Cuba Tour, what springs to mind? Maybe it is Che Guevara and the revolution, for others it shall be Cuban cigars, rum and mojitos. But, there is so much more in-between! South America Travel Specialist shall take you away from the crowds and show you an authentic Cuba Tour. Many know part of Cuba history, but few know about its remarkable hidden gems, it is time for you to discover the Spirit of Cuba and to savour the island living Cuban style, for us, it is unlike any other!

Suggested Itinerary – We customise this for you!

Day 1 – Havana

Welcome to Cuba, we take any stress out of the arrival by meeting you and handling the immigration & visa process for you.  It is time to sit back and to enjoy your Cuba Tour. You shall soon feel at home after your vintage car takes you to your hotel for the next 4-nights. Casa Vitrales, which is a style of hotel we love! A converted house where you shall enjoy amazing service combined with the highest quality. If you are seeking authentic in style, then you are in the right neighbourhood!

Meals: None

Hotel: Casa Vitrales

Casa Vitrales

The boutique b&b of Casa Vitrales is one of our picks in the heart of old Havana. There are just 9 suites decorated in the colonial style within this historic building. Staying here will bring to life the city and culture of Havana. This starts with breakfast on the patio looking over old Havana’s rooftops towards the harbour.

Day 2 – Old Havana

After your traditional home-cooked breakfast you’re introduced to your personal concierge, they are available 24/7 and will explain more about their services.  You’re met by your private guide, they shall be showing your the history, architecture and many a tale about this now UNESCO city.  So much history is all around you and has been so well preserved to imagine the hacienda days gone by. Now is the perfect time to introduce you to perhaps the most famous symbol of Cuba, the cigar. We have arranged a setting at the Habanos Cigar shop to explain the secrets behind the rolling, smoking and enjoying of the cigar.  The perfect excuse to buy some to take home, although we imagine you will be stocking up later.

With some free time this afternoon, your concierge will be happy to offer some advice if you need. Later on, we have a fantastic opportunity to discover the Salsa dance. A 1-hour class to share the rhythm of the dance with you. Bring your dancing hips.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Casa Vitrales

Casa Vitrales

The boutique b&b of Casa Vitrales is one of our picks in the heart of old Havana. There are just 9 suites decorated in the colonial style within this historic building. Staying here will bring to life the city and culture of Havana. This starts with breakfast on the patio looking over old Havana’s rooftops towards the harbour.

Day 3 – Discover Havana

With a private vintage convertible and your own guide on hand, head off and explore the city as you see fit! Go where you want and do what you like all with your own personal chauffeur and guide!

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Casa Vitrales

Casa Vitrales

The boutique b&b of Casa Vitrales is one of our picks in the heart of old Havana. There are just 9 suites decorated in the colonial style within this historic building. Staying here will bring to life the city and culture of Havana. This starts with breakfast on the patio looking over old Havana’s rooftops towards the harbour.

Day 4 – Havana Music, food and drinks

Nothing says Cuba like it’s passion for the arts, music or its food and drinks today you are going to savour them all.  With your private guide and private vintage car on hand all-day, it is a day to remember. We start slow and build to an epic finale, but the start is still impressive. You are introduced to two of Havana local and rising stars of the artist world. A budding scene has developed and has reached international acclaim. Kick back and relax as you learn more about them their works. For lunch today we have a fabulous recommendation, a place you can relax on the sand and enjoy some lunchtime drinks as you enjoy the chilled out music.

After lunch, it is time to speed things up you have access to the Havana Dance company rehearsal. Watch as they show their skills which have won them international acclaim.  As the sun is preparing to set, you head to Malecon 663 one the coolest places in town for your cocktail class, sit down and enjoy one of your own drinks and watch the sunset into the sea. But, this is not the end of the day, merely the start of the evening, with dinner being served at the famous La Guardia and drinks to follow things are heating up.  A speakeasy Jazz club is on the agenda tonight, where you will discover any jazz player who’s anyone has played here.

Meals: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner optional and at own expense

Hotel: Casa Vitrales

Casa Vitrales

The boutique b&b of Casa Vitrales is one of our picks in the heart of old Havana. There are just 9 suites decorated in the colonial style within this historic building. Staying here will bring to life the city and culture of Havana. This starts with breakfast on the patio looking over old Havana’s rooftops towards the harbour.

Day 5 – Havana to Vinales

Leaving the pulsating city behind we head to into the lush countryside of Vinales. We would suggest taking lunch at El Caujani often talked as one of the best in Cuba so a shame to miss it when you are here.  This afternoon we offer you the chance to learn more about Salsa with a professional dancer showing you the ropes, you will soon have steps in sequence.

Your home for the next 2 nights is Casa Marine and they shall even provide you dinner this evening as a part of the warm welcome, we do mean it when we say they are like homes!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Lunch optional

Hotel: Casa Marine

Day 6 – A walk in nature

Waking in the countryside is often a simple pleasure that is overlooked when you walk in the Valley of Penance you shall instantly recognise it’s true value. With limestone rock formations called locally mogotes as your backdrop. You may well imagine you’re in Asia, not Cuba! Home to the second-largest caving network in the Americas offers those in search of more adventures the opportunity to find them. For others and indeed most, to simply wander around the green tobacco fields is more than enough. Seeing the process of how the local women prepare the leaves which shall soon be made into the famous Cuban cigars, perhaps time to stock up your supply?

Tonight, live music in the open air at the famous Centro Polo Montanez awaits, the music begins at 9 pm and it is a chance to embrace the power of music and nature.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Casa Marine

Day 7 – Vianles to Cienfuegos

Today your Cuba tour is a travel day, but as you would expect from South America Travel Specialist even this is well special. You stop at El Romero restaurant famous as the only true organic and vegetarian restaurant in Cuba! Enjoying the locally produced produce with sumptuous views.

After arriving at your new Casa, you shall be made to feel at home in an instance. We highly recommend trying the homecooked food!

Meals: Breakfast. Lunch paid locally

Hotel: Casa Bella Perla Marina

Casa Bella Perla Marina

Casa Bella Perla Maria is a boutique hotel in a 1950s art deco building, so fits in well with the character of Cienfuegos. The rooms are large, if a little basic in this small south Cuba city, and decorated in a pretty idiosyncratic style. It also has an ideal location in the centre of Cienfuegos so guests can walk straight out and into town.

Day 8 – Cienfuegos to Trinidad

After your hearty breakfast, it is time to explore your surroundings including the lavish Tomas Terry theatre. You shall an eclectic mix of styles or architecture Venetian, Gothic, Baroque and others.

The journey continues onwards to Trinidad, a UNESCO heritage town and well worth the journey. After arriving at Casa Finca Kenia enjoy a freshly cooked lunch, if you like seafood do try it here! After some relaxing and getting acquainted with your new surroundings your expert local guide will be on waiting. Take a lovely walking tour of the UNESCO town and learn about its history, stories of slavery, revolution and even sugar barons a plenty.  This evening, we suggest some local music at the amazing Casa de la Musica a sight or should that be a sound not to be missed?

Meals: Breakfast. Lunch paid locally

Hotel: Casa Finca Kenia

Casa Finca Kenia

This is our favourite Casa Particular in the old town of Trinidad. Casa Finca Kenia sits on a quiet cobbled street behind imposing wooden doors, it’s a small 6 room hideaway where you can feel Trinidad’s unique history. The finca is set around an inviting garden and stables and there are views up to the Escambray mountains. There’s also a little restaurant for guests who can eat organic food on a private terrace or in the garden. The hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from all the action in town.

Day 9 – Trinidad

As you wake today, we hope you feel the same about your accommodation and location, we simply love it here.  But, we have some great activities lined up today and none more so than learning about the culture of the locals. We all know the way to a man is through his stomach, but we find the best way to understand people is through their food.  We take you to a local market to see the produce on offer, learn about rationing, yes it still occurs before you reach a local family home for an intimate cooking class. From market to table you shall truly feel more Cuban after your lunch today.  Returning back to the Casa take the afternoon to enjoy your amazing surroundings for me it is a time to spend with their horses, for others a time to relax by the pool, mojito anyone?

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Casa Finca Kenia

Casa Finca Kenia

This is our favourite Casa Particular in the old town of Trinidad. Casa Finca Kenia sits on a quiet cobbled street behind imposing wooden doors, it’s a small 6 room hideaway where you can feel Trinidad’s unique history. The finca is set around an inviting garden and stables and there are views up to the Escambray mountains. There’s also a little restaurant for guests who can eat organic food on a private terrace or in the garden. The hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from all the action in town.

Day 10 – Trinidad

Just 15 minutes away is the Topes de Collantes national park. It is here today we go and explore more of nature, pack a small bag and makes sure to include your swimming clothes and a towel! After a glorious walk in the fresh clean air, you have the chance to swim in a natural lagoon and visit a stunning waterfall. You shall sit down and enjoy a local lunch in such peaceful surroundings.

The afternoon is again at leisure, either to enjoy your casa or to discover a little more of Trinidad, the choice is yours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Casa Finca Kenia

Casa Finca Kenia

This is our favourite Casa Particular in the old town of Trinidad. Casa Finca Kenia sits on a quiet cobbled street behind imposing wooden doors, it’s a small 6 room hideaway where you can feel Trinidad’s unique history. The finca is set around an inviting garden and stables and there are views up to the Escambray mountains. There’s also a little restaurant for guests who can eat organic food on a private terrace or in the garden. The hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from all the action in town.

Day 11 to 13 – Trinidad to Cayo Guillermo

After a busy few days on your Cuba tour, we head to the coast, with Phil Collins playing in the background “it’s just another day in paradise”  you will soon be having the same feelings. A time to unwind, relax and enjoy the pure white sands of the beach. Inspired by Ernest Hemmingway it is the perfect place for your Cuba tour to take a break and allow you to rest and reflect. OF course, if you wish to do more the resort has plenty to offer, but you may prefer to while away the hours by the pool or on the beach as you discuss your Cuban tour so far!

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski

Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski

The Kempinski Resort on Cayo Guillermo sits on the white sands of Playa Pilar. A particular feature we love is Cuba’s first overwater villas. It aims to attract a different crowd to Cuba’s large all-inclusive beach resorts and brings a different level of dining and space. Restaurants and bars are based around a Hemingway’s theme with La Floridita bar, daiquiris and live Cuban music. Added to all this the diving, snorkelling and fishing trips in the azure Caribbean waters.

Day 14 – Cayo Guillermo to Havana

As you tear yourself away from your beach settings, we make the drive back to Havana taking in one more stop on the way, Santa Clare, stopping here for lunch at a colonial villa you shall be served stunning food in a garden oasis. After lunch, we visit the Che memorial for us nothing says Cuba quite like Che Guevara it was in Sante Clare where he fought and won. Viva Revolution?

As you arrive at Havana, we have some options for your final night dinner perhaps 5 Sentidos or your concierge is still on hand to make options and of course reservations.

Meals: Breakfast. Lunch paid locally

Hotel: Casa El Madero

Casa El Madero

Casa El Madero is a cosy family-run Casa Particular with just 6 rooms set over 4 floors. The 1930s building was fully renovated in 2016. It is one of just a few of the best boutique casas particulares we use in Havana. Head to the third-floor terrace for sunsets and a mojito.

Day 15 – Havana to England

Your Cuba tour is coming to its conclusion, your concierge shall call to wish you a fond farewell. You have some free time before your flight you can use it to explore the old town more. Perhaps pick up some souvenirs or cigars, or simply find your favourite cafe and soak up the atmosphere whilst you can. As we find in Cuba when you have experienced this lifestyle and living life seems to move a lot slower and that is no bad thing.