Best of Cuba

Best of Cuba

751 Views
10 Days From

$2608

$1522

Best of Cuba

10 Days Starting and ending in Havana

Visiting: Havana, Old Havana, Cigar Factory Tours, Bay of Pigs, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Cayo Santa María, Varadero, Matanzas

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

CB2

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-59

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From:
$2608
$1522 Operator discount: -$1043 Exclusive Tourhub Discount: -$43 -42%

NB: Prices correct on 18-May-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

Explore the unmissable sights of Cuba from the coastal boulevards covered in Cadillacs to the tobacco fields and the Caribbean's most picturesque white-sand beaches. This adventure offers up an exclusive look into the kaleidoscope of colour, chaos and charisma that is Western and Central Cuba! Get set for an abundance of Caribbean sun with three nights staying between the picture-perfect Cayo Santa Maria Islands and Varadero beach. Explore the famed tobacco factories and farms of the Vinales valley and delve into Cuba’s revolutionary history at the Bay of Pigs. Get a taste for Cuba’s true colours, culture and charm with our local, expert guides. Cuba is a country of undeniable enchantment with its butter-soft balmy beaches, lush green countryside, and colourful colonial cities, which crawl with 1950s Cadillacs and overflow with the scent of rum and cigar smoke.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana

  • Journey through Viñales valley to the tobacco fields of Casa del Vegeuro

  • Visit Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city

  • Swim and snorkel in Cuba's azure blue water

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Havana

Location: Havana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Particular Havana

Meals Included: No Meals

Welcome to the island paradise of Cuba! Keep your eyes peeled at Havana airport for your shuttle transfer to the hotel. Explore the vibrant city of Havana at your own pace before an informal meeting with your new tour group and guide at 7.00pm, gathering at a Casa. Afterwards, join in on an optional group dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your new travel mates.



Day 2 : Old Town Havana

Location: Old Havana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Particular Havana

Meals Included: Breakfast

There’s no city in all of Latin America with an Old Town quite like Havana’s. Today we'll hit the streets on an included walking tour through Old Havana and visit the main squares including Plaza de Armas, Templete, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja and Revolution Square. Then hop on board a Coco Taxi (aka Havana’s quirky-looking TukTuks) for a zoom around the Old Town before cooling off with a mojito in hand at Hemingway’s favourite bar, La Bodeguita del Medio. The evening is yours to enjoy. Follow the rhythm of salsa throughout the streets or find a lively bar and get amongst the local atmosphere.



Day 3 : Havana, Cigar Factory &Amp; Tobacco Farm, Vinales

Location: Cigar Factory Tours

Accommodation: Casa Particular Villa Marilyn

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we'll head to the picturesque valleys of Vinales, home to some of Cuba’s most beautiful landscapes with dramatic limestone mountains and lush farming fields. Head through the vinales Valley to Pinar del Rio and visit a region famous for its tobacco growing grounds. We’ll head to the Francisco Donatién cigar factory and watch the art of Cuban cigar rolling by the ‘Torcedores’ (aka Cigar rollers). Please refrain from taking any pictures or videos while inside the factory. Then, journey through Vinales valley to the tobacco fields of Casa del Vegeuro as we continue our fascinating history lesson on cigars and tobacco. Next up is the Mural de la Prehistoria. Your guide will explain the significance of this 120 metre long and 80 metre high mural. Finish up the day with a visit to the private gardens of Jardine Carded. Located in the heart of Vinales, these private botanical gardens are amongst the most beautiful in Cuba with over 190 varieties of plant. Please note: Tobacco factories are closed to regular visitors during holidays, weekends, company holidays and festivals. We cannot guarantee factory hours and in case of closure an alternative itinerary will be discussed with travellers.



Day 4 : Vinales, Bay Of Pigs, Cienfuegos

Location: Bay of Pigs, Cienfuegos

Accommodation: Casa Particular Cienfuegos Punta Gorda

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kick-start the day at Cuba's largest wilderness area - Zapata Peninsula National Park! We'll stop at the picture-perfect beaches of Playa Girón or 'Bay of Pigs' to check out the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. Your guide will then give you a detailed tour of the Bay of Pigs museum here to learn of the failed attempts of the USA and their invasion on Cuba soil back in 1961. We'll make plenty of stops throughout today's travels for breaks, including a visit to Finca Campesina at the rustic Finca Rest Area where you'll find a mini-zoo of native fauna and flora! Then throw on your swimsuit for a visit to Cueva de los Peces - this pretty spot is a popular inland sinkhole filled with tropical fish, making it the perfect destination for a dip or a snorkel! We'll finish our day in the portside town of Cienfuegos - Cuba's 'Pearl of the South' - with French-architecture and feisty Carribeans spirit. Take a stroll through the elegant plazas of Parque Martí, visit the Terry Theater, and marvel at the historical ocean-front villa of Palacio del Valle with your guide. The night is yours to enjoy in Cienfuegos.

Day 5 : Cienfuegos, Trinidad

Location: Trinidad

Accommodation: Casa Particular Trinidad

Meals Included: Breakfast

Set the alarms early for a morning walking tour through Cienfuegos with your guide before hitting the coastal roads as we make tracks to Trinidad. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city was once a thriving port and sugar town. Today, Trinidad gives a glimpse of eclectic architecture and authentic Cuban lifestyle. Follow your guide on a walking tour through the cobble-stone city to unmissable sites including the Casa Templo de Santería Yemayá and restored sugar barons for a glimpse into the way wealthy families once lived in Trinidad. After a big day exploring, park up at La Canchánchara bar and enjoy one of Cuba’s lesser-known cocktails, the Canchánchara – made of water, lime, honey and sugar cane liqueur!

Day 6 : Trinidad, Santa Clara, Remedios, Cayo Santa Maria

Location: Santa Clara, Cayo Santa María

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a trip through Cuba’s history books as we head from Trinidad to Santa Clara. Stop by the Valle de los Ingenios lookout and Ingenio San Isidro de los Destiladeros to see the valleys and ruins of dozens of sugar mills scattered across the countryside. Next up is the historic city of Santa Clara, home to all things Che Guevara! Guevara is remembered as the symbol of revolutionary power throughout Cuba. While in Santa Clara, visit the Memorial Ernesto Che Guevara where his remains now rest, after he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. Next up, the tranquil town of Remedios. Famous for its firework Festival - Las Parrandas – the town sets the skies alight in a berserk display of fireworks every Christmas Eve. Take a stroll down main square and explore the beautiful church Parroquia San Juan de Bautista with your local guide. Then continue to the island paradise of Cayo Santa Maria. Arrive late in the afternoon and enjoy free time to relax by the beach with a few refreshing cocktails and a Caribbean sunset. The night is yours to enjoy

Day 7 : Cayo Santa Maria

Location: Cayo Santa María

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Throw on the swimsuits, grab a snorkel or try out a new water sport! The day is yours to enjoy in Cayo Santa Maria. Fringed with white-sand beaches and azure blue water, there is no better place to enjoy some Caribbean sunshine with like-minded travellers.

Day 8 : Cayo Santa Maria, Varadero

Location: Varadero

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Memories Varadero - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a slower morning today, relaxing in Cayo Santa Maria. In the afternoon will head towards the seaside paradise of Varadero. With over 20 kilometres of uninterrupted sugar-white sand, Varadero is considered one of the largest and most stunning seaside resorts in the Caribbean. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the peninsula, swim, sunbath or take it easy with a freshing cocktail in hand!





Day 9 : Varadero, Matanzas, Havana

Location: Matanzas

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Particular Havana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a final morning in Varadero before we hit the coastal road back to Havana! On the way, stop in the seaside city of Matanzas – a place commonly referred to as a sunken galleon filled with hidden treasure. Dive deep into the history of this city's jewels from theatres to galleries and churches on a guided walking tour. Next up, we’ll stop at the Bacunayagua lookout that borders the provinces of Matanzas and Havana. Soak up the scenic mountain views with a Piña Colada in hand. We'll arrive in Havana with plenty of time to explore! Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a classic car ride through the city, so hop in an old-school convertible and coast the streets on an included one-hour tour. End the day with an included Cuban Salsa dance class at Casa del Son!

Day 10 : Havana

Location: Havana

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, our trip will end in Havana as we say goodbye to our new travel mates and check-out of the hotel by 11.00 am. Feel free to discover Havana on your own pace until your departure transfer to the airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Casa Particular | 4 Star Hotels

  • Airport Transfer

    Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1. Departure transfer to the airport on Day 10.

  • Meals

    9 Breakfasts | 2 Lunches | 3 Dinners

  • Transportation

    Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle

  • Guide

    Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

  • Fully Guided

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Meals not stated in the itinerary

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Tips & gestures

  • Visa fees

  • Entrance Fees

Add Ons

Local Payment: £

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

Trustpilot
James Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

29-Oct-2023

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

Danica Dee (Google Reviewer)  

I would 100% recommend the...

26-Apr-2024

I would 100% recommend the ANZAC Travel Talks tour, just finishing the 11 day tour here in Istanbul with our guide Mustafa. I travel alone and have done multiple tours with other well known and popular travel companies and this has hands down been the best!!! INFORMATION! Haha So much engaging history and knowledge from our guide, I found the tours of the palace and ruins with Mustafa very enjoyable. The freedom to skip a museum or tour to explore the city was encouraged. Meet back points and day plans were clearly communicated making it easy to have autonomy in a group setting. I felt like I was in charge of my own holiday and tour experience, which as a solo traveller who loves to do her own thing was perfect! We visited such amazing places on this tour that were bucket list items and once in a life time experiences! A hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, walking the ruins in Ephesus & Troy. The dawn service at ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine Gallipoli. I am still in awe of the amazing things we have done and seen in these last 11days! The country of Turkey itself is absolutely beautiful and the people here even more so. Very generous and kind, I always felt safe as a female travelling alone. The food AMAZING! Baklava, doner kababs, rice stuffed muscles and Turkish delights to name a few, will make you fall in love! Accommodation was big beautiful mostly 4-5 star hotels in great locations on the beach, in the city! Comfortable beds, ample space and an abundance of food! Most of our accomodation provided buffet breakfast and dinner. Not having to worry about where to eat at the end of a long day or before an early start was very convenient. The work placed into the ANZAC service, security and protection was hands down phenomenal. Multiple check points for security, Turkish workers handing out water, offering first aid, and clearly communicating and directing crowds for the services. All my anxieties for the day were put at ease seeing the work and dedication put in by the Turkish people and government. I honestly cannot fault this tour and want everyone to experience Turkey the way I have gotten to experience this beautiful country. This ANZAC tour will forever be in my memories and my heart as one of the best trips I have ever done! Truely, thank you, teşekkür ederim, Travel Talks Tours.

Caroline Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

My partner and I thoroughly...

25-Dec-2023

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our 9 Day Essential Turkey tour with Mustafa as our guide. His attentiveness to the group's needs was amazing, going above and beyond to ensure an stress-free experience. Mustafa provided valuable local insights, guiding us on the best areas to visit and helping us find good local deals. Overall, we found the tour to be excellent value for money, and we were particularly impressed with traveltalks accommodation choices—clean, spacious, and offering great meal options. Additionally, the inclusion of two drivers for our safety during long journeys added an extra layer of reassurance to our memorable trip. Thank you to Mustafa!

Tegan Bull (Google Reviewer)  

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey...

25-Dec-2023

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey with Travel Talk I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk, and let me tell you, it was an adventure like no other! From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, this tour was a perfect blend of culture, history, and pure fun. Travel Talk ensured that every aspect of our trip was well-planned. The accommodations were comfortable, the transportation was smooth, and the itinerary was perfectly curated to showcase the best of Turkey's rich history and vibrant culture. If you're looking for an incredible adventure in Turkey, I wholeheartedly recommend Travel Talk. Their attention to detail, knowledgeable guides (Mustafa), ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a thrilling travel experience, Travel Talk has got you covered. Thank you, Travel Talk for an extraordinary tour that surpassed all expectations. I'll cherish the memories and stories from this adventure for a lifetime.

Diane Horsman  

Fantastic tour, personable experiences

19-Oct-2021

My first tour with Traveltalk to Jordan was fantastic. Everything was very well planned, the itinerary was timed to perfection and jam packed with amazing experiences. The tour guide Issa went above and beyond to make everyone happy and have the best experience possible, taking us to local restaurants and telling us the best things to eat. Our bus broke down on the way to the Dead Sea and he dealt with it really quickly, and a replacement bus arrived in less than an hour. He treated us all like his friend rather than just a job which make the tour even more special. The hotels were fab and had everything that we needed, all I great locations to local attractions. I booked another tour but had to cancel due to Covid and Traveltalk have placed my deposit aside ready to use on the next trip. I can’t wait to book again with them.

Trustpilot
Eric Gunther (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 12 day...

12-Sep-2023

We did the 12 day Turkey tour with the Gullet option, and loved it! The price was super reasonable, Travel Talk was always extremely responsive whenever I reached out. Most importantly, we visited an amazing array of impressive historical sites, saw the profound and varied natural beauty of Turkey and enjoyed incredible experiences like hot air ballooning and paragliding. Mustafa was the best tour guide we have ever had. His knowledge and organizational skills were top notch, he helped with everything (even with arranging laundry services) and was hilarious as well. The food was tasty, the hotels were good and the boat trip was fun and relaxing with beautiful scenery and a lot of swimming. The cabins on the boat weren’t air conditioned and were pretty hot at night, so some people slept on deck where there were plenty of places with cushions where you could stretch out and get a good nights rest. I highly recommend this tour!!

1 Dates & Availability

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Saturday - Monday

Jun 08, 2024 - Jun 17, 2024
$2642 $1542

Operator discount: -$1057

Exclusive Tourhub Discount: -$44

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Saturday - Monday

Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024
$2687 $1568

Operator discount: -$1075

Exclusive Tourhub Discount: -$44

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Saturday - Monday

Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024
$2608 $1522

Operator discount: -$1043

Exclusive Tourhub Discount: -$43

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Monday

Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024
$3429 $2001

Operator discount: -$1372

Exclusive Tourhub Discount: -$57

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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