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Peregrine Travel Centre

Premium Cuba

Premium Cuba

From $ 4,995 AUD

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Description

This nine-day Premium adventure through Cuba takes you through vibrant architecture, vast beaches and lush countryside. The colourful local history still dominates most aspects of daily life, and you’ll explore Havana in all its faded glory. See the beauty of rural Vinales, wander the cobblestoned streets of Trinidad and soak up the coastal vibe of Cienfuegos. Visit the home of a local family for dinner, learn some salsa moves and hop in a classic American car for a real Cuban experience.

Trip Name
Premium Cuba
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Visit the home of a local family in Trinidad for a Signature Experience – enjoy a festive home-cooked dinner with the local drink canchanchara, made from ‘fire water’ (local honey and lime juice).
  • Learn the cultural heritage and economic importance of rum at a private mixology workshop at a locally owned restaurant in Old Havana – and enjoy your concoctions, of course!
  • Discover the cobblestone streets of Trinidad, learn some salsa steps in slow-paced Vinales, and take in the colours of Soroa – the valley known as the ‘Rainbow of Cuba.’
  • Explore Havana’s main sights during a ride in a classic American car – a nod to the city’s colourful vintage past.
  • Get to know the story of the Cuban Revolution with your local leader, and visit the memorials dedicated to revolutionary hero Ernesto Che Guevara in Santa Clara.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Havana
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cuba! Your Premium adventure begins in Havana, the country’s capital. You’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your Feature Stay hotel for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there are plenty of excellent museums to check out, including the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. After your meeting, head to a local restaurant for dinner. Tonight, your leader will introduce you to some classic dishes such as picadillo (a beef and tomato stew) and ropa vieja (pulled beef with vegetables).
Day 2 - Havana
Start the day in style as you tour the city in a convoy of classic American vintage cars. Cruise down Havana’s grand old streets as your leader points out significant sights like the Malecon, Revolucion Square and Vedado. Finish your ride in Old Havana where you’ll continue your explorations on foot during a walking tour with your leader. Learn the history of the Havana Cathedral and discover the city’s old-world charm when you stop by Plaza de Armas, San Francisco de Asis, Plaza Vieja and Central Park. Have free time for lunch, then head to a private, locally owned restaurant in Old Havana for a hands-on mixology workshop. Learn how to make three different types of cocktails using authentic Cuban rum (and of course try some!). After, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore as you wish. Maybe go and seek out another rum cocktail, now that you know more about its history and cultural significance!
Day 3 - Soroa to Vinales
Before departing Havana, visit Deshidratados Havana – a local dehydrated fruit workshop founded during the pandemic to help with food scarcity. Learn how the natural preserves are made without any sugar or preservatives and try out some samples. Next, drive west to Soroa, where you’ll visit a beautiful orchid garden. Meet with a local guide for a private walk around the gardens and learn about the vibrant array of plant and bird species – it’s not hard to see why this valley is known as the ‘Rainbow of Cuba.’ Make a stop at the Castle in the Clouds, a mountain-top property with wonderful views, take some time out for lunch and then continue to Vinales, where tobacco and sugarcane fields lie side by side and limestone outcrops dot the landscape. Use this travel time to take part in an informal Spanish lesson so you can converse with the friendly locals throughout the rest of your trip. Check into your guesthouses, then take a short orientation walk with your leader to get acquainted with the town.
Day 4 - Vinales
Begin your day with a guided walk in the lush farmlands of the Vinales Valley, past mogotes, tobacco fields and rural scenery. Then, head to Casa del Campesino, where you’ll shadow a local farmer to learn about organic farming, local crops, medicinal plants and countryside cooking. Tuck into a traditional farm-to-table lunch made with ingredients that were grown right here, finishing with a freshly brewed Cuban coffee as the local family tells you all about their farm’s history and sustainable approach. After, find your feet with a salsa lesson, where you’ll learn a few new steps while embracing the electrifying rhythm of Cuba. The rest of the evening is free.
Day 5 - Vinales to Cienfuegos
Prepare for a long travel day as you make your way to Cienfuegos. Drive back through Havana before stopping in the Bay of Pigs for lunch. After lunch, you may like to take a dip in the crystal-clear water. Or, unroll your beach towel and sit back as your leader shares stories of the botched USA military counter-revolutionary invasion in the Bay of Pigs. Now a tranquil spot for relaxing, it’s hard to imagine the chaotic battle that took place here in 1961. Then it’s just a short drive to Cienfuegos, one of Cuba’s prettiest coastal spots. Arrive in the early evening and join your leader on a short orientation walk before visiting the Palacio del Valle – Cienfuegos’ architectural pride and joy.
Day 6 - Cienfuegos to Trinidad
Enjoy a free morning in Cienfuegos – maybe stop by a local cafe for a cup of Cuban coffee. Then make the journey to Trinidad. When you arrive, your leader will introduce you to the town’s history and architecture during a walking tour. Take in Trinidad’s eye-catching combination of cobblestone streets and colourful houses. It’s a great town to explore on foot, and almost every scene offers great photo opportunities – from residents with huge cigars relaxing on their doorsteps to old Chevrolets cruising by. In the evening, take a trip out of town to a local house for a homely and festive dinner. Be welcomed with the local drink, canchanchara, made from ‘fire water’ (local honey and lime juice). There will even be a musician or two serenading you and your fellow travellers as you dine.
Day 7 - Trinidad
Most of the day is yours to explore all that Trinidad has to offer. For some beachside fun and maybe a little snorkelling, head down to Playa Ancon (just be careful you don’t step on a sea urchin!). The town is dotted with open-air venues where you can check out a folklore show that nods to Cuba’s rich and varied music and dance tradition. Regroup in the mid-afternoon for a percussion workshop with local musicians to learn about the rhythms that have shaped the island’s musical identity. Then, get moving in an Afro-Cuban dance class led by local dancers – immerse yourself in the ancestral movements and artistic expression that have influenced dance styles worldwide. Later, relax with your group over sunset cocktails.
Day 8 - Trinidad to Santa Clara to Havana
Head inland with a stop at the Valle De Los Ingenios Scenic Viewpoint, where you’ll have a drink while soaking in the views of sugar cane plantations. Continue to the beautiful city of Santa Clara, where you’ll enjoy an included lunch followed by a visit to the Che Guevara mausoleum. Here, you’ll see the imposing statue of the iconic revolutionary leader. In the museum that accompanies the mausoleum, you’ll find a spread of photos and other ephemera related to Che – letters, medical devices and firearms. Return to Havana and check into your hotel. Perhaps soak in the amazing views from the rooftop pool or indulge in a mojito at the bar.
Day 9 - Havana
Your Cuban adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. As there’s a great deal to do in Havana, it’s recommended that you stay a few extra days to make the most of this exciting city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 5,160-
16-01-202724-01-2027AUD $ 5,445-
16-10-202724-10-2027AUD $ 4,995-
06-11-202714-11-2027AUD $ 5,445-
27-11-202705-12-2027AUD $ 5,445-
25-12-202702-01-2028AUD $ 5,445-
01-01-202809-01-2028AUD $ 5,715-
15-01-202823-01-2028AUD $ 5,715-
05-02-202813-02-2028AUD $ 5,715-
19-02-202827-02-2028AUD $ 5,715-
04-03-202812-03-2028AUD $ 5,715-
25-03-202802-04-2028AUD $ 5,715-
08-04-202816-04-2028AUD $ 5,715-
06-05-202814-05-2028AUD $ 5,715-
01-07-202809-07-2028AUD $ 5,245-
14-10-202822-10-2028AUD $ 5,245-
04-11-202812-11-2028AUD $ 5,715-
11-11-202819-11-2028AUD $ 5,715-
25-11-202803-12-2028AUD $ 5,715-
23-12-202831-12-2028AUD $ 5,715-

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (1 nights), Premium Guesthouse (4 nights), Feature Stay (3 night)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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