+44 (0)20 8741 7390 The largest of the Caribbean Islands, Cuba has long been known for its pristine beaches, vibrant arts and Latin rhythms. A pulsating mix of Caribbean culture and colonial grandeur, it is also blessed with a historic legacy that can boast captivating World Heritage cities, some of the finest colonial architecture in Latin America and the reminders of one the most iconic events of the last century. This absorbing adventure begins in Havana, where you will enjoy an opportunity to explore its colonial heart and take a tour through Hemingway s city in a classic American car. Leaving the capital behind, you then head out to discover Cuba s verdant nature reserves and spectacular mountain scenery, an ideal landscape for hiking and horse riding. The remnants of Cuba s fascinating history are everywhere to be seen and in Cienfuegos and Trinidad you will enjoy the captivating charm of some of the finest colonial settlements remaining in the Americas. You ll also have a chance to soak up the culture and the beaches of the Caribbean, before heading to Santa Clara, a city steeped in the turbulent history of Castro s revolution. HIGHLIGHTS: *Explore Old Havana and tour the city in a Classic American car. Hike through the tobacco fields of western Cuba. Visit some of the island s stunning eco-reserves. Discover the colonial gems of Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Enjoy the Caribbean reefs and golden sands of Sancti Spíritus. TOUR INCLUDES: 9 nights in private houses, 1 night in eco-lodge, 1 night in hotel 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private basis Sightseeing programme with some entrance fees payable locally Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: HAVANA The adventure begins in Havana, the largest city in the Caribbean and the political and cultural centre of the country. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, after which the rest of the day is free. DAY 2: HAVANA First thing this morning you will meet with your guide to go over the itinerary, an ideal opportunity to gain some insight into places of interest, excursions and restaurants that you may wish to try. After this you will head out on a private tour of Old Havana, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, whose four main squares are filled with the grand reminders of Cuba's colonial past. This afternoon you will then take the 'Hemingway Tour' in a classic American car, visiting the author's old home and the small fishing community where he wrote some of his most famous novels. (B) DAY 3: HAVANA The day starts with an architecture tour of the city in the company of a local guide, spanning the city's development from Baroque through to Fifties American Modernism. After lunch you then have the chance to experience the city's famous Latin rhythm with a salsa lesson, an essential part of any visit to this pulsating city. Later this evening you will then pay a visit to the renowned Buena Vista Social Club, to enjoy an inspired performance that will transport you back to the golden age of Cuban Son Music. (B) DAY 4: HAVANA - VIÑALES Leaving the city in the company of a private driver-guide, the next few days offer you the luxury of convenience and flexibility as you head out into the Cuban countryside. The journey begins in Viñales, where you will take lunch in a traditional wooden house on a hillside overlooking the picturesque valley. This afternoon you then enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful landscape, visiting a traditional tobacco plantation and learning the finer points of how to roll a good cigar. This evening there will be more live music at an open-air restaurant off the town's main square. (B)
DAY 5: VIÑALES - LAS TERRAZAS Driving to Las Terrazas today you will visit Cuba's first UNESCO-sanctioned biosphere reserve. An innovative community project, originally designed to help with reforestation, the reserve is scattered with lakes and rivers that provide an ideal habitat for a rich range of flora and fauna. The area is also covered in a network of trails and footpaths, affording an ideal opportunity to explore this beautiful nature reserve by foot or on horseback. (B) DAY 6: LAS TERRAZAS - CIENFUEGOS From Las Terrazas the journey takes you next onto the colonial gem of Cienfuegos, a charming coastal town nestling beside the tranquil waters of Bahía de Cienfuegos. A wander through the city's streets with your guide offers a chance to take in expansive boulevards and bustling local markets renowned for their fresh seafood and delicious ice-cream. There will also be the opportunity to visit the pleasant botanical gardens on the outskirts of town, a 90-hectare site filled with some 2000 species of plants, tropical trees and bamboos. (B) DAY 7: CIENFUEGOS - TRINIDAD Along the coast from Cienfuegos lies the lovely old town of Trinidad, one of Cuba's colonial gems. Once a haven for pirates, this World Heritage Site is a living reminder of a time when the country lay at the heart of Spain's expanding American empire. After stopping off to enjoy lunch along the way, on arrival you will take a walking tour of the town with your guide, passing along cobbled streets infused with history and filled with beautifully ornate architecture. Be sure to check out one of Trinidad's fabulous music houses one evening too, you won't be disappointed. (B) DAY 8: TRINIDAD On the outskirts of Trinidad lie the ruined remains of Cuba's once powerful sugar barons. Dotted amongst the Valle de los Ingenios are dozens of 19th century mills, mansions and slaves quarters that are a lasting reminder of a time when sugar was the country's most profitable export. A tour of the area provides a fascinating insight into the history of the plantations, their slaves and their continuing production. The afternoon then provides a chance to enjoy the Caribbean, with snorkelling opportunities, boat trips and sunbathing on the golden sands of Playa Ancon. (B,L)
DAY 9: TRINIDAD A visit to the Topes de Collantes Natural Park today provides a chance to hike amongst an area of truly outstanding natural beauty and scientific value. A protected area that is home to a number of endemic species, the park is a haven for giant ferns, lichens, mosses and plantations of Arabica coffee. The end of the day also offers an opportunity for a refreshing bathe in one of the park's three large waterfalls before returning to the hotel. (B) DAY 10: TRINIDAD - HAVANA The drive back to Havana stops en route in the city of Santa Clara, a town steeped in the history of the Cuban Revolution and home to the final resting place of Che Guevara, one of the most iconic figures of the last century. It was here that one of the most decisive battles of the revolution was fought, making Santa Clara the first major city to be liberated by Castro's forces. (B) DAY 11: HAVANA A final free day in Havana provides a chance to explore a little more of the Cuban capital, with excursions available to the artisans craft market and the city's Rum and Revolution Museums. There is also an option to take a Mafia tour of the city, visiting the former haunts of Havana's old crime bosses. (B) DAY 12: HAVANA A private transfer to the airport in time to catch your return flight home signals the end of your Cuban adventure. (B)
ACCOMMODATION CIENFUEGOS BOUTIQUE LA UNION Built 50 years after the foundation of the city of Cienfuegos and refurbished in 2000, maintaining the neoclassical style that the French settlers brought to the city, Hotel La Union is without doubt one of the architectural jewels of the Pearl of the South, as this city is known in Cuba. The hotel features marble pillars, antique furniture, two inner patios, a pool, bar, restaurant and a great roof top terrace. Its 49 comfortable rooms with balconies are equipped with the amenities you would expect from a four star hotel. HAVANA SUITE HAVANA Newly opened, this 2 bedroom Casa is fabulously located in the heart of Havana Vieja just a couple of minutes from Plaza de San Francisco. Stylishly designed, the Casa has a modern polished concrete kitchen, 2 large, airy and comfortable bedrooms complete with wonderful Cuban art on every wall. The shared bathroom is large with a Jacuzzi bath and the roof terrace with views of Havana is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day exploring the city. The food and laundry service offered here is excellent and this is the perfect place for anyone wishing to have a little independence in Havana. LAS TERRAZAS LA MOKA Casa La Moka is just 45 minutes west of Havana and is positioned on a wooded hillside in a forested area overlooking a valley with a small lake. The hotel is surrounded by a village community where locals live and work. There are plenty of activities on offer and amongst the restaurants is an organic, veggie eatery which is highly recommended. The guest house has smart, rustic bedrooms embedded in the mountain foliage of the Las Terrazas eco-community. The rooms afford intimate views of the natural landscape in this peaceful setting. TRINIDAD IBEROSTAR GRAND TRINIDAD This exclusive adult-only hotel, near to the heart of Trinidad is one of the most impressive properties on the island. Drawing inspiration from traditional colonial architecture, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad takes its influences from sixteenthcentury Cuba. With its impressive interior design, this is certainly one of the most charming places to stay in Trinidad. VINALES
CASA OSCAR Oscar rents out four rooms with great privacy for guests at this homestay. One of them is located on one of the upper floors, which allows for a better view of the town and its surroundings. The rooms have their own bathrooms, air conditioning, a fan as well as hot and cold water. This private house offers a cocktail service and barbeque food which can be enjoyed in the pleasant gardens. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com