Cuba - la Fiesta!
An enigma for many years Cuba is taking its first small steps toward becoming part of the global community. It is the largest island in the Caribbean but possibly the least affected by tourism
Clinging to its socialist past Cuba finds itself the object of a curious world. Defying its pariah status the people have a sincerity and love of life that is infectious. Music sets the pace of life here. We will immerse ourselves in the culture and taste the real Cuba. There is a colonial feel here and a relaxed pace of life. Riding around in the huge American autos playing Cuban tunes and soaking up the sun. That’s our idea of a holiday. And that's just the beginning. Beaches, Colonial towns, and the legends of pirates in the warm waters of the Caribbean. The ever present ‘ghost’ of Che accompanies us throughout our intriguing journey. Join us before Cuba joins the world. The drier winter season has a lovely sub tropical climate. Our itinerary includes the vibrant capital of 'La Habana' as well as regional locations such as Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba and the Bay of Pigs. It is rich in history, colour and the musical vibe which drives the pace of life in today’s Cuba
"Global Drift's Cuba-la Fiesta trip was an amazing experience. We were able to share many of the country's cultural passions, from music to baseball. A highlight was impromptu visit to our driver's home where we met his extended family and then neighbours as word spread. This was my third trip with Global Drift and I am currently planning my next. I thoroughly recommend them to anyone looking for more than just a sightseeing tour."
Stewart Davies, Australia
| 14 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departures: | 15th March 2025 | (Saturday to Friday) |
|---|---|---|
| 28th February 2026 | (Saturday to Friday) | |
| Price: | USD$2990 | |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR INDEPENDENT BEACH ESCAPE - VARADERO EXTENSION*** |
Day 1 - Havana - Arrival Day This evening we will have a group meeting and enjoy dinner at the fabled “La Bodeguita del Medio” Day 2 - Havana to Cienfuegos (via Bay of Pigs) After breakfast we head south east to Cienfuegos known as the “Pearl of the South”. We are in for an interesting day as we visit the Bay of Pigs, scene of the failed US led invasion. A stop at the Playa Giron museum gives us excellent insight into the local version of the events that occurred here in April 1961. There is time for a swim in the turquoise waters of the bay. We arrive in time for a walk through the old town of Cienfuegos and enjoy the architecture and relaxed feel of the main square. The Parque Jose Marti is the centre of town and the location of many of the UNESCO heritage buildings Day 3 - Cienfuegos to Trinidad (via Santa Clara) We drive to nearby Santa Clara this morning. We are here to visit the monuments to ‘mi amigo’, Che Guevara. We tour the sites which include the Museum, mausoleum and Memorial. We continue on to the stunning city of Trinidad which was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988. There is a definite feeling of walking through an outdoor museum. We may have time to enjoy an afternoon walk in the city centre Day 4 - Trinidad We are on our feet to leisurely explore the town and savour the colonial style housing at the ‘Museo de Historia Municipal’. We hope to sample the local cocktail, a ‘Canchanchara’ to break up the day. A free afternoon in Trinidad is an explorer's dream, strolling through the back streets and the local markets. This evening we can delight in a dish of fresh lobster before heading to the steps of Casa de la Musica for an outdoor musical feast of ‘salsa and dance’ Day 5 - Trinidad to Camagüey We depart for the provincial capital of Camagüey and on the way we visit the Sugar Mill Valley with time to climb the quirky and interesting Manaca Iznaga Tower. Arriving late morning in Camagüey we jump on our bicycle taxis for a tour of the narrow and winding streets. The are many picturesque churches and squares to explore including the Plaza San Juan de Dios and the Plaza del Carmen with its Rubenesque statues of local residents strategically placed around the square. A lovely day in a laid back rural town Day 6 - Camagüey to Bayamo We journey to Bayamo City, the capital of Granma province known for being the second Spanish settlement in Cuba, which Diego Velázquez founded in 1513. It is one of the most relaxing and peaceful towns in Cuba. We stay near the leafy Parque Céspedes and learn the significance of the “Father of Cuba” of whom the square is named. Welcoming smiles greet you along the broad General Garcia Boulevard as foreign travellers are still few and far between Day 7 - Bayamo to Santiago de Cuba We have an easy morning drive and arrive in Santiago de Cuba the second most important city in Cuba. Exuding both music and history, it is considered the 'capital of the east' and birthplace of ‘Son’ music as well as the Cuban Revolution. We will visit the imposing Morro Castle dramatically positioned on the high cliffs overlooking the Santiago harbour Day 8 - Santiago de Cuba Today’s tour of Santiago includes a visit to Céspedes Park and the Moncada Garrison. There is so much to see in this vibrant city. In the evening we will seek out some local clubs to enjoy the musical flavours of the traditional Cuban sound. Bring your dancing shoes or just sit back and enjoy a 'Cuba Libre'. Try stopping those toes tapping! Day 9 - Santiago de Cuba to Guardalavaca We journey north to the coastal resort town of Guardalavaca. We arrive in the afternoon and settle in for a relaxing stay at one of Cuba’s premier beach resorts. On the way we may also be able to visit the small town of Birán. This is the birthplace of Fidel Castro, and the farm that was owned by Fidel’s father Angel is a living museum. In the compound there is the classroom where the Castro children were schooled and many of the original buildings still stand on the estate Day 10 - Guardalavaca A day to savour. You have earned a day’s relaxation to rejuvenate. You can spend it in the sun with a good book or be as active as you like in this lovely beach resort. In the morning we plan a short visit to Playa Blanca where legend has it that this is the first place that Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba when he arrived in the “New World”. There are a variety of sites to commemorate this event for us to enjoy Day 11 - Guardalavaca to Havana (fly) We enjoy a short flight which takes us back to Havana. If our flight is on time we may have time to enjoy the atmosphere of the cobbled streets and avenues of Old Havana for dinner. Flights are notoriously delayed in Cuba so we do not have much planned today but will fill our day if the schedule allows Day 12 - Havana (Viñales or Hemingway Options) There is an option today (not included) for a full day trip to the rural Viñales Valley west of Havana. Heading out to Pinar del Río in the westernmost province of Cuba this is where the best tobacco trees are to be found. You stop for the grand vista at the lookout point of ‘Los Jazmines’. Then you will view a prehistoric mural and enjoy a Creole lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon you will visit the ‘Indian’s Cave’ taking a boat journey through the underground cavern. For those choosing to stay in Havana you can enjoy an optional tour of sites associated with Hemingway’s time in Cuba or savour a totally free day with our recommendations on how to explore this vibrant city Day 13 - Havana Today we plan to enjoy the vibrant capital. We begin in the historic colonial centre stopping at the 'Capitolo Nacional'. We visit a cigar factory as well as the interesting Museum of the Revolution. We travel by bus ‘under’ the harbour to resurface at the Fortress La Cabaña. You will enjoy sweeping harbour views from this structure which was built by the Spaniards between the 16th and 19th centuries. Why not a final cruise in an old Cadillac along ‘El Malecón’, the broad boulevard running along the city coast. Dinner in Old Habana tonight is a fitting finale to your journey through Cuba Day 14 - Havana - Departure day You are free to depart any time today |  |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | USD$650 | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Accommodation: | Single USD$155 | Details |
| Double USD$170 | ||
| Arrival Airport Transfer: | USD$35 | Details |
Airport transfer cost is for one car (2 pax)
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR INDEPENDENT BEACH ESCAPE - VARADERO EXTENSION***
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.