Viva Cuba - NEW
A comprehensive journey through the heart of Cuba; from beautiful Viñales Valley, through charming colonial cities and the sunny southern coast to Santa Clara, resting place of Che Guevara.
2013 Holiday Information
2014 Holiday Information
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Havana.
Fly to Havana where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. (D)
DAY 2: Havana.
Today is dedicated to colourful, eclectic Havana. Set on the north coast and built around a natural harbour, Havana's tumultuous history combined with vibrant energy and a romantic atmosphere has resulted in a beautifully abstract city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Havana's old centre comprises an interesting mix of baroque and neoclassical buildings, winding alleys and twisting, wrought iron gates. This morning, discover the city's authentic charm on a tour of the historical centre, founded in the 1500's. Walk by the Armas Square, the Templete, Royal Force Castle and through Cathedral Square until you reach the Palace of Cuban Arts & Crafts. Afterwards visit a cigar factory and a rum factory, where you will learn about the sugar cane process. After an optional lunch, the rest of the day is free so why not visit El Floridita, the bar often frequented by Ernest Hemingway? (B, D)
DAY 3: Havana - Viñales Valley.
This morning, head to the beautiful province of Pinar del Río. Located in the west of the island, this picturesque area is set against the backdrop of the Cordillera de Guaniguanico Mountains and surrounded by acres of verdant tobacco fields. The flat, fertile valley is uniquely dotted with unusual limestone 'mogotes' or hills, which resemble stunning limestone haystacks. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Pinar del Río before continuing to the serenely beautiful Viñales Valley, an enchanting landscape so distinctive and rare it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching the valley, home to underground rivers, caves and pin-cushion shaped hills, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B, D)
DAY 4: Viñales Valley - Havana.
Begin today with a visit to the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve where the Las Terrazas village, a site of beauty and tranquillity, was founded in the 1970s to provide a pleasant and prosperous lifestyle for the poverty-stricken inhabitants of the area. After time to observe the local artists and artisans at work, visit the ruins of a former French coffee plantation at Canada del Infierno, After lunch visit the San Juan River before continuing to Havana. (B, D)
DAY 5: Havana - Trinidad.
Head to Boca de Guamá this morning, and Cuba's largest lagoon for a short boat trip across the stunning, everglade-like 'Treasure Lake' to Villa Guamá - a reconstructed Taino-Indian Village. Spend time exploring the lush garden, learning about the indigenous Indian people of Cuba and admiring life-sized sculptures of Taino Indians engaging in everyday activities. Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum at Playa Giron which commemorates the unsuccessful invasion of the Bay of Pigs by a CIA-trained force of Cuban exiles in 1961, with the goal of overthrowing Fidel Castro. Continue your journey to Trinidad. (B, D)
DAY 6: Trinidad - Camaguey.
This morning embark on a tour of Trinidad, Cuba's 'colonial treasure'. Founded in 1514, this pretty town is brimming with decorative and virtually untouched colonial architecture, constructed between the 17th to 19th centuries, and is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll amongst the pretty plazas, villas and monuments that line the town and visit one of the local museums. Pop into 'La Canchanchara', a bar named after a Cuban drink consumed by slaves in the colonial era to keep them strong. Later, depart for Camaguey. (B, D)
DAY 7: Camaguey - Santiago de Cuba.
Depart Camaguey for Cuba's second largest city. Santiago de Cuba's location close to Haiti and the Dominican Republic gives the city a unique and individual identity, with cultural influences coming from the east as well as the west. The rest of the day is free to start exploring this enigmatic city. (B, D)
DAY 8: Santiago de Cuba.
After breakfast, join the sightseeing tour of Santiago. First stop is Diego Velazquez House, former residence of the Spanish Conquistador who became the first Governor of Cuba. The Moorish-influenced house is restored to its original colonial style, and features beautiful furniture and spectacular design. Next, visit the Moncada Garrison Museum, scene of Fidel Castro's first attack on the Batista regime in 1953, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Pedro del Morro Castle, strategically placed at the entrance to the harbour to defend the city in the 1600s. (B, D)
DAY 9: Santiago de Cuba – Florida Town.
Today drive through beautiful Cuban countryside to the small town of Florida. (B, D)
DAY 10: Florida Town - Sancti Spiritus.
Depart for Sancti Spiritus, Founded in 1514 by Diego Velazquez as one of the original seven cities of Cuba and looted by pirates until well into the 1600's, free time here can be spend wandering through the charming colonial city centre. (B, D)
DAY 11: Sancti Spiritus - Santa Clara - Havana.
Travel to Santa Clara this morning, and visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum where the remains of revolutionary Ernesto 'Che' Guevara and twenty nine of his fellow combatants are laid to rest. Continue to the Armoured Train, regarded by Guevara as a priority target for capture during the Battle of Santa Clara. After lunch journey back to Havana. (B, D)
DAY 12: Havana - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Varadero. (B)
DAY 13: Home landing in the UK.
Accommodation on Tour
Havana: Havana Libre; Viñales Valley: Los Jazmines; Trinidad: Las Cuevas; Camaguey: Gran Hotel; Santiago de Cuba: Melia Santiago; Florida: Florida Hotel; Sancti Spiritus: Granjita.
Cycle-taxi, Havana
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Cycle-taxi, Havana
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Cathedral Square, Havana
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Classic American automobile in Havana
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The Capitol Building, Havana
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Havana Harbour
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Che Guevara iconic sculpture, Havana
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Viñales Valley
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Trinidad
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Trinidad
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Cuban boys playing, Trinidad
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Theatre, Camaguey
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Local musicians, Santiago de Cuba
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Sancti Spiritus
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Colonial architecture
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Viva Cuba + Varadero Beach - Staying at Blau VaraderoWhy not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Blau Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
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Viva Cuba + Varadero Beach - Staying at Sol PalmerasWhy not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Blau Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
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Viva Cuba + Varadero Beach - Staying at Blau Varadero
Why not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Blau Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
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Viva Cuba + Varadero Beach - Staying at Iberostar TainosWhy not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Blau Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
-
Viva Cuba + Varadero Beach - Staying at Sol Palmeras
Why not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Blau Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
VISA REQUIREMENTS
A Tourist Card is required for entry into Cuba, the cost of the card is included in the holiday price and will be supplied to you prior to departure.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Havana.
Fly to Havana where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. (D)
DAY 2: Havana.
Today is dedicated to colourful, eclectic Havana. Set on the north coast and built around a natural harbour, Havana's tumultuous history combined with vibrant energy and a romantic atmosphere has resulted in a beautifully abstract city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Havana's old centre comprises an interesting mix of baroque and neoclassical buildings, winding alleys and twisting, wrought iron gates. This morning, discover the city's authentic charm on a tour of the historical centre, founded in the 1500's. Walk by the Armas Square, the Templete, Royal Force Castle and through Cathedral Square until you reach the Palace of Cuban Arts & Crafts. Afterwards visit a cigar factory and a rum factory, where you will learn about the sugar cane process. After an optional lunch, the rest of the day is free so why not visit El Floridita, the bar often frequented by Ernest Hemingway? (B, D)
DAY 3: Havana - Viñales Valley.
This morning, head to the beautiful province of Pinar del Río. Located in the west of the island, this picturesque area is set against the backdrop of the Cordillera de Guaniguanico Mountains and surrounded by acres of verdant tobacco fields. The flat, fertile valley is uniquely dotted with unusual limestone 'mogotes' or hills, which resemble stunning limestone haystacks. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Pinar del Río before continuing to the serenely beautiful Viñales Valley, an enchanting landscape so distinctive and rare it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching the valley, home to underground rivers, caves and pin-cushion shaped hills, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B, D)
DAY 4: Viñales Valley - Havana.
Begin today with a visit to the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve where the Las Terrazas village, a site of beauty and tranquillity, was founded in the 1970s to provide a pleasant and prosperous lifestyle for the poverty-stricken inhabitants of the area. After time to observe the local artists and artisans at work, visit the ruins of a former French coffee plantation at Canada del Infierno, After lunch visit the San Juan River before continuing to Havana. (B, D)
DAY 5: Havana - Trinidad.
Head to Boca de Guamá this morning, and Cuba's largest lagoon for a short boat trip across the stunning, everglade-like 'Treasure Lake' to Villa Guamá - a reconstructed Taino-Indian Village. Spend time exploring the lush garden, learning about the indigenous Indian people of Cuba and admiring life-sized sculptures of Taino Indians engaging in everyday activities. Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum at Playa Giron which commemorates the unsuccessful invasion of the Bay of Pigs by a CIA-trained force of Cuban exiles in 1961, with the goal of overthrowing Fidel Castro. Continue your journey to Trinidad. (B, D)
DAY 6: Trinidad - Camaguey.
This morning embark on a tour of Trinidad, Cuba's 'colonial treasure'. Founded in 1514, this pretty town is brimming with decorative and virtually untouched colonial architecture, constructed between the 17th to 19th centuries, and is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll amongst the pretty plazas, villas and monuments that line the town and visit one of the local museums. Pop into 'La Canchanchara', a bar named after a Cuban drink consumed by slaves in the colonial era to keep them strong. Later, depart for Camaguey. (B, D)
DAY 7: Camaguey - Santiago de Cuba.
Depart Camaguey for Cuba's second largest city. Santiago de Cuba's location close to Haiti and the Dominican Republic gives the city a unique and individual identity, with cultural influences coming from the east as well as the west. The rest of the day is free to start exploring this enigmatic city. (B, D)
DAY 8: Santiago de Cuba.
After breakfast, join the sightseeing tour of Santiago. First stop is Diego Velazquez House, former residence of the Spanish Conquistador who became the first Governor of Cuba. The Moorish-influenced house is restored to its original colonial style, and features beautiful furniture and spectacular design. Next, visit the Moncada Garrison Museum, scene of Fidel Castro's first attack on the Batista regime in 1953, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Pedro del Morro Castle, strategically placed at the entrance to the harbour to defend the city in the 1600s. (B, D)
DAY 9: Santiago de Cuba - Camaguey.
Today drive back to Camaguey and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B, D)
DAY 10: Camaguey - Sancti Spiritus.
Depart for Sancti Spiritus, Founded in 1514 by Diego Velazquez as one of the original seven cities of Cuba and looted by pirates until well into the 1600's, free time here can be spent wandering through the charming colonial city centre. (B, D)
DAY 11: Sancti Spiritus - Santa Clara - Havana.
Travel to Santa Clara this morning, and visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum where the remains of revolutionary Ernesto 'Che' Guevara and twenty nine of his fellow combatants are laid to rest. Continue to the Armoured Train, regarded by Guevara as a priority target for capture during the Battle of Santa Clara. After lunch journey back to Havana. (B, D)
DAY 12: Havana - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Varadero. (B)
DAY 13: Home landing in the UK.
Accommodation on Tour
Havana: Habana Libre; Viñales Valley: Jazmines; Trinidad: Las Cuevas; Camaguey: Gran Hotel; Santiago de Cuba: Melia Santiago; Sancti Spiritus: Rijo Plaza
Cycle-taxi, Havana
Previous
Next
-
Cycle-taxi, Havana
-
Cathedral Square, Havana
-
Classic American automobile in Havana
-
The Capitol Building, Havana
-
Havana Harbour
-
Che Guevara iconic sculpture, Havana
-
Viñales Valley
-
Trinidad
-
Trinidad
-
Cuban boys playing, Trinidad
-
Theatre, Camaguey
-
Local musicians, Santiago de Cuba
-
Sancti Spiritus
-
Colonial architecture
-
Viva Cuba + Varadero Beach - Staying at Blau Varadero
Why not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Blau Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
-
Viva Cuba + Varadero Beach - Staying at Sol Palmeras
Why not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Blau Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
-
Viva Cuba + Varadero Beach - Staying at Blau Varadero
Why not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Blau Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
-
Viva Cuba + Varadero Beach - Staying at Iberostar Tainos
Why not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Blau Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
-
Viva Cuba + Varadero Beach - Staying at Sol Palmeras
Why not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Blau Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
Visa Requirements
A Tourist Card is required for entry into Cuba, the cost of the card is included in the holiday price and will be supplied to you prior to departure.
General Information
Credit cards affiliated to an American bank will not be accepted. A charge of approximately 11% will be added to credit card transactions.
A tax of 25 Convertible Pesos (CUCs) per person is payable on departure from Cuba by air.
Viva Cuba - NEW 11 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Viva Cuba - NEW
Price from £1774 £1724
Just the tour £1205 £1155
Prices are per person
What's Included
- Flights: UK - Havana - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 11 breakfasts (B), 11 dinners (D)
- Travel on tour by comfortable air-conditioned transport
- English speaking guide on tour and local representative in resort
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
- Visa Cuban Tourist card (approx. £15 per person) All local and airport taxes/service charges excluding personal departure tax (approx. £17 per person)
What's Included
- Start in Style door-to-door local pick up Flights UK - Havana - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 11 breakfasts (B), 11 dinners (D)
- Travel on tour by comfortable air-conditioned transport
- English speaking guide on tour and local representative in resort
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
- Visa Cuban Tourist card (approx. £15 per person) All local and airport taxes/service charges excluding personal departure tax (approx. £17 per person)
Included Highlights
- Havana City sightseeing, cigar factory visit, rum factory visit
- Viñales Valley
- Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, Las Terrazas
- Trinidad City sightseeing
- Playa Giron Bay of Pigs Museum
- Santiago de Cuba City sightseeing
Included Highlights
- Havana City sightseeing, cigar factory visit, rum factory visit
- Viñales Valley
- Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, Las Terrazas
- Trinidad City sightseeing
- Playa Giron Bay of Pigs Museum
- Santiago de Cuba City sightseeing
Departures from
- London Gatwick
Departures on:
- Thursdays - 2013
- Thursdays - 2014
Departures between
19 Sep 2013 to 06 Mar 2014
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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