The Beauty of Cuba

Bienvenidos – welcome to Cuba! Your adventure begins in vibrant Havana with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive earlier in the day, take the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. Wander through the colourful streets of Old Havana, where vintage American cars, colonial architecture and modern Cuban life blend together. Visit fascinating museums like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, sample the famous ice cream at Coppelia or take a relaxing walk along the iconic Malecón waterfront promenade overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

• It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, discover the rich history of Old Havana on a guided walking tour through its beautifully preserved colonial streets. Founded by the Spanish in 1519 and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Havana’s historic centre feels like stepping back in time. Explore the city’s oldest square, Plaza de Armas, admire the colourful architecture surrounding Plaza Vieja and visit landmarks including the Basilica of San Francisco de Asís and the impressive Havana Cathedral with its ornate baroque facade.

Later, travel to Soroa — a lush valley known as the ‘Rainbow of Cuba’. Stop for lunch and visit a beautiful orchid garden where you’ll learn about traditional Cuban herbs and their medicinal uses. Continue on to Viñales, a breathtaking region of tobacco plantations, fertile farmland and dramatic limestone hills. With its stunning countryside scenery, Viñales offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, including cycling, hiking, exploring tobacco fields and visiting the impressive Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás cave system.

Today’s total travel time is approximately 3-4 hours, not including any stops.

There are currently no comfortable guesthouses in this area so you will be staying in a standard guesthouse.

This morning, take a walking tour through the tobacco fields, farms and fertile countryside of Viñales for an authentic glimpse into rural Cuban life. Meet local farmers and learn how tobacco is cultivated for some of the world’s finest cigars while discovering the traditions and simple lifestyle that define this beautiful valley.

This evening, enjoy a memorable farm-to-table dining experience at a local organic eco-farm. Feast on fresh vegetables, tropical salads, locally sourced meats, seafood and homemade salsas while overlooking the sweeping green landscapes of the valley below. Afterwards, perhaps head to one of Viñales’ relaxed local bars, where you can mingle with friendly locals, sip Cuban rum and dance to lively music late into the night.

Today, travel to the peaceful shores of the Bay of Pigs on Cuba’s southern coast. Learn about the historic Bay of Pigs Invasion — the failed US-backed attempt to overthrow the Cuban Revolution, which became a defining moment in Latin American history. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in the bay’s crystal-clear waters, home to colourful coral reefs and tropical fish, making it one of Cuba’s hidden coastal treasures.

Continue along the scenic coastline to Cienfuegos — often called the ‘Paris of the Caribbean’. Founded by French settlers in 1819, this elegant seaside city is known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards and beautifully preserved architecture, earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005. Stop for photos at the stunning Palacio de Valle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, admired for its ornate Venetian-inspired details and intricate alabaster carvings. If you wish, head to the rooftop terrace for a cocktail while watching the sunset over the bay.

• Today’s total travel time is approximately 5 hours, not including any stops.

Start the morning with a traditional cup of strong, sweet Cuban coffee before saying goodbye to Cienfuegos and travelling to the charming colonial town of Trinidad. Set along Cuba’s Caribbean coastline, Trinidad is one of the country’s most picturesque destinations, filled with colourful streets, vintage cars and timeless Cuban atmosphere.

Wander through the town’s cobbled lanes as locals relax outside their homes smoking hand-rolled cigars and classic Chevrolets cruise past. Admire the beautifully preserved colonial architecture that earned Trinidad its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988, then immerse yourself in local culture with a fun and relaxed salsa lesson. Learn a few dance moves and get into the rhythm of Cuba before experiencing Trinidad’s lively nightlife later in the evening.

• Today’s total travel time is approximately 1 hour, not including any stops.

With its colourful colonial streets, relaxed atmosphere and welcoming locals, Trinidad is a favourite destination for many travellers to Cuba. The town is also deeply connected to Santería — an Afro-Cuban spiritual tradition that adds even more character and mystery to this fascinating place.

Today is free for you to explore Trinidad at your own pace. Visit beautiful Spanish-style churches, wander through lively plazas or head to the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, where vast sugar plantations tell the story of Cuba’s colonial past. You may prefer to relax on the white sands of Playa Ancón, cycle through the cobblestone streets on a vintage bike or hike through the scenic Sierra del Escambray mountains for incredible views and fresh mountain air.

This evening, consider attending a traditional folklore music and dance performance in one of Trinidad’s open-air venues. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant mix of African, French and Spanish cultural influences through live music, dance and celebration.

Today, travel back towards Havana with a stop in Santa Clara to visit the memorial and mausoleum of Che Guevara. Here, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the revolutionary leader’s life and lasting legacy. Che’s remains were returned to Cuba in 1997 after being discovered in Bolivia, where he was killed by the CIA-backed Bolivian army.

The memorial features a striking bronze statue of Che carrying his rifle, while the museum showcases photographs, personal letters, medical equipment, firearms and other historical artefacts — including his iconic black beret. Afterward, continue to Havana and stop at the famous Plaza de la Revolución before enjoying one final evening in Cuba. Celebrate the end of your unforgettable journey with music, mojitos and memories from your adventure across this vibrant Caribbean island.

• Today’s total travel time is approximately 5-6 hours, not including any stops.

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast, check-out time is 10 am. If you wish to stay on in this colourful capital, just speak to your booking agent.