Cuba Experience - Havana to the East

You are free to arrive in Havana at whatever time you can today. We have set aside this first day for this purpose, so you won't miss out on anything, even if you arrive late in the evening. Your included airport arrival transfer will be provided. This will be either a government taxi or a private car, and will take you directly from the Havana airport to your guesthouse for the first night in Havana.

Your tour guide will leave a note for you in the guesthouse with some information for you to get settled and details of any tour group meeting times. The first of these will be a get together for dinner on the first night for those tour group members that have arrived in time.

If you do happen to arrive earlier in the day, you may have time to go and explore some of Havana. At some stage during the tour, your tour guide will include a walking tour of Old Havana. After confirming your tour booking with us, we will also send you a set of maps for each city you will visit in Cuba. This is like a mini guide book that we update every year - so it is usually more up-to-date than a typical guide book. We do recommend the guide books for Cuba however, especially for the background historical and cultural information sections.

We begin our day with a 2-hour walking tour through Old Havana’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed squares, the heart of the city since 1519. You will see beautiful examples of baroque, neoclassical, and eclectic architecture exploring iconic squares like Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza de la Catedral, home to the breathtaking Catedral de San Cristóbal. Each square tells a story of Havana’s rich history and cultural evolution.

Afterwards, we embark on a 3-hour journey to Santa Clara, a city deeply rooted in Cuba’s revolutionary history. Upon arrival, visit the Che Guevara Monument, a striking memorial complex that houses the mausoleum of the iconic guerrilla leader and a museum dedicated to his life, ideals, and legacy. Nearby, explore the Tren Blindado (Armored Train) site, where Che’s forces famously derailed a Batista regime supply train in 1958—a decisive moment in the Cuban Revolution. Walk through the preserved train cars and relive this pivotal chapter in history.

End your day with a leisurely stroll through Santa Clara’s streets, soaking in the city’s unique blend of history and modern energy.

Today we have a 6-hour journey to Bayamo, the cradle of Cuba’s independence movement, where the nation’s history was shaped. This historic city is not only the birthplace of Cuba’s national anthem but also where the first version of the Cuban flag was created. Learn about Bayamo’s pivotal role in the fight for freedom, led by local hero Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, known as the "Father of the Homeland." In 1868, Céspedes made a bold and revolutionary move by freeing his slaves and initiating Cuba’s independence war, marking the beginning of the abolition of slavery and the struggle for independence from Spain.

After delving into Bayamo’s rich history, we continue 2-hours east, past Santiago de Cuba to the serene Mountains of Segundo Frente, where you’ll stay in a beautiful location surrounded by nature. This peaceful retreat offers the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

This day is a continuation of Day 3

Our day trip to Baracoa, Cuba's oldest village founded in 1511, begins with a scenic 5-hour drive. We'll make a stop at the La M viewpoint for impressive panoramic views that include the notorious US leasehold Guantanamo Bay detention center. This location offers an interesting perspective on the region's history. Continuing our drive, we'll experience the winding road passing through the mountains. This drive provides beautiful views as we approach the coastal town of Baracoa.

Once in Baracoa, you'll see where the mountains meet the Caribbean Sea. This area is known for its natural beauty, local food, and traditions. We'll see El Yunque Mountain, a flat-topped landmark that offers challenging hikes and scenic views, and explore the local culture with a discussion about Hatuey and the area's Taíno heritage. We'll also enjoy Baracoa's local cuisine, including coconut dishes, fresh seafood, and the popular cucurucho dessert. You can take an optional visit to a local cocoa farm to learn how Cuban chocolate is made. Other optional activities include a boat trip on the Yumuri River through its canyon; exploring the natural beauty of Humboldt National Park with its diverse plant and animal life; or visiting the beaches, such as the white sand Playa Maguana or the black sands of Playa Duaba.

Founded in 1515, Santiago de Cuba was the first capital of Cuba and played a crucial role in the island's development and still maintains a vibrant connection to its past. We'll start by exploring the city's key landmarks, including the Parque Céspedes, the central square that is a hub of activity, and the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a beautiful cathedral steeped in history. We'll also see the Casa de Diego Velázquez, one of the oldest colonial houses in Cuba, and now a museum offering a glimpse into the city's early life.

On the second day, we will visit the sacred Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, a beautiful yellow church perched in the hills near Santiago de Cuba. See the revered image of the Virgin, explore the Hall of Miracles, and learn about Cuban faith.

Optional but highly recommended is the city tour which includes the Castillo del Morro, a well-preserved fortress overlooking the bay. Here, you will learn about the city's strategic importance and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. A visit to the Moncada Barracks, now a school complex, provides a deep understanding of the Cuban Revolution's beginning. It allows us to reflect on the events that helped shape the island's path to independence.

You can also explore the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, the final resting place of many prominent Cuban figures, including Fidel Castro and national hero José Martí.

Venture next to Camagüey, a city known for its artistic spirit and a deep-rooted Catholic heritage. Camagüey is west of Santiago, a fiercy proud city that was once home to wealthy Spanish families. This city is known for the purity of its Spanish language and the complexity of its winding streets. Visit art galleries, delve into the story of Cuba's ballet, and admire the beautifully preserved colonial architecture. Camagüey also has a history as a major agricultural region known for its extensive grasslands, cowboys, and cattle farms.

This morning we will stop at the Pauyet Art Gallery, featuring an intriguing local artist who specializes in alpaca wool, creating unique pieces of art. After our visit, we will continue to Trinidad, where you can immerse yourself in the colonial beauty of this historic city, founded in 1514. Trinidad, with its cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture, offers a glimpse into its rich 400-year-old pottery tradition and its storied sugar mill past. Known as a living museum, you can use your free time to visit one of several sugar baron mansions that have been converted to museums that share the history of the city.

For those seeking adventure, there is an optional hike to the stunning Javira Waterfall, or relax at the pristine Playa Ancón. As evening falls, Trinidad comes alive with vibrant nightlife and salsa rhythms; the nightlife in Trinidad is probably the most accessible and intense in all of Cuba, with numerous live music venues and many dance performances every day of the week, all amongst the enchanting setting of old colonial buildings and the cobblestone streets.

A short drive brings us to another coastal city, Cienfuegos, known as the "Pearl of the South”. Founded in 1819 by French settlers, Cienfuegos is celebrated for its neoclassical architecture and strategic importance as a port city, which contributed to its growth during the sugar industry boom of the 19th century. Key highlights include visits to Parque José Martí, the impressive Palacio de Valle, and the lively Bodega de la Plaza, all reflecting the city's cultural heritage. The tour also includes a serene visit to Guanaroca Lagoon, a natural paradise teeming with wildlife, including migratory flamingos. Here, guests can enjoy an optional guided boat tour through lush mangroves, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities while learning about the area's ecological significance.

En route to Havana we stop on The Bay of Pigs (Playa Girón) which is renowned for the failed U.S. invasion in 1961, which sought to overthrow Fidel Castro's government. Today, it stands as a beautiful destination with clear waters and rich marine life. We stop at a museum where those who are interested can explore the historical context leading up to the invasion, including the political climate in Cuba during the early 1960s, the details of the invasion itself—its objectives, key figures involved, and subsequent consequences—and the cultural impact it had on U.S.-Cuba relations. Visitors can also enjoy a refreshing swim at nearby beaches like Playa Larga or Playa Girón, taking advantage of the blue waters and soft sands. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity to explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life with a snorkeling or scuba session.

We will return to Havana in the evening, for an optional farewell group dinner and perhaps a night of music and dancing.

If you have more time to spend in Cuba before flying out, the tour guide can suggest a number of excellent options for spending a few extra days, and give you details on how to get there and where to stay.

Itineraries for the tour of Cuba can and do change during the course of the year due to a variety of reasons. We are not always able to advise you in advance of these changes. We ask for your understanding and flexibility in these cases.