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The Best of Cuba

DURATION

12 days

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels & Guesthouses

DIFFICULTY
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LOCATION

Caribbean, Cuba

MEETING POINT

Jose Marti International Airport

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When you book onto one of our trips you will receive a login to the Vamoos app. This will provide you with all the information you need including countdowns, weather, itineraries, documentation and advice for your trip. Click here for more info

FROM

£3300

Challenge rating

cuba map
cuba map

The Best of Cuba

Welcome to the “Best of Cuba” tour, an unforgettable journey through one of the most captivating countries in the world. This 12-day trip is designed to showcase the very best of Cuba, from its rich history and culture to its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Starting in Havana, you’ll explore the city’s historic Old Town, with its colorful colonial architecture, vintage cars, and lively music scene. You’ll visit museums, galleries, and cultural centers, and meet local artists and musicians who will give you a firsthand look at Cuba’s unique culture.

From Havana you’ll journey to the charming town of Viñales, located in the heart of Cuba’s tobacco country. Here, you’ll tour local tobacco farms, learn about the traditional methods of cigar-making, and explore the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Next is the historic city of Trinidad, where you’ll step back in time to the colonial era. You’ll wander the cobblestone streets, visit museums and galleries, and dance the night away to live music in the town square.

Throughout the trip, you’ll stay in comfortable, locally-owned accommodations, and enjoy delicious Cuban cuisine, from classic dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo to fresh seafood and tropical fruit. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Cuba is truly a destination like no other. Join us on the “Best of Cuba” tour, and experience the magic of this captivating country for yourself!

What is 'The Best of Cuba' like?
Gallery
PHOTO-2023-03-24-22-22-43
Topes de Collantes waterfall
Vinales street bar
Vinales tobacco farm
Vinales-2
What's Included
Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Havana

    Arrival in Havana Arrival at Jose Marti International airport. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation in Havana for two nights. Spend the rest of the late afternoon and evening relaxing after your long flight or stroll around the old town for a cocktail and something to eat.

  • Day 2: Havana

    Havana This morning, after breakfast, we’ll start with a bike-fitting session at Cubania’s bike workshop in the Miramar district of Havana. The Cubania guide will give a safety briefing: introducing you to the bikes and giving you an overview of safe cycling techniques when in a group. Departing Miramar district, we’ll embark on a fun and insightful exploration of Havana on two wheels. The ride will feature the following distinct parts of the capital; Playa, Rio Almendares, Plaza de la Revolución, Vedado, Centro Habana, La Habana Vieja, La Bahía de La Habana. The ride ends next to the Bay of Havana. After lunch at a ‘paladar’ private restaurant we continue by foot to discover Old Havana’s four beautifully renovated colonial plazas. Havana is bustling capital full of wonderful sights and sounds. Its marvellous monuments, cathedrals and palaces make it one of the cities with the finest surviving Spanish colonial complex in the Americas. This evening is free for you to get an early night or continue exploring Havana on your own.

  • Day 3 : Havana - Viñales

    Havana - Viñales Morning check, out of our hotel and departure for Viñales in the West of Cuba. Approximate drive time of 2 ½ hours. On arrival, we meet a local guide who takes us on a light trek (Sendero Valle del Silencio) through this enchanting countryside, famous for its mogotes, or karsts, which were created in the Jurassic Period when the ceilings of the massive cave system fell, leaving the steep walls which turned into these unique mountains. This is where the world’s finest tobacco is grown, and we walk through tobacco plantations and learn how it’s grown. Today’s included lunch will be a packed-lunch picnic. In the afternoon after trek, you check into your hotel for three nights. Early evening we’ll enjoy and introductory salsa class with local teachers in a Cuban home. The class will last about 1 hour and will give you the confidence to try your moves tonight! This evening is free for you to explore the charming village of Viñales which offers a good variety of bars, restaurants and live music venues.

  • Day 4: Viñales

    Viñales Today we’ll get a feel for the surrounding rural countryside of Viñales Valley, learning about the lives of the local residents as well as Cuba’s crops and famous export – tobacco. A short 10 minute transfer from the town brings us to the start of the trail (Rancho San Vicente to Rio Doble Via). The day’s trek is mainly along the valley floor visiting farming communities and climbing “mogotes”. Today we will also have the opportunity to visit the "Santo Tomas" cave. Inside, the numerous stalactites and stalagmites, underground pools and other interesting rock formations, as well as a replica of an ancient Indian mural, stand out. In the early evening we’ll regroup and drive to the other side of the ‘Valle del Silencio’ and watch the sunset from ‘Finca de Wilfredo’ organic farm, overlooking the valley and dishing up hearty Cuban countryside cuisine. In the evening we return to our hotel for overnight.

  • Day 5: Viñales – Matanzas

    Viñales – Matanzas After an early breakfast, we check out of our casas and head for Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve tucked away in the Sierra del Rosario Mountains. Transfer time approximately 1 ½ hours. Las Terrazas community is a natural area of around 5,000 hectares which has been developed as a sustainable rural economy for eco-tourism. Created after the Revolution to replant the area which had suffered badly from over-foresting, it is now a haven for migrating birds from the North. We enjoy a nature walk around the Buenavista coffee plantations. It’s a great opportunity to see some of Cuba’s astonishingly varied birdlife. You’ll catch glimpses of the Tocororo (Cuban Trogon) which is Cuba’s national bird, replendant in its red, white, blue and black plumage. You will probably see hummingbirds and woodpeckers too. After lunch we continue our journey with a 3-hour drive to Matanzas City, arriving in time for Check in and overnight. Dinner in a local paladar afterwards with live music.  

  • Day 6: Matanzas – Santa Clara

    Matanzas – Santa Clara After breakfast, this morning we check out of our accommodation in the heart of Matanzas. If time was tight yesterday, we spend an hour exploring Matanzas before setting off along the coastline due East. Our destination is the Bellamar Caves where we have a visit before continuing our journey East. Lunch today is at an organic Farm and Pottery. Enjoy a delicious Cuban country lunch in rural surroundings. We then get back on the bus and continue to Santa Clara. Santa Clara was founded in 1689 by settlers who fled the coast fearing the ongoing pirate insurgencies; But the city it is best known for the historic events that surround the great revolutionist Che Guevara. Che led the rebels in the battle of Santa Clara, a decisive victory over Batista´s army that resulted in the triumph of the revolution. Our accommodation will be in a Santa Clara city. We will visit Che’s mausoleum either tonight or tomorrow morning.

  • Day 7: Santa Clara – Trinidad via Topes de Collantes

    Santa Clara – Trinidad via Topes de Collantes From Santa Clara we head to beautiful Topes de Collantes, a natural park in the mountains above Trinidad de Cuba dotted with magical waterfalls and cool pools. You might like to stop for a dip as we go for a walk (approx. 2 hours) on the “Guanayara” trail. After a light lunch at the hacienda "La Gallega" we head downhill to the charming town of Trinidad, a World Heritage Site and the jewel in Cuba’s patrimonial crown. Tonight, we’ll be staying in casas particulares. Accommodation is simple but rooms are clean, with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Evening walking tour of Trinidad finishing in Esquina 373 with a cocktail making class and a delicious meal before heading out to explore Trinidad’s vibrant nightlife.

  • Day 8: Trinidad

    Trinidad This morning we set to the nearby “Valle de los Ingenios” which was one of the greatest producers of sugar cane in the 18th and 19th Century. We will have time to visit the San Isidro, a former sugar cane farm and mill, at the heart of the Valle de los Ingenios and enjoy incredible birdseye views of the valley by taking a ziplining course which soars over the Valle de los Ingenios. Returning to Trinidad we’ll visit local artisans in Manaca Iznaga. It's a small village which grew up around the former sugar plantation. We visit the plaza where can we see how the local women traditional textile making particularly embroidery and lacemaking. After that we’ll take a short transfer in bus to nearby Playa Ancon beach where we’ll enjoy a beach BBQ lunch and drinks, and time to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Beach. In the afternoon back to Trinidad for a walking tour for the centre city.

  • Day 9: Trinidad – Playa Larga

    Trinidad – Playa Larga After breakfast we take the bus to Cienfuegos, a beautiful coastal city located on one of Cuba’s finest natural bays. Today we explore Cienfuegos beautiful bay – by kayak! After a safety briefing, we set off in the protected waters of the bay, stopping at fisherman’s islets for a rest ( or for a swim). We finish the kayak tour close to the Jagua castle on the mouth of the bay where we stop for lunch on dry land. After lunch we head directly towards the Zapata Swamp, or Bay of Pigs, site of the CIA backed invasion of Cuba in April 1961. The area is a National Park and a protected area, an important breeding site for the Cuban Crocodile and a natural habitat for the World’s smallest bird – the bee hummingbird. Check in and overnight in Playa Larga. Dinner on Beach

  • Day 10: Playa Larga - Havana

    Playa Larga - Havana Early Breakfast and check out. We’ll take our bus for a short ride to Punta Perdiz for snorkelling and lunch. The Bay of Pigs is well known for its coral heads and marine life. Access to the sea is via a rocky promontory with ladders fixed for easier entry. Basic snorkelling equipment included but some may prefer to bring their own masks and snorkels. In the afternoon we head into Old Havana for our last two nights in Cuba.

  • Day 11: Havana

    Havana After breakfast, your guide will take you on a city tour of old Havana where we will visit the new Havana. we’ll meet local entrepreneurs, Clandestina, major players in graphic design landscape and fashion in New Cuba. We will also visit to Beyond Roots, an organization which offers a fascinating insight into the Afro-Cuban cultural heritage, especially its religion, Santeria, which is practised by modern Cubans of all ethnicities. Cuba’s enormous colonial wealth was built on the enslavement of Africans, who worked the sugar cane fields and produced the “white gold” which made Cuba rich. We learn how Cuba’s Santeria religion springs is rooted in West African Yoruba culture and we discover how it gave enslaved people the strength to survive terrible hardship. In the evening we’ll regroup at the casa and embark on a tour of Havana by 1950’s US classic cars. The tour will feature the lush woodlands of ‘Parque Almendares’ as well as Revolution Square and Malecon coastal road before ending in the Old Town. We’ll have a special last dinner together at a local paladar. After dinner we’ll go to the Hostal Boutique Malecon 663 where we will enjoy the last night with live music and some cocktails included

  • Day 12: Departure Day

    Departure Day Free morning in Old Havana and transfer to Airport. Havana to the International Airport of Havana Jose Martí. Please have in mind that you need to be at the airport at least 3hrs before flight departure.

  • Day 1

    3* Casa – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 2

    3* Casa – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 3

    3* Hotel – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 4

    3* Hotel – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 5

    3* Hotel – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 6

    3* Hotel – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 7

    Casa – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 8

    Casa – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 9

    Casa – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 10

    Casa – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 11

    Casa – Twin Room
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 12

    Flight
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Our Different Types Of Trips

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Bucketlister Trips

Bucketlister trips are our standard for all our incredible trips. When you book a Bucketlister trip we will organise everything for you from the first to the last location on your adventure and you'll have a local guide with you every step of the way. All you'll need to organise is your own flights and transfers. (Additional Options for Land Only Transfers)

Bucketlister+ Trips

Bucketlister+ trips are a done-for-you service from start to finish. We organise everything for you. You'll have a UK Guide with you all steps of the way and all you'll have to do is just pack you bag. (Additional Options for UK Group Flights & Transfers)

Trailblazer Trips

Trailblazer trips are our first run throughs of our trips. Get the benefits of a Bucketlister+ Trip at the cost of a Bucketlister and all we'll ask for in return is your feedback! For more information click here!

Bucketlister trips are our standard for all our incredible trips. When you book a Bucketlister trip we will organise everything for you from the first to the last location on your adventure and you’ll have a local guide with you every step of the way. All you’ll need to organise is your own flights and transfers. (Additional Options for Land Only Transfers)

Bucketlister+ trips are a done-for-you service from start to finish. We organise everything for you. You’ll have a UK Guide with you all steps of the way and all you’ll have to do is just pack you bag. (Additional Options for UK Group Flights & Transfers)

Trailblazer trips are our first run throughs of our trips. Get the benefits of a Bucketlister+ Trip at the cost of a Bucketlister and all we’ll ask for in return is your feedback! For more information click here!

Dates & Availability
Reviews

Here’s what some of our awesome customers had to say:

The Bucket list company are an amazing find for solo adventure’s,I’ve been on three trips so far and have just booked another, If you fancy climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking though the Andes mountains or visiting the Treasury at Petra have a look at the bucket list company I would highly recommend them, The itinerary of all the trips has been well thought out from start to finish, The main thing that attracted me to use the bucket list company in the first place was having a uk guide go on the adventure with you..

Great company to book with, easy payment options, clear communication, and responds quickly to any enquiries. Have booked with The Bucket List Company twice now. Looking forward to my next trip in 2024 to K2 Base Camp. They arrange everything about your trip, you simply have to pay & go! They make it affordable for every budget. Highly recommend.

TBLC’s customer service; passionate team; mixed age groups; expert planning; networks of highly knowledgeable local tour guides and local chefs, combine for amazing experiences! We have enjoyed two great adventures with TBLC (including successful summits of Kilimanjaro, in 2019, and Mt Toubkal, in April 2023) and look forward to booking the next. I highly recommend TBLC to anyone considering an altitude challenge. I would also strongly recommend TBLC’s four day Toubkal trek over a two day trek (as offered by other companies). The extra two days mean you have chance to bond more with your group ahead of the summit night, as well as getting to spend more time walking in the stunning Atlas Mountains. The traditional Moroccan food served throughout this trip is another real selling point! – Eleanor May 2023

The bucket list company do exactly that, offer bucket list trips. Just come back from climbing kilimanjaro with them, Keith was there the whole way through to guide and advise us, he used exceptional porters and guides on the mountain to make our experience just that “bucket list” can’t fault them

    Frequently Asked Questions
    • Do I need a visa to visit Cuba?

      Yes, all visitors to Cuba are required to have a tourist visa. You can obtain a visa from the Cuban embassy or consulate in your home country. Some airlines also offer visas for purchase at the airport.

    • What currency is used in Cuba?

      The official currency in Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP), but tourists typically use the Cuban convertible peso (CUC), which is pegged to the US dollar. It’s recommended to bring cash in either Euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds to exchange for CUC in Cuba.

    • Can I use my credit card in Cuba?

      Credit cards issued by US banks are not accepted in Cuba due to the US embargo. Visa and Mastercard issued by other countries are accepted, but it’s always a good idea to bring cash as a backup.

    • Is it safe to travel to Cuba?

      Cuba is generally a safe country to visit, with low levels of violent crime. However, tourists should still take common-sense precautions, such as not carrying large amounts of cash, avoiding unlit or isolated areas at night, and keeping an eye on their belongings in crowded areas.

    • What should I pack for my trip to Cuba?

      Cuba has a tropical climate, so it’s recommended to pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be a nuisance.

    • Can I use my mobile phone in Cuba?

      Mobile phone service is available in Cuba, but it can be expensive. Some UK carriers offer roaming in Cuba, but it’s best to check with your carrier before you go. Alternatively, you can purchase a local SIM card.

    • What should I see and do in Cuba?

      Cuba has a wealth of attractions for visitors, including Havana’s historic Old Town, the stunning beaches of Varadero and Cayo Coco, the tobacco fields of Viñales, and the colonial city of Trinidad. Don’t miss the chance to see live music and dance performances, and try the delicious local cuisine.

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