Cuba Libre & Sailing
15 days
from Havana to Havana
From
$ 2599
Duration15 days
Roaming over its green hills or sailing along its tiny, white-sanded islands, you’ll wonder what took you so long to see "the other Cuba." This unique combo adventure on land and water will take you places most people don’t know even exist. Meander through the lush, laid back communities of Cuba’s "Garden Province" and dive into local culture for a night at a unique homestay. Sail aboard a catamaran to tour (and lay on) the secluded beaches of the thinly populated Canarreos Archipelago islands. Experience life in the sun you’ve always hoped was real.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: HavanaPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: HavanaAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Havana
Start place: Havana
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: Havana/Viñales
Start place: Havana
Travel into the Pinar del Rio province to the small town of Viñales, beautifully located in a fertile valley surrounded by the unusual mogotes, or limestone pincushion hills.
Travel to Viñales. Get familiar with surrounds on an orientation walk, then spend time exploring the beautiful valley.
Meals: B
Day 3: Viñales
Enjoy a free day in the area. Opt to go caving, hiking, biking, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the valley.
Meals: B
Day 4: Viñales/María la Gorda
Maria la Gorda's location on the Northwestern tip of Cuba offers some of the best sunsets, beaches and marine life you will find in Cuba, an ideal place for water sports.
Travel to María la Gorda, a UNESCO beach town, visiting a cigar factory en route. Opt to go on a sunset boat ride, go snorkelling, or relax on the beach.
End place: Maria La Gorda
Meals: B
Day 5: María la Gorda
Start place: Maria La Gorda
From María la Gorda, head out to Cabo San Antonio, a protected area famous for the sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beach. After learning some information about the region, stop by the Roncalí lighthouse. Enjoy some free time on the beach.
Enjoy an excursion to Cabo San Antonio with a stop at the Roncalí lighthouse.
End place: Maria La Gorda
Meals: B
Day 6: María la Gorda/Las Terrazas
Start place: Maria La Gorda
Less than an hour outside of the bustle and hustle of Havana, Las Terrazas is a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for its stunning flora and fauna. Once acres of deforested farmland, today Las Terrazas is a lush oasis after Castro organized thousands of trees be planted. Travel through bamboo groves, past teak and royal palms and keep your eyes peeled for birds and exotic flowers.
Travel to Las Terrazas and enjoy the stunning scenery in this UNESCO biosphere reserve known for its flora and fauna.
End place: Las Terrazas
Meals: B
Day 7: Las Terrazas/Havana
Start place: Las Terrazas
Travel back to Havana, and walk through Old Havana wth the CEO. Enjoy a final night in the city with the group.
End place: Havana
Meals: B
Day 8: Havana/Cienfuegos
Start place: Havana
Today, meet new members of the group at a 3pm meeting. Please ensure to attend this meeting as the group will depart for Cienfuegos immediately after.
Enjoy free time in Havana before heading to Cienfuegos in the afternoon to spend the first night aboard the catamaran.
End place: Cienfuegos
Meals: D
Day 9: Cienfuegos/Canarreos Archipelago
Start place: Cienfuegos
Wake to breakfast and new surroundings on the way to the Canarreos Archipelago.
End place: Archipielago de Los Canarreos
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Canarreos Archipelago
Start place: Archipielago de Los Canarreos
Today we begin to explore some of the the Caribbeans most beautiful islands.
Composed of approximately 350 islets, the islands are known to be more rustic and quiet than many of the other popular Cuban travel destinations.
Relax and enjoy the warm Caribbean air, or take the opportunity to fish. The cook will happily prepare any fish that are caught.
Composed of approximately 350 islets, the islands are known to be more rustic and quiet than many of the other popular Cuban travel destinations.
Relax and enjoy the warm Caribbean air, or take the opportunity to fish. The cook will happily prepare any fish that are caught.
Travel through the islands of the Canarreos Archipelago and spend the next five days soaking in everything these island communities have to offer. Discover paradise among the rustic, sparsely populated islands, go snorkelling, explore secluded beaches or simply relax on deck.
End place: Archipielago de Los Canarreos
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11-13: Canarreos Archipelago
Start place: Archipielago de Los Canarreos
Explore the remote and beautiful islands of the Canarreos Archipelago. Snorkel the crystal-clear waters in search of colourful fish, relax on the beach, and dine on some of the best seafood you’ll ever have.
End place: Archipielago de Los Canarreos
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Canarreos Archipelago/Cienfuegos
Start place: Archipielago de Los Canarreos
After arriving back in Cienfuegos, the CEO will be happy to show the group town by foot. Relax at the end of the evening while taking in the local sites of this rustic town.
Wake up and admire the view from the lighthouse in Cayo Guano. Enjoy one last snorkel before sailing back from the Canarreos Archipelago to the town of Cienfuegos. Enjoy some final time on deck, and keep an eye out for fish and other marine life along the way.
End place: Cienfuegos
Meals: B, D
Day 15: Cienfuegos/Havana
Start place: Cienfuegos
Depart Cienfuegos after breakfast and arrive back into Havana around midday when the trip will end. After being dropped off at the hotel your CEO will be able to help with onward travel arrangements.
End place: Havana
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Havana Homestay, Havana
- Arrival transfer
- Cigar factory tour (Pinar del Rio)
- Cabo San Antonio excursion including Roncalí Lighthouse
- Beach time (María La Gorda)
- Las Terrazas visit
- Havana orientation walk
- Informal Spanish lesson
- Sailing aboard a catamaran through the islands of Canarreos Archipelago in southern Cuba (6 nts)
- Snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing equipment
- Bath and beach towels aboard the boat
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private van, 24m (82 ft) sailing catamaran -
Accommodation
Hotels/casas particulares (homestays) (7 nts), Twin/double bed cabins with shared bathrooms (7 nts)