A comprehensive tour of Western Cuba with improved value, discovering Cuba’s rich colonial history and natural beauty
(limited dates/availability)
Havana - 3 nights
Viñales Valley - 2 nights
Havana - 2 nights
Trinidad - 2 nights
Santa Clara - 2 nights
Varadero - 3 nights
Flight - 1 night
The expected influx of US tourists to Cuba has not materialised and given recent US policy alterations, tourism is unlikely to change in the near future as predicted. Much of Cuba's infrastructure was built to cater for the American elite in the heady pre-revolutionary days before Castro, and the island is still redolent with imagery of the 1940s and 50s, whether it be Hemingway's old haunts, museums to the exploits of the revolutionaries, the Tropicana Night Club, which still somehow echoes to the sound of Nat King Cole, the hotels run by 'Long Legs Diamond' and the events of the Bay of Pigs.
However, Cuba is not just about tourist clichés since there is much to see not only in UNESCO World Heritage site Havana, with its baroque cathedral, many forts and Old Town, but also the provincial cities and towns. Port city Cienfuegos, known as the 'Pearl of the South' was built around a stunning bay and its pastel-coloured buildings are a striking example of Spanish colonial architecture; UNESCO World Heritage site Trinidad is sometimes referred to as a living museum, with its preserved squares, and San Juan de los Remedios, officially recognised as the oldest city in Cuba, is home to beautifully restored colonial mansions surrounding the main square.
An island of contrasts, outside of the main cities, Cuba's countryside is surprisingly varied. Pinar del Rio province's Viñales Valley, home to a unique flora and fauna and over 17 endemic species, has been declared a National Natural Monument for its remarkable landscapes. Large limestone formations dating from the Jurassic period contrast with the lush greenery of the valley where the world's finest tobacco is grown.
Cultural & Countryside Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
5 UNESCO Heritage Sites
No Single Supplement
Group Size: 5 - 25
Visit the bar frequented by Ernest Hemingway in Havana, El Floridita, and enjoy a cocktail.
Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Havana. Transfer to the 4-star Riviera Hotel. (D)
Day 2 A city tour exploring both old and modern Havana. (B, D)
Day 3 Visit the local botanical gardens, then enjoy a Cuban cocktail and dance lesson. Visit Hemingway's House at San Francisco de Paula where Hemingway wrote 'The Old Man and the Sea'. (B, D)
Day 4 Travel to Viñales in Pinar del Rio, Cuba's most westerly province, 178kms from Havana and crossed by two spectacular mountain ranges. En route, visit the rural community of Las Terrazas. Spend two nights at the 3-star Los Jazmines or similar. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Visit the unique area of Viñales Valley, with its pincushion shaped hills and Indian's Cave. Also visit Veguero House, a drying house for tobacco leaves. (B, D)
Day 6 Pinar del Rio city tour, then visit a cigar and rum factory. Continue to Soroa to view the botanical gardens, home to over 700 different types of orchids, and the waterfall. Return to Havana for two nights at the 5-star Hotel Parque Central, located in old Havana. (B, D)
Day 7 Day at leisure. Evening Hemingway’s Haunt Special Event at El Floridita. (B, D)
Day 8 Travel to Cienfuegos (4 hrs) for a city tour including the old town, Palacio de Valle and a boat trip around the bay (weather permitting). Continue to Trinidad for two nights at the 5-star Iberostar Grand Hotel. (B, D)
Day 9 An orientation tour of Trinidad. Admire its beautiful colonial architecture, many squares and cobbled streets. Visit the city's museum and La Canchanchara Bar, named after a local rum drink made with water and honey. Later, visit the local sugar plantation at Manaca Iznaga. (B, D)
Day 10 Morning at leisure. Travel to Sancti Spiritus for a panoramic tour. Continue to Santa Clara for two nights at the 3-star El Central Hotel. (B, D)
Day 11 Santa Clara city tour includes Ernesto Guevara Square, museum and mausoleum. Continue to colonial San Juan de los Remedios. Sightseeing includes Plaza Marti, a beautiful square surrounded by colonial mansions, and the town's main church, Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, built in 1570 and one of Cuba's oldest churches. Optional visit to the Sugar Factory Museum including a steam train ride. (B, D)
Day 12 Visit the Armoured Train. Travel to Varadero visiting Matanzas en route. Three nights at the 4-star all-inclusive Iberostar Bella Vista Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 13 At leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 14 At leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Transfer to the airport for the overnight flight to London. (B)
Day 16 Arrive Gatwick in the early morning.
Notes
On occasion, the cigar and rum factory (Day 6) and steam train ride (Day 11) may be replaced with an alternative visit due to closure at short notice.
Travelling in Cuba is a unique experience, however, tourism is still under state control and on occasion hotels of a similar standard to those listed in the itinerary may be used. Advance notification of this is not always possible.
Half board is included in most hotels on the tour and food can be quite basic, consisting of rice, beans, pork, chicken and fish, although international cuisine is available in Varadero (all inclusive basis) and Havana. All vehicles are air-conditioned and the highways are reasonable, whereas minor roads can be in poor repair.
A 5-star hotel situated in the Old Town of Havana, just a short distance from the Capitol building. Restaurants, bars, rooftop pools, jacuzzi, WiFi (chargeable) and stunning city views. 427 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV. Accommodation is in the main building or the new Torre section.
A 3-star hotel in the Vedado district of Havana, across from the Malecon waterside walk. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, safe and satellite TV.
Located in peaceful surroundings with fantastic views of the Viñales Valley. A 3-star hotel with restaurants, bar, pool and 78 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
Located in the heart of the city, this boutique 5-star adults only hotel offers Trinidad’s most sought-after accommodation. The colonial building houses a restaurant, lobby bar, WiFi (free) and 40 spacious air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A 3-star hotel in the centre of Santa Clara. Restaurant and bar. 26 rooms with private facilities.
The 4-star all-inclusive Iberostar Bella Vista Hotel opened in 2017. Restaurants, bars, coffee shop, boutiques and pool. 827 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, satellite TV and mini-bar.
Notes
Tourism is still under state control and on occasion hotels of a similar standard to those listed in the itinerary may be used. Advance notification of this is not always possible. Half board is included in some hotels on the tour and local restaurants where food can be quite basic, consisting of rice, beans, pork, chicken and fish, although international cuisine is available in Varadero, (all-inclusive basis) and Havana. In the rest of Cuba, especially in the west and centre of the island (excluding Trinidad), accommodation options are more limited and often simple so we have selected the most suitable hotels, a basic 2 and 3-star standard.
Varadero Extension
Spend three nights (four nights Jan -14 Mar) in Cuba's most popular Caribbean resort, a long slender strip of sand overlooking the sea.
Day 1 Transfer to the 4-star all-inclusive Iberostar Bella Vista for a four-night stay. (B, L, D)
Day 2 At leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 3 At leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Transfer to the airport for the overnight flight to London. (B)
Day 5 Arrive Gatwick in the early morning.
The 4-star all-inclusive Iberostar Bella Vista Hotel opened in 2017. Restaurants, bars, coffee shop, boutiques and pool. 827 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, satellite TV and mini-bar.
2019
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick
(Sep & Oct 10 operate on Air Europa airlines)
| January 24 | £2745 |
| February 7 | £2745 |
| February 21 | £2745 |
| February 28 | £2745 |
| March 7 | £2645 |
| March 14 | £2745 |
| March 28 | £2845 |
| April 4 | £3195 |
| April 25 | £2695 |
| May 9 | £2345 |
| September 19 | £2345 |
| October 10 | £2345 |
| October 24 | £2345 |
| November 7 | £2595 |
| November 14 | £2595 |
| November 28 | £2545 |
2020
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick
(Sep & Oct 10 operate on Air Europa airlines)
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick
(limited dates/availability)
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Limited availability, on these dates:
2019: May 9, Sep 19, Oct 10 & 24
Single supplement £445
Flight Options
Virgin Premium Economy from £545
Virgin Upper Class from £1845
Extension Options
Extension - Varadero
Iberostar Bella Vista
(4 nights Jan-14 Mar)
£445
Single supplement £145
Iberostar Bella Vista
(3 nights Mar 28 onwards)
£265
(Jan-Mar 2020 £345)
Single supplement £110
Independent Arrival
Save £700
Arrival transfer add £15
Departure transfer add £75
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 14 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 4 lunches & 14 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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