Cuba Explorer

Days 2-3

Say goodbye to Havana for the time being and drop in at a cigar factory and see how the leaves are hand-rolled, cut and packaged before continuing on through green tobacco plantations to Viñales. Here, you’ll take a relaxing walk through the lush pincushion hills, known locally as mogotes, in search of underwater springs. You can also choose to explore the area by horseback if you prefer, where you’ll ride past farms and coffee fields, stopping at a cave or two and taking a dip in a cool natural pool. 

Day 4

Return to Havana and ride through the crumbling streets in a vintage 1950s car, taking in the colonial architecture and the atmospheric oceanfront, known as the Malecón. This wide esplanade, flanked by a seawall, is over five miles long, linking Old Havana with the Vedado neighbourhood. It’s a great spot for a wander, taking in the monuments, or simply sitting on the sea wall as the sun goes down and the whole seafront lights up.

Day 5

Head on to Santa Clara, a city filled with Revolutionary history. Visit the famous Che monument, where Che Guevara is buried, and enjoy a guided tour around Sancti Spiritus, a well preserved Spanish city founded in the 16^th century. Highlights here include the picturesque Spanish-built bridge over the Rio Yayabo and the Museo de Arte Colonial, housed in a rather opulent former mansion that once belonged to the aristocratic Valle-Iznaga family.  

Days 6-7

Arrive into Trinidad and set sail for the idyllic island of Cayo Blanco by catamaran, laze on soft sandy beaches and grab a snorkel to explore the world beneath the waves. Trinidad is a World Heritage site due to its colonial buildings, including the beautiful cathedral, its cobbled streets and a former convent which now houses the Museum of the War Against the Bandits. Here you’ll stay in a traditional Casa Particular, which will give you an authentic flavour of Cuban life. 

Day 8

Return to Havana and enjoy a walking tour of the old town. You’ll see the Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana, the Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras, which is now a restaurant, and the bustling Plaza de Armas, where you’ll find a statue of Manuel de Céspedes. With some free time to stock up on those last-minute souvenirs in the markets, and a final meal with the rest of your group it’s time to reminisce over your trip with a chilled Cuba Libre.