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Peregrine Travel Centre

Beautiful Cuba

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Beautiful Cuba

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Description

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. 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 sultry salsa rhythms in perfectly preserved Trinidad and look behind the legend of Che Guevara on a visit to his memorial in Santa Clara. From the fresh mountain air that fills the streets of Soroa, to 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 beauty of this seductive Caribbean island.

Trip Name
Beautiful Cuba
Last Updated
2024-04-23
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Walk around Old Havana, which sheds lights on the difference between the lifestyle of city and rural life in Cuba.
  • Take in all the colours and aromas of Soroa, the stunning valley area known as the 'rainbow of Cuba' and immerse yourself in local culture.
  • Stroll along the rural dirt roads of Vinales as tractors, vintage cars and horse-drawn carriages pass you by.
  • Step back in time in Trinidad – a real Cuban treat. Explore its old-world streets, then hit some fine palm-flanked beaches for a bit of rest and relaxation.
  • Marvel at the unique architecture of Palacio del Valle in Cienfuegos and ask your local leader for all the best local (and secret) spots.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

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. 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 adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Havana. If you arrive early, the day is yours to explore. Consider a stroll through Old Havana to acquaint yourself with its colourful mix of 50s Americana, colonial architecture and budding modernity. There are plenty of good museums to check out, such as the Museo de la Revolucion (Museum of the Revolution), which is housed in the former Presidential Palace, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts). Perhaps 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 / Vinales
Spend the morning enjoying a short tour around Old Havana with your local guide. Founded in 1519 by the Spanish and designated a World Heritage Site in 1982, this well-preserved area within Cuba’s capital remains virtually unchanged which makes it one of the Caribbean’s most impressive historical cities. 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 Cathedral with its elaborate baroque facade. After, drive to Soroa, a lush enclave nestled in a picturesque valley and aptly known as the ‘rainbow of Cuba’. Stop for lunch and tour a beautiful orchid garden where you’ll learn the medicinal secrets behind wild Cuban herbs, before continuing your journey to Vinales. Located in the province of Pinar del Rio – Vinales is a landscape of tobacco and agricultural fields dotted with limestone outcrops. The scenery here is some of the most picturesque in Cuba and there are many ways to take it all in, ask your leader about the optional activities available including cycling, walking through tobacco fields and hiking to the mountains to explore the vast cave system of Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas.
Day 3 - Vinales
This morning, enjoy a walking tour through farms, tobacco plantations and lush cultivated lands for an insight into rural life in Vinales. Learn more about the simple lifestyle here and see first-hand the farmers who grow tobacco for some of the world’s most expensive cigars. For dinner this evening, relish a real garden-to-plate experience with an included dinner at an organic eco-farm. Indulge in a variety of fresh produce – from numerous vegetables and salads to meats, seafood and salsas – all while gazing across sweeping views of the verdant valley. After, why not head out to a quaint bar and get to know some of Vinales’ residents. This small and charming rural village is one of the easiest places to mingle with locals in Cuba, who are very sociable, and many of them love nothing better than to drink rum and dance the night away!
Day 4 - Bay of Pigs / Cienfuegos
Begin the day by travelling to a peaceful sandy arc on 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 its tranquil waters, with an outstanding variety of coral and fish, it just might be Cuba’s best-kept secret. Then continue along the picturesque coast to Cienfuegos, a slice of Paris in the Caribbean. This is the gem of the south, a seaside town of relaxing streets and dazzling buildings that strike a beautiful pose by the water. Founded in 1819 by pioneering French immigrants, the elegant architectural influence that these settlers brought with them earned the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing in 2005. Enjoy a photo stop at Palacio del Valle, which is Cienfuegos' architectural pride and joy. Learn more about its history as you take in the beauty of its intricate carvings of Venetian alabaster and if you’re up for it, why not head to the rooftop for a sunset drink.
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 board the bus for a short drive to Trinidad – a beautifully preserved colonial down that sits on the scenic Caribbean coast. There's no doubt it's one of Cuba's alluring destinations, a great place to wander around, with almost every scene offering a photo opportunity. Watch as locals casually smoke their huge cigars on the doorsteps of their homes, and hear the old Chevrolets rumbling by. Begin by strolling along the cobbled streets and marvelling at some of the colourful colonial architecture on display (this town was put on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988 for good reason), 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 friendly folk make it a standout destination for many visitors to Cuba, and the Santeria religion (a voodoo-like Afro-Cuban tradition) which is practiced here makes the town even more intriguing. Enjoy a free day to check-out Trinidad at your own pace. There are some great Spanish-style churches to see, and nearby is the Valle de los Ingenios, where sugar plantations stretch out as far as the eye can see. Why not go for a dip at nearby Playa Ancon and loll about on the long stretches of white sand or hire a bike of the vintage variety and cycle along Trinidad’s colourful (and 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, a folklore dance and music show in one of the open-air venues is highly recommended – a great chance to immerse yourself in Cuba's African, French and Spanish-influenced music and dance culture.
Day 7 - Santa Clara / 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, check-out time is 10 am. If you wish to stay on in this colourful capital, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-05-202411-05-2024AUD $ 2,565-
18-05-202425-05-2024AUD $ 1,868-
25-05-202401-06-2024AUD $ 1,868-
01-06-202408-06-2024AUD $ 1,751-
08-06-202415-06-2024AUD $ 1,751-
15-06-202422-06-2024AUD $ 1,792-
01-07-202408-07-2024AUD $ 2,240-
06-07-202413-07-2024AUD $ 2,265-
27-07-202403-08-2024AUD $ 2,240-
03-08-202410-08-2024AUD $ 2,240-
10-08-202417-08-2024AUD $ 2,240-
14-09-202421-09-2024AUD $ 2,240-
30-09-202407-10-2024AUD $ 2,128-
12-10-202419-10-2024AUD $ 2,240-
19-10-202426-10-2024AUD $ 2,255-
26-10-202402-11-2024AUD $ 2,240-
30-10-202406-11-2024AUD $ 2,240-
02-11-202409-11-2024AUD $ 2,335-
06-11-202413-11-2024AUD $ 2,335-
09-11-202416-11-2024AUD $ 2,335-
13-11-202420-11-2024AUD $ 2,335-
16-11-202423-11-2024AUD $ 2,335-
23-11-202430-11-2024AUD $ 2,565-
27-11-202404-12-2024AUD $ 2,450-
30-11-202407-12-2024AUD $ 2,335-
07-12-202414-12-2024AUD $ 2,420-
11-12-202418-12-2024AUD $ 2,420-
14-12-202421-12-2024AUD $ 2,420-
21-12-202428-12-2024AUD $ 2,420-
23-12-202430-12-2024AUD $ 2,420-
28-12-202404-01-2025AUD $ 2,420-
04-01-202511-01-2025AUD $ 2,525-
08-01-202515-01-2025AUD $ 2,525-
11-01-202518-01-2025AUD $ 2,525-
18-01-202525-01-2025AUD $ 2,525-
25-01-202501-02-2025AUD $ 2,525-
01-02-202508-02-2025AUD $ 2,435-
08-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 2,435-
12-02-202519-02-2025AUD $ 2,435-
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $ 2,435-
22-02-202501-03-2025AUD $ 2,435-
26-02-202505-03-2025AUD $ 2,435-
01-03-202508-03-2025AUD $ 2,435-
08-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 2,435-
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 2,435-
22-03-202529-03-2025AUD $ 2,435-
29-03-202505-04-2025AUD $ 2,435-
05-04-202512-04-2025AUD $ 2,435-
12-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 2,435-
16-04-202523-04-2025AUD $ 2,435-
19-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 2,435-
26-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 2,435-
30-04-202507-05-2025AUD $ 2,435-
10-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 2,435-
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 2,435-
31-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 2,340-
07-06-202514-06-2025AUD $ 2,340-
21-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 2,340-
28-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 2,340-
05-07-202512-07-2025AUD $ 2,340-
12-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 2,340-
26-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 2,340-
02-08-202509-08-2025AUD $ 2,340-
09-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 2,340-
16-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 2,340-
23-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 2,340-
06-09-202513-09-2025AUD $ 2,340-
13-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 2,340-
27-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 2,340-
04-10-202511-10-2025AUD $ 2,340-
11-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 2,340-
18-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 2,340-
25-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 2,340-
29-10-202505-11-2025AUD $ 2,340-
01-11-202508-11-2025AUD $ 2,525-
05-11-202512-11-2025AUD $ 2,525-
08-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 2,525-
12-11-202519-11-2025AUD $ 2,525-
15-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 2,525-
22-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 2,525-
26-11-202503-12-2025AUD $ 2,525-
29-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 2,525-
06-12-202513-12-2025AUD $ 2,525-
13-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 2,525-
17-12-202524-12-2025AUD $ 2,525-
20-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 2,525-
22-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 2,525-
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 2,525-
29-12-202505-01-2026AUD $ 2,525-

Accommodation

Comfortable Guesthouse (7 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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