Havana, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Gibara, Santiago de Cuba
AAre you looking for a comprehensive holiday all around Cuba? Want to learn about Cuba’s fascinating history and get a feel for the local culture and gastronomy? Check out this eleven day tour which takes you all around Cuba. A great for families or couples alike.
For more information on Cuba why not check out our Destination Guide and Top 10 Things to do in Cuba
Day 1: Havana – Jaimanitas and Old Havana
- Arrive at Jose Marti International Airport
- Your Experience Cuba guide will greet you at the airport
- Visit to Jose Fuster’s house in Jaimanitas neighborhood and learn about his artwork and vision for his community
- Drive to opposite side of the harbor for a spectacular view of Old Havana
- Check into accommodations in Havana
- Dinner reservation at a private paladar in Old Havana
Day 2: (B,L) – Havana Walking Tour
- Walking tour of Old Havana with local expert guide
- Visit to artists workshops and interaction with local artists, including a visit to one of the most popular contemporary Cuban graphic designers in Cuba
- Explore the San Jose Market in Old Havana
- Lunch at Los Mercaderes paladar
- Free time in the afternoon to spend time in Old Havana. Wandering the
streets of Old Havana with a map in hand is truly the best way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site - Dinner reservation at a private paladar
Day 3: (B,L) – Havana and Cojimar Fishing Village
- Head to Cojimar, a picturesque fishing village that was Hemingway’s inspiration for the Old Man and the Sea
- Participate in a Cuban cooking class at a local paladar
- Walk to the local market with your instructors and shop for the vegetables from local vendors. Back at the restaurant learn how to cook Cuban specialties such as ajiaco and ropa vieja
- After lunch, head to Finca Vigia, Ernest Hemingway’s home when he lived in Cuba. Tour the house with a local expert
- Dinner reservation at a private paladar in Havana
Day 4: (B,L,D) – Santa Clara, Che Museum and Piquete Melodias Orchestra
- Drive to Santa Clara (3.5 hours)
- Visit to Che museum and memorial
- Lunch at Saborarte, a delicious paladar in downtown Santa Clara
- Visit with Piquete Melodias orchestra, musicians who play 200-year old instruments and enjoy “Alegrias de Vivir”, the joy of living, a group of retired professional dancers performing the national dance of Cuba, Danzón
- Orientation walk of Santa Clara, free time to explore on your own
- Dinner in hotel
- Stay: Hotel Las Americas or Los Caneyes Hotel
Day 5: (B,L,D) – Camagüey, Artists, City Tour on Bici-Taxi
- Check out of Santa Clara, drive to Camaguey (3.5 hours)
- Visit to Marta Jiminez artist studio, if available talk one-on-one with the artist in her private studio
- Lunch at El Paso paladar
- Bici-taxi ride in Camaguey, tour all four plazas via bici-taxi
- Visit to art school and interact with the students and teachers
- Dinner in paladar in town
- Overnight in Casas particulares in Camaguey
Day 6: (B,L) – Camagüey Farmers Market, Art, Music and Dance
- Visit to a local farmer’s market to see how cubans buy their daily vegetables
- Visit to a bodega, a local ration store
- Visit with UNEAC art members and tour of their studios
- Music performance by Haitian/Cuban musical troup
- Enjoy a flamenco-Salsa fusion dance performance by an international-recognized troupe accompanied by live flamenco music
Day 7: (B,L,D) – Gibara, Finca la Belen
- Drive to Camaguey to Finca la Belen, a nature reserve located in Sierra del Chorillo (1.5 hours drive)
- Opportunity to hike or go horseback riding
- Lunch at Finca la Belen
- Continue drive to Gibara (3.5 hour drive)
- Arrive in early evening, check into hotel and have dinner
- Stay: Hotel Arsenita
Day 8: (B,L) – Cigar Factory, Fishermen and Wildlife Boatride
- Cigar factory visit
- Visit to marina to interact with fisherman to learn about their lives and work
- Take a boat ride up river, opportunity to see wildlife and local Cubans living near the river.
- Opportunity to snorkel if bay is calm
Day 9: (B,L,D) – Cuban Healthcare and Afro Cuban Religion
- Drive from Gibara to Santiago de Cuba (3 hours)
- Polyclinic visit to learn about healthcare in Cuba
- Lecture on Santeria afro-cuban religion by Cuban professor
- Check into hotel
- Dinner in hotel
- Melia Santiago
Day 10: (B,L,D) – Santiago de Cuba Walking Tour
- Walking tour of Santiago de Cuba.
- Visit to Moncada barracks, the site where Fidel first tried to overthrow Batista in 1953.
- Visit to Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Morro, one of the oldest forts in all of Cuba and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Lunch at nearby restaurant to the the Morro Fort with a spectacular view
- Private son dancing class with professional dance company
- Farewell dinner at paladar Zun Zun
- Casa de la Trova
Day 11: (B) – Santiago de Cuba
- Transfer out
Looks interesting? Want to chat about it or work with us on your own tailor-made holiday? Give us a call or email us for more information. Looking for something else? Check out:
Highlights of Cuba Holiday – 8 Days
Example prices: (Per Person in USD)
Groups of 2-3 people: PLEASE ENQUIRE
- In 4-star hotel: From USD $/person
- In luxury private bed and breakfast/apartment: USD $/person
- *Single Supplement USD $* – Approx. GBP £
Groups of 4-7 people:
- In 4-star hotel: From USD $5,578/person
- In luxury private bed and breakfast/apartment: USD $5,348 /person
- *Single Supplement USD $880 single supplement
For Larger Group Sizes Please Enquire
For more information on Cuba have a look at our Destination Guide and out “Top 10 Things to Do” and if these make you think about a longer itinerary, have a look at the other example itineraries on here and why not contact us to design your trip?
Why we love our operator in Cuba
In Cuba we work with a local operator who shares our values of creativity, authentic local experiences, supporting the local people, economy and environment.
“We’re a small group committed to travel to Cuba, with a long history of working with organisations deeply rooted in all things Cuba. We love it so much, it’s all we do (and we believe that makes our tours that much better). Not a tour person? Hey, neither are we. We believe in travel, not touring. We focus on the people – you, and the Cubans you’ll meet – to create experiences that are unique and personal. The options for what you can see, do, eat and experience are many – so many, they’re overwhelming.
With our eyes and ears on the ground, we believe that we can offer better programming and more authentic activities than others who offer many different destinations in their programming. We do our best to support small local businesses as well as young and upcoming entrepreneurs who share our passion and appreciation for responsible travel, the environment and Cuban culture.”