We pride ourselves on being Cuba Travel specialists, knowing what to do and when brings the most to your Sensational Cuba Tour. We help you dive into the life and culture of sensational Cuba. With a week of cocktails, music, tropical flavours, art, dance and just sinking headlong into the exotic vibe of this distinctly Latino island.

With four nights in Havana and three nights in the south in Trinidad, encounter a Cuba which is apart from the rest of the world. No rampant commercialism here, no big malls and theme parks. That’s part of Cuba’s charm and also its huge challenges, and only by staying amongst it all can you appreciate this unique island.

South America Travel Specialist will get you into the heart of the action by staying in locally-owned boutique hotels in the old towns of Havana and Trinidad. Get off the beaten track and go backstage among the players on this island that feels like it’s another world.

Cuba is such an intoxicating place and this short tour is stacked full of experiences that will live long in the memory. Cruising around Havana in a soft-top classic American car, jumping into a clear waterfall pool in tropical hills or making cocktails on Havana’s seafront. But don’t think it’s all rushing around, we’ll make sure you have enough time to drink those cocktails at the sunset or enjoy salsa music in the shade on a lazy afternoon.

Sensational Cuba is unique, exciting, safe and at the same time exotic. Who knows where the future lies in Cuba, so go now and live this moment in time. But as a Cuba travel specialist be sure we shall remain at its heartbeat.

Sensational Cuba – Tour highlights

• Explore Havana and Trinidad and see the real Cuba

• A Cuba concierge on call to help you smooth out the wrinkles

• Stay in character boutique hotels in the UNESCO World Heritage old towns

• See Havana in a vintage American car, at your disposal for two days

• Discover the music of Cuba with backstage visits and performances

• Make a mojito and a daiquiri in the home of the cocktails

• Experience everyday life in Cuba including cooking with a Cuban family

• Extend your stay with beach time on the islands of Cuba’s cayes

Suggested Itinerary – We customise this for you!

Day 1 – To Havana

Fly to Havana, over the tropical Caribbean Sea and into another world.

Havana can be a pretty chaotic airport so we’ll fast track you through all the procedures with a private guide and get you out into the city. Travel in a hardtop American vintage car into Havana, and start the journey in the true Cuban style.

Stay for 4 nights at Alameda JM7. This is one of Havana’s best Casas Particulares, local hotels which have opened up in recent years and we like to use a carefully curated selection of these. They help with an authentic Cuban experience away from tour groups and crowds, getting into the heart of the action and getting to know the people of Cuba.

South America Travel Specialist will make recommendations through your journey on some interesting places to dine, to take the hassle out of what is a bit of a lottery in Havana.

Meals: None

Hotel: Alameda JM7

Day 2 – Old Havana walking tour

Get to know Old Havana’s unique culture and local life as your expert local guide takes you on an engaging walking tour of the city.

Setting off from your hotel in the heart of the historic city, you’ll explore the streets of the Cuban capital, a city free of brand shops and flagship stores. Your guide will unveil the stories and surprises that Havana has to offer and which many visitors miss.

Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you’ll see baroque churches, the faded glamour of the neoclassical architecture and see lively city squares. There’s also plenty to learn about first hand about life in Cuba today under the American embargo, the fascinating history of the 20th century and the Cuban revolution and how this Caribbean island is looking tentatively to the future.

You can make a stop for lunch at Restaurant 5 Sentidos right in the heart of the old town, or your guide can let you know what’s buzzing at the time.

The afternoon is free to explore some more, take a few cocktails in a neighbourhood bar or hang out on by Plaza Vieja and watch the world go by. Chat to your concierge about plans for the evening. You could stick to the old city and eat at Los Mercaderes in a historic colonial building.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Alameda JM7

Day 3 – Havana in a vintage car

One of the iconic images of Havana is the sight of classic American cars. They were kept on the roads by ingenious Cuban mechanics as there weren’t any new cars to be had through the years. Several have been lovingly restored and cool Cadillacs, Chevrolets and Buicks take people out and about around the city.

Take a guided drive around Havana, passing from the old town through the ceremonial centre and past the impressive Capitol building. Then drive out to the Malecon, the seafront promenade where everyone comes to hang out. Stop for selfies and photo ops on the harbour. Cruise down Havana’s 5th Avenue, once home to Havana’s rich before the revolution, all the time enjoying the space of these 1950s and 609s cars, they don’t make them like this anymore!

The afternoon is free and your concierge will be able to give you some ideas on other parts of the city to see, or cafes to head into. Jesus Maria 20 Art Bar and Restaurant is a great unhurried lunch spot with rooftop dining.

In the evening hop back in the vintage American car and drive out to the harbour front Malecon 663 cocktail bar. Get behind the bar for a cocktail lesson and make some daiquiris and mojitos on the island of their birth. Malecon 663 also has a signature house cocktail called Me von pa’ mi Casa (I’m off home).

Once your cocktails are made, drink them on the seafront terrace with live music. One show well worth catching in Havana is the contemporary Havana Queens dance company, which has been getting worldwide recognition and is worth heading to before they become global.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Alameda JM7

Day 4 – Havana culture and car

You’ve got an America open-top vintage car for the day again today to take you around the city. Drive out this morning to Vedado district and stop at the huge Colon Cemetery, which has impressive and elaborate mausoleums. A cool lunch spot in this neighbourhood is Rio Mar with tables right next to the sea.

In the afternoon see a rehearsal of the Havana Compas Dance company and see these masters of Latin percussion and dance. There are opportunities for some of these backstage visits all over Havana yet many visitors newer experience these vital parts of this island of culture and art.

You’ve got the vintage car until 11 tonight so can use it to see more of the city and surrounds, or head back to places you loved. A great place to head for evening drinks and dinner is El Cochinero which is located in an old vegetable oil factory and has an inviting outdoor terrace. And right next door is the Fabrica del Arte contemporary music venue, to round off an evening of the rhythms of Havana.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Alameda JM7

Day 5 – To Trinidad

Escape from Havana and drive down to the south coast with a driver/guide. Not in a vintage car this time, a more reliable 21st Century vehicle! It’s a four-hour journey on quiet roads past little villages and farms. Getting down to the south, pass the old port of Cienfuegos and arrive at Cuba’s colonial jewel, Trinidad.

Stay for 3 nights at Casa Finca Kenia. It’s a wonderfully rambling old ranch with pretty gardens and mountain views, an inviting pool and is about a ten-minute walk from the town centre. It’s not full of bells and whistles but staying at Finca Kenia is like escaping into the pages of history….much like Trinidad itself.

Get to know the historic heart of Trinidad with an expert local guide on a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage old town. Going out in the late afternoon when the golden hour evening light shines on the pastel coloured squares, the terracotta roofs and church towers of Trinidad, the Sierra Escambary mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Hear the tales of the rich and often dark history of picturesque Trinidad.

Trinidad is also alive with music and dance and you’ll hear it everywhere. Casa de La Trova is one place to head for salsa bands and dancing in an open-air courtyard.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Casa Finca Kenia

Day 6 – Trinidad and the Topes de Collantes National Park

Head into the hills this morning and walk in the Topes de Collantes National Park. The walk is pretty easy and not too far. You’ll be able to see some lovely tropical birds and plants and take in the mountain views. Your guide will recount the revolutionary history of insurgents based in the hills who tried to topple Fidel Castro’s government. There’s a reward at the end of the walk of a refreshing dip in a natural pool and waterfall and a traditional Creole lunch in the country.

There’s plenty of time in the rest of the day to enjoy the special atmosphere of Trinidad. Or head down to Ancon beach just a few kilometres away.

In the evening you could dine at La Redaccion in the old newspaper offices and then feel more of Cuba’s rhythms in this music city at Casa del la Musica, a Trinidad institution.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Hotel: Casa Finca Kenia

Day 7 – Trinidad food and salsa

If a way to know a country is through its food, a food and market tour of Trinidad will reveal the unique way that Cuban cuisine has developed. See the self-sufficient nature of cooking here with a visit to the market and a ration shop. It’s very different from other cooking tours around the world.

Then head to a local home, obviously a home that’s expecting you! Here make a traditional dish and a mojito. There’s no better way to properly experience local life in Cuba and get to know the people who are so welcoming to overseas visitors who will spread the word about the real Cuba.

Fully energised, go for a salsa lesson, another experience to get you to the hear of Cuban culture. You can be a complete beginner, or know a little, or be a complete expert – but will get something from it from any angle.

The late afternoon and evening are free to relax and continue in Trinidad’s laid back vibe. You could continue a Cuban food journey with organic tropical dishes at La Esquina 373 in the heart of the old town.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Casa Finca Kenia

Day 8 – To Havana and depart

Transfer back to Havana today, you could pick up some rum or some Cuban cigars on the way, and check-in for your return flight. Or stay a bit longer and head to the beach.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Arrive

Land back with Cuban rhythms still in your feet.

Cuban beach extension to boutique Varadero

Havana and Trinidad, whilst never hectic, can be an overload on the senses. So if you want a few days of doing nothing at all and enjoying the white sands of the islands of Cuba’s north coast, we recommend Mansion Xanadu on Varadero beach.

Day 8 – To Varadero

Private transfer for Trinidad to Varadero. It’s a drive of around 4 hours or so finishing up on the thin Varadero peninsula, home to some of the Caribbean’s best beaches.

Stay at Mansion Xanadu for 3 nights. Continue your journey with a distinctive place to stay. It’s a former private mansion which is now one of the few five star boutique beach hotels in Cuba. This is all about a Cuban beach escape away from the all inclusive crowds.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Mansion Xanadu

Days 9 – 10 Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski

Lazy days on the Caribbean. It is one of those iconic stretches of pristine sand and turquoise seas, and among the best beaches in the world.

Or get a bit active with snorkelling or diving in these wonderful azure waters. Perhaps a deep sea fishing trip or even a round at Varadero Golf Club surrounding Mansion Xanadu.

Make sure you are back in the bar for the amazing sunsets with a few mojitos or daiquiris. There are also local restaurants to head to for dinner like Varadero 60 for lobsters or steak specialities with South American wines and Cuban cigars.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Mansion Xanadu

Day 11 –  To Havana

Time for a last dip in the sea or time on the beach,  few tropical juices or something a little stronger and then transfers back west down the coast to Havana for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: None

Day 11 – Arrive home

Arrive back from your Caribbean island Latin escape and you may class yourself as Cuba travel specialist, or one in training at least?