Highlights
- Take a leisurely stroll through Havana’s Old Town.
- Explore the streets and promenades of Cienfuegos.
- Wander down the colourful streets of Trinidad.
- Enjoy traditional food in Viñales.
Day 1: HAVANA
There’s so much life in Havana, and yet this bustling city never feels overwhelming. The only difficult thing about the city is knowing where to start exploring. The best way for those on an 8 day Cuba group tour to get started is with a pair of comfortable walking shoes. The entire city is fascinating, but fortunately many of the main points of interest are within a fairly compact area. Take a leisurely stroll through Havana’s Old Town, with pauses for coffee (and Cuban coffee is amongst the best in the world), or for a magical mojito. The architecture of this part of the city is an attraction in itself. The first day of our
8 day Cuba group tours is the perfect way to ease yourself into Cuban life. You can even join your guide and fellow tour group members for dinner if you arrive in time. Please note that the first day of the tour is a joining day with no formal activities planned. We do organise your accommodation for this evening and an optional dinner with your guide and group. This tour does not spend a lot of time in Havana, so we do recommend booking an extra night or two here if you have the time. We can also arrange half and full days tours in Havana and its surrounding regions.
Day 2: CIENFUEGOS
We’ll show you Playa Girón, which is otherwise known as the Bay of Pigs. This was the site of the infamous failed invasion of Cuba. Its brutal history is nowhere to be seen, and it’s now an area of profound natural beauty. You’ll want to dive straight into that beautiful ocean, and don’t worry – there will be time. While most of Cuba was settled by the Spanish, it was actually the French who made Cienfuegos into the city it is today. French migrants flocked to the area in the 1800’s and their architectural influence on the city is obvious. On some streets you might think you’re walking through Paris (although with infinitely better weather). At the entrance to the harbour you’ll see the Castillo de Jagua, an ancient fort that allowed the city to withstand the pirate attacks that were once common in Cuba. Many buildings in the town have been given UNESCO world heritage status, and you might think you’ve never seen such a beautiful town… until we show you some other places. A harbour city by location, the ‘Pearl of the Caribbean’ has seduced Cuban travellers for years due to its elegance and beauty. Explore the wide streets and promenades or enjoy a walk by the Malecon, the longest promenade on the island.
Day 3-4: TRINIDAD
While Che Guevara is synonymous with Cuba, his final days were actually spent in Bolivia. Cuba felt he needed a hero’s burial and memorial, and this is located in Santa Clara, to where his body was returned. Our 8 day Cuba group tours will take you to this remarkable spot near Trinidad. It was in Santa Clara that Guevara and his rebels successfully derailed a military train carrying weapons and ammunition to be used against Fidel Castro. This act was credited with winning the revolution. After Santa Clara we’ll take you to remarkable Trinidad. Founded in 1514, the central parts of the city have been lovingly maintained, and you might wonder if you’ve been transported back in time. Many buildings are painted in sensational shades of colour, making Trinidad a true treat for the eyes. Trinidad was once the heart of Cuba’s sugar industry (and a lot of sugar cane is still processed here). You simply have to take a visit to the sugar district, where many of the old mills can be found. For a fairly small city, there’s an amazing amount of nightlife as well. Take the opportunity to visit a local waterfall, historic sugar mill or one of Cuba’s best beaches – Playa Ancon. An evening at one of Trinidad’s effervescent music venues is a must!
Day 5-6: VINALES
Viñales is reasonably close to Havana, and has been popular with visitors for generations. In the heart of the Pinar del Rio valley, most of Cuba’s tobacco production takes place in and around Viñales. This is the place to see where those world famous cigars come from, and to get some for yourself. The geography in the area is stunning, and the town is ringed by stark mogotes – small hills with sheer rock faces. As part of your tour we will organise a visit to a local organic farm for a delicious lunch. The nightlife is lively, but not as crowded as larger cities – just in case you don’t want to have an audience!
Day 7-8: HAVANA
We’ll welcome you back to heavenly Havana for the last days of your tour. Your guides will be able to tell you about some amazing places to see that you might not have considered. A tour of the city by classic car is included in your 8 Day Cuba Group Tour, so you’ll get to see Havana as a local would. As a special treat at the end of your tour we’ll take you to a special rooftop in Havana’s Old Town that makes a sublime mojito (or a non-alcoholic alternative). You’ll be taught how to make a classic Cuban cocktail before enjoying a farewell dinner with your group and guide, with an unbeatable view over the rooftops of the city. Please note that Day Eight is the tours departure day, meaning you are free to depart at any time.
What’s included
– 7 Nights Accommodation in guesthouses and Casa Particulares.
Casa Particulares are B&B’s with private ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning wherever possible.
– Experienced English-speaking local Cuban guide throughout tour.
– Meals: 7 Breakfasts./ Lunch./ 1 Farewell dinner.
– Transport
Arrival transfer.
Private air-conditioned transportation between destinations.
Additional Services
GUIDED ORIENTATION WALKS AT EACH DESTINATION VISITED
SWIM/ SNORKEL – BAY OF PIGS
MUSEUM GIRON – PLAYA GIRON
1 x DRINK AT THE PALACIO DE VALLE – CIENFUEGOS
CHE GUEVARA MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM – SANTA CLARA
INFORMAL SALSA LESSON – TRINIDAD OR VINALES
TOBACCO FARM AND DRYING HOUSE – VINALES
CITY TOUR IN A CONVERTIBLE CLASSIC CAR – HAVANA
MOJITO MAKING CLASS – HAVANA
Bottled water on longer car journeys between destinations (2+ hours).
Internet access cards (2 hours) to access the internet at various Wifi Hotspots.
For more information contact : res@rufaro.co.za
