Travel to Cuba
Depart for your holiday to Cuba. Upon arrival in Havana you will be met by our local representative in the airport and transfer to your hotel in Havana, where you will spend the next four nights of your stay.
Morning
Colonial Havana
After breakfast you will enjoy a half-day guided walking tour of the colonial city centre, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. Built in baroque and neoclassical style, Old Havana is truly a blast from the past. You will see the Museo Capitanes Generales, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza (Castle of the Royal Force) as well as Plaza Vieja. From there you will visit the 18th century Cuban Baroque style Palace of the Generals and the fortress of Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Along the way you will see some of Ernest Hemingway’s old haunts like the Bodeguita del Medio. Enjoy a special Daiquiri in one of Hemingway's favourite hang-outs the El Floridita bar, the bar features a life size bronze statue of the famous writer.
Evening
At leisure & dinner in Old Havana
The afternoon is yours at leisure, further immerse yourself into discovering what Havana has to offer, pass through the streets at your own pace, before meeting your group for dinner in Old Havana.
Morning
Hemingway's Havana
Begin the day with a half-day excursion to the places in Cuba that inspired Ernest Hemingway. You will visit his home, Finca Vigía, where he wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls in the 1930s. From there you will head out to the fishing village of Cojimar, which was the backdrop for The Old Man and the Sea. Enjoy a cocktail included in Hotel Ambos Mundos before heading on to visit the 17th century Morro- Cabana, the largest fortress constructed by the Spanish in the New World. Lunch is included.
Afternoon
Vintage Car Journey & Dinner
In the evening enjoy a guided excursion to 1950’s Havana in vintage classic cars, taking in Revolution Square, the Malecon and the famous Hotel Nacional, a stop is included at the Hotel. Dinner is included tonight.
Full Day
Pinar del Río - Tobacco Land
Today is a full day excursion to the province of Pinar del Río’. Travel the "tobacco route" to the western part of the island, taking in a panoramic tour through Viñales Valley, also including a stop at the lookout point "Los Jazmines". Afterwards, walk down to an underground river through the cave "Cueva del Indio" and continue by small motorboat. With its hanging vines and rocky wall surfaces, this extraordinary river region looks like it came straight out of a film. Inside the cave, see the ‘Prehistoric Wall,’ complete with a huge mural depicting the history of evolution.
Also included today is a visit to "Casa del Veguero" a tobacco farm, viewing the tobacco fields and drying house.
Lunch in the afternoon and dinner are included today.
Morning
Scenic Rail Journey
Morning transfer to the Hershey train depot station where you will board the Hershey’s Electric Train for your scenic rail journey through beautiful Cuban landscape. Enjoy a tour of the village of Hershey, named after the American chocolate king, where you will learn about the sugar cane industry before enjoying live music and refreshments in the gardens of Hershey. Lunch included.
Evening
Transfer to Varadero
Later you will transfer to the beach destination of Varadero, which will be your base for the next five nights on an all-inclusive basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner and locally produced drinks included each day). The journey today is 190km, from Hershey to Varadero is approximately one and a half hours (100km).
Full Day
At leisure in Varadero
Enjoy a free day, to relax at your hotel and get to know your surroundings. Our local representative will offer an information briefing in the hotel, so that you can learn about the activities on offer in Varadero.
Full Day
Jeep Discover Tour
Today, explore the northern coast of the province of Matanzas by jeep as you drive through narrow roads, off roads and causeways in the midst of sugarcane fields and farmland. Stop for snorkeling at Playa Coral followed by a boat ride along the river Canimar. A typical Cuban lunch at a local restaurant is also included.
Full Day
Days 8 & 9 – At leisure
You will have two days to spend at your own pace in Varadero. You can relax by the beach, shop or enjoy some more sightseeing. Your guide will be on hand to suggest activities based on your preferences.
Morning
Transfer to Havana
After breakfast, travel by coach along the panoramic coastal road back to Havana, for your final night in Cuba.
Afternoon
Havana
There’ll be a free afternoon to lap up more of the sights and sounds of Havana, so you could walk along the Malecón, stroll through Revolution Square, or revisit one of Hemingway’s favourite drinking spots.
Morning
Toronto City Tour
This morning we say farewell to Cuba, transfer with guide assistance to Havana City airport for your return flight to Dublin (via Toronto). On arrival in Toronto, you will be met by our guide who will accompany you on a tour by coach, giving an overview of some of the city's most famous landmarks. Time permitting, there will also be free time for independent sightseeing and shopping in the city.
Afternoon
Return Home
You will be transferred to the airport for your overnight flight home.
*Toronto - Havana flight sectors are operated by Air Canada Rouge
Arrive Home
Arrive home to Dublin airport after an overnight flight from Toronto.