Peregrine Adventures

Cuba Highlights Tour

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Experience Cuba's finest on a 13-day journey across the colourful Caribbean island. Combining leisure, culture, coast and country, discover the depth of Cuba's most fascinating traditions. Look behind the legend of Che Guevara, witness daily life in Vinales' verdant tobacco fields, peel back the curtain on Santiago de Cuba's ballet culture, wander the French-infused waterfront of Cienfuegos, dance to Cuban rhythms in Trinidad and go snorkelling in the Bay of Pigs. Finish it off with a cruise through Havana's grand old streets in a classic American convertible.

Highlights

Discover real Cuban life Explore avant-garde sculpture with a local artist in Ciego de Avila Visit the tobacco fields for a snapshot of rural life in Vinales Take a private tour of a ballet theatre in Santiago de Cuba History enthusiasts will not be disappointed Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum in Santa Clara Learn about the Bay of Pigs Invasion at the Gion Museum Enjoy a drink on the roof of its crown-jewel building, the Palacio del Valle

Itinerary

Day 1: Havana Welcome to Cuba's capital. Your tour begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, the day is yours to explore. Consider a stroll through Old Havana to acquaint yourself with its colourful mix of '50s Americana, colonial architecture and budding modernity. There are plenty of good museums to check out, such as the Museo de la Revolucion, which is housed in the former Presidential Palace, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. We recommend arriving a few days early to make the most of this exciting city. Day 2: Vinales or Havana Take a day trip to Vinales. Located in the beautiful province of Pinar del Rio, Vinales is a landscape of tobacco and agricultural fields dotted with limestone outcrops. Enjoy a walking tour of verdant farmlands and tobacco crops for insight into rural life, then have lunch at an organic eco-farm with sweeping views over the valley. Spend the afternoon here before returning to Havana. Day 3: Santiago de Cuba Spend the morning cruising the city in style in a classic American car. In a convoy of vintage cars, you and your fellow travellers will cruise through Vedado via the Avenida de Los Presidentes, passing by the Malecon and Plaza de la Revolucion along the way. Next, your leader will take you on a walking tour of Old Havana which includes Plaza de Armas, San Francisco de Assis, Plaza Vieja and Central Park. In the afternoon, take a two-hour flight to the opposite end of the island. Santiago de Cuba in the hottest place in Cuba - arguably in terms of atmosphere and vibrations as much as climate. This cradle' of the revolution is home to a large Afro-Cuban population and a vibrant music scene. Day 4: Santiago de Cuba Today your leader will take you on a three-hour city tour of Santiago where you'll learn about the town's vital role in the revolution while visiting sites such as El Morro Castle, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery and the Moncada barracks. Santiago's half-million residents are proud of their cultural traditions, so you'll find plenty of museums and cultural clubs around the city. The city is also famous for its energetic Carnaval celebrations and lively Festival of Caribbean Culture. In the evening, you'll get the unique chance to dine with a local family in a humble Cuban home. Here you will sample local food for a real slice of Cuban life. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the locals and perhaps learn some Spanish. Day 5: Santiago de Cuba Enjoy a free day in Santiago de Cuba. If you want to delve into Santiago's sizzling music scene, perhaps learn a few moves in a salsa dancing class. For a taste of the city's vibrant Carnaval celebration, visit Museo del Carnaval to see floats, costumes and the occasional dance show. Those looking to get active may want to climb the 452 steps to La Gran Piedra, a natural viewing platform 1,225 metres above Santiago for stunning panoramic views of surrounding hills and mountains. In the evening, there are plenty of atmospheric venues with good Cuban rum and even better music for locals and tourists to showcase their dance moves. Day 6: Camaguey Today, head west along the Carretera Central to Camaguey. The drive is broken up with a stop in Bayamo, where you can stretch your legs on a walking tour and enjoy an included lunch. Those hoping to brush up on their Spanish can also benefit from an informal Spanish lesson with your leader during the bus ride. When you arrive in Camaguey you'll soon notice that the city has maintained much of its colonial heritage. It is also characterised by winding streets, which are a joy to explore. Get acquainted with the city on a leader-led walking tour, including a stop at the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad (Church of Our Lady of Soledad) to see its Baroque frescoes. Day 7: Camaguey Today you will tour the sights of Camaguey the same way the locals get around - from the back of a bicycle taxi. Hope on and visit parks, plazas and local markets. Each taxi carries two passengers and the tour is led by an English-speaking local guide. Enjoy a free afternoon after the tour. The town is home to an excellent farmers market brimming with colourful vegetables, tropical fruits, herbs and lively local merchants. Later, visit an esteemed ballet theatre for a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain. Meet some of the people who keep the school running like the seamstresses, shoemakers and costume designers. As it is not possible to purchase things such as ballet shoes in Cuba, everything for the ballet school is made on the premises. Day 8: Ciego de Avila or Santa Clara or Trinidad Travel through the centre of the country today as you make your way to Trinidad (approximately 5-6 hours), a well-preserved colonial town that sits on the scenic Caribbean coast. Stop at Ciego de Avila to visit a well-known local gallery that showcases sculptures made with silver cutlery along the way. Arrive in Trinidad and acquaint yourself with its colourful streets on a leader-led orientation walk. Day 9: Trinidad Delve into Trinidad's sultry Latin rhythms with a salsa class. Afterwards, the day is yours to explore. Perhaps enjoy some swimming at Playa Ancon. Alternatively, cycle Trinidad's colourful streets past once-grand mansions, pastel buildings and wrought iron features. Attending a traditional Cuban dance show is also a fine choice. Day 10: Cienfuegos Continue along the picturesque coast to Cienfuegos, a slice of Paris in the Caribbean. Take an orientation walk through its charming streets, before stopping at the opulent Palacio del Valle, hopefully in time for a sunset rooftop drink. Enjoy free time to perhaps stroll the promenade before reuniting with your tour leader for an included group dinner. Day 11: Santa Clara or Havana Begin the day by travelling to a peaceful sandy arc on Cuba's southern coast, commonly known as the Bay of Pigs. Stop for a dip in its tranquil waters, either at Playa Larga or Playa Giron. With a deep underwater wall just off the shore and an outstanding variety of coral and fish, it just might be Cuba's best-kept secret. Continue to Santa Clara to the final resting place of Cuba's most famous son, Che Guevara. Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Memorial where letters, firearms, medical devices and other interesting artefacts are on display. Day 12: Havana Enjoy a free day in Havana. The former stomping ground of Ernest Hemingway, literary-types may want to visit some of his favourite haunts, like his bar of choice for a mojito, La Bodeguita del Medio. Alternatively, you may opt to visit a local Cuban cigar factory. Day 13: Havana Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

Includes

Accommodation 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners Transportation