Cuba Encompassed

Welcome to Cuba! On arrival in Havana, you will be collected and transferred to our guesthouse. Our traditional Cuban guesthouse accommodation is one of the highlights of this tour!

At the guesthouse, look for a letter from your guide with essential information and group meeting times.

The rest of your first day is free to head out and explore the city at your own pace. A group welcome dinner will take place in the evening so you can get to know the rest of the group and your tour guide.

Please note: Our Cuba tours comply with all regulations for travellers from both the United States and other countries. However, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct licenses and documentation to gain entry to Cuba. We suggest researching Cuban visa and border rules before booking your tour, as these rules are subject to change. We are unable to assist with visas, general licenses or other documentation.

Havana - Santa Clara. Today begins with a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Havana. We'll see iconic squares such as Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza de la Catedral, home to the breathtaking Cathedral de San Cristobal.

It's then time to leave the city as we head to Santa Clara. This town played a huge role in the Cuban Revolution and one of its iconic landmarks is a towering statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara - there's also a museum dedicated to this revolutionary figure which we will visit to learn more about him and Cuba's turbulent history. We can also see the site of the Armoured Train, where Guevara's forces derailed a government supply train in 1958, a critical moment in the Cuban Revolution. We're spending the night in Santa Clara, so you've got the evening to further explore the town. (Havana - Santa Clara travel time: 3 hours).

Santa Clara - Bayamo. On day 3 we drive to Bayamo, where Cuba's independence movement was born. The first version of the Cuban flag was designed here, and it's also where the national anthem was created. While here, we'll learn about the city's role in the independence movement and the role of local hero Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, known as the "Father of the Homeland". Freeing his slaves in 1868 was a huge moment that set in motion a chain of events leading to Cuban independence from Spain and the abolition of slavery.

From Bayamo, we complete our journey to the mountains of Segundo Ferente, where we'll be staying for two nights in picturesque surroundings. The rest of today and all of day 4 are at leisure to explore the area and relax - your guide will be on hand to help you get the most from your time here. (Santa Clara - Segundo Frente via Bayamo travel time: 8 hours).

Segundo Frente - Baracoa. On day 5 we make our way to Baracoa, Cuba's oldest village that was founded in 1511. Along the way, we'll stop at the La M Viewpoint for incredible views and a peek into the notorious US Guantanamo Bay detention centre. Our journey continues along twisty mountain roads to coastal Baracoa.

Baracoa is where mountains meet the Caribbean Sea, one of the most scenic destinations in Cuba. We're spending the rest of day 5 and all of day 6 here, and you'll be able to see the flat-topped El Yunque Mountain and enjoy local dishes including mouthwatering fresh seafood. Optional activities such as a visit to a cocoa farm and a Yumuru River boat trip can also be arranged, or you can kick back on the local beaches - it's up to you! (Segundo Frente - Baracoa travel time: 7 hours).

Baracoa - Santiago de Cuba. The next two days are spent exploring the first capital of Cuba. Santiago de Cuba was founded in 1515 and is home to many of the country's most important sites. During our stay here, we'll have an included visit to the sacred Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, a yellow church located in the hills surrounding the city. The rest of your time in Santiago de Cuba is at leisure, or you can join an optional city tour, which includes a visit to the well-preserved Castillo del Morro fortress. And you may also want to visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, resting place of Fidel Castro and other important Cuban figures. (Baracoa - Santiago de Cuba travel time: 4 hours).

Santiago de Cuba - Camaguey. On day 9, we leave Santiago de Cuba and head to Camaguey, a fiercely proud city known for its deep-rooted Catholicism and as the historic home of some of Spain's wealthiest families. Whilst in Camaguey, we'll visit a local ballet school to find out more about Cuban ballet, and you will have lots of free time to visit the city's galleries, admire the Spanish colonial architecture and lose yourself down its narrow, winding streets. (Santiago de Cuba - Camaguey travel time: 5 hours).

Camaguey - Trinidad. On day 11, we enjoy an included visit to the Pauyet Art Gallery, showcasing the work or local artists who specialize in using alpaca wool in their work. We then continue to Trinidad. For many visitors to Cuba, Trinidad is the highlight. This colonial city is remarkably well-preserved and has a fantastic nightlife scene - it's the place to get acquainted with Cuban rum!

Founded in 1514, the colonial city is something of a living museum, and you've got the rest of day 11 and the next day to explore the city at your own pace. There are several historic sugar baron mansions that you can visit, as well as an optional hike to the Javira Waterfall. Alternatively, you can relax on the local beach, Playa Ancon. (Camaguey - Trinidad travel time: 5 hours).

Trinidad - Cienfuegos. Say goodbye to Trinidad as we continue to the coastal city of Cienfuegos. Founded by the French, it's known as the 'Pearl of the South' for its classic architecture and historic links to the sugar trade. You'll have time to take in the impressive Palacio de Valle, and the lively Bodega de la Plaza before we head to Guanaroca Lagoon for an included visit. This natural reserve is known for its rich birdlife, mangrove trees and stunning landscapes. Flamingos can sometimes be seen here between December and April. There's an optional boat tour through the mangroves before we head back to Cienfuegos for the night. (Trinidad - Cienfuegos travel time: 1.5 hours).

Cienfuegos - Bay of Pigs - Havana. As we make our way back to Havana on day 14, we’ll stop at Playa Larga, or the Bay of Pigs, a site of historical significance. This location was the staging ground for the ill-fated 1961 American-backed invasion, which set off the Cuban Missile Crisis and nearly triggered a nuclear conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. During our visit, you’ll have the chance to explore a small museum detailing the events surrounding the invasion and its impact. You’ll also have time to relax and swim in the clear waters, with the option to rent snorkelling equipment and explore the vibrant marine life in the area.

Upon our arrival back in Havana, the remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace, though we may gather for a farewell dinner as the first leg of our tour will conclude and some travellers will be ending their tour on this day (not included). Others may be joining for the next leg of our journey. (Cienfuegos to Havana via the Bay of Pigs: 4.5-hour drive).

Havana - Jaimanitas - Las Terrazas - Soroa. Today, we explore Cuba’s vibrant street art, starting at Callejon de Hammel in Havana. This pedestrian alley has been transformed by artist Salvador Gonzáles Escalona using colourful murals and scrap materials, many of which reflect Afro-Cuban spiritual themes. The space also serves as a creative hub where local children learn to paint.

We then visit Jaimanitas, a coastal village home to artist Jose Fuster. His house and the surrounding neighbourhood are covered in bright mosaic art, with over 80 homes featuring unique murals and shapes that reflect the identity of each household. He’s also built public features such as a theatre and chess park, now an established part of Cuba’s modern cultural landscape.

Later, we travel west to Las Terrazas, a town founded as a reforestation project in the 1960s and now a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Set in the forested hills, the town offers a chance to meet residents and visit workshops that produce handmade woodwork, ceramics, and art.

We finish the day in the nearby mountain town of Soroa. Surrounded by thick forest, this quiet area is known for its waterfalls, lookout points, and an orchid garden with many native species. While there won’t be time for activities today, you may have a chance to explore the area tomorrow before departing. (Havana to Soroa travel time: 2 hours)

Soroa - Vinales. This morning, we'll make our way towards the Vinales Valley, stopping along the way at a popular viewpoint.

Once we arrive in Vinales, we’ll be surrounded by limestone pincushion hills known as "mogotes." Vinales is a key farming region, famous for its mild climate and abundant local produce, including giant avocados, mangoes, pineapples, papayas, guavas, and various types of sweet potatoes. In the afternoon, we will visit a tobacco farmer's house to learn the art of rolling the perfect Cuban cigar.

The rest of your day is at leisure to embrace the lively local nightlife, as locals dance to vibrant music and embrace the rhythm of their culture. (Soroa to Vinales travel time: 3 hours)

Today is free for you to explore Vinales at your own pace. Whether it’s hiking through the valley, visiting caves, biking, or horseback riding, there are plenty of ways to experience the landscape. You might also choose to volunteer on a local organic farm and stay for dinner, or head to nearby beaches like Cayo Levisa or Cayo Jutías for some time by the sea.

If you prefer a slower day, there are local hotels with pools that offer day passes—ideal for unwinding with a view. In the evening, Vinales comes alive with live music, salsa dancing, and a friendly local crowd, making it a great place to connect with the community.

Vinales - Havana. Today, we make our way back to Havana from Vinales. Once we arrive, you will have this final day to enjoy at leisure—whether it's last-minute shopping, exploring more of the city, or simply relaxing. In the evening, you may want to experience Havana’s vibrant nightlife, with plenty of options to choose from. (Vinales to Havana travel time: 4 hours)

Our Cuba tour comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check out. Make your own way to the airport or your next destination. Safe travels!