The two week Cuban round trip from east to west tours the complete Caribbean island nation. The program is varied to obtain a complete picture of Cuba. Easy tours, sightseeing and coastal beaches alternate with ideal proportions. We avoid locations from mass tourism, to raise the value of your trip.
Number of participants: 15-30 persons.
Suggested age group: 7-70 years
Please send us inquiry for special pricing: Contact us
Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Meal plan
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner during the round trip (AP)
Transfer
All transfers are included in the price.
Travel details
Program description:
Day 1.
Havana (accommodation: hotel)
Arrival to Cuba in the afternoon. Meet & Greet at the airport, meeting with the local tour guide and transfer to the hotel. Check in. Evening at leisure. Meals: Dinner is optional, price excluded..
Day 2
Havana (accommodation: hotel, full board)
After breakfast we start a full day sightseeing tour of Havana, also called the Paris of Latin America. Havana captivates everybody, this real Caribbean metropolis has a unique atmosphere, where a time travel tempt us, where the Colonial era, the mark of the ‘50s US mob’s mark and the retro, socialist present is simultaneously existing. We start a panoramic city tour of modern Havana, we cross Havana's famous seaside promenade, the Malecon which is a favorite meeting place for locals, we can admire the mansions of the Paseo, then stop at the Revolution Square where the Jose Marti Memorial is located. On the way back to we drive next to the world-famous Colon cemetery that is the world’s richest cemetery with more than 500 statues, and arrive to the old town. We visit the Havana Club Rum Museum where we get acquainted with the making of the world famous Cuban rum, the growing and processing steps of sugar cane to follow through the process until it has matured, barrel filling, bottling, and we close the visit with a tasting. We can purchase the original Havana Club memorabilia, as well as can taste the typical Cuban drink called Guarapo made from fresh sugar cane and the excellent Cuban cocktail, Guarabana. After it we start to explore the old town on foot with its rich cultural and historical attractions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the "Arms’ Square", the Governor's palace, while we can hunt local antiques at the authentic antique market, walk through the Plaza San Francisco where we look at the old Stock Exchange Palace and St. Francis of Assis Church and the Cathedral Square. Then we visit La Plaza Vieja, the "Old Square". Our lunch will be served in a typical local restaurant. After lunch we join in Hemingway's footsteps: we visit the famous Hotel Ambos Mundos where the "Whom the Bell Tolls" was born. We visit the hotel room and the thematic exhibition. Then stop at Hemingway's favorite places, La Bodeguita del Medio and La Floridita bars, where the world famous "Mojito" and "Daiquiri" cocktails began their journey of conquest. Then visit the outdoor exhibition of the Revolutionary Museum, where the famous ship Granma is exhibited, we can see where Fidel and the other revolutionaries landed to launch the revolution. In the afternoon return to the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Meals: breakfast, lunch. Dinner is optional as well as visit the famous Tropicana Show.
After breakfast we start a full day sightseeing tour of Havana, also called the Paris of Latin America. Havana captivates everybody, this real Caribbean metropolis has a unique atmosphere, where a time travel tempt us, where the Colonial era, the mark of the ‘50s US mob’s mark and the retro, socialist present is simultaneously existing. We start a panoramic city tour of modern Havana, we cross Havana's famous seaside promenade, the Malecon which is a favorite meeting place for locals, we can admire the mansions of the Paseo, then stop at the Revolution Square where the Jose Marti Memorial is located. On the way back to we drive next to the world-famous Colon cemetery that is the world’s richest cemetery with more than 500 statues, and arrive to the old town. We visit the Havana Club Rum Museum where we get acquainted with the making of the world famous Cuban rum, the growing and processing steps of sugar cane to follow through the process until it has matured, barrel filling, bottling, and we close the visit with a tasting. We can purchase the original Havana Club memorabilia, as well as can taste the typical Cuban drink called Guarapo made from fresh sugar cane and the excellent Cuban cocktail, Guarabana. After it we start to explore the old town on foot with its rich cultural and historical attractions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the "Arms’ Square", the Governor's palace, while we can hunt local antiques at the authentic antique market, walk through the Plaza San Francisco where we look at the old Stock Exchange Palace and St. Francis of Assis Church and the Cathedral Square. Then we visit La Plaza Vieja, the "Old Square". Our lunch will be served in a typical local restaurant. After lunch we join in Hemingway's footsteps: we visit the famous Hotel Ambos Mundos where the "Whom the Bell Tolls" was born. We visit the hotel room and the thematic exhibition. Then stop at Hemingway's favorite places, La Bodeguita del Medio and La Floridita bars, where the world famous "Mojito" and "Daiquiri" cocktails began their journey of conquest. Then visit the outdoor exhibition of the Revolutionary Museum, where the famous ship Granma is exhibited, we can see where Fidel and the other revolutionaries landed to launch the revolution. In the afternoon return to the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Meals: breakfast, lunch. Dinner is optional as well as visit the famous Tropicana Show.
Day 3
Havana – Santiago de Cuba (accommodation: hotel, full board)
After breakfast we travel to Havana airport, cross the country with domestic flight to the eastern part of the country, to Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in the country, yet with a small town atmosphere. The city has its cultural importance, especially in the music scene, it is the birthplace of salsa and maybe the Cuban folk music is cultivated best here. We explore Santiago de Cuba on foot. We visit the city’s main square (Parque Cespedes) and the building of Casa de la Trova, which is home to the Cuban traditional music. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we continue to explore the narrow streets and squared of Santiago de Cuba. Evening at leisure, dinner in the hotel.
After breakfast we travel to Havana airport, cross the country with domestic flight to the eastern part of the country, to Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in the country, yet with a small town atmosphere. The city has its cultural importance, especially in the music scene, it is the birthplace of salsa and maybe the Cuban folk music is cultivated best here. We explore Santiago de Cuba on foot. We visit the city’s main square (Parque Cespedes) and the building of Casa de la Trova, which is home to the Cuban traditional music. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we continue to explore the narrow streets and squared of Santiago de Cuba. Evening at leisure, dinner in the hotel.
Day 4:
Santiago de Cuba – Bayamo – Sierra Maestra (accommodation: hotel, full board)
In the morning we leave the lovely city of Santiago de Cuba, travel to the Sierra Maestra, the island's highest mountain range. Along the way stop at a charming little town of Bayamo, where we relax at a walk in the city center. Then we arrive to the feet of the Sierra Maestra, that has particularly rich flora and fauna, the most beautiful landscapes are protected by national parks. Cuba's highest peaks rise here and the tropical cloud forest is breathtaking. In the afternoon we arrive at the northern edge of the mountain where our hotel is located, where we spend two nights in a row. Dinner in the hotel, evening at leisure.
In the morning we leave the lovely city of Santiago de Cuba, travel to the Sierra Maestra, the island's highest mountain range. Along the way stop at a charming little town of Bayamo, where we relax at a walk in the city center. Then we arrive to the feet of the Sierra Maestra, that has particularly rich flora and fauna, the most beautiful landscapes are protected by national parks. Cuba's highest peaks rise here and the tropical cloud forest is breathtaking. In the afternoon we arrive at the northern edge of the mountain where our hotel is located, where we spend two nights in a row. Dinner in the hotel, evening at leisure.
Day 5
Sierra Maestra (accommodation: hotel, full board)
We start our day with a hike in the Sierra Maestra Mountains. Early in the morning we travel 4X4 vehicles to the lookout point called Alto del Naranjo (1000 m), from where we continue our journey on foot. We trek in a real jungle, unique fog forest. Since the local micro-climate is favorable to the formation of fog, the many trees in fog settles even more mysterious places the tropical jungle. We enjoy our packed lunch during the tour, and then in the afternoon we come back to the starting point of our tour. Distance: 14 km, elevation: up 900 m, down 900 m. (***) We travel back to our hotel with 4X4 vehicles.
We start our day with a hike in the Sierra Maestra Mountains. Early in the morning we travel 4X4 vehicles to the lookout point called Alto del Naranjo (1000 m), from where we continue our journey on foot. We trek in a real jungle, unique fog forest. Since the local micro-climate is favorable to the formation of fog, the many trees in fog settles even more mysterious places the tropical jungle. We enjoy our packed lunch during the tour, and then in the afternoon we come back to the starting point of our tour. Distance: 14 km, elevation: up 900 m, down 900 m. (***) We travel back to our hotel with 4X4 vehicles.
Day 6
Sierra Maestra – Comandancia de le Plata – Camagüey (accommodation: hotel, full board)
Early in the morning we go again hiking in the Sierra Maestra Mountains. 4X4 vehicles get us back to the Alto del Naranjo lookout, but from a different direction, then we start our walking tour. Our goal is about 3 kilometers away, called “Comandancia de la Plata”, which we reach through a hike. The local forest, if possible, is even more beautiful than the previous day’s, almost like a botanical garden.
Early in the morning we go again hiking in the Sierra Maestra Mountains. 4X4 vehicles get us back to the Alto del Naranjo lookout, but from a different direction, then we start our walking tour. Our goal is about 3 kilometers away, called “Comandancia de la Plata”, which we reach through a hike. The local forest, if possible, is even more beautiful than the previous day’s, almost like a botanical garden.
Castro's former residence, and you can view his headquarters, which led to the revolution, a museum and a field hospital. We should not be shooting the cameras in front of the command, you must have retained two kilometers. Around noon we arrive back to the Naranjo Alto lookout point, where we eat our picnic lunch, and then we return to our hotel. Distance: 6 km, elevation: up to 250 m, down 250 m. (**) Here we take a bus and the rest of the day is spent traveling. In the late afternoon we arrive at the city of Camagüey. Evening for leisure.
Day 7
Camagüey – Playa Ancón – Playa Ancón (accommodation: hotel, full board)
The city of Camagüey, the third largest city in Cuba, with three hundred thousand inhabitants is the centre of Camagüey province. The colonial buildings, winding streets, numerous temples and old market places immediately fascinate every traveler. The streets are designed switchback style to protect the city from pirate attacks. During our sightseeing we visit to the cathedral, which - similarly to many churches Camagüey – was refurbished from the donations receives after the visit Pope John Paul II in 1998. Later we will have free time to discover the city center by our own; we can wander in the center, sit down at a bar and get into a chat with locals (of course only in Spanish). After lunch we take bus and travel to the Playa Ancon Beach located in the central part of the south coast line. Along the way we stop at the famous valley of sugar mills, that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Manaca Iznaga estate. It is possible to climb the seven stories tower that offers a beautiful panorama. We arrive to our hotel in the late afternoon, where we spend two nights in a row. After check in we can do a walk on the beach or splash in the sea, then we will have dinner in the hotel restaurant.
The city of Camagüey, the third largest city in Cuba, with three hundred thousand inhabitants is the centre of Camagüey province. The colonial buildings, winding streets, numerous temples and old market places immediately fascinate every traveler. The streets are designed switchback style to protect the city from pirate attacks. During our sightseeing we visit to the cathedral, which - similarly to many churches Camagüey – was refurbished from the donations receives after the visit Pope John Paul II in 1998. Later we will have free time to discover the city center by our own; we can wander in the center, sit down at a bar and get into a chat with locals (of course only in Spanish). After lunch we take bus and travel to the Playa Ancon Beach located in the central part of the south coast line. Along the way we stop at the famous valley of sugar mills, that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Manaca Iznaga estate. It is possible to climb the seven stories tower that offers a beautiful panorama. We arrive to our hotel in the late afternoon, where we spend two nights in a row. After check in we can do a walk on the beach or splash in the sea, then we will have dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 8
Playa Ancón – Trinidad – Playa Ancón (accommodation: hotel, full board)
The morning we spend in Trinidad, a small colonial town founded more than 500 years ago that was once attributed by the abundance of its sugar cane plantations. Here, we discover another face of Cuba. Our journey is made not only on ground but in time, too. Trinidad preserves the uniqueness atmosphere of the colonial era. While walking along the small winding streets we have the feeling as if we would have flown back in time. Sightseeing in the UNESCO World Heritage city; visit the Plaza Mayor, The Tower of Contrabandido, the Cathedral, La Santissima Trinidad Square and the exhibition of the Romantic Museum. The museum is located in the palace of the town's richest family with balustrade yard, marble floors, neoclassical decoration; walking among the frescoes of the city's wealthiest merchant family we can enjoy the assembled exhibition of articles. Later we walk in the old town and stop at the famous Canchanchara bar where you can sample the authentic drink of Trinidad, special cocktail still made from the original recipe of Aguardiente and honey, called Canchanchara. For lunch, we return to our beach hotel at Playa Ancon. The afternoon we can spend with beach activities in the Caribbean Sea or we can return to the city that is 12 kilometer far and inmerse yourself in the bustle of the city. In the evening a local band is plaing next to the Cathedral, where we can try our dance knowledge and dance with locals.
The morning we spend in Trinidad, a small colonial town founded more than 500 years ago that was once attributed by the abundance of its sugar cane plantations. Here, we discover another face of Cuba. Our journey is made not only on ground but in time, too. Trinidad preserves the uniqueness atmosphere of the colonial era. While walking along the small winding streets we have the feeling as if we would have flown back in time. Sightseeing in the UNESCO World Heritage city; visit the Plaza Mayor, The Tower of Contrabandido, the Cathedral, La Santissima Trinidad Square and the exhibition of the Romantic Museum. The museum is located in the palace of the town's richest family with balustrade yard, marble floors, neoclassical decoration; walking among the frescoes of the city's wealthiest merchant family we can enjoy the assembled exhibition of articles. Later we walk in the old town and stop at the famous Canchanchara bar where you can sample the authentic drink of Trinidad, special cocktail still made from the original recipe of Aguardiente and honey, called Canchanchara. For lunch, we return to our beach hotel at Playa Ancon. The afternoon we can spend with beach activities in the Caribbean Sea or we can return to the city that is 12 kilometer far and inmerse yourself in the bustle of the city. In the evening a local band is plaing next to the Cathedral, where we can try our dance knowledge and dance with locals.
Day 9
Playa Ancón – Topes de Collantes – Playa Giron (accommodation: hotel, full board)
After breakfast we leave the hotel and go hiking to the nearby Topes de Collantes Mountains. We arrive to our starting point (800 m), from where we take a walk to explore the waterfalls of Salto del Caburní. Our path meanders through a beautiful forest, while we have a great view of the surrounding mountain ranges. The great waterfall pours under from a height of 62 m, and creates an idyllic natural swimming pool. We can have a bath here even though the water comes from the depths of the mountains; it is ice cold karst water. Distance: 5 miles, level: at 300 m, at 300 m. (**) We have our lunch at a local farmer’s house. After lunch we travel to the Zapata Peninsula, the country’s largest marsh. The quiet, marshy, swampy area provides ideal habitat for birds and crocodiles. The accommodation is at Playa Giron Beach where we spend the night.
After breakfast we leave the hotel and go hiking to the nearby Topes de Collantes Mountains. We arrive to our starting point (800 m), from where we take a walk to explore the waterfalls of Salto del Caburní. Our path meanders through a beautiful forest, while we have a great view of the surrounding mountain ranges. The great waterfall pours under from a height of 62 m, and creates an idyllic natural swimming pool. We can have a bath here even though the water comes from the depths of the mountains; it is ice cold karst water. Distance: 5 miles, level: at 300 m, at 300 m. (**) We have our lunch at a local farmer’s house. After lunch we travel to the Zapata Peninsula, the country’s largest marsh. The quiet, marshy, swampy area provides ideal habitat for birds and crocodiles. The accommodation is at Playa Giron Beach where we spend the night.
Day 10
Playa Giron – Laguna des Tesoro – Vinales Valley (accommodation: hotel, full board)
After breakfast we take a 20 minutes speedboat tour on the natural lagoon, the Laguna de Tresoro, where the unspoiled nature can be observed, migrating and endemic birds and can be seen. Then visit the Aldea Taino, the reconstructed Taino indian village where we learn about the customs of the indigenous Indians. We arrive back to port by motor boat and visit the country’s largest crocodile breeding farm, where we can observe hundreds of these reptiles in their natural habitat. We visit the crocodile nursery; here the braves may hold the yet harmless infants in their hands. We have lunch at the Boca, where we can try tasting the crocodile meat, also. After lunch we take a long journey to the famous Vinales Valley. This is the region where Cuba's most famous tobacco is grown, and if the rumors are true, this is the place for the best tobacco leaves in the world, which is the raw material of the world famous Cuban cigars. The stunning countryside, as the red earth covered with tropical valleys, “mogotes” are rising into the sky, with often 300-400 meters height. The lush forested mountains are homes of thousands of caves, also. In the ancient geological past, this region was flat, but below the surface exist an extensive network of underground water. Our accommodation in Vinales Valley, where we spend the night.
After breakfast we take a 20 minutes speedboat tour on the natural lagoon, the Laguna de Tresoro, where the unspoiled nature can be observed, migrating and endemic birds and can be seen. Then visit the Aldea Taino, the reconstructed Taino indian village where we learn about the customs of the indigenous Indians. We arrive back to port by motor boat and visit the country’s largest crocodile breeding farm, where we can observe hundreds of these reptiles in their natural habitat. We visit the crocodile nursery; here the braves may hold the yet harmless infants in their hands. We have lunch at the Boca, where we can try tasting the crocodile meat, also. After lunch we take a long journey to the famous Vinales Valley. This is the region where Cuba's most famous tobacco is grown, and if the rumors are true, this is the place for the best tobacco leaves in the world, which is the raw material of the world famous Cuban cigars. The stunning countryside, as the red earth covered with tropical valleys, “mogotes” are rising into the sky, with often 300-400 meters height. The lush forested mountains are homes of thousands of caves, also. In the ancient geological past, this region was flat, but below the surface exist an extensive network of underground water. Our accommodation in Vinales Valley, where we spend the night.
Day 11
Vinales Valley– Indian cave – Maria la Gorda (accommodation: hotel, full board)
After breakfast, we tour the fantastic Vinales Valley Mountains on horseback. If you haven’t ridden yet, don’t worry, our tour leader is well experienced and our local horses know the way very well as well as the habits of the tourists. We spend about one hour riding the horses when we ride rich tobacco fields and villages as well as spectacular landscape. Then we visit Indian Cave on foot and by small motorboats. We can observe the stunning beauty of the stalactite cave, the inside of the Vinales Valley Mogotes. After visiting the cave, we have our lunch then we take our bus and head for the Caribbean. After a few hours of travel we arrive at Maria la Gorda beach that is nothing more than a beach hotel. Its neighborhood is just the undisturbed nature, no inhabitants live in the area. We spend three nights in a row in this hotel enjoying the nature and the beach.
After breakfast, we tour the fantastic Vinales Valley Mountains on horseback. If you haven’t ridden yet, don’t worry, our tour leader is well experienced and our local horses know the way very well as well as the habits of the tourists. We spend about one hour riding the horses when we ride rich tobacco fields and villages as well as spectacular landscape. Then we visit Indian Cave on foot and by small motorboats. We can observe the stunning beauty of the stalactite cave, the inside of the Vinales Valley Mogotes. After visiting the cave, we have our lunch then we take our bus and head for the Caribbean. After a few hours of travel we arrive at Maria la Gorda beach that is nothing more than a beach hotel. Its neighborhood is just the undisturbed nature, no inhabitants live in the area. We spend three nights in a row in this hotel enjoying the nature and the beach.
Day 12-13
Maria la Gorda (accommodation: hotel, full board)
We spend these two days at the beautiful Caribbean Sea, undoubtedly one of Cuba's most beautiful coast. Maria la Gorda, the Guanahacabibes peninsula is a UNESCO biosphere reserve area, since there are many species of birds, plants, mammals and reptiles native to the region. Mangrove swamps to the north, white sandy beaches and coral reefs alternate in the south. This is Cuba's westernmost accommodation. As the place is quite far from all huge large resorts, this place is guaranteed without crowd! You can relax on the palm-lined, white-sand Caribbean beach, or have beach activities throughout the day, and the hotel's dive center is organizing snorkeling and diving tours.
Day 14
Maria la Gorda – Pinar del Rio – Havana (accommodation: hotel, full board)
In the morning we leave the idyllic beach of Maria la Gorda, and travel to Pinar del Rio city, where we visit one of the most famous Cuban cigar factories and see how the tobacco leaves are rolled into expensive cigars. The factory has a wide range of cigars. Lunch at a local restaurant, and then we leave to Havana, where we will arrive in the late afternoon. In the evening, we can roam the narrow streets of the old town and look for a charming musical entertainment, where we can listen to the songs of passionate Cubans.
In the morning we leave the idyllic beach of Maria la Gorda, and travel to Pinar del Rio city, where we visit one of the most famous Cuban cigar factories and see how the tobacco leaves are rolled into expensive cigars. The factory has a wide range of cigars. Lunch at a local restaurant, and then we leave to Havana, where we will arrive in the late afternoon. In the evening, we can roam the narrow streets of the old town and look for a charming musical entertainment, where we can listen to the songs of passionate Cubans.
Day 15
Havana – farewell (accommodation: hotel, breakfast)
We can spend the last day on our own in Havana. It is worth to take advantage and roam the city center, because lots of places of interest, various museums, cozy bars and some shops can be found. But it's also worth just sitting on a bench watching the lives of Cubans. In the late afternoon we go to the Havana International Airport, from where our plane departs back home.
Price includes
- Breakfast in Havana (CP)
- Accommodation in the chosen hotels in DBL/SGL standard rooms
- Domestic flight ticket in Cuba with taxes included
- Guide service in Cuba
- Hotels according to local standards
- 24 hours assistance in Cuba
Price excludes
- Travel insurance
- Cuban tourist card
- Excursions not included in the description
- Tips and other credentials
- Costs of other services not included in the description
- International flight ticket, tax
- Meals and drinks not included in the description
- Travel insurance
Booking conditions
Booking: Minimum 21 days before arrival. Requested data: travelers’ name, passport number, flight details!
Payment: Latest 14 days before arrival. Cancelation: Over 14 days without penalty, with $35 administration cost. 14-8 days: the first two days services (hotel, transfer, program) will be charged. Within 7 days or No Show the entire package will be charged.
Reservations: E-mail: info @ marysoltravel.com Web.: www.marysoltravel.com Tel: +53 7 86 44 555 / Cuba