Experience a country on the brink of historic transformation. With new positive relations between Cuba and the US, the country is set for a rapid change. This is your opportunity to experience Cuba and its main city, Havana, before things change forever.
Your Stellar Travel advisor has full details on this Complete Cuba small group tour and the many other options available with International Expeditions, including their Classic Art small group tour, custom journeys and private yacht charters.
On this 10 – day Complete Cuba tour, you’ll venture into Cuba’s lush countryside for a rare glimpse at this geographically rich country. Against a backdrop of dramatic limestone mogotes, tobacco dotted valleys and wetlands that hug a historic coast, connect to the warm generous people who inhabit Cuba’s fertile valleys. Finish your trip in Havana for the complete Cuban experience.
Day 1 – Arrive Miami
International Expeditions Cuba people-to-people travel program begins in Miami with a briefing and welcome reception before an overnight at the Cambria Suites Miami Airport.
Day 2 – Miami / Camaguey, Santa Clara or Cienfuegos
After your flight from Miami, enjoy a performance by the Cienfuegos choir, or head to the Camaguey Ballet Comapny, meeting the dancers and talking to them about new productions. (D)
Day 3 – Trinidad
Drive through the spectacular Valley of the Sugar Mills – an UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site where we see the ruined hulls of 19th century sugar estates. Chat with villagers in Manaca Iznaga. Travel to Trinidad where red tiled roofs atop pastel stucco structures line the cobbled streets. Experience the community like a local, visiting with shop owners and sampling local fare. At Casa Del Alfarero Santander, an artisan workshop, meet local artists and learn about traditional pottery techniques. This pottery studio has been run by the same family for decades. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – Topes de Collantes / Trinidad
Enjoy a spectacular morning in the Sierra de Escambray mountains, one of the best places to enjoy Cuba’s natural beauty. The north face of the mountains is a refuge for plants and animals, including the Cuban trogon, the national bird of Cuba. After learning the history of Cuban coffee, relax over a cup of coffee while chatting with your local guide. Visit a modern art museum, seeing pieces by important artists. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Trinidad / Zapata Wetlands / Bay of Pigs
The Zapata is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve closely resembling the Florida Everglades. There are 900 species of flora, 171 species of birds (18 endemics), 31 species of reptiles. Join Orlando Ramirez, a local farmer, to search for the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird. On the Bay of Pigs, discuss the importance of the wetlands with a local environmentalist. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Bay of Pigs / Soroa
Begin our day at the Korimakao Project. The project houses some of Cuba’s finest musicians and artists. Set out toward the Pinar del Rio Province. Pay homage to Ernest Hemingway while discussing his work with Cuban Hemingway specialists at his former home, Finca Vigia. Stop at locally owned paladar, IL Divino, for lunch. (B,L,D
Day 7 – Soroa & Viñales
Wind our way through the Sierra de los Organos Mountains to Viñales. Enjoy a boating excursion into one of the huge limestone caves. Sample the homegrown vegetables grown at an organic farm while meeting the family who is responsible for the land. Stop at a tobacco farm to learn about the production process and history of Cuban cigars (B,L,D)
Day 8 – Soroa / Las Terrazas / Havana
Survey an orchid garden with staff from the University of Pinar del Rio. The self-contained community is surrounded by foliage thick with indigenous species, part of a reforestation project. Drive along the oceanfront Malecon Avenue and see Revolution Square. (B,L,D)
Day 9 – Havana
Havana is the center of all things Cuban, and as we stroll these streets it is like being on a movie set. Tour Old Havana before stopping at Arte Corte. This social project teaches a trade to neighborhood residents and is supports social centers such as a senior center and children’s park. Interact with the locals as we explore an art market. Tonight, we have organized an excursion to the famed Buena Vista Social Club. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Havana / Miami
Transfer to the Jose Marti Airport for our charter flight to Miami, where you connect with flights home after 8 p.m. (B)