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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of Cuba

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Best of Cuba

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Description

From Cuba’s historical streets to the shores of the Caribbean, you’ll stroll through UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities, learn about a fascinating history and experience the music and dance culture Cuba’s renowned for. Dive into the incredible marine world and history of the Bay of Pigs, discover Baracoa’s mountainous surrounds, visit the birthplace of salsa and admire Trinidad on this two-week adventure. From historic cars to fragrant cigars, and with plenty of rum and rumba in between, this adventure will take you into the heart of all things Cuban.

Trip Name
Best of Cuba
Last Updated
2024-08-28
Days
15
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Discover the rich history and exciting nightlife of Havana – this city is like nowhere else on Earth! See the difference between city life and coastal life on a guided walking tour of the old capital.
  • Receive a fascinating insight into the rise and fall of the charismatic and highly celebrated Cuban revolutionary – Che Guevara – at his mausoleum and museum in Santa Clara.
  • Bust out some moves in Santiago de Cuba – with its vibrant music scene and Afro-Cuban roots, this place is the perfect spot to hit the dance floor with the locals.
  • Experience old-world charm in the colourful coastal town of Trinidad. Delve into the city’s sultry Latin rhythms with a salsa class and enjoy plenty of free time for seaside relaxation.
  • Take inspiration from the locals and mix things up with a bicycle-taxi tour of Camaguey – roll through the winding streets on two-wheels, visiting markets, plazas and an art gallery.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Havana
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cuba. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, consider a stroll through Old Havana to acquaint yourself with the colourful mix of '50s Americana, colonial architecture and budding modernity. There are plenty of good museums to check out, like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts). Maybe line up with the locals for a taste of Coppelia ice cream, or wander along the Malecon (ocean walkway) – the sea wall that skirts the coastline.
Day 2 - Havana
Havana's history is as colourful as its cars and buildings, and today you’ll get to experience the magic of Old Havana on a walking tour with your local leader. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, this well-preserved area remains virtually unchanged, making it one of the Caribbean’s most impressive historical cities. An air of faded glory comes through in the peeling paint of the grand old buildings, and the narrow streets, spacious plazas and Spanish architecture make it a charm to explore on foot. Visit La Catedral San Cristobal de la Habana, the Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras and the Plaza de Armas. Visit the Museo de la Revolucion to learn about the history of the Cuban Revolution, then you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Perhaps check out a cigar factory or cruise around outer-Havana in a vintage American car.
Day 3 - Santa Clara
Say goodbye to Havana and head towards Santa Clara – the final resting place of Cuba’s most famous son, Che Guevara. Visit his mausoleum and memorial – Che's remains were brought here after they were found in a remote corner of Bolivia in 1997, where he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. Check out the impressive bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle and learn about his life. Check into your guesthouse, follow your leader on an orientation walk and enjoy the rest of the afternoon free.
Day 4 - Bayamo
Today, continue your journey to Bayamo. On the way, stop at Ciego de Avila to visit a local jewellery workshop that sprung from a community-based project that provides training to young people and the unemployed. Much of the work on display here is from local artisan, made from discarded old silverware that’s repurposed and recycled. Arrive in Bayamo in the early afternoon, one of the original Spanish settlements, you’re more likely to see locals travelling on horses than in cars here. Take a walk through the slow-paced city, then settle in for a restful night.
Day 5 - Baracoa
This morning, hop back on the bus and travel to Baracoa through central Cuba, tucked between forests and the Caribbean Sea. On the way, stop at Guantanamo Bay and if time permits, visit a lookout for a view of the Guantanamo Naval Base and surrounding bay. Join your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings – the town was only accessible by sea until 1960, and even after a road linking Baracoa to Guantanamo was built, the settlement maintains a small-town feel. In your free time, wander along the beautiful Malecon, chill at the beach or explore the forts that were built to withstand pirate attacks. Maybe visit the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion to see the bust of the Indigenous leader Hatuey, who was burned at the stake for refusing to accept the Spanish and their Catholicism.
Day 6 - Baracoa
This morning, head to Boca de Yumuri Canyon. On the way, visit a local cocoa plantation and learn about these magic beans. When you arrive, take a walk in the nature and ride in cayuca (traditional boat) along the canyon formed by the Yumuri River. From the boat, maybe take the chance to cool off with a swim in the river. Then, return to Baracoa for a free evening. As one of Cuba’s major agricultural zones, Baracoa is a great place to try local foods like chocolate, prawns in coconut sauce and banana-stuffed tamales. Don’t miss the cucurucho tonight (a sweet treat of coconut, sugar and fruit wrapped in dried cone-shaped palm leaves).
Day 7 - Santiago de Cuba
A spectacular journey to Santiago de Cuba will take you through the mountains and along the Atlantic coastline to the dry region surrounding Guantanamo. Grab a windowseat if you can, to see the passing cacti and wiry goats. Arrive in the hottest place in Cuba – both in temperature and atmosphere – in the mid-afternoon. Set between the Sierra Maestra Mountain Range and the Caribbean, this city's historical centre retains a timeworn atmosphere, ideal for photographers. After an orientation walk with your leader, perhaps join with some of your travel buddies and head out for a group dinner. Alternatively, get a good night’s rest ready for a day of exploration tomorrow.
Day 8 - Santiago de Cuba
Set off on a half day city tour of Santiago. You'll visit El Morro Castle, Ifigenia cemetery and the Moncada barracks and learn about the city’s rich history. For nearly a century, the city was the island's seat of power and it also played a vital role in the Revolution. The people of Santiago were the first to rise up in arms against government troops in 1956, and it was in Santiago that Fidel Castro declared the triumph of the Revolution. The city is also famous for its energetic Carnaval celebrations and its lively Festival of Caribbean Culture. With a strong Afro-Cuban heritage, it's no surprise that Santiago has a vibrant music scene and is seen as Cuba’s capital of music. It’s the home of son music, which is a mix of Spanish guitar and African percussion. In the evening, maybe head to a live music venue and dance the night away.
Day 9 - Camaguey
Head east along the Carretera Central to Camaguey today. When you arrive, explore the winding streets – the city was planned in a deliberately confusing pattern to disorient any would-be assailants – and look out for tinajones (large clay pots used for collecting water). Stop by the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad to see its baroque frescoes, then the rest of the day is free to uncover more of the city’s history at your own pace.
Day 10 - Camaguey
Today you’ll take a guided tour of Camaguey on a bicycle taxi. Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cuba, and bicycle taxis are very common – in the confusing streets of Camaguey, it's a particularly good way to get around. Visit a local market, some of the local parks and plazas and an art gallery. Maybe head to a local farmers' market for an insight into daily Cuban life. There are plenty of interesting tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs available. Later, your leader will take you to a local bar where you'll get to compare white rum to aged rum – Cuba is known as the origin of some of the smoothest and most sought-after rums on the entire planet!
Day 11 - Trinidad
Travel through the centre of the country to Trinidad, which sits on the scenic Caribbean coast. No other city is as well preserved and the residents are extremely friendly here. Trinidad is also steeped in religion, including the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. On an orientation walk, you’ll see the former wealth generated by the sugar industry in the town's once-grand mansions, colourful public buildings, wrought iron grill work and cobblestoned streets.
Day 12 - Trinidad
Today, you'll have plenty of free time in Trinidad. At some point while you're here, you'll have the opportunity to get involved in an informal salsa class. Cuba has a hugely rich and varied dance and musical tradition that draws its roots from Africa and France. Many styles that have greatly influenced music worldwide originated in Cuba, such as mambo, cha-cha-cha, son and rumba. There’s also a chance to get a hands-on lesson with the musical instruments themselves in a percussion workshop. By now, hopefully you've learnt enough of the local rhythms to join in with the locals – maybe at a certain venue hidden within a cave! You could also take a hands-on percussion workshop. A bike is a great way to explore the local area, but like its cars, Cuba's bicycles are vintage, which means a little bit of practicality may be sacrificed for the romance. You could even take a trip to Playa Ancon and relax on the beach or go snorkelling through the clear waters (just watch for sea urchins, which can be a problem here). Party the night away at one of the town’s live music venues or attend a folklore show at one of the town's open-air venues.
Day 13 - Cienfuegos
Travel on to Cienfuegos, known affectionately as 'The Pearl of the South'. Part of the city's appeal lies in its colonial centre, which features wide Parisian-style boulevards and elegant colonnades. On the way, stop at Guanaroca Lagoon, one of the most unique ecosystems in Cuba, constituting an essential link in sustaining marine life in Cienfuegos bay. A large number of waterfowl find refuge in its waters, such as pink flamingos, sea corúas, gannets, Florida ducks. Take a boat tour on the lagoon for a unique opportunity to see these birds in their natural habitat. Then continue onto Cienfuegos. Drive along the peninsula to see Cienfuegos' architectural pride and joy, the Moroccan-influenced Palacio del Valle. On arrival, join your leader on an orientation walk to admire the city’s elegant architecture and glittering bay. Then enjoy an afternoon for your own discoveries. The province is known for its coffee production, so perhaps find a spot to enjoy a fantastic brew, visit the Jardin Botanico de Cienfuegos, Cuba’s oldest botanical gardens, or head to Club Cienfuegos to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Day 14 - Havana
Return to Havana today, stopping at a local cigar factory along the way. Here, you'll learn the process of manufacturing the most popular product of Cuba (the Cuban cigar). Carry on to the Playa Giro, which sits on the eastern side of the Bahia de Cochinos (the Bay of Pigs). With crystal clear Caribbean waters, a deep underwater wall and a huge variety of coral and fish, the bay is a haven for a taking a refreshing swim. Then, continue your journey to Havana. At the end of a long day, it's time for a mojito and one final night of salsa in Habana Vieja's bars. Hit the streets and celebrate the end of a fantastic adventure!
Day 15 - Havana
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-12-202412-01-2025AUD $ 2,762-
05-01-202519-01-2025AUD $ 2,873-
26-01-202509-02-2025AUD $ 2,535-
09-02-202523-02-2025AUD $ 2,535-
23-02-202509-03-2025AUD $ 3,380-
16-03-202530-03-2025AUD $ 3,390-
30-03-202513-04-2025AUD $ 3,340-
13-04-202527-04-2025AUD $ 3,255-
11-05-202525-05-2025AUD $ 3,200-
08-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 3,130-
06-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 3,130-
20-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 3,130-
17-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 3,195-
07-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 3,195-
05-10-202519-10-2025AUD $ 3,130-
19-10-202502-11-2025AUD $ 3,130-
02-11-202516-11-2025AUD $ 3,255-
16-11-202530-11-2025AUD $ 3,255-
30-11-202514-12-2025AUD $ 3,255-
14-12-202528-12-2025AUD $ 3,380-
21-12-202504-01-2026AUD $ 3,380-
28-12-202511-01-2026AUD $ 3,380-
04-01-202618-01-2026AUD $ 3,550-
25-01-202608-02-2026AUD $ 3,550-
08-02-202622-02-2026AUD $ 3,550-
22-02-202608-03-2026AUD $ 3,550-
01-03-202615-03-2026AUD $ 3,415-
15-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 3,415-
29-03-202612-04-2026AUD $ 3,415-
12-04-202626-04-2026AUD $ 3,415-
26-04-202610-05-2026AUD $ 3,415-
10-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 3,285-
07-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 3,285-
05-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 3,285-
19-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 3,285-
16-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 3,285-
06-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 3,285-
04-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 3,285-
18-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 3,285-
01-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 3,415-
15-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 3,415-
29-11-202613-12-2026AUD $ 3,550-
13-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 3,550-
20-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 3,550-
27-12-202610-01-2027AUD $ 3,550-

Accommodation

Standard guesthouse (14 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Taxi,Boat

Map

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