| Duration: | 8 Day(s) - 7 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Adventure Tours |
Cuba is one of the most beguiling travel destinations on the planet. Gorgeous neo-classical buildings, classic American cars, the best music and dance on the planet, and super friendly locals put Cuba firmly on everyone’s bucket list.
Staying in Casa Particulares in Habana, Viñales & Trinidad we start our adventure in the heart of Old Habana. Airport transfer and welcome followed by full day guided tour to explore the city - classic convertible 50's car for your first hour to get your bearings and then various walking tour options around Old Habana depending on your particular interests.
On day 3 we leave Habana to explore Viñales for two nights & then Trinidad for two nights with horseback tours (option for walking or horse-drawn buggy if preferred), salsa lessons, and much more before returning to Habana for our final night. Two nights Habana, two nights Viñales, two nights Trinidad, and a final night in Habana round off an amazing week-long Cuban adventure.
This is a busy tour designed to maximize your time and give you an all-around view of Cuba - past, and present!
Highlights:
* 1950's Classic American Car tour La Habana
* Personal guided walking tour of Habana Vieja with a hip young guide
* Horseback (horsedrawn cart or walking is an option too!) exploration of Viñales Valley
* Cubanito Natural Park & Waterfall Excursion in Trinidad
* Centrally located Casa's in Habana, Viñales & Trinidad with fun, well-informed hosts and local guides
* Airport transfers from Havana International Airport to/from your Casa Particular in Habana Vieja
* All cross-country transfers Habana-Vinales-Trinidad-Habana in an air-conditioned bus or private taxi
* Complies with US travel restrictions under SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE category - 100% legal!
Day 1 - 2: Discover Habana
After breakfast at your Casa Particular in the atmospheric heart of Habana Vieja ('Old Havana'), your guide will pick you up for a full-day tour/exploration of La Habana.
There is a cluster of museums here including the Museum of the Revolution, but our walk will feature the beautifully preserved colonial plazas of Habana Vieja and neighboring streets where Cubans live alongside visiting tourists, kids go to school, locals play games of chess or chequers in the street, sipping coffee from 'peso cafes' and all life seems to be happening in these atmospheric streets.
Your Cuban guide will recommend some of the best bars for mojitos and live music and give you insights into how Cubans live today in this complex and beguiling country.
Mid-morning we pick up the pace as we are collected by a 1950s classic American car to explore some of the main features of the rest of the city. There are many options depending on your preference but we recommend buzzing through the city to the Plaza de la Revolucion, a scenic drive along the Malecon, and under the 'tunnel' to the Fort del Moro (best views across the city) before returning to Old Habana for drop off in Parque Central in time for lunch.
There are many options for lunch and time for a siesta if you would like before continuing our exploration of Habana Vieja. In the late afternoon, your guide will drop you back off at your Casa by which time you will be comfortable in your new neighborhood and buzzing with ideas for how to spend your first night in Habana!
Day 3 - 4: Discover Viñales
After breakfast we take a comfortable air-conditioned bus to Viñales; three-hour drive west from Habana to the beating lung of Cuba sustaining some of the most productive plantations including world-famous tobacco crops. A UNESCO World Heritage destination in its own right owing to spectacular Karsc mountains and distinctive tobacco drying houses. The best way to explore the valley is a 1/2 day trek on horseback (walking tour OR taxi ride to 'Miramar' viewing point are optional for those who prefer not to ride a horse).
Enjoy the simplicity of life and breathe fresh country air as you meet friendly locals who welcome you with their generous smiles. Your local guide - who has limited English but is an authentic Cuban gaucho will take you on a gentle exploration of the valley on horseback; amazing contrast to the environment you have left behind in Habana.
Day 5 - 6: Discover Trinidad
Today you catch an early morning bus to the beautiful colonial town of Trinidad, a perfectly preserved Spanish colonial settlement where time stopped back in 1850. After checking in to your new Casa Particular, take advantage of a free afternoon to wander around and see the numerous churches and beautiful colonial buildings of Trinidad. In the evening, take a salsa lesson with a local instructor!
After breakfast on your first full day in Trinidad, we begin our adventure with a 1-2 hour horseback ride (you may opt for biking, walking, or taxi instead of horseback if you’d prefer - no extra charge - all options are accompanied by a guide.) Ride through the cobbled streets of Trinidad and into the rolling countryside, arriving at Cubanito Natural Park.
Enjoy a 30-minute hike along the scenic river with lots of opportunities for spotting birds and flora along the way. Arrive at the grotto and waterfall, where you can jump into the fresh clean waters of a deep pool surrounded by high rock walls. Swim through the waterfall and into the cave behind for a magical experience. After some chill time and a picnic or snack lunch (not included) we walk back to the horses for the ride back to your casa particular, arriving mid-afternoon.
NOTE: Please remember to bring your swimsuit!!
Day 7 - 8: Return to Habana
Return to the familiar surroundings of Habana Vieja. Opportunity for a final night to explore and enjoy the amazing nightlife including salsa music and dance before we depart for the airport and home.
Perhaps sometime in the morning for some last-minute shopping before your airport transfer. We schedule a transfer to suit your flight departure time - early morning or later in the afternoon per your requirements.
If you would like an extra night or two in Habana then let us know and we will make this happen!
