Cuba holiday, small group
Late availability on these dates: 02 May, 16 May, 06 Jun
Highlights
Havana | guided walking tour of Old Havana | Bay of Pigs | Playa Giron | informal Spanish lesson with leader | Cienfuegos Palacio del Valle and orientation walk | Santa Clara | visit Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum | Trinidad | informal Salsa lesson | Camaguey | bicycle taxi city tour | Santiago de Cuba half day city tour | Guantanamo Bay viewpoint and tower | BaracoaDescription of Cuba holiday, small group
This 15 day Cuba holiday, small group, takes you from Havana in the west to Baracoa in the east, giving a fantastic overview of this fascinating island. Iconic cars, fat cigars, rum, salsa and the Revolution – there is so much to see, do and learn about in Cuba.This small group tour begins in the charming and historic capital, Havana, where a guided walking tour will introduce you to the faded beauty of the Old Town. Then you'll make your way east along the south coast of Cuba. Take a bicycle-taxi tour of the colonial city of Camaguey, and enjoy two days in Trinidad, relaxing on the Caribbean beaches, cycling through sugar plantations or learning Spanish. Delve into 20th century history at the Bay of Pigs, learn about the Revolution and visit Che’s Mausoleum, see the beautiful mountains that surround Baracoa and dust off your salsa moves with a relaxed dance lesson in steaming Santiago de Cuba, a city with Afro-Cuban roots and a lively music scene. You’ll be staying in locally owned and run Casas Particulares throughout, which is a lovely way to meet local people and learn about life in Cuba.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.comCheck dates, prices & availability
Small group adventure
What is a small group adventure?It's a great way to travel! Whether you are travelling on your own, with a partner or with friends, a small group trip is a fantastic way to see the world. You'll travel on a fixed itinerary that has been designed to help you discover the best of region. From the known highlights, the hidden gems that you won't find in the guidebooks.
Itineraries run on set departure dates, accompanied every step of the way by an English speaking local group leader. You chose the itinerary and the date that suits you best and you book on.
Why travel on a small group adventure?
Small groups allow us to explore where larger tour groups can't. Our maximum group size of 16 travellers allows us to use local transport to get from A to B, to visit rural villages, spend time with the locals and even stay at a local home overnight, and it allows us to give our travellers genuine, real life experiences of the countries we are visiting; what you'll be doing and how you'll travel depends entirely on your chosen itinerary.
Is an adventure right for me?
The word adventure means something different to everyone, and our range of trips reflects that. Whether you want to explore local markets, visit out of the way temples and meet local people or go on an early morning safari drive searching for the 'big five', we'll have a trip for you. If you are looking for a physical challenge such trekking the Kokoda Track or summiting Kilimanjaro, we can help with that too.
So what can I expect on this trip?
This is a classic style of small group adventure. You'll find your trip combines a good mix of included activities and free time, with some meals included as per your itinerary. We don't want you to feel chaperoned, it's your holiday not ours. Your group leader will be on hand to assist with organising anything you might wish to do in your free time, but how you spend it is up to you. Anything listed as included in your itinerary will be included in trip price; whereas anything listed as optional will be at an additional cost should you wish to take part.
These trips are great value, including things that you would struggle to organise independently, such as a night at a homestay in a remote village, or local guides around a remote place of interest. Transport will be a combination of private vehicle and public transport, whichever is the most appropriate for the route we are travelling; this might include train, plane, camel, tuk tuk, bicycle, boat…
On a majority of these trips you'll stay in 2-3 star accommodation, locally owned and reflective of the region you are travelling through. All solo travellers will be automatically roomed on a twin share basis with another group member of the same sex, unless you opt to pay for your own room at time of booking. There are no compulsory single supplements for solo travellers willing to share. Single rooms aren't available on camping trips, and you will be expected to help out with camp tasks such as setting up and breaking down your camp.
Can I book my flights with you?
Yes! We are a fully ATOL bonded tour operator meaning that we can book flights from the UK as part of your holiday package. Just ask us for a quote including flights when you make your enquiry.
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.

The Impacts of this Trip
This trip gives you plenty of opportunities to get to know the culture and vibrant history of Latin America. There are numerous chances for local interaction as we cover so much ground using all means of public transport. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from a friendly local who strikes up a conversation during your journey.
Your leader and the occasional local guide will be able to direct you to many local eateries throughout the trip, helping you discover real local fare at real local prices (and probably helping you learn some Spanish at the same time). All travellers are encouraged to explore with the group and on their own, learn a few words of the language and interact with the locals as much as possible.
Local guides are employed to help explain as much as possible about the cultural differences and the historically significant places that we visit. This also allows us to appreciate the importance of preserving and respecting these sites and to help us minimise the impact of our visits.
There are plenty of opportunities to support local merchants in the markets and stalls that we pass along the way. We can purchase traditional handicrafts from local artisans and learn more about the importance of preserving these crafts.



The Impacts of this Trip
This trip gives you plenty of opportunities to get to know the culture and vibrant history of Latin America. There are numerous chances for local interaction as we cover so much ground using all means of public transport. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from a friendly local who strikes up a conversation during your journey.
Your leader and the occasional local guide will be able to direct you to many local eateries throughout the trip, helping you discover real local fare at real local prices (and probably helping you learn some Spanish at the same time). All travellers are encouraged to explore with the group and on their own, learn a few words of the language and interact with the locals as much as possible.
Local guides are employed to help explain as much as possible about the cultural differences and the historically significant places that we visit. This also allows us to appreciate the importance of preserving and respecting these sites and to help us minimise the impact of our visits.
There are plenty of opportunities to support local merchants in the markets and stalls that we pass along the way. We can purchase traditional handicrafts from local artisans and learn more about the importance of preserving these crafts.

7 Reviews of Cuba holiday, small group
Reviewed on 25 Jul 2019 by Janine Bolomey
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything. Great group, fantastic leader, lovely country, pleasant people, music and salsa.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be relaxed about the food shortages, the queuing, the electricity cuts and the sometimes roundabout way people go about things. Enjoy the friendly people, the beautiful countryside, the lovely casas, the good food and the music and dance.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent!
Reviewed on 28 Nov 2018 by Roy Sutherland
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Music venues in Trinidad de Cuba.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Always have some small change available for toilets and tips.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
So many interesting contrasts between different parts of the country.
Reviewed on 29 Jan 2016 by Yvonne Manuel
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Would recommend this tour operator. First class guide, good buses, well organised, great mix of people and visited some lovely towns.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take the lightest of clothing as its very hot and good comfortable walking shoes.
If you see something you want to buy - buy it as you might not see it again
don't just stay in Havana, see as much as you can; Baracoa, Trinidad is a must see
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the casa's were great, lovely breakfasts were served, many shopped in local markets for handmade goods.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2014 by David Jockelson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The friendliness and openness of the people - in the street as well as ones we met more formally through homestays and tours. The music in every bar - some cheesy - some excellent. Havana - buildings, cars etc - as you would expect. The walk in the country at Vinales, the tobacco farm / cigar making, the wonderful countryside, birdlife. The way the history of the country is woven into many aspects of the trip.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We really enjoyed a rest day before and after - to recover from the flight out - and to relish in our own time the Havana experience. The tip to take "going out"
clothes was OK - but you only need one outfit, and not very dressed up at that. Comfortable walking sandals are a must.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To quite a good degree. We were aware that the people we stayed with were a part of the new middle class, by virtue of being a part of the CUC economy. We also felt that people were eager to have information about other countries, and to have our opinion about theirs, and as Cuba clearly faces big changes the social
and cultural interchange feels helpful - both ways.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good. Valeri - the guide was first class. Intelligent, fun, lively, well informed, open minded, efficient. You / we are lucky to have him. Hotel National Cuba - what can you say?! Mad in some ways - but an experience. The homestays were good. The coach and driver were excellent - very safe. We learnt a huge amount as well as having a very enjoyable time.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2013 by Sarah Walker
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
For me it would be hard to identify one thing. I was given so much food for thought that I am still processing my experiences.
Since arriving home two days ago I have already had a Cuba Night for my family and have taught them to salsa, play dominoes (9's) and sing along to a CD we bought. We have all tried Mojitos and some Pork with salad and Rice and beans.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be open minded. Read the trip notes carefully so that you are clear what the holiday entails (I think the trip was reflected very clearly in the notes). Ask loads of questions and try everything.
Being in a group can be challenging. In our case, one couple proved challenging to the leader and they also made us feel on edge when they participated. I thought the leader did a fantastic job trying to accommodate them and that they should have read the trip notes and followed my advice above to have made the best of the trip.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We were happy to pay more for things than the locals, which is often the case. I feel this was our responsibility as tourists. I would have liked to be able to access more change so that I could pass on money more readily- often the banks only provide you with larger notes and change is hard to come by.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had an excellent time and made some good friends. The leader was very good and did her best to advise, inform and enthuse us at every turn. She was honest, open and did her best to pass on her enthusiasm for her country, while being prepared to discuss its idiosyncrasies in an informative and thoughtful way.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2011 by Suzy Gray
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being taught salsa, merengue and reggaeton by the locals! Diving off the coast of Trinidad. Having a barbeque on our own private beach. Visiting our tour leader's farm and meeting his family and friends.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would highly recommend this trip to others who want to explore Cuba. There is less time for relaxing on the beach than I expected, which meant there were lots more activities than I had anticipated from the trip notes. If you think you will like dancing, discovering more about a country with such a fascinating history, having activities planned to your group's every wish and drinking rum(!) then I would thoroughly recommend you book!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I feel the homestays and eating at local paladors meant the local communities benefited from the holiday.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This is a fantastic holiday, with a company who I have only ever had positive experiences with. I am keen to visit Cuba again (and as there is so much of the world to see I don't often say that!).
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2011 by Susan Shields
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Experiencing the life of Cubans.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring pencils and soap to give away, and school supplies for any school or teacher that you may meet.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Staying in a casa particular in several places definitely benefited a local family; also eating in small restaurants as opposed to hotels benefited the local economy. Because the accommodations were low-cost and simple, we reduced out impact on the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent way to see and learn about the many aspects of Cuba. We covered a lot of ground and had fun as a group too.
Our travel guides
Late availability on these dates: 02 May, 16 May, 06 Jun
Our travel guides
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