Cuban Charms

Cuba, 11 Nights

Day 1 - London/Havana
Depart London Gatwick with the Virgin Atlantic flight to Havana.  Arrival transfer to the Saratoga Hotel for five nights. The famous Saratoga is an iconic landmark in the centre of Havana, recently transformed to reflect its 1930s glory.

Day 2 - Havana
Morning walking tour of Habana Vieja, the UNESCO preserved old town. Observe the faded elegance of the city including the Capitolio, Obispo Street, Plaza de Armas and one of Ernest Hemingway's favourite haunts - La Bodeguita. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3 - Havana
Start the day with a guided tour of the famous Partagas tobacco factory where you can watch the 'torcedores' rolling the best cigars in the world. Afterwards your vintage car awaits to show you Havana of the 1950s including the seafront 'Malecón', the legendary Hotel Nacional, the Miramar district and Revolution Square. Dinner at a private 'paladar'.

Day 4 - Havana/Pinar del Rio
A morning drive along the 'Tobacco Route' to Pinar del Rio in western Cuba. Enjoy Mogote Valley with its famous limestone rocks, visit a 'Casa del Veguero' (tobacco farmers house) and explore the picturesque village of Viñales, where time seems to stand still. Evening return to Havana.

Day 5 - Havana
Enjoy a final day at leisure in this fascinating city. Evening visit to the famous open-air Tropicana cabaret, an iconic journey through the world of Cuban music and dance.

Day 6 - Havana/Trinidad
Morning departure with your private driver and guide, through central Cuba to Cienfuegos on the south coast. Cienfuegos is a very typical Cuban town with French colonial architecture, a 'mudejar' style palace and the Terry Theatre where Caruso once performed. Afternoon arrival at Trinidad, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site and arguably the most beautiful town in Cuba. Dozing in the 1700s, Trinidad is a perfect relic of early Spanish colonialism with several shady plazas and numerous churches and palaces. We recommend the local honey liquor at the famous Canchancharra Bar near the main square. Two nights at the Iberostar Grand Hotel, a beautifully restored colonial mansion.

Day 7 - Trinidad
Morning guided exploration of Trinidad including The Museo Romantico and the beautiful churches of Santisima Trinidad and San Francisco de Paula. Enjoy lunch in a typical Cuban restaurant before heading out of town in the afternoon to visit the nearby Sugarmill Valley and Iznaga Hacienda.

Day 8 - Trinidad/Varadero
Scenic drive through the Escambray Sierras to the historic city of Santa Clara. Here you will find the Che Guevara memorial and museum and the Tren Blindado from the revolutionary war. Continue to the coast and to Hicacos Peninsula, Cuba's oldest resort area that dates back to 1872. Along its length stretches Varadero, 12 miles of white beach and turquoise blue sea. Three nights at Paradisus Varadero.

Days 9 and 10 - Varadero
Spend two days relaxing and enjoying the wonderful beach of this beautiful peninsula.

Day 11 - Varadero/London
Afternoon transfer to Havana airport to connect with the Virgin Atlantic flight to London Gatwick. Arrive day 12.

Please note that due to Cuba's political and social history there is little emphasis on the supply of goods or the concept of service. Schedules change, reservations are not always honoured, petrol is scarce and life is basic and tough for the local population. Therefore a sense of humour and patience is an important prerequisite to your enjoyment of the country.

At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, a 11 day journey in Cuba will cost from £3,645 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.