Essential Cuba
Duration
8 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Santiago De Cuba
Available
April 2025 / March 2026
Cities to visit:
Santiago De Cuba; Holguin; Guardalavaca; Laguna La Redonda; Cayo Coco; Remedios; Central Azucarera; Santa Clara; Havana
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
Day
Welcome to Santiago de Cuba! Transfer to the hotel and free time. Our guide will get in touch with you in the evening, either in person or through the information boards located at the hotel reception.
IMPORTANT:
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
IMPORTANT:
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
09:00 a.m. – We’ll begin our panoramic tour of Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second most important city—vibrant, historic, and full of passion. We’ll visit Revolution Square and make a stop at the solemn Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, a national monument where Cuban heroes such as José Martí, Fidel Castro, and other key figures in the nation´s history are laid to rest.
10:30 a.m. – We’ll travel 20 km inland through green hills to reach the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba’s patron saint. This sacred place is a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and resilience, and we’ll witness the deep devotion it inspires among the Cuban people.
11:30 a.m. – Departure from El Cobre, heading toward the coast.
12:15 p.m. – Arrival at Castillo del Morro (San Pedro de la Roca). Perched on a rocky promontory at the entrance to the bay, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an awe-inspiring fortress. We’ll explore its Piracy Museum and then enjoy an included lunch at El Morro Restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the sea.
03:00 p.m. – Return to Santiago’s historic center, where we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the city’s main square, the cathedral, the old town hall, and the Diego Velázquez House, one of the oldest colonial buildings in the Americas.
04:00 p.m. – Free time to explore the city at your own pace.
10:30 a.m. – We’ll travel 20 km inland through green hills to reach the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba’s patron saint. This sacred place is a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and resilience, and we’ll witness the deep devotion it inspires among the Cuban people.
11:30 a.m. – Departure from El Cobre, heading toward the coast.
12:15 p.m. – Arrival at Castillo del Morro (San Pedro de la Roca). Perched on a rocky promontory at the entrance to the bay, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an awe-inspiring fortress. We’ll explore its Piracy Museum and then enjoy an included lunch at El Morro Restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the sea.
03:00 p.m. – Return to Santiago’s historic center, where we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the city’s main square, the cathedral, the old town hall, and the Diego Velázquez House, one of the oldest colonial buildings in the Americas.
04:00 p.m. – Free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Total Distance Covered: 235 km
Scenery: Today we’ll travel through tropical hills and fertile farmlands in eastern Cuba, heading toward the north coast. Along the way, we’ll enjoy changing landscapes—lush forests, plantations, and stunning sea views around the Bay of Bariay.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Santiago de Cuba.
En route, we’ll make a special stop at a traditional Cuban farmhouse, where you´ll experience rural life firsthand. We´ll walk through coffee and fruit plantations, learn about age-old farming techniques, and taste locally made products. You’ll also see how coffee is ground by hand using a pilón—and enjoy a freshly brewed cup!
11:30 a.m. – Arrival in Holguín.
We’ll take a panoramic tour of this peaceful and well-organized city, known as “the city of parks” for its elegant squares and relaxed rhythm of life.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Holguín, heading to the northern coast, to the place where two worlds first met.
01:30 p.m. – Arrival at the Bay of Bariay.
In this breathtaking natural setting—where Christopher Columbus first landed in Cuba in 1492—we’ll visit the Taíno Village, take part in the reenactment of the “Areíto”, an indigenous ceremonial celebration, and see the monument commemorating the meeting of Taíno and European cultures.
Included lunch at a local restaurant with spectacular views of the bay.
03:45 p.m. – Departure from the Bay of Bariay.
04:15 p.m. – Arrival at Chorro de Maíta.
We’ll visit the Chorro de Maíta Archaeological Park and Museum, featuring a reconstructed indigenous village and a burial site where 62 human skeletons have been preserved, offering unique insights into the lives of Cuba’s earliest inhabitants.
04:45 p.m. – Departure from Chorro de Maíta.
05:15 p.m. – Arrival in Guardalavaca.
Check-in at our beach resort, located along one of Cuba’s most beautiful northern beaches.
Free time to enjoy the sea and beach.
Dinner and overnight stay included.
Scenery: Today we’ll travel through tropical hills and fertile farmlands in eastern Cuba, heading toward the north coast. Along the way, we’ll enjoy changing landscapes—lush forests, plantations, and stunning sea views around the Bay of Bariay.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Santiago de Cuba.
En route, we’ll make a special stop at a traditional Cuban farmhouse, where you´ll experience rural life firsthand. We´ll walk through coffee and fruit plantations, learn about age-old farming techniques, and taste locally made products. You’ll also see how coffee is ground by hand using a pilón—and enjoy a freshly brewed cup!
11:30 a.m. – Arrival in Holguín.
We’ll take a panoramic tour of this peaceful and well-organized city, known as “the city of parks” for its elegant squares and relaxed rhythm of life.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Holguín, heading to the northern coast, to the place where two worlds first met.
01:30 p.m. – Arrival at the Bay of Bariay.
In this breathtaking natural setting—where Christopher Columbus first landed in Cuba in 1492—we’ll visit the Taíno Village, take part in the reenactment of the “Areíto”, an indigenous ceremonial celebration, and see the monument commemorating the meeting of Taíno and European cultures.
Included lunch at a local restaurant with spectacular views of the bay.
03:45 p.m. – Departure from the Bay of Bariay.
04:15 p.m. – Arrival at Chorro de Maíta.
We’ll visit the Chorro de Maíta Archaeological Park and Museum, featuring a reconstructed indigenous village and a burial site where 62 human skeletons have been preserved, offering unique insights into the lives of Cuba’s earliest inhabitants.
04:45 p.m. – Departure from Chorro de Maíta.
05:15 p.m. – Arrival in Guardalavaca.
Check-in at our beach resort, located along one of Cuba’s most beautiful northern beaches.
Free time to enjoy the sea and beach.
Dinner and overnight stay included.
Total Distance Covered: 420 km
Scenery: Today’s journey will take us across eastern and central Cuba, through agricultural plains, small towns, and lush tropical vegetation. In the afternoon, we’ll drive along a spectacular road built over the sea, surrounded by mangroves and colonies of exotic birds, as we head toward the northern Cayos.
06:30 a.m. – Departure from Guardalavaca.
We’ll set off on a long but fascinating journey westward, passing through the provinces of Las Tunas and Ciego de Ávila. Along the way, we’ll make brief technical stops and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of Cuba’s interior.
02:30 p.m. – Arrival at Laguna La Redonda.
This beautiful natural setting is surrounded by an extensive network of canals, inland lakes, and mangroves. We’ll take an included boat ride, lasting about an hour, through dense vegetation, calm waters, and an area rich in birdlife. Lunch included at a local restaurant nestled in nature.
05:00 p.m. – Departure from Laguna La Redonda.
We’ll continue along one of Cuba’s most unique roads, which stretches over the sea and connects the main island to the northern Cayos. Along the way, we may spot migratory birds such as pink flamingos and ospreys, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle.
05:45 p.m. – Arrival at Cayo Coco.
Check-in at our beach resort, located in a true Caribbean paradise with white sands and turquoise waters. Dinner and overnight stay included.
Scenery: Today’s journey will take us across eastern and central Cuba, through agricultural plains, small towns, and lush tropical vegetation. In the afternoon, we’ll drive along a spectacular road built over the sea, surrounded by mangroves and colonies of exotic birds, as we head toward the northern Cayos.
06:30 a.m. – Departure from Guardalavaca.
We’ll set off on a long but fascinating journey westward, passing through the provinces of Las Tunas and Ciego de Ávila. Along the way, we’ll make brief technical stops and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of Cuba’s interior.
02:30 p.m. – Arrival at Laguna La Redonda.
This beautiful natural setting is surrounded by an extensive network of canals, inland lakes, and mangroves. We’ll take an included boat ride, lasting about an hour, through dense vegetation, calm waters, and an area rich in birdlife. Lunch included at a local restaurant nestled in nature.
05:00 p.m. – Departure from Laguna La Redonda.
We’ll continue along one of Cuba’s most unique roads, which stretches over the sea and connects the main island to the northern Cayos. Along the way, we may spot migratory birds such as pink flamingos and ospreys, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle.
05:45 p.m. – Arrival at Cayo Coco.
Check-in at our beach resort, located in a true Caribbean paradise with white sands and turquoise waters. Dinner and overnight stay included.
Total Distance Covered: 145 km
Scenery: Today’s route will take us from the unspoiled landscapes of the Cuban Cayos to the green heart of the island, passing through rural areas, thermal villages, and small towns with colonial charm.
Morning – Free time in Cayo Coco.
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the beach, taking in the peaceful Caribbean atmosphere with its white sands and crystal-clear waters. Take a swim, stroll along the shore, or unwind with the resort’s amenities. Lunch will be included at the hotel.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Cayo Coco.
We’ll leave the Cayos and return to the mainland, heading toward central Cuba. En route, we’ll make a short stop at Villa San José de los Lagos, a serene natural spot known for its thermal waters and tranquil surroundings—perfect for a quick rest.
03:30 p.m. – Arrival in Yaguajay.
We’ll visit the Camilo Cienfuegos Museum, dedicated to one of the most charismatic commanders of the Cuban Revolution. The museum houses his remains and a moving exhibition that reflects on his life, legacy, and the mystery surrounding his disappearance.
04:15 p.m. – Departure from Yaguajay.
We will continue westward toward one of Cuba’s most authentic colonial towns.
05:00 p.m. – Arrival in Remedios.
This hidden gem of Cuban heritage, with its quiet plazas and cobblestone streets, offers a truly unique colonial atmosphere. We’ll stay in a charming hotel located in the heart of the town. Dinner included.
Scenery: Today’s route will take us from the unspoiled landscapes of the Cuban Cayos to the green heart of the island, passing through rural areas, thermal villages, and small towns with colonial charm.
Morning – Free time in Cayo Coco.
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the beach, taking in the peaceful Caribbean atmosphere with its white sands and crystal-clear waters. Take a swim, stroll along the shore, or unwind with the resort’s amenities. Lunch will be included at the hotel.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Cayo Coco.
We’ll leave the Cayos and return to the mainland, heading toward central Cuba. En route, we’ll make a short stop at Villa San José de los Lagos, a serene natural spot known for its thermal waters and tranquil surroundings—perfect for a quick rest.
03:30 p.m. – Arrival in Yaguajay.
We’ll visit the Camilo Cienfuegos Museum, dedicated to one of the most charismatic commanders of the Cuban Revolution. The museum houses his remains and a moving exhibition that reflects on his life, legacy, and the mystery surrounding his disappearance.
04:15 p.m. – Departure from Yaguajay.
We will continue westward toward one of Cuba’s most authentic colonial towns.
05:00 p.m. – Arrival in Remedios.
This hidden gem of Cuban heritage, with its quiet plazas and cobblestone streets, offers a truly unique colonial atmosphere. We’ll stay in a charming hotel located in the heart of the town. Dinner included.
Total Distance Covered: 330 km
Scenery: Today we’ll travel through the fertile fields of central Cuba, passing former sugarcane plantations, historic towns, and roads that echo the island’s agricultural and industrial roots. By evening, we’ll enjoy the colonial charm and lights of Havana.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Remedios.
We’ll visit the Marcelo Salado Sugar Mill, now transformed into the Museum of the Sugar Industry, where we’ll learn how sugarcane was traditionally produced in the 20th century.
A 20-minute steam train ride is included (currently not operating due to maintenance), offering an authentic glimpse into Cuba’s sugar-producing past, conditions permitting.
09:30 a.m. – Departure from Marcelo Salado.
We’ll continue toward one of the most important cities in Cuba’s modern history.
10:15 a.m. – Arrival in Santa Clara.
We’ll tour the Constantino Pérez Cigar Factory, where prestigious cigars such as Montecristo and Partagás are handcrafted. You’ll witness the detailed process of rolling and quality control that has made Cuban cigars world-famous.
11:30 a.m. – Visit to the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Memorial, located at Revolution Square. Here, we’ll learn more about the life, legacy, and revolutionary spirit of this iconic leader.
Lunch included at Los Caneyes Hotel, a welcoming space set in a peaceful natural environment.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Santa Clara, heading to Havana.
07:00 p.m. – Arrival in Havana.
To conclude the day, we’ll enjoy a nostalgic transfer in vintage classic cars, cruising along the famous Malecón to the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña.
08:00 p.m. – San Carlos Fortress.
We’ll attend the traditional 9 o’clock Cannon Firing Ceremony, a stirring military reenactment held at one of the most impressive fortified complexes in the Americas. Admission included.
09:30 p.m. – Return transfer to the hotel.
Overnight stay.
Scenery: Today we’ll travel through the fertile fields of central Cuba, passing former sugarcane plantations, historic towns, and roads that echo the island’s agricultural and industrial roots. By evening, we’ll enjoy the colonial charm and lights of Havana.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Remedios.
We’ll visit the Marcelo Salado Sugar Mill, now transformed into the Museum of the Sugar Industry, where we’ll learn how sugarcane was traditionally produced in the 20th century.
A 20-minute steam train ride is included (currently not operating due to maintenance), offering an authentic glimpse into Cuba’s sugar-producing past, conditions permitting.
09:30 a.m. – Departure from Marcelo Salado.
We’ll continue toward one of the most important cities in Cuba’s modern history.
10:15 a.m. – Arrival in Santa Clara.
We’ll tour the Constantino Pérez Cigar Factory, where prestigious cigars such as Montecristo and Partagás are handcrafted. You’ll witness the detailed process of rolling and quality control that has made Cuban cigars world-famous.
11:30 a.m. – Visit to the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Memorial, located at Revolution Square. Here, we’ll learn more about the life, legacy, and revolutionary spirit of this iconic leader.
Lunch included at Los Caneyes Hotel, a welcoming space set in a peaceful natural environment.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Santa Clara, heading to Havana.
07:00 p.m. – Arrival in Havana.
To conclude the day, we’ll enjoy a nostalgic transfer in vintage classic cars, cruising along the famous Malecón to the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña.
08:00 p.m. – San Carlos Fortress.
We’ll attend the traditional 9 o’clock Cannon Firing Ceremony, a stirring military reenactment held at one of the most impressive fortified complexes in the Americas. Admission included.
09:30 p.m. – Return transfer to the hotel.
Overnight stay.
08:00 a.m. – This morning, we’ll enjoy a tour lasting approximately four hours. We’ll explore Colonial Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Revolution Square and the University of Havana. We’ll also visit the Havana Club Rum Museum. Later, we’ll cross the bay by boat to the town of Regla to visit the Church of the Virgin of Regla, a deeply spiritual place where Catholic and Afro-Cuban beliefs intertwine in a powerful display of religious syncretism. Will you buy flowers and have your palm read by a daughter of Ochún? Around lunchtime, we’ll head to the Callejón del Chorro area, known for its many paladares (privately owned restaurants), where you’ll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Free time in the afternoon.
Breakfast. End of our services. Transfer from the hotel to the airport not included.
From
AUD 1,663