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(Click here for 2010 itinerary) |
- Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
- Group Size: Minimum 2 / Maximum 12 / Average 7
- Accommodation: Twin-share. 5 nights simple hotels, 9 nights homestays
- Transport: Local bus, domestic flight, private mini-bus, taxi
- Inclusions: 14 breakfasts, local guide throughout
Departures with Special Events
- July 18 to Aug 1 - Santiago Carnival Tour
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1 - Arrival Day Havana
- Day 2,3,4 - Baracoa
- Day 5,6 - Santiago
- Day 7,8 - Camaguey
- Day 9-11 - Trinidad
- Day 12 - Cienfuegos
- Day 13 - Havana - via Santa Clara
- Day 14 - Havana
- Day 15 - Departure Day
Please Note: Occassionally there is not availability for the whole group on the flight from Havana to Baracoa. In this case we fly from Havana to Santiago and then take a private bus to Baracoa.
Description
The 15 day Original tour of Cuba is our most long-standing itinerary. It packs into 2 weeks what we consider the most fascinating elements of this unique country. 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 splendorously 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 splendorously 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 2,3,4 - Baracoa
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 variely of delicious seafood available in Baracoa.
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 variely of delicious seafood
available in Baracoa.Day 5,6 - Santiago de Cuba
A spectacular drive through lush mountains of eastern Cuban, along the coast, then past the region’s most controversial leasehold of Guantanamo Bay, brings us to Cuba’s second largest city. 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.
A spectacular drive through lush mountains of eastern Cuban, along the coast, then past the region’s most controversial leasehold of Guantanamo Bay, brings us to Cuba’s second largest city. 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 7,8 - Camagüey
Cuba's third largest city lies about half way between Santiago de Cuba and Havana - about a 7 hour bus ride from Santiago de Cuba. 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 Santiago de Cuba and Havana
- about a 7 hour bus ride from Santiago de Cuba. 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 9,10,11 - Trinidad
After a 5 hour 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 5 hour 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 12 - Cienfuegos
It's a short drive along the Caribbean coast to the city known by Cuban's as La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South). On the way we have the option to call in at the island's best botanical garden and take a tour. Cienfuegos' appeal lies partly in the European flavor of its colonial centre, with a wide Parisian-style boulevard and elegant colonnades. There is ambience enough here to have inspired Cuba's most celebrated 'son' singer - Benny More - to write the words 'Cienfuegos is the city I like best'. He was born nearby, which may have helped. An arm of Cienfuegos stretches out along a beautiful peninsula. Again, there is plenty of nightlife all within a short walk of our centrally located homestays.
Day 13 - Havana - via Santa Clara
We return to the capital via Santa Clara, where we visit a huge monument of Ernesto Ché Guevara. Here there is also a museum dedicated to his amazing life, and a memorial commemorates his death and that of the revolutionaries who were murdered along with him in Bolivia in 1967.
Day 14 - Havana
We have one whole day here before our final evening of the tour. Options are to take a walking tour of the Old town with a local guide or to find your own adventure.
Day 15 - Depart Havana
If you have more time to spend in Cuba before flying out, the tour leader can suggest a number of excellent options for spending a few extra days, and give you details on how to get there and where to stay.
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 Baraoca – 4 hours (flight 1.5 hours)
- Baracoa to Santiago – 6 hours
- Santiago to Camaguey – 7 hours
- Camaguey to Trinidad – 6 hours
- Trinidad to Cienfuegos - 2 hours
- Cienfuegos to Havana – 6 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.
Extra Accommodation
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:
If you require extra accommodation at the joining hotel in Havana before or after the tour, you can book this on the - Single room - US$45
- Double or matrimonial room - US$65
- Triple room - US$85
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$345. This is payable along with your payment for the tour.
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 14 breakfasts)
- Drinks
- Tips
- Optional activities/day-tours/excursions
- Departure taxes and excess baggage fees
Spending Money
We estimate you will need between US$650 and US$900 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.
