Cuba - An Artistic And Cultural Exploration

Having been locked in a time warp since the 1950s, Cuba is now on the verge of major change following the death of Fidel Castro in 2016. Now is the perfect time to visit before its distinctive character is further eroded. Our tour, designed to offer a flavour of the authentic Cuba, takes in some of the main architectural, literary, artistic and scenic highlights including the faded colonial grandeur of Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and the Viñales Valley tobacco-growing region.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Havana via Paris
On arrival into Havana, the group will be met and transferred by coach to our hotel for check-in. Dinner this evening is included at the hotel.

Day 2: Havana
Morning talk from Dr Peter Higginson about Cuban Architecture before departing by coach for visit to the Museum of Rum, followed by a guided walk through Old Havana including the Plaza San Francisco, the Plaza de Armas, the Palace of the Captains General (former seat of Spanish governors) and the cathedral. Lunch at a restaurant on the cathedral square. Departure for an orientation drive around the city in a vintage car, a very special way of exploring Havana, visiting the most interesting places of the Cuban capital. This panoramic city tour starts passing through the Malecon to the Miramar district, Revolution Square and the José Martí memorial, Then take coach to stop at the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba. Free evening.

Day 3: Havana
Morning talk from Peter on the Art of Cuba followed by a visit to the Museum of the Revolution (housed in the former palace of President Batista) which tells the epic story of the struggle of Castro, Che Guevara and others in the 1950s. Time for an independent lunch before an afternoon visit to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which houses a superb collection of Cuban art. Dinner included at the famous paladar La Guarida.

Day 4: Havana
Morning visit to the National Ballet (subject to availability); the largest ballet school in the world with some 3,000 students. Break for independent lunch and free afternoon. Early evening drinks reception at the iconic Hotel Sevilla. The rest of the evening is free.

Day 5:  Havana to Viñales
After breakfast, depart by coach for two nights’ stay in the western province of Pinar del Río. The area includes stunning limestone karst topography and provides the best tobacco for manufacture of Cuban cigars. Arrive at Soroa to visit the famous Orquideario - an orchid garden and research station with more than 700 species that bloom between December and March. Free time for lunch then visit the Cueva de los Portales (spectacular cave in a beautiful remote area; headquarters under Che Guevara during 1962 missile crisis). Continue to Viñales town, before arriving we will stop at viewpoint of the flat-topped limestone mountains known as mogotes, and then transfer to our hotel. Evening meal with a wonderful view over the karst landscape.

Day 6: Viñales
A morning walking tour in the mogotes countryside area with specialised guide, after which we drive to the Hector Luis Prieto tobacco plantation for a guided visit. After lunch (included) you’ll be taken to Viñales Town for free time to explore this traditional Cuban village. Evening free.

Day 7:  Viñales – Cienfuegos
After breakfast depart by coach to Cienfuegos via the Bay of Pigs, time permitting, for 1 night stay at the iconic Hotel La Unión, founded in 1869 and beautifully restored in 2000.

Day 8: Cienfuegos - Trinidad 
After breakfast, enjoy of a tour around this fascinating city.  Visit Palacio del Valle then continue with a walking tour of Cienfuegos that includes the Parque José Martí, the neoclassical Cathedral de la Purísima Concepción, and the beautifully preserved Tomás Terry Theatre on Central Square. After lunch we continue by coach through the countryside including the hills of the Escambray to Trinidad, and check in at the private Casa Hostal Lola for a two-night stay. “Casas” are a very Cuban idiosyncracy, where property owners rent rooms to tourists. Evening free.

Day 9: Trinidad
Depart by coach for a visit to Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the world. The visit will include the restored sugar mill on the Manaca-Iznaga estate, including its watchtower. Return to Old Trinidad for lunch, followed by a walking tour that includes the Museo Histórico Municipal (Casa Canteros), the cathedral and the 19th century Plaza Mayor and La Canchanchara, where you can try the unique Trinidad rum cocktail made with sugar cane juice. 

Day 10:  Trinidad – Sancti Spiritus - Santa Clara - Havana
After breakfast depart on coach back to Havana. On route visit the delightful city of Sancti Spiritus, and a panoramic tour in province of Santa Clara.  Here will be a visit to Ernesto Ché Guevara’s memorial and the museum dedicated to his extraordinary life, together with a stop at the “Tren Blindado” (Armoured Train), site of the turning point of the Castro led revolution. After lunch, continue to Havana for our final two nights.

Day 11: Cojimar, San Francisco de Paula and Havana literary tour
Morning talk from Peter about Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene in Cuba. Then depart on a historical tour related to Hemingway, the Nobel Prize winner and author of many classics including “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Old Man and the Sea”. You’ll visit the fishing village of Cojimar at the author’s favourite bar, La Terraza (lunch included). Continue by coach to the small town of San Francisco de Paula where we will visit Finca La Vigía, the home of Ernest Hemingway from 1939 to 1960 and where you'll be able to get a closer look at the life and work of this controversial personality. After this, you will be taken to Hotel Ambos Mundos in Havana for a brief visit to room 511, which Hemingway regularly booked in the 1930s. At the end of the day enjoy of a cocktail at one of the most famous bar/restaurants and also one of Hemingway's haunts in Havana, El Floridita. Farewell dinner at the renowned, chic Cafe del Oriente. 

Day 12: Homeward bound
Day free before transferring to the airport for the return overnight flight to London Heathrow via Paris.

Day 13: Arrive at London Heathrow

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 20 passengers.

Tour Grading: Please note that this tour has been graded moderate due to time walking between sites, and lots of standing for viewing at attractions. Please visit the mobility page of our website, or call our team for further information prior to booking. 

INCLUDED

• Return scheduled flights with Air France from London Heathrow to Havana via Paris
• Six nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the Marques de la Torre, Havana
• Two nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at Loz Jazmines Hotel, Viñales
• One night bed and breakfast accommodation at La Union Hotel, Cienfuegos
• Two nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at a private casa in Trinidad 
• Six dinners
• Seven lunches
• Transfers and full touring itinerary as detailed
• Local tour manager throughout
• Dr Peter Higginson throughout, including 3 lectures

NOT INCLUDED

• Cuban Tourist Card (must be obtained prior to departure online: click here for information)
• Double room for sole use supplement - £374
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Typically we use the following hotels, though we reserve the right to amend to hotels of a similar or superior standard. Please note that all ratings are local.

Marques de la Torre, Havana
This five-star hotel is in an excellent location near Central Park and not far from the famed Malecon promenade. Facilities at the hotel include a roof-top terrace with 360 degree panoramic city views, outdoor swimming pool, Cigar Lounge, and restaurant. All rooms are air-conditioned with modern amenities including TV, telephone, ironing facilities, safe, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Hotel Website

Loz Jazmines Hotel, Viñales
Charming three-star hotel boasting panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Facilities include bar, terrace with outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and comfortable air-conditioned rooms with TV, private bathroom and balcony.

Trip Advisor Reviews

Hotel La Union, Cienfuegos
This elegant four-star hotel is located in the historic heart of the city, well positioned for our tour. The hotel provides a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, terrace bar, and comfortable rooms decorated in colonial style.

Hotel Website

Hostel Lola (private casa), Trinidad
Casas’ are a very Cuban idiosyncrasy, where property owners rent hotel style rooms to tourists. The casas in Trinidad are some of the best and offer an authentic taste of Cuba.

Hostel Website

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