The melody of horns floating through the air, classic cars parked in colonial squares, revolutionary statues—get over the resort wall and discover the real Cuba! Travel east to Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa and encounter the birthplace of Cuban rhythms and revolutionary fervour. Soak in Spanish heritage while exploring churches, forts and cobblestoned streets. Overnight in homestays for an immersive Cuban experience few travellers get to enjoy. Don't just walk down the road less travelled—dance down it. Viva la Revolución!

ITINERARY
B=Breakfast,  L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1 Havana
Arrive at any time.

Days 2-3 Santiago de Cuba
Fly to Santiago de Cuba. Orientation walk upon arrival and visit to Castillo del Morro. Opt to listen to live music at the Casa de la Trova or visit the Revolution Museum. Explore this Afro-Cuban city by visiting important revolutionary sites, like the Moncada Barracks.

Days 4-6 Baracoa
Option to hike near El Yunque or explore the breathtaking beaches for which this area of Cuba is famous.

Days 7 Santiago de Cuba
Travel back to Santiago de Cuba for one more night before continuing west.

Day 8 Camagüey
Opt to take a guided tour of Camagüey.

Days 9-11 Trinidad (1D)
Orientation walk upon arrival and salsa lesson. Enjoy a local dinner as a group hosted by one of the homestay families. Option to hike in nearby Topes de Collantes National Park or visit Ancón Beach for diving, snorkelling or beach lounging.

Day 12 Santa Clara
Visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and museum.

Days 13-14 Havana (1B)
Included walking tour of Old Havana. Opt to visit one of Havana's many museums, explore the city by vintage automobile or attend one of its famous cabaret-style performances, such as the Tropicana.

Day 15 Havana (1B)
Depart at any time.
What's Included
  • Castillo del Morro entrance and visit
  • Santiago de Cuba orientation walk
  • Trinidad orientation walk
  • Salsa lesson
  • Che Guevara mausoleum and museum visit
  • Old Havana walking tour
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner. (Allow CUC $380-600 for meals not included.)
  • Private van, plane, walking.
  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
  • Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
  • Hotels (2 nts), casa particulars (homestays) (12 nts).

Travel Style — Classic
Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Physical Grading — 2
There'll be some light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

DEPARTURE DAYS
2015-  3/21,  4/4,  4/18,  5/2,  5/16,  6/27,  7/11,  7/26,  8/8,  8/22,  9/19,  10/17,  10/31,  11/7,  11/21,  11/28,  12/5,  12/12,  12/19,  12/21,  12/26 
   
2016-  1/2,  1/9,  1/16,  1/23,  2/6,  2/13,  2/20,  2/27,  3/5,  3/12,  3/19,  3/26,  4/2,  4/16,  4/30,  5/14,  5/28,  6/11,  6/25,  7/9,  7/23,  8/6,  8/20,  9/3,  9/17,  10/1,  10/15,  10/29,  11/5,  11/12,  11/19,  11/26,  12/3,  12/10,  12/17,  12/19,  12/24