The Escambray Tour

Itinerary Description

Day 1 - Fly to Havana

Depart on a daytime non-stop flight to Havana. On arrival, your guide will meet you and transfer to your chosen hotel for a 4 night stay. Your guide will discuss your trip and any questions you may have. 

Days 2-4 - Exploring Havana

Explore and discover the wealth of the culture, history, politics, local life, music and dance that makes Havana such a wonderful place. And enjoy the excitement and lively ambiance in the evenings in the many bars, cafes, restaurants and historic hotels. Perhaps take in a show or visit the famous Casa de la Musica for a great night of salsa music?

We have a wide range of authentic optional excursions available, bookable through your guide when you arrive:

 

• Walking tour of historical Old Havana
• Colonial museums of Old Havana
• Panoramic tour of modern Havana
• Cuban African heritage: religious dieties and tradition
• Havana architecture and fine arts
• Cuban art
• Dinner at a Cuban family "Paladar": La Cocina de Lilian
• Rum museum visit
• Salsa Dance and salsa lessons
• Tropicana and Parisien cabaret shows
• Vinales Valley and nature tour
• Las Terrazas and nature tour
• "La Serafina" trekking
• Jeep safari and birdwatching
• Nature tour at Jibacoa

Itinerary Description

Day 5 - Cienfuegos and Trinidad

Today we drive to Trinidad, spending half the day unveiling the secrets of Cienfuegos, also called the Pearl of the South. Enjoy a panoramic tour through the National Monument (La Punta), El Palacio de Valle and El Paseo del Prado. We stroll along the boulevard to visit the monument to one of Cuba's most treasured musicians - Beny Moré, visit the Cathedral, as well as the Thomas Terry Theatre; one of Cuba's oldest and most beautiful theatres. Lunch is included at a local restaurant and the tour and transfer is on a private basis.

We then continue to Trinidad, Cuba’s best preserved old colonial city - a simply wonderful place to experience. The historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an almost-perfectly preserved jewel of Spanish Colonial architecture. Trinidad grew rich on sugar from the nearby Valle de los Ingenios (Sugar Mill Valley), and this wealth is still evidenced in the magnificent colonial mansions, airy courtyards, baroque church towers and Carrara marble floors. The churches, art galleries and museums are all worth visiting, as they allow you to see inside these magnificent buildings.

You will stay for 3 nights at a charming private homestay in the heart of the colonial centre. You will enjoy the comforts of home and perhaps take the chance to practice Spanish and generally learn about the Cuban way of life. 

Day 6 - Walking tour of colonial Trinidad

Enjoy a walk along Trinidad’s historical centre. The city has an extraordinarily dense concentration of old colonial houses, many still inhabited by descendants of the old families. Admire the details of windows and balconies, the spacious interiors, the irregular cobble-stoned streets; all of this in an atmosphere of vibrant music and open friendly people. A visit to one museum is included as well as a complimentary drink at a local bar. 

Day 7 - At leisure in Trinidad

One day to enjoy the local life at your own pace. Life moves slowly in Trinidad, and horses still draw carts along the main street. There are interesting excursions up the hills on horseback or have fresh lobster on the nearby beach. At night soak up the atmosphere on the cafe terraces with live music and salsa dancing.

Itinerary Description

Day 8 - Transfer to Playa Ancon 

You will be taken the short way to your chosen seafront hotel on Playa Ancon, for a 3 night stay on an all-inclusive basis. The hotel is located right on the beach, backed by the Escambray Mountains. Facilities include swimming pool, Jacuzzi, games room, snorkelling and kayaking.

Days 9-10 - Relax on a Caribbean beach

Enjoy the facilities of your hotel and relax on the white sandy Caribbean beach at Playa Ancon, regarded by many as one of the best beaches in Cuba - bliss!

Day 11 - Return flight to UK

Transfer to Havana Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 12 - Arrive in the UK