Cuba Colonial

Cuba Colonial Map

Cuba Colonial Map

Cuba Colonial

The melody of horns floating through the air, classic cars parked in colonial squares, revolutionary statues—get over the resort wall and discover the real Cuba! Travel east to Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa and encounter the birthplace of Cuban rhythms and revolutionary fervour. Soak in Spanish heritage while exploring churches, forts and cobblestoned streets. Overnight in homestays for an immersive Cuban experience few travellers get to enjoy. Don’t just walk down the road less travelled—dance down it. Viva la Revolución!

What’s Included?

Itinerary

Day 1 Havana

Arrive in Havana at any time.

Check into the hotel and enjoy the city before an evening welcome meeting.

It is important to note that Cuba tends to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and infrastructure are generally old and may not have been maintained to the highest standard. Elevators, internet and A/C often break down, things happen very slowly and water pressure and hot water can be minimal. Cuba is an amazing place to visit but to fully enjoy and relax, western expectations should be left at home and your sense of adventure should be your guide.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

18:00

Tonight, the adventure begins. Feel free to explore — but make sure you’re back in time to meet your group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your trip.

Day 2 Havana/Santiago de Cuba

Fly to Santiago de Cuba and take an orientation walk with a visit to Castillo del Morro.

Santiago de Cuba is the cradle of the Revolution and home of traditional son rhythms. Opt to visit museums, colonial churches and buildings like the Moncada Barracks. Santiago has a vibrant traditional music scene that will entice even the shyest dancer out to experiment with some salsa moves.

Plane

Havana – Santiago de Cuba 1h30m

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… yup, it is a plane, actually.

Orientation Walk

Follow your CEO through the streets of Santiago de Cuba, discover useful spots and interesting sights.

Day 3 Santiago de Cuba

Enjoy a free day in Santiago. Opt to listen to live music at the Casa de la Trova or visit the Revolution Museum. Explore this Afro-Cuban city by visiting important revolutionary sites, like the Moncada Barracks.

Free Time

Santiago de Cuba

Use this day to explore the city any way you like.

Optional Activities

Casa de la Trova Visit

Santiago de Cuba

Founded in 1968, the Casa de la Trova is a cultural institution in Santiago de Cuba. This bar/performance space is home to some of Cuba’s finest singers and musicians. These former “trovadores” (troubadors) once walked the streets in twos and threes, performing “boleros” (ballads). Now – people come to them to listen, dance and soak in the laid-back rhythms of this made-in-Cuba music.

Moncada Barracks Visit

Santiago de Cuba

The Moncada Barracks are recognized as a key site in Cuba’s history. On July 26, 1953, a group of armed revolutionaries, led by Fidel Castro, staged a surprise attack against troupes here in a bid to destabilize the leadership of dictator Fulgencio Batista. The rebels failed, many were killed and Castro was jailed. But the event is viewed as the “small engine that ignited the big engine of the Revolution”. Every year, July 26th is celebrated as a national holiday with banners, parades and political speeches.

Day 4 Santiago de Cuba/Baracoa

Head north to Baracoa. The area offers everything from beaches, to hiking opportunities and museums.

The best way to get around this colonial town, situated on the bay with mountains towering in the background, is on foot and with 2 1/2 days to explore the area, there’s plenty of time to see it all.

Wander the malecón (boardwalk) and visit the forts built to defend the city from pirates.

Private Vehicle

Santiago de Cuba – Baracoa 4h30m-5h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.

Orientation Walk

Upon arrival, your CEO will take you on an orientation walk around town to help you get your bearings.

Days 5–6 Baracoa

With free time, opt to hike near El Yunque or explore the breathtaking beaches for which this area of Cuba is famous.

Take some time to visit the city then head further afield to the mountains or visit the striking black sand beaches.

Playa Maguana and the smaller Playa Nava are both nearby and accessible by bike or taxi. Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt is approximately 40 km outside of town and well worth a visit.

Free Time

BaracoaGanztägig

With free time here you can explore the beaches, the nearby national park or wander the colonial streets and hang out on the lively boardwalk.

Day 7 Baracoa/Santiago de Cuba

Travel back to Santiago de Cuba for one more night before continuing west.

Private Vehicle

Baracoa – Santiago de Cuba 4h-5h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.

Day 8 Santiago de Cuba/Camagüey

Arrive in the afternoon to Camagüey. Opt for a guided tour to get to know the city.

Your journey will continue east across the Carretera Central to Camagüey, the third largest city on island. It retains much of its colonial heritage in its buildings, plazas and its tinajones, large clay pots traditionally used in Spain and in its New World colonies for collecting rain water. Explore the narrow winding streets and impressive sites.

Private Vehicle

Santiago de Cuba – Camagüey 6h30m-7h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.

Day 9 Camagüey/Trinidad

Enjoy an orientation walk and salsa lesson in Trinidad. Savour a local dinner as a group hosted by one of the homestay families.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery continuing on to the colonial city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to lovely Spanish-style churches and great museums, Trinidad is a hub of cultural activity, never out of earshot from a group of musicians playing local salsa or son. Enjoy an included salsa lesson during your time in Trinidad.

Private Vehicle

Camagüey – Trinidad 4h-5h

Stop along the way for an optional visit to La Torre del Esclavo before continuing on to Trinidad.

Orientation Walk

Enjoy a brief walk with the CEO, designed to orient you with useful places in new destinations like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in depth destination information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Salsa Lesson

Trinidad

Loosen up those hips and get ready to salsa. Classes are led by expert Cuban instructors and you even get your own practice partner. Rumba, mambo and cha-cha-chá your way across the floor. Never danced salsa? Have no fear, Cubans are happy to share the secrets behind one of their national pastimes.

Day 10 Trinidad (1D)

Enjoy free time in Trinidad. Opt to hike in nearby Topes de Collantes National Park or visit Ancón Beach for diving, snorkeling or lounging.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Trinidad is a haven for horseback riding or bicycle riding (no typical mountain bikes though!). If a beach is in the cards, try snorkeling or diving in nearby Playa Ancón. Enjoy a local meal together with one of the host families on Day 10 or 11.

Free Time

TrinidadGanztägig

With two days of free time, leave no Trinidadian stone unturned.

Day 11 Trinidad

Enjoy free time exploring Trinidad and surrounds.

Free Time

TrinidadGanztägig

Get out and explore.

Day 12 Trinidad/Santa Clara

Visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and museum.

Continue on to Santa Clara, a key city in the revolution. Santa Clara is probably best known for its statue of Che Guevara at the Plaza de la Revolución. The remains of Che and his comrades who fell in Bolivia are interred in the mausoleum at this site.

Private Vehicle

Trinidad – Santa Clara 2h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.

Optional Activities

Che Guevara’s Mausoleum Visit

Santa Clara

The Che Guevara Mausoleum houses the remains of this Marxist revolutionary leader killed in Bolivia in 1967, as well as 30 of his men. The room itself is designed to resemble the Bolivian mountains where he died. Set eyes on a 6.7m (22ft) bronze statue of the hero. Nearby, there is a museum dedicated to his life and an eternal flame lit by Fidel Castro.

Day 13 Santa Clara/Havana

Journey back to the capital and enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana. Opt to visit museums, tour the city by vintage car or attend a cabaret performance at the Tropicana.

Private Vehicle

Santa Clara – Havana 3h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.

Havana City Walking Tour

Havana

Take a walking tour of Havana and find out what your CEO loves best about this amazing city. See city highlights that may include La Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana, the Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras (which now houses a restaurant), the Museo de Arte Colonial and the Plaza de Armas, with its statue of Manuel de Céspedes (one of the leaders of the Cuban independence movement). Use this walk as a jumping off point to explore the rest of this lively city.

Day 14 Havana (1B)

Enjoy a full free day to get exactly what you want out of Havana.

Free Time

HavanaGanztägig

Set out to explore the vibrant streets of Havana.

Optional Activities

Havana City Tour in Vintage Car

A fantastic way to experience most of Havana—and in style! Hop into a well-preserved car from the 1950s and cruise around, soaking in the city’s atmosphere.

Day 15 Havana (1B)

Depart at any time

Date:Price:
December 17, 2015$2069 Cdn. ($499 Cdn. for own room)
January 2, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
January 9, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
January 16, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
January 30, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
February 13, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
February 27, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
March 5, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
March 12, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
March 19, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room))
March 26, 2016$ 2099 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room))
April 2, 2016$ 2099 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
April 16, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
April 30, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
May 14, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
May 28, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
June 11, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
June 18, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
June 25, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
July 2, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
July 9, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
July 23, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
August 6, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
August 13, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
August 20, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
September 3, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
September 17, 2016$ 1999 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
October 1, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
October 15, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
October 29, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
November 5, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
November 12, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
November 19, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
November 26, 2016$ 1899 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
December 3, 2016$ 2099 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
December 10, 2016$ 2099 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
December 12, 2016$ 2099 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
December 17, 2016$ 2099 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
December 19, 2016$ 2099 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)
December 24, 2016$ 2099 Cdn. ( $499Cdn My own room)