Highlights of Cuba Trip Notes

Trip Overview

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Get set for turquoise beaches, captivating Latina culture, lush mountain scenery, and quaint cities bubbling with historical sights. Soak up the picturesque tropical vibes on Varadero Beach, explore the famous tobacco fields and sugar mill valleys of Viñales and embrace the authentic Cuban lifestyle in the cobble-stone streets of Trinidad and colourful Havana. This 8-day adventure through the highlights of Cuba will have you craving more of the Caribbean lifestyle!

Duration : 8 Days

Destination : Cuba

Start/Ends in : San Jose / San Jose

Group Size : 13-35 People

Age Req. : 18+

Trip Theme : Classic, Overland

Hotels : 5 & 4 Star

Departs : All Year Round

Why you will love this tour

  • * Discover the highlights of a Caribbean Island stuck in time on this 8-day adventure through Cuba. Enjoy all breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner included in the tour price. Plus, complimentary airport transfer shuttle on the first and last day of the tour.
  • * Cruise the streets of Havana in an old-school convertible, try a Cuban Salsa class, and jump onboard the quirky CoCo Taxies for a tour through Havana’s iconic Old Town!
  • * Explore the dramatic limestone mountains and lush landscapes of Viñales Valley with visits to the local cigar factories, tobacco farms, and botanical gardens of Jardin Caridad.
  • * Learn from your local guide about Cuba’s revolutionary leaders as you visit to the iconic Bay of Pigs and Santa Clara to explore Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial & Museum.
  • * Spend a night in the quaint town of Trinidad, exploring the restored sugar barons by the day before resting up at a local bar for a few Cuban cocktails with your new travel mates in the evening.
  • * Live it up with a night’s stay in the coastal paradise of Varadero. With over 20 kilometers of uninterrupted white-sand beaches, Varadero is the perfect spot to sit back, relax with a cocktail in hand and enjoy those Caribbean vibes!

  • * Uncover the best-hidden gems, local watering holes and historic sites with your local guide on included walking tours in Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, and Matanzas.

Arrival Details

The group welcome meeting with your guide and other travelers is held around 18:30 at the hotel lobby on Day 1 of your tour unless otherwise notified.

Meeting Point:

The meeting for the tour is :

Havana Airport

Finishing Point:

NH Capri La Habana 4 Star

Address : 4JR8+WX2, Calle 21, La Habana

Phone : +53 7 8397200

Emergency Number: +44 203 14 99 200

Highlights

Cienfuegos: Cienfuegos is a city on Bahia de Cienfuegos, a famous bay on Cuba’s south coast. This picturesque city is known for its colonial-era buildings.

Havana: Havana is Cuba’s capital city. Its 16th-century Old Havana core includes the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, a fort and maritime museum.

Santa Clara: It’s known for its revolutionary landmarks. The Che Guevara Mausoleum is the resting place of Che Guevara and other freedom fighters.

Trinidad: Trinidad is a town in central Cuba, known for its colonial old town and cobblestone streets Its neo-baroque main square, Plaza Mayor, is a favorite attraction among travelers.

Varadero: Covering Cuba’s narrow Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero is a popular beach resort town. Its 20km Atlantic Ocean coastline is a sight to behold.

Vinales: Vinales is a town in western Cuba. Its main street is lined with colorful colonial-era wooden houses, including the Municipal Museum.

Itinerary

Please note that the itinerary may be subject to small changes depending on the conditions during the tour. Alternative accommodation of similar standards may be used depending on the group size and hotel availability.

Welcome to the island paradise of Cuba! Keep your eyes peeled at Havana airport for your shuttle transfer to the hotel. Explore the vibrant city of Havana at your own pace before an informal meeting with your new tour group and guide at 7.00pm, gathering at a casa. Afterwards, join in on an optional group dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your new travel mates.

Accommodation : NH Capri La Habana 4 Star

Included Activities : Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities: Group Dinner

There’s no city in all of Latin America with an Old Town quite like Havana’s. Today we’ll hit the streets on an included walking tour through Old Havana and visit the main squares including Plaza de Armas, Templete, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja and Revolution Square. Then hop on board a Coco Taxi (aka Havana’s quirky-looking TukTuks) for a zoom around the Old Town before cooling off with a mojito in hand at Hemingway’s favourite bar, La Bodeguita del Medio. The evening is yours to enjoy. Follow the rhythm of salsa throughout the streets or find a lively bar and get amongst the local atmosphere.

Accommodation : NH Capri La Habana 4 Star

Meals Included : Breakfast

Included Activities :

Havana Walking Tour

Revolution Square

Cocotaxi Sightseeing Tour (Havana’s TukTuks)

Today we’ll head to the picturesque valleys of Viñales, home to some of Cuba’s most beautiful landscapes with dramatic limestone mountains and lush farming fields. Head through the Viñales Valley to Pinar del Rio and visit a region famous for its tobacco growing grounds. We’ll head to the Francisco Donatién cigar factory and watch the art of Cuban cigar rolling by the ‘Torcedores’ (aka Cigar rollers). Please refrain from taking any pictures or videos while inside the factory.

Then, continue through Viñales valley to the tobacco fields of Casa del Vegeuro as we continue our fascinating history lesson on cigars and tobacco. Next up is the Mural de la Prehistoria. Your guide will explain the significance of this 120 metre long and 80 metre high mural. Finish up the day with a visit to the private gardens of Jardin Caridad. Located in the heart of Viñales, these private botanical gardens are amongst the most beautiful in Cuba with over 190 varieties of plant.

Please note: Tobacco factories are closed to regular visitors during holidays, weekends, company holidays and festivals. We cannot guarantee factory hours and in case of closure an alternative itinerary will be discussed with travellers.

Accommodation : Casa Particular Villa Marilyn

Meals Included : Breakfast

Included Activities :

Los Jazmines Lookout Point

Tobacco Fields

Entrance Fees :

Francisco Donatién Cigar Factory ~ 7 USD

Casa del Veguero ~ 4 USD

Mural de la Prehistoria ~ 3 USD

Jardin Caridad Gardens ~ 1 USD

Kick start the day at Cuba’s largest wilderness area – Zapata Peninsula National Park! We’ll stop at the picture-perfect beaches of Playa Girón or ‘Bay of Pigs’ to check out the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. Your guide will then give you a detailed tour of the Bay of Pigs museum here to learn of the failed attempts of the USA and their invasion on Cuba soil back in 1961. We’ll make plenty of stops throughout today’s travels for breaks, including a visit to Finca Campesina at the rustic Finca Rest Area where you’ll find a mini-zoo of native fauna and flora! Then throw on your swimsuit for a visit to Cueva de los Peces – this pretty spot is a popular inland sinkhole filled with tropical fish, making it the perfect destination for a dip or a snorkel! We’ll finish our day in the portside town of Cienfuegos – Cuba’s ‘Pearl of the South’ – with French-architecture and feisty Carribeans spirit. Take a stroll through the elegant plazas of Parque Martí, visit the Terry Theater, and marvel at the historical ocean-front villa of Palacio del Valle with your guide. The night is yours to enjoy in Cienfuegos.

Accommodation : Casa Particular Cienfuegos Punta Gorda

Meals Included : Breakfast

Included Activities :

Break at Finca Campesina

Cuevo los Peces Visit

Bay of Pigs

Entrance Fees :

Playa Girón Museum ~ 4 USD

Set the alarms early for a morning walking tour through Cienfuegos with your guide before hitting the coastal roads as we make tracks to Trinidad. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city was once a thriving port and sugar town. Today, Trinidad gives a glimpse of eclectic architecture and authentic Cuban lifestyle. Follow your guide on a walking tour through the cobble-stone city to unmissable sites including the Casa Templo de Santería Yemayá and restored sugar barons for a glimpse into the way wealthy families once lived in Trinidad. After a big day exploring, park up at La Canchánchara bar and enjoy one of Cuba’s lesser-known cocktails – the Canchánchara – made of water, lime, honey and sugar cane liqueur!

Accommodation : Casa Particular Trinidad

Meals Included : Breakfast

Included Activities :

Cienfuegos Walking Tour

Trinidad Walking Tour

Entrance Fees :

Palacio de Valle ~ 5 USD

Casa Templo de Santería Yemayá ~ 3 USD

Cocktail at the Canchánchara ~ 3 USD

Take a trip through Cuba’s history books as we head from Trinidad to Santa Clara. Stop by the Valle de los Ingenios lookout and Ingenio San Isidro de los Destiladeros to see the valleys and ruins of dozens of sugar mills scattered across the countryside. Next up is the historic city of Santa Clara – home to all things Che Guevara! Guevara is remembered as the symbol of revolutionary power throughout Cuba. While in Santa Clara, visit the Memorial Ernesto Che Guevara where his remains now rest, after he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. Learn from you guide about the significance of this leader and how he shaped the Cuban history books. In the afternoon, we’ll reach the seaside paradise of Varadero – the largest and most stunning seaside resort in the Caribbean. With 20 kilometres of uninterrupted white sand, Varadero is the perfect spot to sit back and soak up the Caribean vibes with a cocktail in hand!

Accommodation : Hotel Memories Varadero – 4 Star

Meals Included : Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities :

Lookout Valle de los Ingenios

Ingenio San Isidro de los Destiladeros Visit

Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial & Museum

Santa Clara Walking Tour

Entrance Fees : Ingenio San Isidro de los Destiladeros ~ 1 USD

Enjoy a final morning in the Caribbean paradise of Varadero before we hit the coastal road back to Havana! On the way, stop in the seaside city of Matanzas – a place commonly referred to as a sunken galleon filled with hidden treasure. Dive deep into the history of this city’s jewels from theatres to galleries and churches on a guided walking tour. Next up, we’ll stop at the Bacunayagua lookout that borders the provinces of Matanzas and Havana. Soak up the scenic mountain views with a Piña Colada in hand. We’ll arrive in Havana with plenty of time to explore! Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a classic car ride through the city, so hop in an old-school convertible and coast the streets on an included one-hour tour. End the day with an included Cuban Salsa dance class at Casa del Son!

Accommodation : NH Capri La Habana 4 Star

Meals Included : Breakfast

Included Activities :

Matanzas Walking Tour

Bacanayagua Lookout

Cuban Salsa Lesson in Casa del Son

Classic Convertible Car Ride in Havana

After one final breakfast together, farewell your new travel mates and check-out of the hotel by 11.00 am. Feel free to explore more of Havana at your own pace before your included transfer to the airport.

Meals Included : Breakfast

Inclusions & Exclusions

The tour price covers the following services:

Accomodation : 4 Star Hotel and Casa Particular

Airport Transfer: Arrival and Departure transfers on first and last day of the trip

Meals : 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Transportation : Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle

Guide : Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

Sightseeing : Revolution Square, Los Jazmines Lookout Point, Tobacco Fields, Finca Campesina, Cuevo los Peces, Bay of Pigs, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Valle de los Ingenios, Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial & Museum, Santa Clara, Matanzas

What is NOT included in the tour price?

  • Any flights not mentioned above
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not stated above
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips & gestures
  • Entrance fees to the sights and museums
  • Optional activities
  • Other services not stated in the itinerary

Hotels & Accommodation

Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin or triple room, or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement. You may choose the solo room option when booking online or contact us to arrange a private room. Your tour leader will allocate rooms upon arrival at the starting hotel in accordance with the rooming lists, last minute changes may not be guaranteed.

NH CAPRI LA HABANA – HAVANA – 4 Star

Located at the heart of Havana, the historic high rise hotel offers spectacular panaromic views of the phenomenal city along with luxury.

CASA P. VILLA MARILYN – VINALES

This guesthouse in Vinales will make you feel at home surrounded by Cuba’s finest tobacco fields. You will have a comfortable stay thanks to the hospitable locals.

CIENFUEGOS PUNTA GORDA – CIENFUEGOS

This local accomodation offers its guests an excellent location at the point of Punta Gorda, and spectacular views of Bahia de Cienfuegos.

CASA PARTICULAR – TRINIDAD

With a private terrace and dazzling colonial architecture, Casa Particular will take you back in time at the heart of Trinidad.

HOTEL MEMORIES – VARADERO – 4 Star

Hotel Memories is a luxurious beach resort on the pristine coastline of Varadero, offering a romantic getaway along with unforgettable views.

Budgeting

Please note that entrance fees to sights and optional activities are not included in the tour price. Optional activities are not operated by Travel Talk and may require a certain number of attendees to run. Your guide will be happy to inform you further about the available optional activities at the start of your tour. Optional activities are also listed under each day in your tour itinerary.

Entrance Fees

• Francisco Donatién Cigar Factory — 7 USD

• Casa del Veguero — 4 USD

• Mural de la Prehistoria — 3 USD

• Jardin Caridad Gardens — 1 USD

• Playa Girón Museum — 4 USD

• Palacio de Valle — 5 USD

• Casa Templo de Santería Yemayá — 3 USD

• Cocktail at the Canchánchara — 3 USD

• Ingenio San Isidro de los Destiladeros — 1 USD

Shopping

Shopping for souvenirs is most affordable in places like local markets, where you can buy artisan goods straight from the craftsmen to support local communities and their families. Haggling for prices is also acceptable in these marketplaces. If you are looking for the perfect gift to buy while in Cuba, cigars and rum are the most famous and worthy products of the country. Head to Old Havana for the best prices and variety. Cuba is also appreciated for its scene of world-class art and artisanship, so we recommend checking out the artwork int he crafts markets.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Cuba, but restaurants add a 10 percent gratuity service charge to the final bill. This is considered a sufficient amount for a tip when dining out.

Essential Information: Cuba

Passport & Visas

Citizens of most countries require a visa (tourist card) to enter Cuba, including Europe and UK nationals. Please check with your embassy or consulate for country-specific visa requirements. You can apply for an e-visa online.

Your passport needs to be valid for a duration longer than your stay in Cuba. We recommend at least 7 months of validity from your arrival in Cuba. You should carry your passport or travel document with you at all times. 

Travel Advice

We are closely monitoring the latest travel updates to Cuba and follow the advice of the UK Foreign Office. For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, please visit

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba

We recommend all travellers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure:

Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/

New Zealand – https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

USA – https://travel.state.gov/

Travel Insurance

All passengers travelling with Travel Talk are required to have personal travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip. It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance for you in place, you may read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/travel-insurance

Health & Safety

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited is of utmost priority. As we monitor and comply with the official advice from the UK Foreign Office, as well as World Health Organization and government authorities regularly, we have implemented several policies and precautions on our tours for your wellbeing. You may find our Safe Travels Protocols at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels

Travel Talk Adventures has received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which allows travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.

Please make sure to regularly check your Government’s travel advice before travelling and be well-informed of any requirements. Your tour guide will also notify you of the regulations and protocols to follow throughout your trip with us.

Please note that if any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary or possess a potential risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to remove them from all or part of a trip.

Please consult with your doctor for the latest medical travel information and any vaccinations you may need. We recommend that you bring any personal medical requirements and medications with you as these may be difficult to obtain while on tour.

Weather

The best time to visit Cuba in the high season is from June to August when the weather is perfect for enjoying the beaches of the Caribbean. Temperatures rarely drop below 30°C, making frequent visits to the beach essential. It is the favorite season among travelers despite the high humidity. Cultural hotspots like Havana host some of the most vibrant festivities along with the crowds. You will have the time of your life exploring Cuba’s cultural nuances as long as you packed the essentials to make your trip comfortable in the hot weather.

Cuba’s tropical climate makes it possible to enjoy the country’s highlights all year round. The low season from November to April offers balmy weather with an average temperature of 25°C. The entire island is perfect for visiting at this time thanks to dry weather. Breezy nights and quiet time make exploring the best places to visit in Cuba blissful. Pay a visit to the historical Cienfuegos and Santa Clara to make deeper connections with Cuba’s profound past.

For more, check out our Cuba weather guide.

Money Matters

The currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso Nacional (CUP) and Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). We recommend that you wait until you go to the city center to change your money. Exchange rates are usually more favorable in the city. US Dollars are widely accepted, especially at upscale hotels and restaurants. For smaller services (including local meals or public transportation), be prepared to pay with colónes. Travel Talk recommends you do not exchange bulk sums of money at the airport, as the exchange rates are usually more favourable in the major cities.


Please remember that everyone has different spending habits, some prefer to spend more on souvenirs, some on experiences and others on a night out! Make sure to budget your trip to your spending habits for shopping, drinking, and tipping

Tipping is not compulsory in Cuba though some services such as restaurants add a ‘service charge’ on the final bill that includes 10% gratuity. If a ‘service charge’ is not already added to a bill, 10% is considered a sufficient amount to tip in appreciation of good service. You may also tip service staff such as maids and
bartender. Leaving a few extra colons if the service exceeds your expectations, is also appreciated. Tips for such services usually range within 1-5 USD per day. You may also consider tipping your leader and driver for outstanding service at the end of your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference.

Eating & Drinking


The most vigorous sides of African, Caribbean, and Spanish culinary traditions come together in Cuban cuisine to offer you the gastronomic experience of your life. Expect to find rice and beans in most dishes similar to the rest of the Caribbean, but Cubans have their own touches to these fundamental ingredients that make the scene unique. Boasting a fruitful, tropical climate, Cuba uses fruits and root vegetables as main ingredients in most meals. Here are a couple of our favourites to get you started.

For more, check out our Cuba food guide.

Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef gets blended with a flavorful sofrito-based sauce and forms the main element on a multi-dish plate. Sides include rice, fried plantains, and fried yuca.

Cuban Sandwich: The original Cuban sandwich has Swiss cheese, dill pickles, roasted pork, ham, and mustard tucked in two golden slices of Cuban bread. 

Bunuelos: Anise is used to spice the dough and later in the making of a sweet dip sauce for the figure eight-shaped donuts. 

Maduros: The best maduros are made with ripe plantains. They make a delightful sweet treat on their own, but you will also love them alongside salty dishes like meats and rice dishes, as it balances the flavor perfectly.

Essentials to Bring & Internet

-Face mask/cover and hand sanitiser enough for your personal use throughout the trip – See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/

-Travel Documents: Passport, Visa (if required), flight or transport ticket (and photocopies)

-Travel Talk Tour Voucher (printed or digital)Travel Insurance Policy (and photocopy)

-Personal medical kit and medicine

-Money (cash, credit card, travellers’ cheques)

-Power Adapter

-Reusable water bottle

-Ear plugs and eye mask

-Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

-Comfortable, closed walking shoes

-Wind/water proof jacket

-Warm clothes, hat, and gloves for cold weather

-Sandals, swimwear, shorts for warm weather

Internet Access

Wi-fi is readily available throughout Cuba. In many locations, including inside Cuba’s two international airports, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and some cities’ central parks, Wi-Fi access is free, however, the connection quality may differ. If you wish to use your own 3G/4G Data, be sure to enable data roaming on your mobile. Purchasing a Cuban SIM card for the duration of your tour may be a cost-effective alternative. Make sure that your phone is unlocked before you leave home so a local SIM will be compatible.

Your local guide will be able to provide advice on where to purchase SIMs.

Culture, Religion, and Traditions

Frisky, vibrant, and full of culture, Cuba’s reputation precedes it. Blending Catholic and Yoruba traditions, Cuban culture is all about the celebration and appreciation of the country’s natural and historic values. As you visit the myriad attractions in Cuba, you will get to know several cultural symbols of Cuba that are a calling card for its traditions. Cigars are one of them, so enjoy or at least observe the ritual of cigars from the very first step of production to consumption. So take your time enjoying your cigar as you engage in some heart conversations with the locals while you are there. Another symbol is salsa, a cultural element that is almost identical to Cuba’s dynamic spirit.

Etiquette and How to Dress

Cuban people are friendly and very hospitable. However, there are a few things you should take into consideration to avoid any disturbance as you travel. We advise not taking pictures of anyone without asking for permission. Also, littering the streets is considered highly intolerable and also illegal. For a comfortable stay in Cuba, you can pack lightweight clothes made of natural fabric, as the country has a hot and humid climate.

Solo Travellers

We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, please contact us. You may see out solo travels page for more details.

Rules to Follow

We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), bullying or harassment involving customers, partners, Travel Talk staff or locals. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a passenger are forbidden.

We will not tolerate any illegal activity, including but not limited to: use and possession of illegal drugs, trespassing, and disrupting public order. If you consume alcohol, please ensure that you drink responsibly and follow the local laws and regulations.

You must follow the advice of your tour leader and local officials regarding health and safety measures. We operate all tours under Safe Travels protocols for the wellbeing of our passengers, staff and communities visited. Please ensure that you have read the https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/ and are fully prepared for your trip.

If someone is acting inappropriately regarding these matters, please notify your tour leader immediately or contact us on the emergency contact number provided below.

Your tour leader has the right to remove from the group anyone not abiding by these rules, with no right of compensation or refund. See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/booking-terms/

Please remember that our travellers come from different parts of the world and will have various needs and preferences. Be understanding and patient with your fellow travellers, and always strive to be on time.

Responsible Travel

We believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with you, we strive to make a positive impact on local people and economies, respecting the local culture, environment, social fabric and customs; encouraging respectful and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/responsible-travel/

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Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
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