In depth tours to Cuba
| country: | Cuba |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2010: 11 Jan, 25 Jan, 8 Feb, 22 Feb, 8 Mar, 22 Mar, 5 Apr, 17 May, 14 Jun, 5 Jul, 2 Aug, 23 Aug, 20 Sep, 11 Oct, 1 Nov, 22 Nov, 13 Dec, 27 Dec 2011: 10 Jan, 24 Jan, 7 Feb, 21 Feb, 7 Mar, 21 Mar, 4 Apr, 16 May, 13 Jun |
| price: | From £1590 (14 days) excluding flights. Domestic flights £120. We can arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 1 travellers review
the amazing things you'll be doing
There is something quite extraordinary about Cuba. As one of the world's last bastions of communism it has remained politically isolated and has escaped the influences of its larger neighbours to the north. Our in-depth trip of Cuba starts in Havana where faded, colonial buildings line the famous Malacon seaside drive and superbly restored Baroque mansions cram the historical centre. Santiago de Cuba is the country's second largest city, renowned for its laid-back lifestyle and rich mix of inhabitants. It is also the home of Afro-Cuban culture and rhythm music. From Camaguey we continue to historic Trinidad with its fascinating town centre and nearby sandy beaches. Here we cruise aboard a catamaran, enjoying snorkelling amongst the coral reef and there's a delicious, seafood lunch on board. In the hills at Topes de Collantes we hike in spectacular countryside, before continuing to Santa Clara. Here we visit Che Guevara's memorial before continuing to Las Terrazas where we explore the 5000-hectare biosphere reserve. Vinales lies in a lush valley, famous for its sensational greenery, tobacco farms and giant limestone cliffs; it is a photographer's paradise. Finally we arrive at Cayo Levisa, where we have time to unwind on its beautiful beaches before returning to vibrant Havana.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1-3: | (Mon) Arrive in Havana and transfer to hotel. Sightseeing and free time to explore city. |
| Day 4-5: | Fly to Santiago de Cuba. Visit El Morro Fortress and Bacardi Museum; free time. |
| Day 6: | Historic Camaguey, in the country's lush interior. |
| Day 7: | Drive to the ancient sea port of Trinidad. |
| Day 8-9: | A full day to explore colonial Trinidad. Yacht cruise and seafood lunch in the Caribbean. |
| Day 10: | Morning hike along the Codina Trail; lunch. Head to Santa Clara; visit Che Guevara Mausoleum and Armoured Train. |
| Day 11-12: | Spend time at Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve and Vinales, including visit to a cigar factory and boat ride in Indian Cave. |
| Day 13: | Continue to beautiful Cayo Levisa. Free time on the beach. |
| Day 14: | Return to Havana, where our trip ends (Sun). |
travellers' tales
Enlightening, interesting, fascinating and a once in a life time thing. Go before the Fidel era passes on and this unique place changes forever, for good or bad depending on your politics. Put my life in perspective again. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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See Cuba through the eyes of a local, as your Cuban tour leader gives you a first-hand insight into the exotic and colourful tapestry that makes up his or her homeland. By wandering around historic colonial towns, discovering secluded beaches and experiencing the rich cultural vibes that can be found in the people and their music, travellers are given an awareness of the valuable historical and traditional gems of Cuba and the importance of them being preserved, so that they can be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The people of Cuba certainly have a rich and enduring culture, which is unveiled on this tour. Equally important, your local tour leaders help you to understand the traditions of these proud people, ensuring you don’t commit any cultural ‘faux pas’.
To support tour programs in this part of the world this operator is training their tour leaders on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides leaders with important life skills. By only employing tour leaders born and bred in the regions they visit, they are supporting local economies. This operator prefers to give their patronage to small owner-managed hotels rather than those from international chains, as they feel these places offer quality and character and also directly benefit local people. Through offering employment and steady revenue, tourism can ultimately make a real positive difference to local communities. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |