Cuba Uncovered - 15 Days

Welcome to Cuba! On arrival in Havana, you will be collected and transferred to our guesthouse. Our traditional Cuban guesthouse accommodation is one of the highlights of this tour!

The rest of your first day is free to head out and explore the city at your own pace. A group welcome dinner will take place in the evening so you can get to know the rest of the group and your tour guide.

Please note: Our Cuba tours comply with all regulations for travellers from both the United States and other countries. However, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct licenses and documentation to gain entry to Cuba. We suggest researching Cuban visa and border rules before booking your tour, as these rules are subject to change. We are unable to assist with visas, general licenses or other documentation.

Havana - Santa Clara. Today begins with a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Havana. We'll see iconic squares such as Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza de la Catedral, home to the breathtaking Cathedral de San Cristobal.

It's then time to leave the city as we head to Santa Clara. This town played a huge role in the Cuban Revolution and one of its iconic landmarks is a towering statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara - there's also a museum dedicated to this revolutionary figure which we will visit to learn more about him and Cuba's turbulent history. We can also see the site of the Armoured Train, where Guevara's forces derailed a government supply train in 1958, a critical moment in the Cuban Revolution. We're spending the night in Santa Clara, so you've got the evening to further explore the town. (Havana - Santa Clara travel time: 3 hours).

Santa Clara - Bayamo. On day 3 we drive to Bayamo, where Cuba's independence movement was born. The first version of the Cuban flag was designed here, and it's also where the national anthem was created. While here, we'll learn about the city's role in the independence movement and the role of local hero Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, known as the "Father of the Homeland". Freeing his slaves in 1868 was a huge moment that set in motion a chain of events leading to Cuban independence from Spain and the abolition of slavery.

From Bayamo, we complete our journey to the mountains of Segundo Ferente, where we'll be staying for two nights in picturesque surroundings. The rest of today and all of day 4 are at leisure to explore the area and relax - your guide will be on hand to help you get the most from your time here. (Santa Clara - Segundo Frente via Bayamo travel time: 8 hours).

Segundo Frente - Baracoa. On day 5 we make our way to Baracoa, Cuba's oldest village that was founded in 1511. Along the way, we'll stop at the La M Viewpoint for incredible views and a peek into the notorious US Guantanamo Bay detention centre. Our journey continues along twisty mountain roads to coastal Baracoa.

Baracoa is where mountains meet the Caribbean Sea, one of the most scenic destinations in Cuba. We're spending the rest of day 5 and all of day 6 here, and you'll be able to see the flat-topped El Yunque Mountain and enjoy local dishes including mouthwatering fresh seafood. Optional activities such as a visit to a cocoa farm and a Yumuru River boat trip can also be arranged, or you can kick back on the local beaches - it's up to you! (Segundo Frente - Baracoa travel time: 7 hours).

Baracoa - Santiago de Cuba. The next two days are spent exploring the first capital of Cuba. Santiago de Cuba was founded in 1515 and is home to many of the country's most important sites. During our stay here, we'll have an included visit to the sacred Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, a yellow church located in the hills surrounding the city. The rest of your time in Santiago de Cuba is at leisure, or you can join an optional city tour, which includes a visit to the well-preserved Castillo del Morro fortress. And you may also want to visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, resting place of Fidel Castro and other important Cuban figures. (Baracoa - Santiago de Cuba travel time: 4 hours).

Santiago de Cuba - Camaguey. On day 9, we leave Santiago de Cuba and head to Camaguey, a fiercely proud city known for its deep-rooted Catholicism and as the historic home of some of Spain's wealthiest families. Whilst in Camaguey, we'll visit a local ballet school to find out more about Cuban ballet, and you will have lots of free time to visit the city's galleries, admire the Spanish colonial architecture and lose yourself down its narrow, winding streets. (Santiago de Cuba - Camaguey travel time: 5 hours).

Camaguey - Trinidad. On day 11, we enjoy an included visit to the Pauyet Art Gallery, showcasing the work or local artists who specialize in using alpaca wool in their work. We then continue to Trinidad. For many visitors to Cuba, Trinidad is the highlight. This colonial city is remarkably well-preserved and has a fantastic nightlife scene - it's the place to get acquainted with Cuban rum!

Founded in 1514, the colonial city is something of a living museum, and you've got the rest of day 11 and the next day to explore the city at your own pace. There are several historic sugar baron mansions that you can visit, as well as an optional hike to the Javira Waterfall. Alternatively, you can relax on the local beach, Playa Ancon. (Camaguey - Trinidad travel time: 5 hours).

Trinidad - Cienfuegos. Say goodbye to Trinidad as we continue to the coastal city of Cienfuegos. Founded by the French, it's known as the 'Pearl of the South' for its classic architecture and historic links to the sugar trade. You'll have time to take in the impressive Palacio de Valle, and the lively Bodega de la Plaza before we head to Guanaroca Lagoon for an included visit. This natural reserve is known for its rich birdlife, mangrove trees and stunning landscapes. Flamingos can sometimes be seen here between December and April. There's an optional boat tour through the mangroves before we head back to Cienfuegos for the night. (Trinidad - Cienfuegos travel time: 1.5 hours).

Cienfuegos - Playa Larga (Bay of Pigs) - Havana. It's time for us to return to Havana, but we have one more significant stop along the way. We'll stop at Playa Larga, also known as the Bay of Pigs. It was here that the failed American-backed invasion landed in 1961, triggering the Cuban Missile Crisis and almost a nuclear war between the United States and Soviet Union. During our time here, you can visit a small museum which tells this story in more detail, plus we should have time for swimming and optional snorkelling at the beach (you can rent equipment).

Back in Havana, the rest of the evening is at leisure, though we may all go out together for a farewell dinner (not included). (Cienfuegos - Havana via Bay of Pigs travel time: 4.5 hours).

Our Cuba tour comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check out. Make your own way to the airport or your next destination. Safe travels!