Caribbean Rhythms - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrive and transfer to hotel.

Morning orientation tour of the old city of Havana on foot. Free afternoon to further explore this vibrant city with its creaking old cars, beautiful colonial buildings and lively street life. (B)

Drive to Cienfuegos, 'The Pearl of the South'. This famous Caribbean port was redesigned by French colonists in 1819. The pioneers coming from Bordeaux and La Lusiana laid the architecture that makes Cienfuegos such an interesting and beautiful city. We have time to explore the city and sample some gastronomic specialties, like fresh seafood, before driving to Trinidad. (BD)

We have a full free day to explore. Trinidad is one of Cuba’s most enchanting towns, full of cobblestone streets, beautifully restored colonial mansions and stately churches, all set against the backdrop of the Escambray Mountains. You can explore the nearby 'Valle de Los Ingenios', a picturesque valley that was home to the many sugar plantations that thrived in this area in the 19th century. (BD)

Drive to Camaguey, known for its narrow, twisting streets and alleys which form a complicated labyrinth designed to confuse pirates in the past. Free day to explore. (B)

We head up into the Sierra Maestra Mountains. (B)

The Sierra Maestra Mountains form a rugged massif that stretches along Cuba’s south-eastern coast. We spend the day hiking through this wild landscape up to the Comandancia de la Plata, Castro’s headquarters during the revolution. (BL)

After a free morning to enjoy the stunning views we drive to Santiago de Cuba. (B)

Sandwiched between the Caribbean and the mountains, Santiago is Cuba’s second city and the undisputed home of the nation’s music scene. As well as many opportunities to hear live music, there are also a wealth of colonial and revolutionary sites to visit. We have a full free day. (B)

Free morning in Santiago de Cuba. We then drive to Baracoa, the oldest city of the island in the easternmost point of Cuba. (B)

Baracoa has the privilege of being the first city in Cuba founded by the Spaniards, back in 1512. From the city we can admire the view of El Yunque, an anvil-like mountain which deeply moved Admiral Christopher Columbus on landing in Baracoa. A free day to explore the city's historic centre, and both Matachin and La Punta forts, enjoy the tropical landscape and pure air, or simply relax on the beaches. (B)

With beautiful trails, archeological sites and stunning beaches, Holguin (known as the 'city of parks') is the perfect place to spend a free day. (B)

Drive to Santa Clara, a buzzing provincial town that was the first major city to be liberated by the communists. We visit the Che Guevara monument and have time to explore the old city. (B)

Return to Havana. End your trip drinking a Mojito in ‘La Bodeguita del Medio’, Hemingway’s favourite waterhole in Havana. (B)

Tour ends. (B)