CUBA
2 week itinerary
HAVANA | Day 1 – 4
Bienvenido a Cuba! | Airport transfer: Havana airport – Havana. After your flight a private transfer will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your very first accommodation. Now it is time to relax and take in the first impressions!
Havana is also a true heaven for lovers of architecture: from a Baroque style cathedral to the typical Art Deco building of Bacardí, from the theatre Gran Teatro de La Habana and the characteristic Capitolio (replica of The Capitol in America) to the Fosca builing (from the ‘50s). In Havana you will find beautiful restored building interchanging with the past chique of houses who’s façade is almost crumbling. Havana is also full of museums, galeries, has a lot of theatres and shows and an exciting nightlife. Take your time to experience the ambience in this city which will take you to several places in time.
The excursions we offer here are a tour in classic car, a city walk in the old town, a tour by classic car to the finca where Ernest Hemingway used to live and the bars he visited, a visit to a vintage car garage, walk through a residential area with a visit to a local hairdresser and much more!
Havana – Meet & Greet | Day 2 – / Duration: 0.5 hours
Today one of our guides in Havana will come to your accommodation for a Meet & Greet, so that you have all the information you need to start your adventure.
Havana – Oldtimer + citytour Havana | Day 2 / Starts at: 09:00 hours | Duration: 3 hours
Today, meet Havana, the Cuban capital that inspires travellers from all over the world. You will first take a ride in a classic car that takes you past important landmarks such as Paseo del Prado, the train station, the Revolution square and Hotel Nacional. Also enjoy the breeze on Havana’s most iconic landmark: El Malecon. Later, prepare to discover the old part of Havana. Feel the bustling narrow streets and walk through Havana’s four iconic squares to see spellbinding architecture that encompasses most architectural styles. You’ll also visit La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite bars, pass the shops in Obispo, a pedestrian street that connects Parque Central to the heart of Old Havana. The tour starts at your accommodation when an English-speaking guide picks you up and ends in the city centre where you can explore the area on your own.
VIÑALES | Day 4 – 6
Private transfer Havana -Viñales. Travel time: 3 hours (189 km) / Departure : 09:00 hours | 2 travellers
In the west of Cuba, in an oasis of greenery, lies the lovely village of Viñales. In this valley, on the flat fields and between the rising mogotes the imposing hills of limestone grows the legendary tobacco plant from which the famous Cuban cigars are made. A visit to the tobacco farmer is therefore highly recommended. Would you like to roll up your sleeves for a day? Then book our ecological farm day tour, where you help the farmer on the land.
A few places of interest are located outside the village. For example, you can go to the Cueva del Indio with an underground river of 300 meters that you can cross by boat. Another spot outside the village is the Mural de la Prehistoria, a mogote painted with different stages of evolution. And do you want one of the most beautiful views of the valley? Go to hotel Los Jazmines, about 3 km from the center up the hill. If you prefer to really look for peace, then explore the nearby Valle de Silencio (Valley of the Silence). You can visit these places on foot (bring enough water with you), you can rent a bicycle through your accommodation or ask if they can arrange a taxi.
In the center of Viñales, on the main street, you will find many restaurants and bars where you can have lunch, dinner or a drink in the evening, but if you spend the night in a casa it is definitely worth visiting the town a few times. home to eat.
Viñales – Tobacco walking tour Viñales | Day 5 / Starts at: 09:00 hours | Duration: 3 hours | 2 travellers
Together with the guide you will visit a tobacco farm and discover the surroundings of Viñales. You will learn all about the tobacco process, and a real Cuban cigar will be rolled right in front of you! It’s also possible to do this excursion as a horseback riding tour.
This excursion may be shared, and can be done both in the morning and in the afternoon (although the afternoon excursion is not recommended in the rainy season)
PLAYA LARGA | Day 6 – 8
Private transfer Viñales -Playa Larga. Travel time: 4.5 hours (355 km) / Departure : 09:00 hours | 2 travellers
Playa Larga is beautifully situated at the Ciénaga de Zapata nature reserve. Enjoy the tranquility of the cute village and the perfect places for diving and snorkeling. There is a local beach near the casas, but it is not a place where people plan an entire beach day, it is more a nice place to enjoy the sand and the sea. In the evening you will mainly eat in the casa partiicular, because there are almost no restaurants. Playa Larga is close to the Ciénaga de Zapata nature reserve and there are some private beaches near Playa Larga where you pay an entrance fee, but you can order food and drinks at the restaurant for a certain amount. If you would like to see the beautiful rock formations and local flora and fauna at Sendero del Enigma, book the Sendero del Enigma excursion with us. If you want to enjoy the underwater world afterwards (diving or snorkeling), we can extend the excursion. If you are a bird lover, the Salinas del Brito tour is the perfect excursion in the winter months.
Local secrets * Bahía de Cochinos * Paladar Chuchi El Pescador * Ciénaga de Zapata national park *
CIENFUEGOS | Day 8 – 9
Private transfer Playa Larga -Cienfuegos. Travel time: 2 hours (116 km) / Departure : 09:00 hours | 2 travellers
Cienfuegos is also called the pearl of the south. Above all, it is a very clean city, with an abundance of neoclassical architecture, impressive fortresses and palaces, and the beautiful bay of Punta Gorda. The beautiful buildings are located around Parque José Martí and the Paseo. You can book a walking tour with us where you will discover the most beautiful places in the city with a guide, or we can organize a day trip to the beautiful waterfalls at El Nicho for you. Otherwise, you can also book other trips at your accommodation, such as to Laguna Guanaroca to spot flamingos, the botanical garden or the beach Playa Rancho Luna.
Local secrets
* The Castillo de Jagua * Playa Rancho Luna * Palacio Valle & Palacio Azul * Teatro Terry * Club Cienfuegos * Parque José Martí * Malecón de Cienfuegos * Paseo del Prado * Cementerio La Reina * Ecotourism: Laguna Guanaroca * Yaguanabo * El Nicho *
TRINIDAD | Day 9 – 12
Private transfer Cienfuegos -Trinidad. Travel time: 1.5 hours (83 km) / Departure : 09:00 hours | 2 travellers
Trinidad is one of the best preserved colonial cities in Cuba and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Trinidad was once home to sugar cane barons and pirates. The city is a true open-air museum and the walls breathe history. Upon arrival, you can quietly explore the historic center and stroll past the imposing candy-colored colonial houses. From Trinidad you can also go to one of the many beaches such as Playa Ancón, enjoy the beautiful nature in Topes de Collantes during a nice hike (can be booked as an excursion) or the former sugar cane plantations at Valle de los Ingenios. We also offer various cultural workshops such as cocktail making, photography, pottery, drawing, playing the guitar or percussion. In short: the perfect place to spend at least a couple of days!
Local secrets
* Plaza Mayor and the Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad * Beaches Península Ancón, María Aguilar and La Boca * Topes de Collantes & Salto de Javira * Casa de la Trova * La Canchánchara * Las Escalinatas * Valle de los Ingenios * Las Lomas de Banao * El Cubano
Trinidad – Bicitour Trinidad | Day 10 | Duration: 1.5 hours | 2 travellers
Perfectly relaxed on the seat of a bicitaxi, a Cuban rickshaw, you explore the suburbs of Trinidad with a local guide. During the tour you will visit the local shops where Cubans get their rationed food, you will pass by a school where our guide will explain the education system and at the end you will visit the ceramic workshop of Santander.
VARADERO | Day 12 – 15
Private transfer Trinidad -Varadero. Travel time: 5 hours (268 km) / Departure : 09:00 hours | 2 travellers
Varadero is Cuba’s most popular seaside resort, because its beautiful 20 km beach with fine sand and crystal clear blue water. Besides sunbathing and swimming in the sea, you can also practice various water sports here, such as diving, snorkeling, kite surfing or take a trip by catamaran to the island of Cayo Blanco. You can also do cave tours to Cueva de Ambrosio or to Cueva de Saturno where you can also swim.
Varadero is a peninsula and it is divided into two parts: in the upper part you will find the all-inclusive resorts that are located right on the beach and where you can enjoy the pool and all other facilities that the hotel offers. Most tours depart from this hotel zone. In the lower part is a residential area where you can stay in a casa particular if you prefer not to stay in an all-inclusive resort. The peninsula is four blocks wide, so you are always close to the beach, even if you stay in a casa and the beach is equally beautiful everywhere. In the village the restaurants are directly located not on the beach, you will find them in the streets behind it, and here you also have some souvenir shops and Parque Josone. Varadero is the ideal place to relax for a few days and enjoy the beautiful sand and the blue sea!
Local secrets * Cueva de Saturno * Parque Josone * Bar Los Beatles * Catamaran trip to Cayo Blanco * Diving * Snorkeling
Accommodation
Cuba is a beautiful and diverse island, and there are various options in terms of accommodation. We are happy to help you choose the type of accommodation that is most to your liking.
Casas Particulares
Small-scale accommodation in Cuba are known as ‘Casas Particulares’. You can compare this with a Bed & Breakfast, only in the home of Cubans. Casas particulares are carefully selected and handpicked and meet our standards: small-scale, personal, good facilities (such as private toilet / shower, patio or terrace, air conditioning), and a homely atmosphere. You can enjoy an authentic Cuban living environment and at the same time your privacy is guaranteed.
Keep in mind that all casas particulares are different. One may be a rural country house, the other a grand mansion, and where one casa has a rustic interior, the other has a more colourful whole. Some casas have a more professional approach and are almost comparable to small hostels. Here, for example, the casa owners are not always present themselves and there are staff who provide breakfast or who work reception. Other casas have a completely detached house available for you, or a number of rooms in their own house. That’s the nice thing about staying in casas, since each place has its own characteristic atmosphere!
The location of the casa differs too. Usually one is within walking distance of the city centre, and in a few destinations in other neighbourhoods around the centre. This often has advantages, which is why we sometimes opt for this. A casa is then, for example, special or qualitatively better, and the area a bit more quiet and less touristy. This is especially true for the larger cities. Should you have a particular preference for a neighbourhood, let us know.
Breakfast in the casas is included.
Not all casa owners speak English, but they are used to communicating with tourists so this won’t be an issue! Your casa owner is also your point of contact in Cuba. They have the real local knowledge, so do ask them for tips.
In a nutshell, by staying in a casa particular your trip has an impact on the local population, and you get a unique insight into Cuban life.
Hotels
In Cuba you can also stay in lovely hotels, especially if you want a bit more variety in your accommodation, or if you want to enjoy a swimming pool.
Just like the country itself, there is a lot of choice and diversity! There are different types of hotels and levels of luxury you can go for. There are beautiful old hotels in cities. In some places there are only simple 3 * hotels, for example in less touristy destinations, or in unique areas surrounded by nature. At beach destinations you will find beautiful all-inclusive 5* resorts, which are perfect to end your trip with. Breakfast in the hotels is included. If other meals are included, this will be mentioned in the travel plan.
Please note that we only forward reservations to Cuba at the time of booking. Occasionally the hotel or room type may not be available and a price change may occur. Of course we try to prevent this and we always do this in consultation. If there is no more availability in the hotels, we switch to accommodation in casas particulares.
There are many options in this unique country, and we are happy to advise you on the best accommodation for each destination.
Transportation
There are several ways to explore the island. We are happy to advise you on the best option for you!
Private transfers
Travelling with private transfers is the most comfortable option. You don’t have to drive yourself in an unknown country, but you can relax during the ride, and you do not have to share your taxi with others. We usually schedule the pick-up at your accommodation at 09:00, but if you want a different time, this can be arranged. Keep in mind that the taxis in Cuba are sometimes less comfortable than the taxis we are used to in Europe. All taxis are air-conditioned, however, and if you want to make use of the air-conditioning, just ask the driver. The driver often speaks only Spanish, but you can always ask for a short stop to stretch your legs, go to the toilet or buy a drink. Longer stops are also possible, yet these would need to be planned these in advance. Local transportation can be easily arranged through your casa or hotel, and many excursions include transportation if required. The travel plan will mention this too.
With private transfers, your transport between destinations is already completely arranged for you, and you can sit back and enjoy the views along the way.
Bus
Traveling by bus is the least expensive way to discover Cuba, and on most routes there is a good bus connection between a few destinations in western Cuba. Unfortunately, it delays with the bus sometimes happen (sometimes several hours), but if you are flexible and prepared for this, it is also a nice way to meet other travelers. Do you want more security? Then opt for private transfers.
Should you opt to travel by bus, before departure you shall receive the vouchers with the final departure times of the bus. With the vouchers you go to the designated departure point, where you need to be about 10 or 15 minutes in advance (depending on the bus company), as the bus may arrive and depart a little earlier.
In most cases the bus stops within walking distance of the casa, but it may sometimes be better to take a taxi. You can arrange this on arrival, before departure you can ask the accommodation if they can arrange this for you, if necessary. The costs of this are not included and you pay locally.
The quality of the buses may not be what you are used to, so not all seats will always be able to recline, for example. Also keep in mind that the air conditioning in the bus is on high, so bring something warmer on the bus. There is no toilet on the bus, but there will be a couple of stops. We state the travel time by bus, but keep in mind that these times may differ due to delays. If the bus is delayed, you can call our emergency number so that our team can contact the driver so that you have an indication of what time the bus will arrive. If they indicate that the bus is not coming, you can take a taxi yourself.
Furthermore, the size of the vehicle is determined by the number of reservations. You may be picked up by a large bus, but it may also be a minivan or even a private taxi. A combination of bus and private transfers is of course also possible. We are happy to help you find the best transport for your trip!
Rental car
You can also drive through Cuba yourself with a rental car. Travelling by rental car is the ideal way to discover Cuba, but it is also an adventure! ** IMPORTANT ** At the moment there is a gas shortage in Cuba, which means that there are often long queues at the gas stations. It can also happen that a gas pump can only give you a few liters or that they sometimes have no petrol at all and you have to look for another gas station. This means you lose extra time. For more comfort, we recommend private transfers. Also keep in mind that the cars are not always the latest models, and you will find all kinds of things on and along the road: cyclists, horse and carriage, walkers and hitchhikers, and sometimes there are holes in the road. It is therefore not recommended to drive in the dark, because many roads are not lit. A rental car does give you the freedom to stop yourself along the way or to make trips during your trip. Parking is sometimes possible at the casa, or else at special parking places where someone guards the cars, sometimes for a small fee.
It is not allowed to bring GPS equipment to Cuba, and if you do it will be confiscated at the airport. For navigation you can of course use a regular map or an offline app like MAPS.ME.
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Travel insurance is not included and needs to be taken out. Covered by the Insolvency Fund. Booking terms and conditions listed at the end of our brochure apply and are taken as being read and consented to. Please read them carefully before booking
Sicily Villas
