Beautiful Cuba

All content by Intrepid

8 days (ex Havana)

Destinations visited: Cuba, Havana, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

LAST MINUTE OFFER

Leave Jul 01, 2012 and save 25% $1,196

from USD$1,595

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Description

Travel to Cuba and enjoy a relaxing week-long adventure while immersing yourself in the history, culture and natural beauty of this colourful Caribbean island. Cuba's imminent political and cultural change makes it something to experience now before it evolves. Wander through Havana's glittering colonial architecture, soak up the clear mountain air among Soroa's vibrant mountain orchards, relax on Playa Ancon's vast white beaches and admire Trinidad's unrivalled ambience. From old cars to fragrant cigars and with plenty of salsa in between, this trip has it all and is the perfect introduction to all things Cuban.

Highlights

Explore Trinidad's Spanish-style churches.
Explore Trinidad's Spanish-style churches.
Hang out in Havana's historic haunts.
Feel the rhythm of Cuba's famous nightlife.
Visit Cuba's Palacio del Valle in Cienfuegos.
View the vibrant orchids of mountainous Soroa.
Be welcomed on a homestay with a friendly Cuban family.

Itinerary

Day 1 Havana

Welcome to the sultry capital of Cuba. The best way to see Havana's colonial buildings, elegant plazas, vintage cars and cigar-smoking musicians is by foot. Visit the Plaza de la Revolucion and pass giant monuments of the legendary Che Guevara and Jose Marti. The striking baroque facade of the Catedral de San Cristobal de la Habana is a must-see.

Days 2-3 Soroa / Vinales

Tour the Cuban orchid gardens of Soroa en route to Vinales. One of Cuba's most attractive areas, the fertile valleys and distinctive limestone 'pincushion' hills surrounding Vinales are well worth exploring on a walking tour. Get into the groove with an introductory group salsa lesson and be welcomed on a homestay with a friendly local family.

Days 4-5 Trinidad

Take time to explore Trinidad's Spanish-style churches then head to Playa Ancon, a white, sandy beach where many hours slip lazily by. Alternatively, why not snorkel over Cuba's colourful underwater world or hire a bike for a relaxing pedal around town? Enjoy an Afro-Cuban folklore dance and music show then practise newly learned salsa moves at one of Trinidad's famous music venues.

Day 6 Cienfuegos

Journey to the port city Cubans call La Perla del Sur ('The Pearl of the South'). Stop by the Palacio del Valle, the architectural pride of Cienfuegos. For a local pick-me-up why not try a Cuban coffee? It's served strong, black and super sweet.

Days 7-8 Havana

Stop in at Santa Clara to visit the Mausoleo Che Guevara and learn about the legend and life of this famous revolutionary. Back in Havana, there is time for a final night of revelry. Anyone for some salsa?

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Homestay (4 nts), Hotel (3 nts)

Transport

Minibus

Budget

Allow CUC $160 for meals not included.

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from USD$1,595

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