Best of Cuba

Discover the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Cuba. From the bustling streets of Havana to the tranquil beaches of Cayo Santa Maria.

days
12
Destinations
8
Type of trip
Private
Activities
15

Overview from the travel specialist

Hi, I'm Björn: join me on an unforgettable trip to Cuba! We start in the lively city of Havana, where you can explore the old town and enjoy a vintage car ride along the Malecón. We continue to the picturesque Viñales Valley with its breathtaking landscapes and tobacco farms. Finally, we relax on the beautiful beaches of Cayo Santa Maria. This trip simply offers the best of Cuba - culture, nature and relaxation.

Highlights

of your Cuba round trip

Walk through Trinidad
Explore the Viñales Valley
Boat tour on the Laguna del Tesoro
Tour of Havana
Natural paradise Soroa
Relax on Cayo Santa Maria beach


Our travel program for your vacation in Cuba

Embark on a 12-day round trip through Cuba, where every day brings new discoveries and unforgettable experiences. This round trip takes you from the lively streets of Havana to the colonial charm of Trinidad and shows you the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture of this fascinating Caribbean island. Along the way, you will visit traditional tobacco farms, hike through lush valleys and relax on pristine beaches. Immerse yourself in the beauty and rhythm of Cuba and experience a round trip that appeals to all your senses and brings you closer to Cuba in all its diversity.

Day 1: Havana

Your round trip to Cuba begins! Welcome to the capital of Cuba. Your driver will pick you up at Havana airport and take you to your hotel.

Services: Hotel in Havana; Casa Particular in Havana, 5* standard

Sightseeing tips:

  • El Capitolio | Plaza de la Catedral | Malecón
  • Castillo del Morro | Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes | Plaza Vieja
  • Gran Teatro de La Habana | Museo de la Revolución | El Floridita

Day 2: Havana

After breakfast, your tour guide will be waiting for you at the hotel reception. Together you will set off to explore the old town of Havana on foot. During your tour to various sights and through the narrow streets, your tour guide will also give you information about life in Havana. In addition to numerous other highlights, you will also visit the rum museum, where you should not miss out on a tasting. After lunch, you will take a ride in a vintage car through the more modern parts of Havana. You will drive along the famous Malecón promenade and enjoy a cocktail at the Hotel Nacional.

Services: Hotel in Havana 5* standard (breakfast and lunch); Casa Particular in Havana (lunch)

Restaurant & bar tips:

  • El Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio (bars) | Paladar La Guarida | Doña Eutimi

Day 3: Viñales

Today you travel to the west of the country, to the Viñales Valley, where the famous Cuban tobacco grows. In terms of landscape, this area is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Red earth, green tobacco fields and the towering cone-shaped karst rocks of the Mogotes characterize the panorama. You can enjoy the view of the valley from a vantage point. You will then enjoy lunch before visiting the Cueva del Indio cave and the Mural de la Prehistoria in the afternoon.

Services: Hotel in Viñales, 3* standard (breakfast and lunch); Casa Particular in Viñales

Things to know:

  • Limestone cliffs | cigars & plantations | UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 4: Viñales

In the morning, you will hike along one of the most popular trails through the Viñales Valley, the Coco Solo Palmarito. If you set off early, you can experience the valley in a very special ambience. Today you will also visit a Casa del Veguero, the home of a tobacco farmer, where you will see how tobacco is dried and processed and how Cuban cigars are rolled. The afternoon is at your leisure.

Services: Hotel in Viñales, 3* standard (breakfast); Casa Particular in Viñales

Restaurant tips:

  • Paladar Don Tomás | El Olivo | Finca Agroecológica El Paraiso

Day 5: Soroa - Las Terrazas

Today's stage of your journey takes you to the Sierra del Rosario mountain range. First, you will visit the 22-metre-high Salto de Soroa waterfall in Soroa. There is a natural pool below the waterfall, which is ideal for swimming. After visiting the local orchid garden with over 700 orchid species, you will continue to Las Terrazas. After lunch, you will get to know the small, interesting community with all its peculiarities.

Services: Hotel in Las Terrazas, 4* standard (lunch); Hotel in Las Terrazas, 4* standard (breakfast and lunch)

Sightseeing tips:

  • San Juan River | Café de Maria | Artisan workshops
  • Las Terrazas tree house | Hikes and eco-tours

Day 6: Playa Giron - Cienfuegos

You drive towards central Cuba and cross the Zapata swamp on the way to Cienfuegos. At the Laguna del Tesoro, you first take a boat tour to a replica village of the Taíno Indians (the indigenous people of Cuba) before visiting the museum in Playa Girón, which deals with the invasion of the Cuban exiles in the Bay of Pigs. In the late afternoon you will reach Cienfuegos, your destination for the day.

Services: Hotel in Cienfuegos, 5* standard (breakfast); Casa Particular in Cienfuegos (breakfast)

Restaurant tips:

  • Paladar Ache | Paladar Villa Lagarto | Paladar La Enramada | Paladar Sol y Son

Day 7: Topes de Collantes - Trinidad

In the morning, you will explore the city center of Cienfuegos on foot. Like Old Havana and Trinidad, the historic center of Cienfuegos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will then travel to the nearby Topes de Collantes National Park. It is one of the most popular national parks in the country. After a short hike, you will reach the Javira waterfall. You can cool off in a pool below the waterfall before driving to Trinidad in the afternoon.

Services: Hotel in Trinidad, 4* standard (breakfast); Casa Particular in Trinidad

Scenery:

  • Mountain landscapes | coffee plantations | nature reserves

Day 8: Trinidad

The old town of Trinidad offers numerous good photo opportunities. You will walk with your tour guide through the cobbled streets, past well-preserved and less well-preserved buildings from the colonial era. You will also visit the Canchanchara bar, where a special drink of the same name is served and live music is often played. After lunch, you will drive to the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, the valley of the sugar mills. Here you will visit the ruins of a former sugar cane plantation.

Services: Hotel in Trinidad, 4* standard (breakfast and lunch); Casa Particular in Trinidad (lunch)

Worth knowing:

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site | Sugar cane & slavery | Music & culture | Nature and beaches

Day 9: Cayo Santa Maria

On the way to Cayo Santa Maria, you make a stop in Santa Clara. Here you will visit Che Guevara's mausoleum with its museum and the Tren Blindado monument. Together they bear witness to the successful Cuban revolution. You will also have lunch in Santa Clara before your tour guide takes you to your hotel in Cayo Santa Maria.

Services: Hotel in Cayo Santa Maria, 5* standard (breakfast, lunch and dinner); Hotel in Cayo Santa Maria, 5* standard (lunch and dinner)

Worth knowing:

  • Cuban cultural center | Founded in 1689 | Parque Vidal
  • Colonial-style architecture | Colorful nightlife | Trade hub

 

Day 10: Cayo Santa Maria

Enjoy your day off on one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba!

Services: Hotel in Cayo Santa Maria, 5* standard (breakfast, lunch and dinner); Hotel in Cayo Santa Maria, 5* standard (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Activities:

  • Water sports| Beach and relaxation | Wellness and spa
  • Boat trips | Ecotourism | Fishing

Day 11: Cayo Santa Maria - Havana

A private transfer will take you back to Havana. The last evening of your Cuba round trip is still ahead of you! Stroll through the Cuban capital one last time and enjoy the colorful hustle and bustle.

Services: Hotel in Havana, 5* standard (breakfast); Casa Particular in Havana (breakfast)

Tips for the last evening:

  • Walk on the beach | souvenir shopping | photo walk | relax in the spa

 

Day 12: Havana

Today is the day to say goodbye. Your private transfer is ready to take you to the airport. We are already looking forward to your next Cuba vacation with new unforgettable experiences!

Tips for departure:

  • Arrive at the airport early | check-in | return the rental car | have important documents ready
  • do your last shopping & souvenirs | spend your last currency | security checks

Details about the accommodation

Option 1: Hotel

On this private round trip with a German-speaking tour guide through western and central Cuba, you will either stay in selected hotels or in private accommodation.

If you opt for the private accommodation option, you will stay in casas particulares in Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. In Las Terrazas and Cayo Santa Maria you will stay in hotels of a really good standard.

If you opt for the option with hotels, you will find an overview of the planned accommodation in the next tab.

This is an exemplary list of accommodation for your trip. Depending on availability, you may also be accommodated in another hotel of equal value. You will receive a list of the exact accommodation with your travel documents.

Day 1-3 / 11-12

Havana: Hotel Sevilla

The 4-star Hotel Sevilla is located in the heart of Old Havana. It is just a few minutes away from historical sights, the famous Paseo del Prado, and the Malecón.

To Hotel Sevilla »
Day 3-5

Viñales: Hotel Los Jazmines

Hotel Los Jazmines is situated in the heart of the Viñales region. The hotel offers a magnificent view of the valley and the tobacco plantations below. Surrounded by lush landscapes, it’s perfect for walkers and hikers.

To Hotel Los Jazmines »
Day 5-6

Las Terrazas: Hotel La Moka

Hotel La Moka is located in the heart of the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, amidst the lush flora and fauna of the beautiful Pinar del Río tobacco province. It is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

To Hotel La Moka »
Day 6-7

Cienfuegos: Hotel La Union

In the heart of Cienfuegos lies the 4* Hotel La Unión. From here, you can explore the old town with its French influences on foot and then refresh yourself at the hotel pool.

To Hotel La Union »
Day 7-9

Trinidad: Hotel E La Calesa / E La Ronda

The hotels La Calesa and La Ronda both belong to the Cuban Encanto Hotels chain. They are located in the old town of Trinidad, allowing you to easily visit the city's attractions on foot.

To the Hotel E La Ronda »
Day 9-11

Cayo Santa Maria: Hotel Melia Cayo Santa Maria

Hotel Melia Cayo Santa Maria is located directly on the beachfront of Cayo Santa Maria. With its expansive grounds, well-maintained tropical gardens, and white sandy beach, it is ideal for those seeking peace and relaxation.

To Hotel Melia Cayo Santa Maria »
Day 1-5 / 6-9 / 11-12

Havana / Viñales / Cienfuegos / Trinidad: Casa Particular

In option 1 / Private accommodations, you will stay in Casas Particulares in Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad. These Cuban private accommodations give you the chance to get a closer look at everyday Cuban life.

To the Casas Particulares »

Option 2: Casa Particulares

On this private round trip with a German-speaking tour guide through western and central Cuba, you will either stay in selected hotels or in private accommodation.

If you opt for the private accommodation option, you will stay in casas particulares in Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. In Las Terrazas and Cayo Santa Maria you will stay in hotels of a really good standard.

If you opt for the option with hotels, you will find an overview of the planned accommodation in the next tab.

This is an exemplary list of accommodation for your trip. Depending on availability, you may also be accommodated in another hotel of equal value. You will receive a list of the exact accommodation with your travel documents.

Day 1-3 / 11-12

Havana: Casa Particular

The private accommodations / Casas Particulares provided by Sprachcaffe Travels in Havana are mostly located in the Vedado district. From here, it’s only a few minutes by car to the old town of Habana Vieja.

To the Casas Particulares »
Day 3-5

Viñales: Casa Particular

While most hotels are located outside of Viñales, staying in a Casa Particular offers the advantage of being accommodated in the small town, allowing you to walk to the main square and stroll through the quiet streets.

To the Casas Particulares »
Day 5-6

Las Terrazas: Hotel La Moka

Hotel La Moka is located in the heart of the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by the lush flora and fauna of the beautiful tobacco province of Pinar del Río. It’s the ideal place to relax and unwind.

To Hotel La Moka »
Day 6-7

Cienfuegos: Casa Particular

Our Casas Particulares in Cienfuegos are mostly located near the historic center or close to the Malecón promenade. Experience the everyday life of Cubans up close!

To the Casas Particulares »
Day 7-9

Trinidad: Casa Particular

Our Casas Particulares in Trinidad are located in the colonial old town or within walking distance of the city center, allowing you to fully experience the charm of the colonial town of Trinidad.

To the Casas Particulares »
Day 9-11

Cayo Santa Maria: Hotel Melia Cayo Santa Maria

Hotel Melia Cayo Santa Maria is situated directly on the beachfront of Cayo Santa Maria. With its spacious grounds, well-kept tropical gardens, and white sandy beach, it’s perfect for those seeking peace and relaxation.

To Hotel Melia Cayo Santa Maria »

What is included?

Accommodation

In a casa particulares or hotel (optional)

Transfer

In air-conditioned vehicles

Meals

According to description (depending on option)

Tour guide

Accompanied by a qualified, German-speaking guide

Excursions

New exciting sightseeing adventures every day

24/7 availability

We are available around the clock if you have any questions!

Plan your dream trip

Don't miss the chance to make your dream trip a reality! Contact our experienced travel consultants now and let them inspire and advise you for your trip.

Your travel expert

Exclusive supplements for your private Cuba round trips

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All important travel information

Visit our travel information page and discover everything you need to know for your upcoming trip to Cuba. Here you will find details on the best time to travel, information on the time change and recommendations for important health precautions you should take before your departure. We have compiled all the necessary information for you to make your stay in Cuba a pleasant and smooth one. You can also find out more about local customs, safety advice and tips for an authentic and unforgettable stay.

Travel information Cuba