Beautiful Cuba

(20 reviews)

From:

CAD $2225

8 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

From vintage cars to fragrant cigars, salsa your way from the colourful capital of Havana through the beautiful island of Cuba and surround yourself with history, music and mojitos in one of the world’s most unique places.

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Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 Oct 2027

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Experience Overview

Salsa your way from the lively capital of Havana through beautiful Cuba, soaking up the history, music and mojitos in one of the world’s most unique places. Roll a cigar and sip rum with locals in the rural village of Vinales, feel the seaside breeze along the French-infused waterfront of Cienfuegos, surrender to the salsa rhythms of Trinidad and look behind the legend of Che Guevara on a visit to his memorial in Santa Clara. Feel fresh mountain air that infuses the streets of Soroa, and swim in the crystal-clear waters that lap the shores of Playa Larga. Experience a nation as endearing and diverse as its people on this eight-day adventure that immerses you in the colour, culture and natural appeal of this Caribbean island.

Highlights

Walk around the time capsule of Old Havana – a colourful UNESCO World Heritage site that frames the gorgeous Spanish, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture alongside modern street life.
Take in all the colours and aromas of Soroa, known as the 'rainbow of Cuba.' Visit an orchid garden and learn how wild Cuban herbs have long been used for medicinal purposes.
Walk through Vinales’ tobacco plantations, meet local growers and learn about their rural life, then sit down for a garden-to-plate dinner at an organic farm.
Explore Trinidad’s UNESCO-listed cobbled streets and colourful architecture, learn to salsa and maybe hit the palm-flanked beaches for some rest and relaxation.
Visit the ornate, Italian-influenced Palacio del Valle in Cienfuegos and maybe head to the rooftop for beautiful sea views.

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Trip Details

Product Code: 2462

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Comfortable

Transport: Private vehicle

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Explorer, Budget

Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel

Supplier Code: QUKA

Starts: Havana, Cuba

Finishes: Havana, Cuba

Duration: 8 days

Departures: Not Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Light

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (3), Dinner (2)
Accommodation: Comfortable Guesthouse (7 nights)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2225 ($278 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Havana

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cuba. Your adventure begins in Havana with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, the day is yours to explore. Consider a stroll through Old Havana to acquaint yourself with its colourful mix of 1950s Americana and range of architectural styles from the Spanish-influenced to the Cuban Baroque and Neoclassical. There are plenty of good museums to check out, such as the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts). Maybe line up with the locals for a taste of the legendary Coppelia ice cream or wander along the Malecon – the sea wall that skirts the coastline.

Included Activities:

Complimentary arrival transfer

Optional Activities:

Havana - Camera Obscura by Leonardo da Vinci (entrance fee and guide included) (400 CUP)
Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts (entrance fee) (250 CUP)

Accommodation:

Comfortable guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Soroa to Vinales

Spend the morning enjoying a short tour around Old Havana with your leader. Founded in 1519 by the Spanish and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, this well-preserved area within Cuba’s capital remains virtually unchanged. Wander through Havana’s oldest square, Plaza de Armas, stroll around the architecturally eclectic buildings that line the 16th-century Plaza Veija, admire the basilica of San Francisco de Asis and visit the elaborate Baroque cathedral. After, drive to Soroa, nestled in a picturesque valley and aptly known as the ‘rainbow of Cuba.’ Stop for lunch and visit a beautiful orchid garden, where you’ll learn the medicinal secrets behind wild Cuban herbs. Then, continue to Vinales, located in the province of Pinar del Rio. This striking landscape of tobacco and agricultural fields is dotted with limestone outcrops and there are many ways to take it all in. Ask your leader about cycling and hiking to the mountains to explore the vast cave system of Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas.

Included Activities:

Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
Soroa - Orchid Garden (entrance fee and guide included)
Vinales - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Standard guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Vinales

This morning, get acquainted with rural life in Vinales on a walking tour through farms, tobacco plantations and lush cultivated lands, where you’ll see the farmers who grow tobacco for some of the world’s finest cigars. For dinner this evening, visit a local organic farm for a delicious garden-to-plate experience. Indulge in a variety of fresh produce – from numerous vegetables and salads to meats, seafood and salsas – while gazing across the valley. After, why not head out to a local bar and get to know some of Vinales’ residents, who love to sit and socialize while sipping rum or coffee.

Included Activities:

Vinales - Half-day Valley tour on foot including Tobacco Farmhouse
Vinales - Farm-to-table dinner at an eco-friendly ranch

Accommodation:

Standard guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Bay of Pigs to Cienfuegos

Begin the day by travelling to Cuba’s southern coast, commonly known as the Bay of Pigs. Learn about the Bay of Pigs Invasion – the battle between the US and the Cuban revolutionaries which resulted in the first defeat of a US-backed takeover in Latin America. Then, stop for a dip in the bay’s tranquil waters, home to an outstanding variety of coral and fish. Then, continue along the picturesque coast to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cienfuegos. This is the gem of the south, a seaside town of relaxing streets and French architecture by the water. Take a photo at the waterside Palacio del Valle, known for its Moorish and Spanish Mudejar styles, then learn more about its history as you take in the beauty of its intricate Venetian alabaster carvings. Maybe head to the rooftop for a sunset drink while you’re here.

Included Activities:

Bay of Pigs - Coastal swim stop
Cienfuegos - Leader-led orientation walk
Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (from entrance fee)

Accommodation:

Comfortable guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Trinidad

Perhaps kick-start your morning with some Cuban coffee (it's served black, strong and super sweet) then bid farewell to Cienfuegos and take a short drive to Trinidad. This beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage-listed town sits on the scenic Caribbean coast and is undoubtedly one of Cuba's best destinations. Watch as locals casually smoke their huge cigars on the doorsteps of their homes and hear the old Chevrolets rumbling by. Stroll along the cobbled streets to see some of the colourful Spanish architecture, then feel the Cuban rhythms during a casual salsa class – a sure-fire way to boost your confidence in preparation for Trinidad’s nightlife!

Included Activities:

Trinidad - Leader-led orientation walk
Trinidad - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour)

Optional Activities:

Trinidad - Romantic Museum (entrance fee) (120 CUP)
Trinidad - Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra los Bandidos (entrance fee) (70 CUP)

Accommodation:

Comfortable guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Trinidad

Trinidad’s old-fashioned feel and welcoming vibe make it a standout destination for many visitors and the local Santeria religion (a voodoo-like Afro-Cuban tradition) makes the town even more intriguing. Enjoy a free day to check it all out at your own pace. Maybe visit some of the Spanish-style churches or venture into the Valle de los Ingenios, where sugar plantations stretch out as far as the eye can see. Perhaps you’d like to go for a dip at nearby Playa Ancon and loll about on the long stretches of white sand or hire a vintage bike and cycle along Trinidad’s cobblestone streets. If you’re feeling energetic, then hiking in the Sierra del Escambray (the local mountains) is a great option – just ask your leader to help you decide. This evening, maybe watch a folklore dance and music show in one of the open-air venues – a great chance to immerse yourself in Cuba's African – French and Spanish-influenced music and dance culture.

Optional Activities:

Trinidad - Live Music Venues (entrance fee) from (2 USD)
Trinidad - Ancon beach shuttle bus (5 USD)
Trinidad - Massage - from (25 USD)
Trinidad - Snorkel gear rental (5 USD)

Accommodation:

Comfortable guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Havana

On your way back to Havana, you'll stop in at Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial where you can get a rare insight into the legacy of the revolutionary leader. Che's remains were brought to rest here after they were found in a remote corner of Bolivia in 1997, where he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. The memorial is home to an impressive bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle and inside the museum, you can learn about his amazing life and see photos and exhibits such as letters, firearms, medical devices and other interesting artefacts – including his famous black beret. Upon arrival in Havana, stop by Revolution square then prepare for a final night of celebrations where you can toast to an incredible adventure across beautiful Cuba!

Included Activities:

Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
Havana - Revolution Square

Optional Activities:

Havana - Jose Marti Memorial tower entrance fee (200 CUP)
Havana - Buena Vista Social Club Performance (entrance fee & dinner) (35 USD)

Accommodation:

Comfortable guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Havana

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you wish to stay longer in this vibrant capital, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Havana - Cigar Factory Tour (entrance fee and guide) (10 USD)
Havana - Half-day Ernest Hemingway Tour (guide and transport included 2 clients min required) (68 USD)
Havana - Morro Castle (entrance fee, no guide, no transport)10 am-9 pm (200 CUP)

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Reviews

Clare - Traveled, April 2024

Beautiful Cuba was a fantastic trip with a great leader (Estefan), driver (Osmani) and a wonderful group. Accommodation was clean and comfortable, food simple but enjoyable. Activities fun and informative. If you are expecting luxury and culinary variety, then this isn't the trip for you. Cuba is a fascinating but complicated country - so you need to go in with an open mind and easygoing attitude. You will learn lots and have tons of fun. I will definitely be returning to Cuba :)

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2024

Elizabeth - Traveled, March 2024

Great trip. Learnt such a lot about this unique country and it's long suffering peoples. Had wonderful experiences, saw beautiful scenery and wildlife. Would definitely recommend.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024

David - Traveled, March 2024

Fascinating country, not enough time! Take plenty of USD not Euros as they give the same exchange rate to pesa. Knowledgeable guide but seemed distracted by his own affairs. Lot of bus time. Allow extra time in Havana - lots to do and see and some great restaurants!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024

Lynette - Traveled, March 2024

Come to Cuba for the history and the colour, but most importantly, come for the music

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024

Lois - Traveled, March 2024

A trip to remember. Finally understanding the history of a very turbulent country. People friendly and helpful, never felt threatened just loved it. Countryside pretty. Some lovely beaches and the old cars and horses and carts gave it such fun atmosphere. Have so many happy memories thanks to fantastic tour guide!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2024

Rosalind - Traveled, February 2024

Highly recommend this trip. Our tour guide Yummet was brilliant. I learnt so much about Cuban history and culture. The tour is quite fast paced and covers quite a lot of ground but you see lots of different places and get a good idea of the island. Loved all the salsa dancing in bars. Had a great time.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2024

Joanne - Traveled, February 2024

Yumet was THE best guide! Full of enthusiasm, knowledge of the culture and history, and well organized. It covered a good variety of settings in western Cuba and we learned a lot about local, activities, cultures, and histories. Plus time for the beach and canchancharas!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024

Emer - Traveled, February 2024

From start to finish our experience was top class. We had a great experience created by a great leader coupled with a great group of travellers in a great set of locations. We would highly recommend Emilio, Beautiful Cuba and Intrepid Travel.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2024

Mike - Traveled, February 2024

See if you can get on a trip where Yummet is your guide, we all learnt so much from her.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/15/2024

Tim - Traveled, January 2024

Barbara (Adita) is an indefatigably professional and enthusiastic guide. Her affection and pride in the Cuban people was the through line underpinning the tour, and she offered a perspective and context for such a beautiful and unique country that we would never have otherwise had.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/05/2024

Tridib - Traveled, January 2024

Most satisfying trip I had since a long time . The official guide Ale was very well informed and extremely hospitable and helpful.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/18/2024

Daniel - Traveled, January 2024

Cuba is a different world and I feel like I discovered as much as possible during this trip

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/20/2024

Peter - Traveled, January 2024

Emilio has wonderful local knowledge and is very down to earth, providing us with a unique Cuban experience. He can even sing ! Bravo

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/30/2024

Elizabeth - Traveled, January 2024

A diverse trip which covered many different places in a short amount of time , I really felt I got a good first impression of Cuba and enjoyed my time there

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/13/2023

Debbie & Rob - Traveled, December 2023

Yummet our tour leader was fantastic. The trip itinerary was varied, with a mixture of scheduled activities and free time. All accomodation was clean, comfortable and the hosts were attentive. Transport was excellent. Food was tasty and plentiful. Our group worked well together and life long friends were made.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024

Rachel - Traveled, December 2023

Had a fantastic time on the beautiful Cuba tour learning all about the country and enjoying everything on offer.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2023

Amy - Traveled, December 2023

Really interesting and well organised trip, and our guide Adita was fantastic. Would definitely recommend.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2023

Brenda - Traveled, December 2023

Wow! Beautiful Cuba is an understatement. This was an amazing tour that explored beyond the resort setting and really gave a glimpse of everyday life in Cuba. What an experience with an outstanding guide Barbara (Adita).

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2023

Jo-Anne - Traveled, November 2023

Beautiful Cuba…….so true. An amazing experience for my first Intrepid trip. Comfortable accommodations and an amazing, informative local guide. I saw and learnt so much about Cuba. From the mountains to the Caribbean and the history of the various locations and revolutions……..so many memories.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023

Nikolaos - Traveled, November 2023

Amazing trip with a lovely group of people and an excellent guide. Emilio was outstanding as a guide in a very unique and beautiful country that made this trip truly memorable.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023