Cuba Colonial
15 days from Havana to Havana
From $ 2399
Duration15 days

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. Stay 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!

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 15 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Starts in: Havana
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Havana
    Ages: 12+
Cuba Colonial - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Havana

Start place: Havana

Check into the Casa Particular and enjoy the city before an evening welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included to the tour's starting point, a "casa particular" (Cuban home used as a bed and breakfast), for an authentic Cuban experience. 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.

End place: Havana

Day 2: Bayamo/Baracoa

Start place: Bayamo

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.
Continue on to Baracoa, and get the lay of the land with an orientation walk. The area offers everything from beaches to waterfalls to hiking opportunities and museums.
Meals: B
Day 3: Santiago de Cuba

Start place: Santiago de Cuba

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

End place: Santiago de Cuba

Meals: B
Day 4: Santiago de Cuba/Baracoa

Start place: Santiago de Cuba

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.

Head north to Baracoa and get grounded with an orientation walk. The area offers everything from beaches to hiking opportunities and museums.
Meals: B
Day 5-6: Baracoa
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.
With free time, opt to hike near El Yunque or explore the breathtaking beaches for which this area of Cuba is famous.
Meals: B
Day 7: Baracoa/Santiago de Cuba
Travel back to Santiago de Cuba for one more night before continuing west.

End place: Santiago de Cuba

Meals: B
Day 8: Sancti Spíritus/Bayamo

Start place: Sancti Spiritus

Travel overland across Eastern Cuba to Bayamo, known as the Cradle of the Cuban Revolution. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore – opt to hire a horsecart like the locals to tour the area or people watch in the pedestrian only Plaza de la Revolución.

End place: Bayamo

Meals: B
Day 9: Camagüey/Trinidad
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.
Enjoy an orientation walk and included salsa lesson in Trinidad.
Meals: B
Day 10: Trinidad
For outdoor enthusiasts, Trinidad is a haven for activities. If a beach is in the cards, try snorkelling or diving in nearby Playa Ancón. Enjoy a local meal together with one of the host families on Day 10 or 11.
Enjoy free time in Trinidad. Opt to hike in nearby Topes de Collantes National Park to see the Salto del Caburni waterfall, or visit Ancón Beach for diving, snorkelling or lounging. Savour a local dinner as a group hosted by one of the homestay families. Local meal with a host family.
Meals: B, D
Day 11: Trinidad
Enjoy free time exploring Trinidad and surrounds.
Meals: B
Day 12: Trinidad/Santa Clara
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.
Visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and museum.

End place: Santa Clara

Meals: B
Day 13: Santa Clara/Havana

Start place: Santa Clara

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.

End place: Havana

Meals: B
Day 14: Havana

Start place: Havana

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

End place: Havana

Meals: B
Day 15: Havana

Start place: Havana

Depart at any time.

End place: Havana

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Havana Homestay, Havana Your Hands-On Moment: Salsa Lesson, Trinidad
  • Arrival transfer
  • Che Guevara mausoleum and museum visit
  • Beach time in Baracoa
  • Comandancia de la Plata hike
  • Havana city tour in vintage car
  • Old Havana walking tour
  • Orientation walks in Sancti Spíritus, Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Camagüey, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad
  • Free time in Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Bay of Pigs, and Havana
  • Informal Spanish lesson
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Private vehicle, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Hotels/casas particulares (homestays) (14 nts)

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