Beautiful Cuba

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!