The melody of horns floating through the air, classic cars parked in colonial squares, revolutionary statues — get over the resort wall and discover the real Cuba! Travel east to Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa and encounter the birthplace of Cuban rhythms and revolutionary fervour. Soak in Spanish heritage while exploring churches, forts, and cobblestoned streets. Stay overnight in homestays for an immersive Cuban experience few travellers get to enjoy. Don't just walk down the road less travelled — dance down it. Viva la Revolución!
Day 1: HavanaArrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included to the tour's starting point, a "casa particular" (Cuban home used as a bed and breakfast), for an authentic Cuban experience.
Day 2: HavanaTour the city by vintage car before a walking tour of Old Havana with the CEO. In the afternoon, opt to visit museums, or attend a cabaret performance at the Tropicana.
Day 3: Havana/Sancti SpíritusTravel to Sancti Spiritus today and enjoy an orientation walk of this beautiful, but often overlooked, colonial city.
Day 4: Sancti Spíritus/BayamoTravel overland across Eastern Cuba to Bayamo. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore – opt to hire a horsecart like the locals to tour the area or people watch in the pedestrian only Plaza de la Revolución.
Day 5: Bayamo/BaracoaContinue on to Baracoa, and get the lay of the land with an orientation walk. The area offers everything from beaches to waterfalls to hiking opportunities and museums.
Day 6: BaracoaExplore Cuba’s rural communities and small businesses in Baracoa, a G Adventures-supported project. Enjoy a free evening to wander the seaside boardwalk or to find a bite to eat in town.
Day 7: BaracoaTake advantage of a full free day to enjoy everything that Baracoa and its surroundings have to offer. Opt to hike or explore one of the many breathtaking beaches nearby for which this area of Cuba is famous.
Day 8: Baracoa/Santiago de CubaDrive along the rugged coast towards Santiago de Cuba and take an orientation walk with the CEO on arrival. Enjoy free time to explore this Afro-Cuban city by visiting important revolutionary sites, like the Moncada Barracks.
Day 9: Santiago de Cuba/Sierra MaestraTravel into the heart of Sierra Maestra National Park, and stay in quaint wooden cabins next to the Yara River. Enjoy free time for hikes or relaxing in nature.
Day 10: Sierra Maestra/CamagüeyHike through the Sierra Maestra mountains in the footsteps of Che Guevarra and Fidel Castro and learn more about Cuba's history. Arrive in the afternoon to Camagüey with some free time to explore. Opt to hop in the back of a "bicitaxi" (bicycle-taxi) and tour the local markets and plazas, or take in the city's nightlife.
Day 11: Camagüey/TrinidadEnjoy an orientation walk and included salsa lesson in Trinidad.
Day 12: TrinidadEnjoy free time in Trinidad. Opt to hike in nearby Topes de Collantes National Park to see the Salto del Caburni waterfall, or visit Ancón Beach for diving, snorkelling or lounging. Savour a local dinner as a group hosted by one of the homestay families.
Day 13: Trinidad/CienfuegosTravel along the coast to colonial Cienfuegos. Detour along the way through Santa Clara to visit the Che Mausoleum. Then continue on to Cienfuegos and enjoy an orientation walk to learn more about this city.
Day 14: Cienfuegos/HavanaDrive along the picture-perfect Bay of Pigs, and learn more about the Cuban victory in 1961 at the Giron Museum. Enjoy free time for swimming and snorkelling before returning to Havana. Enjoy a final evening with the group in Cuba's vibrant capital.
Day 15: HavanaDepart at any time.