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Peregrine Travel Centre

Beautiful Cuba

Beautiful Cuba

From $ 2,295 AUD

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Description

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.

Trip Name
Beautiful Cuba
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
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.

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 may be 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 2,295-
23-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 2,295-
06-11-202713-11-2027AUD $ 2,295-
20-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 2,295-
27-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 2,295-
11-12-202718-12-2027AUD $ 2,295-
20-12-202727-12-2027AUD $ 2,295-
29-12-202705-01-2028AUD $ 2,295-
01-01-202808-01-2028AUD $ 2,410-
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $ 2,410-
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $ 2,410-
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $ 2,410-
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $ 2,410-
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $ 2,410-
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $ 2,410-
25-03-202801-04-2028AUD $ 2,410-
08-04-202815-04-2028AUD $ 2,410-
22-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 2,410-
06-05-202813-05-2028AUD $ 2,410-
20-05-202827-05-2028AUD $ 2,410-
17-06-202824-06-2028AUD $ 2,410-
01-07-202808-07-2028AUD $ 2,410-
22-07-202829-07-2028AUD $ 2,410-
05-08-202812-08-2028AUD $ 2,410-
19-08-202826-08-2028AUD $ 2,410-
16-09-202823-09-2028AUD $ 2,410-
07-10-202814-10-2028AUD $ 2,410-
21-10-202828-10-2028AUD $ 2,410-
04-11-202811-11-2028AUD $ 2,410-
18-11-202825-11-2028AUD $ 2,410-
25-11-202802-12-2028AUD $ 2,410-
09-12-202816-12-2028AUD $ 2,410-
18-12-202825-12-2028AUD $ 2,410-
27-12-202803-01-2029AUD $ 2,410-

Accommodation

Comfortable Guesthouse (7 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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