15 day Cuba Heritage Tour

Welcome to Cuba! Settle into your B&B accommodations in the old city. Today you'll meet with your group and your local tour leader for have dinner together at a paladar (privately owned restaurant).

• Meals: Dinner

On the way to Trinidad we stop in at the town of Santa Clara, a key city in the Cuban Revolution. Upon entering Santa Clara, we will see the iconic statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara, built to commemorate his death and that of the revolutionaries who died along with him in Bolivia. We will have our lunch at a small family farm near Santa Clara before we continue on our journey to Trinidad where we will visit the pottery house Santander.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Included Activities: Che Guevara Mausoleum

The beautiful colonial city of Trinidad is home to numerous churches and many beautiful colonial buildings and on our first day in Trinidad we will learn about the Afro-Cuban religion with a cultural tour around the city. Afterwards, we will head to a local dance school for a demonstration and lesson in the dances of Cuba. A visit to Trinidad wouldn’t be complete without a night of dancing and music, and what better way to burn calories and practice what you’ve learned!

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Included Activities: Walking tour of Trinidad historic center, introductory group Salsa Lesson.

Today's theme is local industry and biodiversity as we take a short hike to a waterfall outside of the city. On the way we stop in a very simple campesino’s home to learn about life in the rural areas of Cuba. After cooling off in the natural pools, we return to Trinidad to relax and explore before setting our sights on the Trinidad foodie scene including a bartending demonstration and discussion of the history behind Cuba’s most popular cocktails. Later in the day we head to the beautiful Ancon beach. Tonight we will have a special meal with live music and a delicious array of Cuban specialties.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Included Activities: Walk to Javira waterfall, Bartending Demo.

Cuba’s third largest city lies about half way between Havana and Santiago de Cuba - about a 5 hour drive from Trinidad. Camaguey was designed in the 17th century to disorientate potential invaders such as pirates and plunderers, so the street layout is a jumble of narrow alleys where no two streets are parallel. The guided tour will take you to the large parks, various private art galleries, and a thriving market garden. We continue to explore Camaguey on a bicitaxi tour of the city- a fun way to navigate the labyrinth of streets.This is also a university town and has a rich cultural tradition, and like just about everywhere in Cuba, there is plenty of night time entertainment to be had! In the evening we will visit Casa de la Trova (optional) to listen to live performances from legendary local artists.

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Included Activities: Camaguey walking tour, Camaguey bicycle taxi tour, Casa de la Trova music house visit.

Today we take an early morning visit to the Camaguey ballet school en route to Santiago de Cuba.  Santiago is the place of origin to much of Cuba’s famed music, like the Son. Santiago also holds the title of “Hero City of the Republic of Cuba” for its leading role in significant events during the revolution. The city’s half million residents are also proud of their cultural traditions and you will find many museums and cultural associations and clubs around the city.

•    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
•    Included Activities:  Camaguey Ballet School (or alternative dance school) visit.

Today we will explore Santiago’s museums, colonial churches and buildings of more recent historical importance. We will visit Cuba’s most famous cemetery Santa Ifigenia where famous musicians and revolutionaries are buried and see the change of the guard, and we will also visit the Bacardi museum and the beautiful fortress with a curious history and stunning views looking out to sea. The day will end with an unforgettable night of music and dance with local Santiagueros.

•  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
•  Included Activities: Santiago city tour, Music Tour visiting traditional music houses, interactive night with local musicians and dancers in local club.

A spectacular 6 hour drive through Eastern Cuba’s hugely varied landscape brings us to the Cuba’s first capital. On the way we pass by the city of Guantanamo and its infamous bay nearby. There is a lookout from where you can see the highly controversial U.S. Navy Base - Mirador los Malones - this has been closed to the public for the last few years but we will see if we can arrange for you to take a peek! We will also stop at a local home and learn about cucurucho, a sweet treat made of honey, nuts, and coconut that is as much fun to eat as it is to say! After the long bus ride, you’ll need to stretch your legs.  Luckily, the best way to get around town is on foot and we will visit places like the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, with the impressive bust of the Indigenous leader Hatuey (burned at the stake for his refusal to accept either the Spanish, or their Catholic religion). In the evening we will meet with a local chef for a delicious demonstration in Baracoan cuisine. Baracoa is known for its excellent creole cooking and seafood. Vegetarians can enjoy calalú, a typical Baracoan dish made with vegetables and coconut milk.

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Included Activities: Baracoa orientation walk, Cooking Lesson.

When Christopher Columbus first encountered Cuba it was here in Baracoa, and he duly noted in his log-book that this was the most beautiful land that human eyes could set upon. You will understand what he meant when you see the beaches and verdant mountains that surround the city.  Today we visit one of the local farms, where you’ll get a lesson in all the plants and trees grown in Baracoa and the ingenious uses for them. Baracoa grows some of the most delicious fruits found on the island; including cacao. We will have a fun (and delicious!) chocolate making demonstration from local farmers.  Later we take a relaxing ride down Yumuri River and take a swim. Today you’re free for dinner, we suggest you feast on tetí, tiny fish that are a regional specialty very unique to Baracoa. Save room for dessert or a chocolate mojito at Casa del Chocolate!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Included Activities:  Visit to Toa River & Duaba farm, Visit to locally owned Cacao Farm, Yumuri river canyon tour.

Today we leave Baracoa and head northward to Holguin. The State of Holguin is famous for it’s beautiful beaches and we will have a chance to see this beautiful coastline as we travel from Baracoa to Moa. Bring your swimmers as we will stop at Maguana Beach on our way and enjoy a glorious swim and lunch at the beach.
Holguin was founded in 1752, and is a city known for its rich colonial architectural structures, for its many lush green parks and spaces, and for its vibrantly painted buildings. On arrival in Holguin we will have a walking tour around town before heading to the Loma de la Cruz, a historic hill overlooking the city where we can enjoy breathtaking views.
Holguin has a great variety of restaurants for dinner tonight. For later in the evening there are some popular venues for dancing and live music to discover.

•  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Included Activities: Holguin city walking tour, Visit to Loma de la Cruz.

Today we leave the ‘Oriente’ (the Eastern states of Cuba) and head to Sancti Spiritus which is situated right in the middle of the country. The city was established in 1592 on the Yayabo river, and on our walking tour we will visit the large bridge that spans the river built in 1817. The bridge is the heritage symbol of the city and has many stories connected to its construction. Sancti Spiritus is steeped in history and is preserved in its colonial building and architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries. We visit the oldest church in Cuba and a National Monument - the Parroquial Mayor Church. The main entrance of the church is known as the forgiveness gate with a curious story. Sancti Spiritus is a fascinating city with much to discover!

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Included Activities: Sancti Spiritus city walking tour

On arrival to Cienfuegos the Pearl of the South we meander through the city to learn its history.
We will visit the well known Palacio de valle and In the evening we will eat at a family owned paladar where they have an excellent vegetarian paella.

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Included Activities: Cienfuegos orientation Walk & visit to Castillo del Valle

On the way to Havana, you will see the picturesque Bay of Pigs where there is a museum here that recounts the events of this conflict which resulted in the first defeat of a U.S backed take-over in Latin America. There are some beautiful places to stop for a swim along the way, including a sinkhole which resembles a huge natural tropical fish tank or you can snorkel in the bay.You’re free for dinner today and then tonight we will attend the famous cannon ceremony that dates back to the 17th century.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Included Activities: Playa Giron museum & documentary film, Bay of Pigs snorkelling, Cannon Blast Ceremony

Back in Havana it’s time to explore the Old City, with the picturesque malecon and iconic architecture. In the morning we take a guided walking tour of Old Havana. In addition to visiting historical sites, we will learn about the dual currency system and how it plays out in the local food scene, from Cuban street food to the finest restaurants. As we wander the city, sampling a few of Havana’s delicious treats, we’ll discuss the way the legalization of private enterprise has made way for a culinary renaissance in Havana. In the afternoon we visit one of the local organoponicos, urban farms that turn unused space into healthy and affordable food for a community.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Included Activities: Old Havana half-day guided walk, urban organic farm visit.

Say good-bye to Cuba as you head home to the U.S., or wherever your travels will take you. We hope you'll come visit again soon!

• Meals: Breakfast