Classic Cuba (15 days)

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Day 1: Join tour Havana

Built around a deep natural harbour, Havana is one of the most impressive surviving colonial cities in the Americas, and the modern city presents an overwhelming feast for the senses, where crumbling tenement buildings and 50s style American Cadillacs rub shoulders with colonial grandeur and revolutionary zeal, and all to the hypnotic beat of the salsa. Founded in 1519 the city's fame and prestige only came about with the Spanish conquests of Mexico and Peru, when its strategic location at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico saw it eclipse Santiago as the country's capital. For two centuries this remote outpost of the Spanish Empire played a pivotal role in the expansion of Spain's colonial interests in the Americas and at one time it was the most fortified city in the New World. The rise of American influence, in direct opposition to the fall of Spain's power in the region, saw the city hurl headlong into the 20th century, becoming a positive haven for the worst excesses of western decadence. This all came to an end in 1959, when Fidel Castro expelled the Americans and set the country on its socialist course into the history books. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Nacional

Day 2: In Havana

A tour of this most fascinating of cities this morning takes in some of the highlights of Havana's Vieja (Old) district and the art deco architecture along the coastal Malecon and through the Vedado and Miramar suburbs, where kids play baseball below rusting street lights. After taking in the opulent marbled grandeur of the Capitolio and the symbolic expanse of the Plaza de la Revolucion we take a stroll through old Havana, investigating the Vieja district, with its beautiful neoclassical buildings at the Plaza de Armas and its sumptuous baroque cathedral finishing with a lunch at the famous La Bodegvita del Medio, home to Hemingways favourite Mojito. Havana truly is a city in which to immerse yourself fully and after our brief introduction to the city this morning the afternoon has been left free to continue exploring at your leisure. You may wish to visit the City Museum, or the captivating Museum of the Revolution, where you can find the revered hull of the Granma, the boat that brought Castro back from exile and onto the world stage in 1956. Alternatively you may wish to return to old Havana and enjoy a stroll through its cobbled streets, stopping to enjoy a mojito at a local bar, or perhaps wander through the stalls of the street markets in search of a bargain or two. Cooling breezes blowing in from the Caribbean freshen a lively sunset stroll along the Malecon, where fishermen and locals take in the magical setting before the imposing ramparts of its old Spanish forts. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Nacional Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Visit Vinales

This morning we head towards Vinales located in the spectacular lush majesty of the Valle de Vinales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vinales nestles within the breathtaking landscapes of the Sierra de los Organos Mountains, a region that is home to some of the most spectacular scenery and colours in Cuba. Millions of years ago underground rivers cut tunnels through the soft limestone hills and, as the roofs of these tunnels collapsed, they left behind strange hills or 'mogotes', that today present us with a staggering landscape of karst limestone valleys. We will take a walk amongst this spectacular landscape to El Palmaito with the Mogetes towering above us passing through the tobacco and coffee plantations. This remarkably diverse area contains endemic flora and a rich selection of birdlife, including hummingbirds, Cuban trogons and mockingbirds. We will stop to have lunch before visiting the Cueva del Indio; the largest cave system in the country, filled with surreal rock formations and subterranean pools before returning to Havana this afternoon. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Nacional Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Drive to Trinidad

Today we head to the colonial town of Trinidad. We drive through the citrus and sugar plantations onto the Zapata Peninsula stopping en route at one of the 'cenote' natural swimming pools. Continuing on to Playa Giron, we will visit the nearby museum dedicated to the infamous bay of pigs invasion where a US supported attack by Cuban Exiles failed to overthrow the Communist regime. Our journey then skirts the edge of the wooded Escambray mountains, hugging the coastline with the views over the sparkling turquoise waters. We will have a brief stop at Cienfuegos before continuing our journey. Upon arrival in Trinidad you will have some free time to wander through the centre of old Trinidad, a UNESCO World heritage Site, whose cobblestone streets and colonial architecture make it one of the most bewitching heritage sites in the country. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Iberostar Grand Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Day 5: In Trinidad; optional excursion to Cayo Blanco

This morning we have a guided walk that takes us to the lovely setting of the central square and the cathedral, as well as the Museo de la Cultura and a local house, affording us a fascinating insight into what is in effect a stunning living museum. Founded in 1514, Trinidad became something of a colonial backwater over the intervening years, a haven for pirates and slave traders, until the arrival of French settlers fleeing the slave revolt in Haiti began arriving in the early years of the 19th century. These plantation owners began to build sugar mills in the nearby Valle de Los Ingenios and the town reinvented itself, going on to be responsible for a third of all Cuba's sugar production by the mid 19th century. This afternoon is left free to enjoy at your leisure, you can simply relax on the white sands of nearby Playa Ancon, or continue to wander through Trinidad's lovely colonial streets: a paradise for photographers. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Iberostar Grand Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Drive to Bayamo

Today is a full days drive to Bayamo in South East Cuba. En route we will have a brief stop in Sancti Spiritus before we continue to Camaguey for lunch, another of Velasquez's seven villas and a city whose colonial heritage is hidden amongst a labyrinthine network of narrow streets that we will have time to wander through during our time here. We will complete today's journey in Bayamo, our stop over on route across the country. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) in Royalton Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Visit Comandancia; Drive to Santiago

An early start sees us heading into the beautiful mountains landscapes of the Sierra Maestra this morning. Travelling via Bartolome Maso up the steep asphalt road to Alto de Naranjo we then head out into the mountains on foot, following in the famous footsteps of Che, Fidel and the rest of the revolutionary heroes, who for two years fought a protracted guerrilla war amongst these beautiful highlands. For much of 1957 the guerrillas kept on the move, playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Batista's troops, as they tried to gain a foothold after the unsuccessful uprising against Batista the previous year. Then in 1958 they set up a permanent base in the foothills of Pico Turquino, Cuba's highest peak. This base of operations came to be known as La Comandancia de La Plata and its location deep in the heart of this lush jungle landscape makes it one of the country's most fascinating and authentic experiences. A remarkable testament to the resolve and spirit of the revolutionaries, it captures a snapshot in time of one of the most pivotal periods in Cuba's history, one that was to have worldwide repercussions in later years. It was here that Fidel Castro began to formulate his plans for the future of the country and the site presents us with a captivating glimpse of life during those dangerous and heady days of the late '50s. There is a small museum and press office, a field kitchen and the command centre itself, complete with a fridge with bullet holes! We will complete out day with a journey to Santiago which has been at the epicentre of revolutionary ideals since the time of Cespedes. Founded by Diego Velazquez de Cuellar in 1514 the city has been at the heart of Cuban culture and history since its inception. Briefly the country's capital, it rose to prominence during the 17th and 18th centuries, with first the arrival of Spanish settlers from Jamaica, then French plantation owners from Haiti. The region saw much of the fighting of both wars for independence and it was in Santiago that success against Batista's forces was finally, and very publicly, acknowledged by Fidel Castro on January 1st 1959. Little wonder then that the city has earned itself the moniker of 'Hero City of the Republic of Cuba'. The city itself is an eclectic mix of all the best and worst of Cuban life. Its colonial architecture glimmers in attractive shades of pastel, whilst its Afro- Caribbean mix affords it the unmistakable vibrancy of a true city of the revolution. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Melia Santiago Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: City Tour Santiago; Free PM

This morning we take a walking tour of Santiago city, taking in the Plaza de la Revolucion with its fine monument to the heroes of the Independence wars and the remarkable cemetery where independence hero José Martí is buried. This afternoon is left free to continue enjoying this most engaging of cities at your leisure. One possibility is a visit to take in the imposing grandeur of the Castillo de San Pedro del Morro, (optional) one of the best-preserved fortresses in the Cuba. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this superb 17th century citadel occupies a dramatic position overlooking the city and the Caribbean, from where you can get some superb views across the harbour and onto the distant peaks of the Sierra Maestra. Santiago is also blessed with a number of interesting museums to visit that pretty much cover every subject, from the heroes of the wars for independence, to Cuban rum and carnival, so there should be something for everyone. This evening you can the opportunity to explore something of Santiago's dazzling nightlife, experiencing some of the colour, music and raw charm of this most remarkable of cities. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Melia Santiago Included meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Drive to Sancti Spiritus

Today we start our full days travel north to Sancti Spiritus, one of the seven settlements founded by Diego Velasquez when he claimed Cuba for Spain. You can spend the remains of the afternoon wandering through the colonial architecture reminants from the great days of the sugar cane production in the area. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) in Hotel Plaza Included meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Drive to Cayo Ensenachos; via Santa Clara

Our destination today is the all-inclusive resort of the Royal Hideaway, lying close to the spectacular Caribbean jewels of the Archipelago de Sabana. On arrival there will be time to relax and enjoy the luxurious pleasure of two of Cuba's most pristine beaches. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Royal Hideaway Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 to 12: Free in Royal Hideaway

Time at Royal Hideaway is left free to enjoy at your own leisure. The resort offers a range of water-based activities to choose from, as well as tennis courts, volleyball, windsurfing and some of the most beautifully clear waters in the island. The small keys that dot this archipelago are also home to flamingos, herons, cormorants and a host of other birds, making it a delightful spot to simply relax and enjoy a little well-earned indulgence. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Royal Hideaway Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Drive to Havana

After a last free morning at the resort we return to Havana, on arrival in Havana you will have an evening free to wanter the streets of Havana Vieja enjoying the live music. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Nacional Included meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Visit las Terrazas

Today we will spend the day at Las Terrazas, as an eco-tourism centre and where they do valuable research into biodiversity in the reserve. There are plenty of interesting walks in the rolling hills to choose from, all at around 500m above sea level. We will take an easy strolls around old coffee plantations and around the Terrazas community before lunch. Bird watching opportunities abound and we hope to sight the rare Cuban Trogon, Cuba's national bird, as well as small songbirds, including nightingales. Many migratory birds also visit this enchanted area. Other wildlife includes reptiles such as water lizards, and one of the smallest species of frogs in the world You may also want to take an optional Zip wire trip in the Canopy or a swim in the San Juan River before returning to Havana. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Nacional Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Tour ends Havana

Clients flying back on the group flight to London will have some more free time in Havana before the transfer to the airport later this afternoon. Included meals: Breakfast