea and
the beautiful colonial city of Trinidad, which is home to numerous churches and
many beautiful colonial buildings. We are near the lovely Valle de los
Ingenios (Valley of Sugarmills) and Playa Ancón, where you can enjoy
long stretches of unspoiled, white sand beaches. Scuba
diving, snorkeling, swimming in waterfalls and horse-riding are other
optional activities.The nightlife in Trinidad is probably the most accessible and intense in all of Cuba, with numerous live music venues and many dance performances everyday of the week, all amongst the enchanting setting of old colonial buildings and the cobblestone streets.
Day 6 - Camagüey
Cuba's third largest city lies about half way between Havana and Santiago de Cuba - about a 5 hour drive from Trinidad. Camaguey was designed in the 17th century to disorientate potential invaders such as pirates and plunderers, so the street layout is a jumble of narrow alleys where no two streets are parallel. There are large parks, various private art galleries, and a thriving market garden, and one will enjoy strolling through this city. This is also a university town and has a rich cultural tradition, and like just about everywhere in Cuba, there is plenty of night time entertainment to be had.
Cuba's third
largest city lies about half way between Havana and Santiago de Cuba - about a 5 hour drive from Trinidad. Camaguey was designed in the 17th century to disorientate potential invaders such as pirates and plunderers, so the street layout
is a jumble of narrow alleys where no two streets are parallel. There
are large parks, various private art galleries, and a thriving market garden, and one
will enjoy strolling through this city. This is also a university town and has a rich cultural tradition, and like just about everywhere in Cuba, there is plenty of night time
entertainment to be had.Day 7,8 - Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is known as the “cradle of the Revolution” and is home to much of Cuba’s famed music, like the Son. There are also museums, colonial churches and buildings of more recent historical importance, such as the Moncada Barracks, which are well worth exploring.
Santiago de Cuba is known as the “cradle of the Revolution” and is home to much of Santiago de Cuba has a very vibrant traditional music scene, which will entice even the shyest dancer out to experiment with some salsa moves. Culturally, Santiago has a different feel to the rest of Cuba, undoubtedly coming from the mix of French speaking slaves from Haiti and its proximity to Jamaica.
Day 9,10,11 - Baracoa
A spectacular drive past the region’s most controversial leasehold of Guantanamo Bay, then along the coast and finally through lush mountains of eastern Cuban, brings us to Cuba’s first colonial capital. When Christopher Columbus first encountered Cuba it was here, and he duly noted in his log-book that this was the most beautiful land that human eyes could set upon. You will understand what he meant when you see the beaches and verdant mountain landscape that surround Baracoa. Situated on a beautiful bay with the mountains of the Sierra del Purial in the background, Baracoa was the first settlement founded by the Spanish in Cuba, and was only accessible by sea until the end of the 1960s. There are numerous options for outdoor activities in the nearby mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and beaches. There is wide variety of delicious seafood available in Baracoa.
A spectacular drive past the region’s most controversial leasehold of Guantanamo Bay, then along the coast and finally through lush mountains of eastern Cuban, brings us to Cuba’s first colonial capital. When Christopher
Columbus first encountered Cuba it was here, and he duly noted in his
log-book that this was the most beautiful land that human eyes could
set upon. You will understand what he meant when you see the beaches
and verdant mountain landscape that surround Baracoa. Situated on a beautiful bay with the mountains of the Sierra del Purial
in the background, Baracoa was the first settlement founded by the Spanish
in Cuba, and was only accessible by sea until the end of the 1960s. There
are numerous options for outdoor activities in the nearby
mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and beaches. There is wide variety of delicious seafood
available in Baracoa.Day 12 to 15 - Havana
The Caribbean's largest and most exciting urban concentration. Havana is one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere, and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Options are to take a walking tour of the Old town with a local guide or to find your own adventure.
Day 16,17 Viñales
Its a pleasant 3 hour bus-ride to Viñales. Surrounded by picturesque limestone pincushion hills (“mogotes”), this small and culturally rich village, offers friendly and welcoming residents and wide variety of outdoor activities. This is where you will get your first experience staying with a Cuban family. Exploring caves, hiking, biking, horseback riding or simply enjoying the views of the valley and sprawling tobacco fields are all options. Vinales is one of the more agriculturally productive areas, so an abundance of local seasonal fruit and vegetables is always on offer such as enormous avocados and mangoes, pineapples, papaya, guava, and a several varieties of sweet potatoes. Its one of the cooler areas of Cuba, so its also a nice escape from the hotter parts of the country. The nightlife is very active in this village with the local residents more than willing participants in dancing to the local live music.
Day 18,19 Maria la Gorda
Travelling further West, we spend 2 nights and 1 whole day at the isolated and serene María La Gorda. It is located on the western tip of Cuba, within the UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserve of the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. The area is filled with legends of pirates, old cannons and buried treasures. Maria La Gorda is famed for its clear seabed where you may see many species of coral and tropical fish. Some of the best snorkelling can be done right off the beach! Enjoy the water, the beach and the amazing sunsets in this Cuban paradise. Some guided treks are also options through the surrounding forest to spot deer and birds such as the world's smallest - the zunzuncito (bee-hummingbird).
Day 20 Soroa
Heading back to Havana we stop for the night at the mountain resort town of Soroa. There are quite a few attractions around this heavily forested area including a short trek to a waterfall, a steep walk to a lookout, a very impressive orchid garden.
Day 21 Havana
We return to Havana for the final night of the tour.
Day 22 Depart Havana
Today you are free to depart at anytime.
Notes - Itineraries for the tour of Cuba can and do change during the course of the year due to a variety of reasons. We are not always able to advise you in advance of these changes. We ask for your understanding and flexibility in these cases.
Summary of Travel Times
- Havana to Santa Clara – 4.5 hours
- Santa Clara to Trinidad – 3 hours
- Trinidad to Camaguey – 6 hours
- Camaguey to Santiago – 7 hours
- Santiago to Baracoa – 6 hours
- Baraoca to Havana – 4 hours (flight 1.5 hours)
- Havana to Viñales – 3 hours
- Viñales to Maria la Gorda – 4 hours
- Maria la Gorda to Soroa – 6 hours
- Soroa to Havana – 2 hours
Joining Hotel Havana
Hotel Colina
Calle L e/ 25 y 27
Vedado, Havana
Tel/Fax: + 537-836-4071
The hotel is centrally situated in Havana’s vibrant district of Vedado just down the road from the Hotel Havana Libre, which was formerly the Havana Hilton. It is diagonally opposite the University of Havana and 2 blocks from Vedado’s central park and Cuba’s largest ice-cream palour - La Coppelia. Vedado is also known as “New Havana” as many of Havana’s newer hotels, business and government offices, restaurants, and bars are found there. The hotel is also just a few blocks from the Malecon, which is the scenic walkway along the bay of Havana and a thriving centre of Havana social life.
Extras
HAVANA HOTEL UPGRADE
Most of our travellers find the 2 star Hotel Colina adequate.
However, for a little more comfort we offer some upgrade options for your accommodation in Havana.
CLICK HERE to see the options.
EXTRA ACCOMMODATION IN HAVANA
If you require extra accommodation at the joining hotel in Havana before or after the tour,
you can book this on the booking form when you sign up for the tour.
Current prices per night are:
- Single room - US$45
- Double or matrimonial room - US$65
- Triple room - US$85
Click here to see other accommodation options for Havana.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Accommodation on the tour is twin-share. This means two people to a room,
and if you join the tour as an individual, you may be sharing a room of two beds, with another
member of the same sex from the group. If there is no-one to share with, and you end up with a room to yourself,
you don't have to pay extra. If you decide at the booking stage, that you want a single room throughout
the tour, the “single supplement” amount is US$545.
This is payable along with your payment for the tour.
AIRPORT ARRIVAL TRANSFER
It is very safe and simple to catch your own taxi from the Havana Airport to the joining hotel. Only official
tourist taxis are allowed to pick up tourists at the airport, and the standard fare is 25CUC (don't pay more than this!).
If you prefer us to send someone to pick you up at the airport and provide you with this transfer, our price is US$63
for up to 4 people. If your flight arrives to Varadero airport you can catch a taxi to the Viazul bus terminal.
Click here to see the timetable. We provide transfers in private taxi from Varadero airport to Havana for
US$137 for up to 4 people (2 hours travel time).
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CUBA
We offer travel insurance to cover you for your time in Cuba.
CLICK HERE for more information.
FLIGHT TO HAVANA FROM CANCUN
We arrange flights from Cancun to Havana that include the Cuban Tourist Card.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Not Included in the Tour
- International Flights
- Visa and passport fees
- Insurance (Travel Medical Insurance is required to participate on the tour)
- All meals (except for 21 breakfasts)
- Drinks
- Tips
- Optional activities/day-tours/excursions
- Departure taxes and excess baggage fees
Spending Money
We estimate you will need between US$900 and US$1300 for local expenses during the tour, such food and optional activities (but not including the Local Payment). Click here to see details of expenses you will have while on the tour in Cuba.
