8 days Cuba on a Shoestring

Accommodation

Itinerary

Day 1: Havana

Bienvenido a Cuba! Welcome to Cuba! There are no activities planned until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Once you’ve arrived, why not take a stroll in Cuba’s capital, where vintage cars, Neo-Gothic churches and Art Deco theatres come together in a colourful mismatch on the streets. If you have time, you might like to visit Museo de la Revolucion, which focuses on the events leading up to, during and immediately after the Cuban revolution. After your welcome meeting, perhaps dig into some delectable street snacks and join the group for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have a few recommendations.

Accommodation

Standard guesthouse (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Havana - Tourist bus day pass - CUC10

• Havana - Revolution museum - CUC5

• Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts - CUC5

• Havana - Old Havana Street Eats - Urban Adventures - USD44

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

A complimentary arrival transfer is included with your trip. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organised. 

Day 2: Vinales

This morning, join your leader on an two-hour walking tour around Old Havana – a district that reflects an eclectic mix of colonial, baroque and neoclassical architecture. Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, this area within Cuba’s capital remains virtually unchanged. Wander through Havana’s oldest square at Plaza de Armas, stroll around the buildings that frame 16th-century Plaza Veija, admire the basilica of San Francisco de Asis and visit the Havana Cathedral with its elaborate baroque facade. After your walking tour, head west by private vehicle to Vinales (approximately 3 hours). This charming rural village is your base for the next couple of days, so why not do as the locals do – drink rum and dance the night away.

Accommodation

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 3: Vinales

Enjoy free time in picturesque Vinales, which you'll soon see is home to some of Cuba’s best scenery. Together, your group will decide the best time to take an included informal Spanish lesson where you’ll learn some simple greetings like ‘hola’ and ‘hasta luego’, plus how to order an all-important ‘cerveza’ (beer)! The rest of the day is yours to soak up the slow, old-world pace of rural Cuba, where donkeys plod along the dirt roads. You might like to cruise around the area on a bicycle, hike through the tobacco fields or explore one of the Americas’ largest cave complexes up in the mountains. If you select the valley walk, you'll learn more about the lifestyle here and meet the farmers who grow tobacco for some of the world's most sought after and expensive cigars.

Accommodation

Breakfast

Day 4: Bay of Pigs / Trinidad

• Bay of Pigs - Coastal Swim Stop

Breakfast

Day 5: Trinidad

Trinidad is a standout destination for many visitors to Cuba, in no small part to well-preserved colonial buildings, friendly locals and its old-school feel. Today , you’ve got the full day to do as you please. For some beachside fun and perhaps a little snorkelling, head down to Playa Ancon – just be careful you don't stand on a sea urchin! Hiking and cycling are equally good options, and there are some excellent walking trails in the nearby Sierra del Escambray mountains. For an insight into the colourful post-revolutionary period, why not visit the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos and the Casa de los Martires de Trinidad. Nearby is the sprawling Valle de los Ingenios, where sugar plantations stretch out as far as the eye can see. In the evening, your leader will take you to a local bar for a rum tasting – Cuba is home to some of the best!

Accommodation

Standard guesthouse (1 night)

Included Activities

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 6: Santa Clara

This morning, travel by private vehicle to the historic city of Santa Clara – less crowded and slower paced than the bustling Havana, and home to all things Che Guevara. On arrival, your leader will take you on an orientation walk of the town and point you in the right direction. Santa Clara is renowned for being the resting place of physician-turned-guerrillero leader Che Guevara (whose mausoleum you’ll get to visit tomorrow). Why not take the short walk up to one of the best lookout spots in town, Loma del Capiro, where you can share sweeping views of the city with a statue of – you guessed it – Che Guevara! Or, if you’re a cigar aficionado, you might like to take a tour of one of Cuba’s best tobacco factories where they produce a range of top-quality Montecristo, Partagas and Romeo y Juliet cigars.

Accommodation

Standard guesthouse (1 night)

Included Activities

• Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum

• Santa Clara - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Optional Activities

• Santa Clara - Derailed train - CUC1

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 7: Havana

In the morning, visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial. 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 his famous black beret. Afterwards, travel back to Havana (approximately 4 hours) where you’ll return to your guesthouse and enjoy some free time. Tonight’s again up to you, so why not head out with the group and hit the town for a night of salsa.

Accommodation

• Standard guesthouse (1 night)

   

Optional Activities

• Havana - Buena Vista Social Club - CUC30

Breakfast

Day 8: Havana

• Havana - Murals & Mosaics: Community Projects Tour - Urban Adventures - USD114

There are no meals included on this day.