Rhythms of Cuba
From classic images of cigars and vintage cars to colonial treasures and a tantalising Caribbean climate, Cuba is an island of colourful contrasts. Enjoy its unique charms, vibrant cities, spectacular landscapes and pristine beaches
Classic American automobile in Havana
Havana
Havana Harbour
The Capitol Building, Havana
Hand-rolled Cuban cigars, Havana
Rum vats in the distillery, Havana
Lavish costumes at the Club Tropicana, Havana
Che Guevara iconic sculpture, Havana
Havana Old Town
Viñales Valley
Taino Village, Boca del Guama
City Hall and Jose Martí Park, Cienfuegos
Valle Palace, Cienfuegos
Trinidad
_05.JPG "Trinidad")
Trinidad
Cuban boys playing, Trinidad
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Havana.
Fly to Havana where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights. (D)
DAY 2: Havana.
As one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America, Havana has a fascinating mixture of unique cultural charms, brightly coloured colonial architecture, and an abundance of classic 1950s American automobiles. The charismatic Old City offers a seamless blend of Spanish and African influences in a panorama that seems almost frozen in time. Nearby, the vibrant entertainment district is a welcoming haven of small, friendly bars and restaurants brimming with traditional Cuban music and dance. Explore some of the city's highlights today on an included sightseeing tour and learn about the country's most famous exports on an included visit to a cigar factory, where you may have the chance to see cigars being hand-rolled in the traditional style, and the authentic 'Havana Club' Rum Museum, where white and dark rum are produced in a wide variety of tasty flavours. (B, D)
DAY 3: Havana.
A full day to explore Cuba's lively capital at your leisure. Perhaps explore the picture-perfect Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where well-preserved Baroque and Neoclassical buildings sit side by side with the cool, breezy square of Plaza de Armas, the elegant La Catedral, and the serene walled harbour at Playas de Este. Spend time strolling in the lovely Parque Central, dotted with tropical palms and shaded benches, or head to the Plaza de la Revolucion to view the immense iconic sculpture of Che Guevara. In the evening why not watch a play or cabaret at the Mella Theatre or join the optional excursion to the exciting Club Tropicana. Established in 1939, this famed nightclub is still a rival for the Moulin Rouge in Paris and evokes a bygone era with its vibrant 1940s styled cabaret show adorned with lavish costumes and salsa music. (B, D)
DAY 4: Havana - Pinar del Río - Viñales Valley.
This morning, head to the beautiful province of Pinar del Río. Located in the west of the island, this picturesque area is set against the backdrop of the Cordillera de Guaniguanico Mountains and surrounded by acres of verdant tobacco fields. The flat, fertile valley is uniquely dotted with unusual limestone 'mogotes' or hills, which resemble stunning limestone haystacks. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Pinar del Río before continuing to the serenely beautiful Viñales Valley, an enchanting landscape so distinctive and rare it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching the valley, home to underground rivers, caves and pin-cushion shaped hills, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B, D)
DAY 5: Viñales Valley - Las Terrazas - Havana.
Begin today with a visit to the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve where the Las Terrazas village, a site of beauty and tranquillity, was founded in the 1970s to provide a pleasant and prosperous lifestyle for the poverty-stricken inhabitants of the area. After time to observe the local artists and artisans at work, visit the ruins of a former French coffee plantation at Canada del Infierno, and view the impressive sulphur springs and fountain of the Bayate River. Later, head to the Buena Vista Coffee House, a unique 19th century plantation built on the peak of a mountain, where you can learn about coffee production and enjoy spectacular views of the valley below. This afternoon, return to Havana. (B, D)
DAY 6: Havana - Cienfuegos.
Enjoy a visit to Fiesta Campesina this morning. This lovely historic farm highlights different aspects of Cuban rural life as well as displaying a vast variety of indigenous plants, animals and coffees. Later, continue to Guamá for a short stop at 'Criadero de Crocodilos', the largest crocodile-breeding farm in Cuba. Constructed as a refuge to keep the reptiles safe from poachers, the farm now ensures that the population can be maintained in a healthy and stable environment. Next, head to Boca de Guamá and Cuba's largest lagoon for a short boat trip across the stunning, everglade-like 'Treasure Lake' to Villa Guamá - a reconstructed Taino-Indian Village. Spend time exploring the lush garden, learning about the indigenous Indian people of Cuba and admiring life-sized sculptures of Taino Indians engaging in everyday activities. This afternoon, return to Guamá and continue to Cienfuegos, where you'll stay for two nights. (B, D)
DAY 7: Cienfuegos - Trinidad - Cienfuegos.
Begin today with a morning tour of Trinidad, Cuba's 'colonial treasure'. Founded in 1514, this pretty town is brimming with decorative and virtually untouched colonial architecture, constructed between the 17th to 19th centuries, and is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll amongst the pretty plazas, villas and monuments that line the town and visit one of the local museums. Pop into 'La Canchanchara', a bar named after a Cuban drink consumed by slaves in the colonial era to keep them strong. This afternoon, enjoy this fascinating city at your own pace and perhaps visit some of the antiquities museums or savour the traditional Old Town atmosphere. Return to Cienfuegos in the evening. (B, D)
DAY 8: Cienfuegos - UK.
This morning, experience the best of Cienfuegos on a city sightseeing tour. Known as 'the pearl of the south', Cienfuegos is set on a beautiful bay and was one of the first Cuban locations to be discovered by Christopher Columbus. The city is a lively, bustling port with a cosmopolitan feel and elegant European-style architecture including the beautiful Valle and Blue Palaces and the impressive cathedral. Transfer to Havana airport for your flight to the UK or extend your stay in Varadero. (B)
DAY 9: Home landing in the UK.
Accommodation on Tour
Havana: Habana Libre; Viñales Valley: Los Jazmines; Cienfuegos: Jagua.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
A Tourist Card is required for entry into Cuba, the cost of the card is included in the holiday price and will be supplied to you prior to departure.
General Information
Credit cards affiliated to an American bank will not be accepted. A charge of approximately 11% will be added to credit card transactions.
A tax of 25 Convertible Pesos (CUCs) per person is payable on departure from Cuba by air.
Your Holiday Map
Rhythms of Cuba
Rhythms of Cuba 7 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Rhythms of Cuba 7 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Date | Depart From | Price from PP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Apr 2012 |
Make your own way
Make your own wayThis is the price of the holiday without flights
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| 18 Apr 2012 |
Make your own way
Make your own wayThis is the price of the holiday without flights
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| 18 Apr 2012 | London Gatwick |
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Rhythms of Cuba
Price from £1149.00
What's Included
- Flights: UK - Havana - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 7 breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D)
- Travel on tour by comfortable air-conditioned transport
- English speaking guide on tour and local representative in resort
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
- Visa Cuban Tourist card (approx. £15 per person) All local and airport taxes/service charges excluding personal departure tax (approx. £17 per person)
Included Highlights
- Havana City sightseeing including cigar factory and 'Havana Club' Rum Museum
- Viñales Valley
- Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, Las Terrazas
- Buena Vista Coffee House
- Fiesta Campesina Historic Farm
- Guama Taino Indian Village
Departures from
- London Gatwick
Departures between
04 Apr 2012 to 28 Mar 2013
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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