Day	Itinerary	Night stop
1	Havana	Havana
	The best way to see Havana's colonial buildings, elegant plazas, vintage cars and cigar-smoking musicians is by foot. Visit the Plaza de la Revolucion and pass giant monuments to legends Che Guevara and Jose Marti. The striking baroque facade of San Cristobal de la Habana Cathedral is a must-see.
2	Vinales	Vinales
	Tour the vibrant orchid gardens of Soroa en route to Vinales, a charming rural village. One of Cuba's most attractive areas, the fertile valleys and distinctive limestone 'pin-cushion' hills are well worth exploring. Mix with the friendly Vinales locals and dance the night away.
3	As per day 2
4	Trinidad	Trinidad
	Take time to explore Trinidad's Spanish-style churches then head to Playa Ancon, a white sandy beach where many hours slip lazily by. Alternatively, why not snorkel over Cuba's colourful underwater world or hire a bike for a relaxing pedal around town? Practise salsa moves at one of Trinidad's famous music venues, or admire the rhythm of the locals while sipping a minty mojito.
5	As per day 4
6	Cienfuegos	Cienfuegos
	Head to the Casa de la Cultura Benjamin Duarte, where it's possible to climb a tower for stunning coastal views over the town, known to the locals as the Pearl of the South. Stop by the Palacio del Valle, the architectural pride of Cienfuegos. For a local pick-me-up why not try a Cuban coffee - it's served strong, black and super-sweet.
7	Havana	Havana
	Stop in at Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and learn about his legend and life - don't miss seeing the impressive bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle. Back in Havana, there is time for a final night of salsa.
8	As per day 7

Accommodation

Comfortable hotels (7 nights).

Transport

Minibus, walking.

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners.

Staff

All operator Cuba group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. operator endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the country, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also offer the optional services of local guides in some cities such as Havana, where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.

Optional Activities

We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by operator nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with operator.

City tour, Havana - US$15
Walking tour of Old Havana, Havana - US$8
Museum Entrances, Havana - US$1-4
Tropicana show, Havana - US$75-110
Other cabaret shows, Havana - US$5-35
Taxis about town (per ride per taxi), Havana - US$1-4
Morro-Cabana Fortress, Havana - US$6
Cigar Factory Tour, Havana - US$12
Baseball game attendance, Havana - US$3
Theatre, music, or ballet performance, Havana - US$5-25
Nightclub entry, Havana - US$0-25
Bicycle rental (per hour), Vinales - US$2
Horseback riding (per hour), Vinales - US$5
Trek to caves and through tobacco fields, Vinales - US$8
Rock climbing, Vinales - US$20
Caving, Vinales - US$20
Live music venues, Vinales - US$1
Salsa dance lesson (per hour), Vinales - US$5
Botanical garden, Vinales - US$1
Palenque Cave, Vinales - US$1
Cueva del Indio, Vinales - US$5
Bicycle rental (full day), Trinidad - US$5
Ancon Beach (transport), Trinidad - US$4 - $8
Horseback riding, Trinidad - US$20
Trek to Waterfall (taxi and entrance fee), Trinidad - US$27
Snorkelling trip, Trinidad - US$10
Diving (2-tank dive), Trinidad - US$50
Live music venues, Trinidad - US$0 - $3
Salsa dance lesson (per hour), Trinidad - US$5
Musical instrument lesson (per hour) (guitar, double bass, tres, percussion), Trinidad - US$5
Museums, Trinidad - US$1 - $2
Bar and nightclub entry, Trinidad - US$1 - $3
Steam train ride, Trinidad - US$18

What To Bring

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for exceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.

Suitcases are not recommended for operatorlers! Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in the bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing a water purification method. Some of the options are:
- Refill from water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation.
- Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies.
- 2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
- Personal water filters available from camping stores. (Bottles with filters built into the cap are lightweight and easy to use. Water is forced through the filter by squeezing the bottle as you drink.)

 

It can get very hot and humid in Cuba throughout most of the year and especially in the summer months of June, July, and August, when lightweight clothing is recommended. In the winter months of Cuba - in December, January, and February it can get colder, particularly during the evenings. It is recommended to bring a fleece top, jacket, or the like, for these months.

Cubans are delighted to receive gifts from foreigners even if they are items that you would consider throwing out at home. Second hand clothes are warmly accepted as gifts as they can be distributed among family members and friends. Soap, shampoo, perfumes, and pens or pencils are also very popular with the Cubans. Inexpensive soap is readily available in Cuba if you intend buying some as gifts. Though they would be most happy to receive them, it is not necessary to bring gifts for your host families, as they are probably some of the more well-off families in Cuba and will be happy enough with just your good-natured presence.

Checklist
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.

Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, operator voucher
Health requirements arranged
Any Vaccination Certificates required
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Local language phrase book
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Operator Remarks

Allow CUC $160 for meals not included.