Cuba Explorer

Cuba Explorer Map

Cuba Explorer Map

Cuba explorer

Explore a side of Cuba that few rarely get to experience on this 9-day adventure. Cruise Havana’s history-infused streets in a classic car and stroll along Trinidad’s cobblestone avenues to the rhythms of music floating from open windows. Tour a tobacco plantation for a taste of iconic Cuban culture and luxuriate in the view of the island’s rolling western hills. Travel by private air-conditioned van is well-paced, so you’re refreshed and ready to explore the island’s vibrant culture and tropical airs.

 What’s Included

 

Day 1 Havana

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Arrive in Havana at any time and transfer to hotel. One of the oldest cities in the western hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. It contains a wealth of colonial architecture, and the old city and streets around the malecon (ocean-side walkway) are best discovered on foot.

After the group meeting we will be heading out for a meal in a nearby local restaurant (optional). If you arrive late, no worries, the leader will leave you a message at the front desk.

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.

Arrival Airport Transfer

José Martí International Airport – Havana

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Day 2 Havana/Viñales(1B, 1L)

Travel to lush Viñales with a cigar factory tour in route. Option to explore the region by horseback or by foot.

A short trip west brings us to “The Garden Province” of Pinar del Rio and to the Valley of Viñales with the town of the same name. Enjoy an included cigar factory tour en route before getting your cameras ready for the lush vistas and pincushion hills around Viñales, called mogotes.

Cigar Factory Tour

Viñales

Pinar del Rio is tobacco country. Fans of the ubiquitous Cuban cigar will be hard-pressed not to be impressed by this tour. See fields of green plants punctuated by thatch roof drying huts, then witness a demonstration of how the cured leaves are hand-rolled, cut and packaged. Prepare for the smell. The smell of tobacco is heady and headache-inducing. Buy a box to bring home to friends. Or smoke them all by yourself.

Private Vehicle

Havana – Viñales189km

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

Day 3 Viñales (1B)

Take a walk through the countryside to enjoy the stunning outdoors. This afternoon, enjoy free time in Vinales.

Arguably one of the prettiest natural areas in Cuba, we have many options for exploring the area, whether it be horseback riding, hiking, or simply sitting back and enjoying the view.

Free Time

Viñales Afternoon

Hike or ride a horse to explore one of the prettiest areas in Cuba, or sit back, relax, and take in the view – you’re in paradise!

Viñales orientation tour

Viñales Morning

Explore the stunning Cuban country side on a walk with your CEO.

Optional Activities

Hiking

Viñales

The countryside around Viñales is lush, fertile and punctuated with mogotes – limestone “haystack” hills. Hire a guide or head off with some friends to explore the area. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. You may stumble upon a cave with an underwater spring. Dive in and cool off.

Horseback Riding

Viñales

Saddle up and hop on your horse as you set off to explore the lush valleys of Viñales. Ride past farmers working in their fields of coffee and tobacco. See the mogotes – limestone hills – on the horizon. Stop at one of the many caves in the area, head inside and take a dip in the cool natural pools.

Day 4 Viñales/Havana (1B, 1L)

Return to Havana where we take a city tour in vintage automobiles.

Travel back to Havana in time for lunch and an included half-day city tour in vintage automobiles. Revel in the bustle, history, and rhythms of this fascinating Caribbean capital city.

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.

Private Vehicle

Viñales – Havana

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

Day 5 Havana/Santa Clara(1B, 1L, 1D)

Take a guided tour of key historical sites, including the famous Che monument in Santa Clara and tour of Sancti Spiritus. Opt to stroll around Plaza Serafin Sánchez for superb people-watching by night.

Head east along the Carretera Central to the city of Santa Clara, a key location in the history of the Revolution. On your way into town visit key historical sites, including the massive Che monument (Santa Clara is also the final resting place of Che Guevara) before settling in for the night.

After exploring some of the revolutionary sites, enjoy a guided tour of Sancti Spiritus, one of the best preserved cities in the Caribbean from the time of the sugar trade.

Sancti Spiritus Guided Tour

Santa Clara

Enjoy a guided tour of spectacular Sancti Spiritus, one of the best preserved cities in the Caribbean from the time of the sugar trade. It was one of the original seven Cuban cities founded in the 1500’s by the Spanish. Take a stroll around its main square, the Plaza Serafin Sánchez, or check out the Iglesia Parroquial Mayor, a church originally built in the 1500’s and then rebuilt in the 17th century due to being a victim of pirates several times.

Private Vehicle

Havana – Santa Clara8h359km

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

Day 6 Santa Clara/Trinidad (1B, 1D)

Arrive in Trinidad where we stay in a Casa Particular, an authentic Cuban experience. Tour of the city and option to take a salsa dancing lesson.

A trip south brings us through the beautiful Topes de Collantes region to the southern coastal city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad. We include a tour of the area to get your general bearings; the rest of the time is free to wander the cobblestone streets, shop, and experience the great music scene that has made this city famous.

In Trinidad, we spend 2 nights in a Casa Particular, the Cuban equivalent of a Bed & Breakfast. Utilizing local accommodation puts you closer to the Cuban people and lifestyle and often provides a higher standard of service and comfort than in a hotel. The Casas have air conditioning, hot water, en-suite and are located right in the center of Trinidad.

Trinidad Guided Tour

Trinidad

Enjoy the sights and sounds of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and get your bearings through a guided tour.

Private Vehicle

Santa Clara – Trinidad2h70km

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

Day 7 Trinidad (1B, 1L, 1D)

Excursion to Cayo Blanco by Catamaran with lunch and snorkeling.

Cayo Blanco Catamaran excursion

Trinidad

Enjoy the day on the water to Cayo Blanco by Catamaran with time to snorkel and lunch included.

Free Time

Trinidad Evening

Option this evening to visit a Casa de la Trova for live music.

Optional Activities

Casa de la Trova Visit

Trinidad

For nearly four decades, the Casa de la Trova has been the center of culture and nightlife in Trinidad. This bar/performance space is home to some of Cuba’s finest singers and musicians. These former “trovadores” (troubadours) once walked the streets in twos and threes, performing ballads (boleros). Now – people come to them to listen, dance and soak in the laid-back rhythms of this made-in-Cuba music.

Day 8 Trinidad/Havana (1B, 1D)

Enjoy a walking tour of historic Old Havana before dinner in a local restaurant with the group.

Travel back to the north coast and to Havana and enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana before your final night on the town with the group.

Private Vehicle

Trinidad – Havana8h335km

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 9 Havana (1B)

Depart at any time.

Date:Price:
December 20, 2015$1859 Cdn. ($399 Cdn. for own room)
February 21, 2016$1799 Cdn
March 6, 2016$1799 Cdn
May 8, 2016$1599 Cdn
June 5, 2016$1599 Cdn
July 3, 2016$1599 Cdn
July 17, 2016$1599 Cdn
July 31, 2016$1599 Cdn
August 14, 2016$1599 Cdn
September 11, 2016$1599 Cdn
October 9, 2016$1599 Cdn
November 6, 2016$1799 Cdn
December 11, 2016$1799 Cdn