AN ADVENTURE IN BEAUTIFUL CUBA!                

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pink car Cuba

“Thank you very much for a wonderful holiday in Cuba.I feel quite an expert on the country now as we saw so many different sides to Cuba.Our guide, Juan Carlos was excellent”

Angela.

November 2014

 

“The trip to Cuba was fabulous.  We had a wonderful time with a great group of open & widely traveled people.  You already know that Cuba is a beautiful country filled with generous people, and traveling to Cuba is an exceptional experience for anyone who has the opportunity to go there.The hikes and the scenery, some of the meals, and just experiencing Cuba were the highlights of the trip.  The local hiking guides were all superb, very knowledgeable about the areas we were hiking in, the local flora and the people we met on our hikes.  Without exception their English was great and very understandable, and they are well trained in leading the hikes and maintaining a pace that worked for everyone in the group.”

Mary.

November 2015.

“Just back from a fantastic holiday experience in Cuba.Amazing walking with great guides.We saw so much and met many locals who shared their lifestyle and hospitality.Stayed in local houses in Viñales which was very enjoyable and got us closer to local culture than in the hotels.Havana was vibrant, safe and fun!Played Robinson Crusoe for the day on the desert island catamaran trip-incredible!

All in all an experience never to be forgotten. I am so glad i went on this holiday with Walk Andalucia/Cuba.
The adventure of a lifetime!”
Rob Innis.  Alicante.  November 2015.
” It was such a great holiday!”
Anne Marie. April 2016

 

WHY TRAVEL WITH US TO CUBA? 

We are a family run specialist walking tour company established in 2002.  Our holidays are especially tailored to meet the needs of active people who are looking for something different, away from the tourist trail but who also appreciate comfort and relaxation in a beautiful environment.  We offer a friendly, personal service and a trouble-free holiday.  The local guides will ensure you explore and enjoy the colour, history, music, culture and gastronomy of this fascinating country.

All Cuban costs have increased by almost 100% for 2017 due to the interest from US visitors travelling to Cuba.All accommodation during the 4 locations you will visit are in privately owned family homes, Casa Familiares. We believe this offers better value for money than hotels and is a great way of experiencing Cuban life. Breakfast is included each day.


HIGHLIGHTS

  • Enjoy the amazing history, culture and night life of Havana
  • Walk through the rain forests of Soroa.
  • Walk among the limestone karsts of the Viñales Valley
  • Explore the cobbled streets and colonial grandeur of Trinidad
  • Catamaran trip to one of the beautiful offshore islands where you can swim and snorkel in warm, crystal clear seas. Lunch included.
  • Walk through the old slave plantation at Codina, now a natural park

 

DAILY ITINERARY (subject to variation)

Day 1 :
Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel. Welcome Drink with Tour Guide who will make wonderful suggestions for dining.  There are many delightful private restaurants in Havana or try a Paladores where you can experience home cooked Cuban food.Overnight at a family owned private home, a Casa Familiares.  
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Day 2 :Morning tour of Havana with private guide. (included).Afternoon 2 hour excursion in an old American car (included).Evening dining options could include visiting the famous Tropicana or the Bueno Vista Social Club. Taxis and entrance fees not included.Overnight at a private house. DSCF0351
Day 3 :Drive to Viñales   (2 hrs. 188kms.)Today we drive through the Viñales Valley, a picturesque region with small farms and villages.Afternoon free to explore this beautiful area.Visit the nearby Cueva del Indio cave complex or explore the town of Viñales. Over night at a privately owned Cuban home. Visit one of the nearby Paladores for home cooked Cuban food. DSCF0719
Day 4 :Leisurely walk  in the Tobacco Valley  (picnic lunch included) (5 km. 5 hours.) This unforgettable walk gives a fascinating insight into Cuban rural life. Visit a tobacco farm, learn about making Cuban cigars, taste home-grown coffee, walk through beautiful, rural countryside, see age-old agricultural techniques, enjoy an authentic Piña Colada made with pineapples and coconuts grown on the farm, and of course local rum!Dine in the town of Viñales and enjoy the evening nightlife.Overnight at a private home.  DSCF0444
Day 5:Walk from  Viñales town (11 km. 5 hours.) Through open farmland, up dry river bed to the homestead of Los Aquaticos, descendants of water healers. Coffee is served at the farm before returning to Viñales in a circular route.Picnic lunch included.Dine in Viñales or a local Paradore. Overnight at a private home.  DSCF0541
Day 6 :Morning Drive to Soroa  (74 km, 1.5 hours)Optional visit to local Botanical Gardens with a collection of local orchids. Entrance fee 3 cuc. After lunch (not included) you can climb the Mirador de Soroa. The hike to the top is around 1.5 km.  There will also be an opportunity to walk down to a local waterfall and swimming hole and/or climb to the top of a mogote with incredible views. pool.Your Tour Guide will advise on dining options. There are a range of private houses in Soroa which offer delicious home cooked food in leafy gardens.  Overnight at a private home.  DSCF0521
Day 7 : Cafetal de Indepencia. (8km 5-6 hours.)We walk through lush rain forests to a disused coffee plantation from the 1840’s.  This is a medium level walk through the mountains with a local guide who is incredibly knowledgeable about the ecology,history,politics and culture of Cuba. We return via a different route.Picnic lunch is included.Dine at the Hotel Soroa or a nearby Paladores. Overnight at a private home.  DSCF0529
Day 8 :Walk with  local guide.( 8 kms. 4 hours.)Your guide will give information about the beautiful flora and fauna.  He will also introduce you to aspects of local history and culture and explain about  communities whose ancestors were slaves during the settlement of the French coffee plantations during the XIX century.Lunch to be taken at a local snack bar ( Not included)Dine at the Hotel Soroa or a nearby Paladores. Over night at a private home.  DSCF0487
Day 9 :Drive to Trinidad (419 kms. 8 hours ) via Cienfuegas. En route we will see the changing landscapes in different provinces. We will stop for lunch at Cienfuegos.( Not included) and take a brief tour of the town by car.In the afternoon enjoy a City Tour.Dine at the Hotel Maria Dolores or take a taxi into Trinidad to experience the restaurants and fantastic nightlife. ( Taxi and dinner not included)Overnight at a private home.   DSCF0309
Day 10 :  Hacienda Codina Tour. Excursion starts at 09:00.Our transport today is a wonderful, rainbow coloured 1980’s Russian Army truck with 6 wheel drive!  First stop a coffee centre and tasting in Topes followed by a walk into the mountains.The hike is about 3-4 hours and includes a visit to the open cave of La BarataAfter a traditional lunch at Hacienda Codina (lunch included),  visit local orchid and bamboo garden before returning to the hotel Maria Dolores at around 4 pm via a spectacular Mirador. Dine at the Hotel Maria Dolores or take a taxi into Trinidad.Overnight at a private home.  DSCF0584
Day 11:Day tour by Catamaran to one of the beautiful Caribbean islands of Iguana Key.Try snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef. The clear water is warm and the fish are plentiful.Lunch included. Freshly prepared on board the catamaran by the crew and served to you on the island. After lunch relax on the beautiful, white, sandy beach.Dine at the hotel or go into Trinidad.Overnight at a private home.  DSCF0651
Day 12 :Morning guided walking tour of Trinidad City.Spend some time shopping in the many street markets.Lunch can be taken in Trinidad or at a beach bar.( Not included)In the afternoon take a long walk on the beautiful beach or relax in the sunshine.Dine at the hotel or in Trinidad.
Overnight at a private home.
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Day 13 :El Cubano.( 5km walk with the option to extend by 8km.) A circular walk in a natural park with excellent marked pathways leading to a fantastic waterfall where it is possible to swim inside a cave.This is an excellent spot to see the exotic bird life. Lunch included. Overnight at a private home.  DSCF0702
Day 14 :Return to Havana (335 km. 4 hours)Arrive in  Havana approx 14.00.During the afternoon explore more of Havana.Take a taxi to the Hotel National for a cocktail and walk back via the Malacon to experience the real flavour of Havana.Dine at the hotel or a local restaurant in the City.Overnight at a private home.  DSCF0724
Day 15: Morning visit to the Museo de la Revolucion (Optional £5)The Museum of the Revolution is located in the Old Havana.The museum is housed in what was the Presedential Palace of all Cuban presidents from Menocal to Batista. It became the Museum of the Revolution during the years following the Cuban Revolution.

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING FROM WESTERN EUROPE  YOU SHOULD BOOK YOUR FLIGHT FOR DAY 15 TO ARRIVE HOME OVERNIGHT ON DAY 16.

*********Your return flight will leave today and you will arrive at your destination on Day 16*********

 

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CLIENT REVIEWS

“Just a quick note to  thank you for the great holiday in Cuba.  We wanted to feedback on  how much both Brian and I enjoyed our trip.  For us there were a  number of highlights,the car trip in Havana, staying in the Casas Familiares, the walks in Soroa and Vinales, visiting Santa Clara and meeting the Cubans.Most of all we liked the variety of what you showed us and appreciated the choices.”

Paul McCallion, March 2013

 

“We wanted warmth in December, to travel and to walk to somewhere totally different. Cuba is an adventure and should be treated as such. Cuba is a very safe place, with little crime and a dreamy way of doing things.”

Paul December 2014.

 

       

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  • 14 nights bed and breakfast.
  • Other meals where indicated
  • All transportation between locations by air conditioned bus
  • The services of an English speaking guide throughout the trip
  • The additional services of a walking guide or tour guide where indicated.
  • Day on a catamaran with lunch and drinks.

NOT INCLUDED*****

FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE HOLIDAY.

FLIGHTS CANNOT BE BOOKED BY WALK ANDALUCIA ON YOUR BEHALF HOWEVER WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER ADVICE.
Optional excursions are not included.
Lunches and evening meals (except where specified) are not included.Please estimate $35 per person per day for food.

A highlight of your holiday will be the opportunity to visit the wide range of private restaurants and houses where the local people will go out of their way to ensure that you enjoy their hospitality and food.

All restaurants will be happy to suggest a vegetarian option.

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Overbooking is affecting all tour operators to the country and you should be aware of this as it may affect your trip.Alternative accommodation will always be found for the group.

Please do contact us at Walk Andalucia for any advice or questions you may have about our Cuba holiday. 

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