Cuba Colonial

Arrive in Havana at any time.

Cuba’s capital Havana is a vibrant city teeming with beautiful if sometimes shabby colonial buildings, once the most heavily fortified city in the Americas. The city was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and it is now a diverse and fascinating mix of castles, fortresses and Spanish colonial buildings intermingled with modern high rises. The Old City (Habana Vieja), with its narrow streets and overhanging balconies is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the centre of the original city. Soak up the atmosphere as you sip on a Mojito, a refreshing blend of rum, lime, sugar, mint leaves, soda water and ice or maybe sample a Cuba Libre, made with rum, coke and lime.

Fly to Santiago de Cuba and take an orientation walk with a visit to Castillo del Morro.

Enjoy a free day in Santiago. Opt to listen to live music at the Casa de la Trova or visit the Revolution Museum. Explore this Afro-Cuban city by visiting important revolutionary sites, like the Moncada Barracks.

Head north to Baracoa. The area offers everything from beaches, to hiking opportunities and museums.

With free time, opt to hike near El Yunque or explore the breathtaking beaches for which this area of Cuba is famous.

Travel back to Santiago de Cuba for one more night before continuing west.

Arrive in the afternoon to Camagüey. Opt for a guided tour to get to know the city.

Camaguey was amongst the first seven villages founded by the Spaniards in Cuba and is now Cuba’s third largest city. Legend has it that the warren-like layout of winding streets was designed to confuse invaders and protect its inhabitants, but the locals dispute this! The city of tinajones (clay pots) as it is known, has many hidden plazas lined with baroque churches, galleries, bars and restaurants.

Enjoy an orientation walk and salsa lesson in Trinidad. Savour a local dinner as a group hosted by one of the homestay families.

Trinidad is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial settlement built on the back of the sugar and slave trade. At the peak of the sugar industry there were 56 sugar mills in the region. Wander the cobble-stoned streets, see the mansions adorned with Italian frescoes, listen to the troubadours strumming their guitars and watch the salsa dancing in the square at night. Just outside the town are the picturesque Topes de Collantes waterfalls.

Enjoy free time in Trinidad. Opt to hike in nearby Topes de Collantes National Park or visit Ancón Beach for diving, snorkelling or lounging.

Enjoy free time exploring Trinidad and surrounds.

Visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and museum.

Journey back to the capital and enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana. Opt to visit museums, tour the city by vintage car or attend a cabaret performance at the Tropicana.

Enjoy a full free day to get exactly what you want out of Havana.

Depart at any time.