Day 1: Havana
On arrival into Havana, the group will be met and transferred by air–conditioned coach to the historic, colonial style 4 Star Sevilla Hotel situated in an excellent position within a very short walk of Old Havana. Dinner this evening is included at La Dominica Italian restaurant (transfers provided).
Day 2: Havana
After a leisurely breakfast we will depart from the hotel for a walking tour of Old Havana. There will be the chance to absorb the atmosphere of the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Havana, flanked by old colonial buildings dating back as far as the 16th Century. After a visit to the Havana Club Rum Factory the tour will end at the Partagas Cigar Factory to see how Cuba’s famous cigars are still handmade by local experts. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore.
Day 3: Havana
Today we will continue the exploration of Havana, starting with an orientation tour of Havana. The first stop will be Revolution Square, a highly significant landmark in Havana which is overlooked by the famous Che Guevara Mural. A stop shall be made at the Jose Marti memorial and some time will be allowed for you to walk around the area before driving back to the city centre. A visit will be paid to the impressive Museum of the Revolution housed in the former Presidential Palace where you will learn more about Cuba’s revolutionary history leading up to the present day. In addition there is also an area dedicated to the fascinating life of Ernesto “Che” Guevara. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore or relax by the hotel pool.
Day 4: Las Terrazas/Vinales Valley
After a free morning in Havana we will head to Las Terrazas Eco Reserve or the Vinales Valley to check in for a three night stay. Dinner at hotel restaurant.
Day 5: Las Terrazas/Vinales Valley
Today we will visit the picturesque Vinales Valley region, offering a unique look at Cuba’s main tobacco growing region. The area of Vinales Valley is characterized by rolling tropical countryside, fertile valleys and dramatic limestone flat topped mountains, known as “mogotes.” The lush tropical scenery is unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. On arrival, there will be a subterranean boat ride through the limestone cave system of El Indio.
After lunch, a visit will be made to the viewpoint of Los Jazmines, offering breathtaking photo opportunities of the valley. We will then transfer you to Vinales where you will have the chance to walk around this traditional rural Cuban village.
Day 6: Las Terrazas/Vinales Valley
Today will be free to explore or relax at the hotel.
Day 7: Cienfuegos
After breakfast the group will leave for Cienfuegos. Travelling east we will stop en route at Guama to visit the crocodile farm and break for lunch. In the afternoon we continue to Cienfuegos, known as the "Pearl of the South," and characterised by palaces and mansions overlooking a deep bay.
After arriving into the city we will settle in at the Union hotel and enjoy dinner.
Day 8: Cienfuegos
After breakfast, we will leave for Trinidad, a UNESCO heritage site and one of the bestpreserved colonial cities in the world. The city is best explored by foot and the tour will include visits to The Romantic Museum, which depicts the lifestyle and architectural design of Trinidad’s colonial past. Enjoy traditional Cuban music at the Casa de la Trova, followed by a visit to La Canchanchara, an old house dating back to the 18th Century, where we can try the unique Trinidad rum cocktail, made with sugar cane juice.
In the afternoon, there will also be some free time to explore the historic city independently. In the late afternoon we will return to Cienfuegos where dinner this evening will be taken in the elegant Palacio Del Valle restaurant situated in a former palace overlooking the bay.
Day 9: Cienfuegos
After breakfast we will head to the city of Santa Clara the final resting place of “Che“ Guevara. On arrival we will visit the mausoleum and the museum dedicated to his extraordinary life, followed by a short orientation tour of the city including the train “Tren Blindado” that was attacked in the decisive moments of the Cuban Revolution. Early afternoon we will return to Cienfuegos where the remainder of the day will be free to explore.
Day 10: Havana
After a relaxing breakfast the group will start their return journey back to Havana, with arrival scheduled for mid-afternoon. Tonight there will be a farewell dinner at Café Oriente where the inhouse musician will entertain you (small cost payable locally).
Day 11:
Today will be free until the return transfer to Havana Airport to catch your flight back to London Gatwick.
Day 12:
Arrival into London Gatwick.
Typically we use the following hotels, though we do reserve the right to amend to hotels of similar or superior standard. Please note that all ratings quoted are local and that standards of service in Cuba are can be far from those generally experienced in Europe and other more developed destinations. It is not uncommon for there to be shortages of hot water, particularly in rural areas, and this is occasionally part of the experience in travelling in this part of the world.
Sevilla Hotel, Havana
This historic hotel was opened in 1908 and is one of the landmark buildings, decorated in Moorish style, in the Paseo del Prado. Once Havana’s grandest hotel and frequented by celebrities (both famous and infamous in the case of Al Capone), it is now operated by the reliable Sofitel chain. Located within a short walk of the old town, it is in an ideal position and offers a good standard of accommodation and service.
Facilities include bar, rooftop restaurant with great views, swimming pool, terrace and fitness centre. Air-conditioned rooms are spacious and comfortable with private facilities, minibar, TV, telephone, safe and hairdryer.
Havana Telegrafo Hotel
Groups may be confirmed at the 4-star Telegrafo Hotel in central Havana. Dating from 1888, the hotel has been restored to its former Art Deco glory and features a unique lobby bar created from the ruins of the original courtyard, restaurant and comfortable rooms with private bathroom, air-conditioning, satellite TV, telephone and safe. Please note this hotel does not have a pool.
Moka Hotel, Las Terrazas
The 3-star Moka Hotel is a small country hotel of just 26 rooms, located in Las Terrazas village within the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve. It is a delightful place to stay and relax with tropical gardens, swimming pool, tennis court and lovely walks in the immediate vicinity. Built in Spanish colonial style, facilities include bar, restaurant and comfortable air-conditioned bedrooms with private marble bathrooms and balcony, many with vaulted or brick ceilings. There are two or three restaurants nearby, though we do include dinner on the first night.
Union Hotel, Cienfuegos
The 4-star Union hotel is a recently refurbished heritage hotel of just 37 rooms and is rated as one of the best hotels on the south coast. The hotel is ideally situated alongside the large and elegant main square in the old part of town.
Facilities here include a lovely pool in a very attractive courtyard, rooftop terrace/bar with wonderful city views, courtyard bar and restaurant. All the air-conditioned rooms are well appointed with private bath/shower, TV, telephone, safe, hairdryer and minibar.
Vinales Valley Los Jazmines/La Ermita Hotels
The hotel confirmed for this part of the itinerary may be at La Moka or the 2/3-star Los Jazmines or La Ermita Hotels, which both enjoy spectacular hilltop settings with views over the expanse of the Vinales Valley.
Facilities at both include large pool with wonderful views over the valley, restaurant, bar and comfortable colonial-style rooms with terrace/balcony, satellite TV, air-conditioning and private bath or shower.