Cuba Unveiled: A Cultural and Experiential Tour
Cuba BuddyExperience Cuba like never before with our immersive cultural tour, exploring the vibrant heart and soul of this captivating island. This tour offers an unparalleled deep dive into Cuba's rich cultural heritage and authentic experiences, making it a must-visit destination for cultural and experiential travelers.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Cuba, a land of vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. This 16-day tour is designed to immerse you in the authentic Cuban experience, from the bustling streets of Havana to the quiet countryside, from colonial towns to the serene beaches of Varadero.
Start your adventure in Havana, where you'll stay in charming Cuba Buddy Casas, providing a homey feel right in the heart of the city. Explore Havana's historic center with a comprehensive guided tour, savor traditional Cuban cuisine, and cruise through the modern parts of the city in a classic car. Delve into the entrepreneurial spirit of Cuban women with a special tour focusing on female-led businesses, and learn to cook traditional dishes in a hands-on culinary workshop.
Travel to Viñales, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant local culture. Here, you'll experience a salsa dance class, explore the countryside on horseback, and discover the rustic charm of Cuban rural life. Continue to Cienfuegos and Trinidad, where you'll uncover the colonial history and architectural splendor of these picturesque cities, with tours of botanical gardens, historic sites, and the lush Valle de los Ingenios. Your journey culminates in Varadero, staying at a luxurious all-inclusive resort. Enjoy a catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco, a Jeep safari exploring Matanzas, and plenty of leisure time to soak up the sun on pristine beaches. This comprehensive tour captures the essence of Cuba's unique culture and experiences, offering a truly immersive and memorable travel experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Havana
Welcome to Cuba! Upon arrival at Havana's airport, you'll be transferred to your
accommodation, a charming Cuba Buddy Casa in the heart of the city. These casas offer a variety of options to suit every preference, all centrally located to allow you to dive into the lively Cuban atmosphere. Relax and settle in for your four-night stay.
Day 2: Havana City Tour
Start your day with a meet and greet with your guide, who will take you on an extensive tour of Havana's historic center. Visit iconic plazas such as Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San rancisco, Plaza Vieja, Plaza del Cristo, and Plaza de la Catedral. These squares showcase Havana's rich history, architecture, religion, and culture. After exploring the old town, enjoy a traditional Cuban lunch.
In the afternoon, hop into a classic American car for a tour of modern Havana, including stops at Plaza de la Revolución and other landmarks. Your guide will provide tips and insights for further exploration on your own. This full-day tour lasts between 6 and 7 hours.
Day 3: Female Entrepreneurship in Havana
Today's tour highlights the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Havana's women. Start at Ciclo Papel, an eco-friendly business turning recycled materials into art. Visit Zulu for unique leather handbags, then explore Beyond Roots, Cuba's first Afro-style shop. Finally, relax at Oasis Nelva, enjoying snacks in a beautiful garden setting.
For those interested in rum or cigars, optional activities such as a cigar-making workshop or cocktail class can be added.
Day 4: Traditional Cuban Cuisine Cooking Workshop
Dive into the flavors of Cuba with a cooking workshop. Begin with a visit to a local vegetable market to select fresh ingredients. Under professional guidance, you'll prepare a traditional Cuban dish from the fusion of Spanish, African, and Creole influences. Enjoy your culinary creation in a cozy setting.
Day 5: Transfer to Viñales and Salsa Class
Travel to Viñales for a two-night stay in a Cuba Buddy Casa. In the afternoon, visit the Cubar Restaurant for a private salsa lesson in their charming courtyard. Learn the secrets of Cuban rhythms with a personal instructor and enjoy a refreshing Cuban cocktail.
Day 6: Countryside Adventure and Horseback Riding
Embark on an exclusive adventure into the Cuban countryside. Meet Pipo and Mirtha, local farmers who will guide you through the coffee-making process, from planting to roasting. Then, set off on a horseback ride through the stunning landscapes of Viñales, with opportunities to see natural springs, tobacco plantations, and local wildlife. A refreshing dip in a secluded river and a creole lunch complete the day. Note: This activity can also be done
on foot for those not comfortable with horseback riding.
Day 7: Transfer to Cienfuegos
Depart Viñales and transfer to Cienfuegos for a two-night stay in a Cuba Buddy Casa.
Day 8: Guanaroca Lagoon and Botanical Garden Tour, Cienfuegos City Tour
In the morning, take a short drive to Guanaroca Lagoon. Enjoy a boat ride to see pink flamingos and other wildlife. Continue to the botanical garden, Cuba's oldest, with an impressive collection of palms and exotic plants. A specialized guide will reveal the garden's secrets. End with a Cuban lunch in the city center.
In the afternoon, explore Cienfuegos on a guided city tour. Learn about the city's history and admire its colonial architecture, including the Tomás Terry Theater, Palacio del Valle, and the former yacht club. The tour concludes at the Bay of Jagua.
Day 9: Transfer to Trinidad
Head to Trinidad for a three-night stay in a Cuba Buddy Casa.
Day 10: Trinidad City Tour and Valle de los Ingenios
Discover the colonial charm of Trinidad with a guided city tour. Walk through cobblestone streets, visit the Plaza Mayor, and explore local museums. After enjoying a Canchánchara, a traditional cocktail, you will make your way out of the town center and to Doña Bárbara, a quaint farm for lunch. Later we visit the Valle de los Ingenios, with stops at the Manaca
Iznaga Tower and the Finca San Isidro de los Destiladeros, to learn about sugar production and Cuba's colonial past.
Day 11: Parque El Cubano Tour
After breakfast, journey to the Sierra del Escambray mountains. Hike through Parque El Cubano, crossing rivers and climbing stone steps, before arriving at a jaw-dropping waterfall where you can swim in natural pools.
Day 12: Transfer to Varadero
Transfer to Varadero to enjoy the stunning Caribbean for four nights.
Day 13: Seafari to Cayo Blanco
Embark on a catamaran cruise to Cayo Blanco, a pristine island with white sandy beaches and clear waters. Snorkel in the vibrant coral reef, go fishing, and enjoy a seafood lunch on the island. Relax and explore the local fauna, including iguanas in the mangroves.
Day 14: Jeep Safari Adventure
Take a jeep safari along Matanzas' north coast. Explore palm forests, visit the ruins of Humberto Alvarez power plant, and discover local villages. Enjoy a Cuban lunch and refresh at a bar near the Canímar River. Continue with a panoramic tour of Matanzas, visit the Saturno Cave, and swim or snorkel in the sea. Return to Varadero in the afternoon.
Day 15: Day at Leisure
Relax and enjoy the amenities of your resort or explore Varadero town at your own pace.
Day 16: Departure
Transfer to Varadero airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Cuba's rich culture and vibrant experiences.
Included Services:
● 11x overnight stays in Casas Particulares with breakfast
● 4x overnight stays in 5-star resort with all-inclusive meal plan
● 3x lunches and 1x dinner
● Private ground transportation
● City tour in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad
● Walking tour with female entrepreneurs in Havana
● Traditional Cuban cooking class in Havana
● Salsa course in Viñales
● Countryside tour by horseback in Viñales
● Tour of Guanaroca Lagoon and Botanical Gardens in Cienfuegos
● Parque El Cubano nature hike
● Seafari to Cayo Blanco from Varadero
● Jeep Safari from Varadero
Excluded Services:
● Flights
● Optional gratuities for guides and drivers
● Anything not specifically mentioned in inclusions
Lufthansa City Center