Cuba: La Isla Grande

15 days
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USTOA

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Small Group Tour
You already know the headlines: vintage cars and premium cigars; punchy rum and revolutionary icons; salsa rhythms and minty mojitos. The whole truth, however, is far more evocative and eye-opening. This immersive trip captures the very best of Cuba, while also uniting you with the people to hear their tales and witness first-hand what life is like on this be...
26%
$6,075
From$4,500
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Cruise Havana in a classic car
    • Join Cuban cowboys for an immersive afternoon at a working farm
    • Explore isolated Baracoa on Cuba's eastern tip
    • Get moving on a drumming workshop led by local musicians
    • Shake things up with a cocktail-making class
    • Hike to Castro and Guevara's hideout in the Sierra Maestra

What's this trip about?

    You already know the headlines: vintage cars and premium cigars; punchy rum and revolutionary icons; salsa rhythms and minty mojitos. The whole truth, however, is far more evocative and eye-opening. This immersive trip captures the very best of Cuba, while also uniting you with the people to hear their tales and witness first-hand what life is like on this beautiful yet complex Caribbean island.Forget what you’ve heard, it’s time to uncover the true soul of the largest and most evocative Caribbean island

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityHavana
End CityHavana

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Cuba

Attractions

  • Baracoa
  • Caribbean
  • Havana
  • Santiago
  • Santiago de Cuba
  • Trinidad

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
    • Cuban tourist card for most UK/Ireland residents

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Havana

Welcome to Havana, the lively capital of Cuba. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it is now a soulful mix of colonial architecture, street troubadours and classic cars. We check into our first casas particulares of the trip; today is all about settling in and unwinding after your flight. The welcome briefing typically takes place tomorrow. Accommodation: Casas particulares

Day 2 Visit Old Havana; drive to Santa Clara via the Che Guevara Mausoleum

This morning, we have a tour of Old Havana, stopping at El Capitolio, which bears a resemblance to the Capitol building in Washington DC, and at Revolution Square. We also visit KCHO studio, which showcases local art and the relationship between Cuban art and the gove...

Day 3 To the colourful city of Bayamo

Today is a long driving day as we head to Bayamo in the south of the island. We pass through agricultural towns and sugarcane plantations as we go, learning about the importance of sugar in Cuba’s history. We stop in Camaguëy, the fourth-largest city in the country, t...

Day 4 To Baracoa; stop at Tortuguilla Beach

After breakfast, we leave Bayamo and drive to Tortuguilla Beach, where we stop for a light lunch and a chance to swim in the Caribbean waters. We then continue to Baracoa, a quaint town surrounded by lush, tropical mountains and gold-sand beaches. Founded in 1512, Bar...

Day 5 Visit a conservation project and lunch on the beach

This morning, we visit a family who are dedicating their lives to the conservation of the endangered polymita snail, whose beautiful red, yellow, white and black shells have been used in crafts and jewellery. The family now breeds them to protect their numbers and tea...

Day 6 To Santiago de Cuba

Leave Baracoa after breakfast and travel towards Santiago de Cuba, known as the City of Heroes for the important role it played in the independence and revolutionary struggles. Santiago rivals Havana for literature, music and politics, and is rich in traditions, folkl...

Day 7 Explore Santiago de Cuba and dance at the Museo del Carnaval

Explore Santiago this morning, visiting the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where Fidel Castro is buried, Revolution Square, El Morro Castle and Moncada Barracks, where the opening shots of the Revolution were fired on 26 July 1953. After, we enjoy lunch in a paladar. The a...

Day 8 To the Sierra Maestra

Leaving the city, we drive towards the green mountains of the Sierra Maestra, stopping to visit El Cobre, the most sacred pilgrimage site in Cuba. Upon arrival, visit the Church of La Virgen de la Caridad, Cuba’s patron saint, and learn how African and Catholic religi...

Day 9 Walk to Castro's revolution headquarters; to Camaguëy

Spend this morning in the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra, a spectacular national park within the highest mountain range in Cuba. This region is well known as Fidel Castro’s base of operations during the Cuban Revolution. High in the sierra is Comandancia de la Pl...

Day 10 Camaguëy sightseeing by bici-taxi; walking tour of Trinidad

Explore this historic city by bici-taxi this morning, each peddled by a local. On our three-wheeled vehicles, we travel through the winding streets of Camaguëy and pass by the Church of Soledad, the historic centre and the old convent of Ursuline Mothers. Depending on...

Day 11 Trinidad and Valle de los Ingenios

Take a short walking tour of Trinidad this morning before heading to the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, one of the largest producers of sugarcane in the 18th and 19th centuries. Our first visit is to the Santander family, whose pottery-making heritage stretches back g...

Day 12 Cowboy day at Finca La Lima; to Cienfuegos

Set off for Finca La Lima after breakfast for a Cuban cowboy day on a working farm. We join farmers for a walk to the creek for a swim, use a press to squeeze our own sugarcane juice, and milk the cows before lunch at the hacienda. We then carry on to Cienfuegos, the...

Day 13 Visit the Bay of Pigs; to Havana

Today we visit the Bay of Pigs, site of the attempted US invasion in 1961, and drive through the Zapata Peninsula back to Havana. We visit the museum at Playa Giron, which focuses on the invasion, and stop for lunch and to swim at Punta Perdiz, a promontory jutting in...

Day 14 Classic car tour in the capital of Cuba; screen-printing workshop

This morning, we have more time to explore Old Havana with our guide. We start with a classic car tour, cruising through the streets of Old Havana and along the Malecón towards the more modern part of town. As we travel in our vintage cars, we stop along the way to he...

Day 15 End Havana

The adventure ends today. Bid a fond farewell to Cuba and catch a free transfer to Havana Airport for your return flight home. See the Joining Instructions for more information on booking your transport to the airport.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,500
Price per day$300
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
09 Nov 2024
23 Nov 2024
$4,650
$5,430
18 Jan 2025
01 Feb 2025
$5,025
$5,880
15 Feb 2025
01 Mar 2025
$5,025
$5,880
22 Mar 2025
05 Apr 2025
$5,025
$5,880
11 Oct 2025
25 Oct 2025
$5,025
$5,880
08 Nov 2025
22 Nov 2025
$5,025
$5,880
29 Nov 2025
13 Dec 2025
$5,025
$5,880

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

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Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on

Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

11 nights hotels (2 nights in Old Havana) and 3 nights in Casas Particulares Or 9 nights hotels (2 nights in a Casa Particular in Old Havana) and an additional 3 nights in Casas Particulares. Travel by comfortable air-conditioned private coach Some long journeys,We stay in casas particulares, guesthouse-style accommodation that provides a unique insight into local life – an experience you just wouldn’t get in a traditional hotel! Understanding casas Casas are privately owned homes with rooms to rent. Some call them Cuba’s answer to the B&B, but the truth is they offer a far more personal experience. Typically, the owner (and often family) will live at the property, meaning you have meaningful interactions with them as soon as you wake. The hosts are warm, welcoming and gracious – expect generous breakfasts, plenty of smiles and friendly conversations in Spanglish. Who knows, you may make a friend or two! The properties we use have been handpicked by our local team and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, reflecting the personality and lifestyle of the owners. As family homes, they tend to have a maximum of three or four bedrooms each, so we often use several different properties in close vicinity to accommodate our group. We do our best to ensure those in single-room accommodation are within a house where other group members are staying. The rooms are often vibrant, simply furnished and with tiled floors, sometimes with wooden shutters in place of windows. All have air conditioning and a private bathroom. Worth knowing Power cuts are part of daily life in Cuba, so please prepare for blackouts that may last several hours. Torches (flashlights) are readily available for evening/night-time occurrences. Also pack mosquito repellent for these periods – you’ll want to open your window, too. Hot water supplies are not always guaranteed and water pressure can be temperamental. Casas do not have lifts (elevators) so you should be able and prepared to carry your luggage up stairs. Many casa owners can help with laundry for a small fee. Most casas do not have hairdryers. There are often pets (a cat or dog) at the casas – please advise at the time of booking if this is problematic.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners are included. The paladares are likely to be a highlight of any visit to Cuba – they are one of the few types of private enterprise allowed (although still heavily regulated). Think soul food – rice, black beans, slow-roast pork or chicken, fresh fish, lobster and plenty of tropical fruit. The atmosphere in private paladares and the opportunity to integrate with Cubans will absolutely enhance your stay! In general, Cuba is not renowned for its culinary excellence (although it is improving) and some ingredients are just not possible to acquire. Food tends to be simple and relatively expensive – in no small part due to the long trade embargo implemented by the US. Dishes tend to be simple, with most mealtimes consisting of meat or fish accompanied by rice and salad or vegetables. Seafood is widely available on the coast, including cheap and abundant lobster! Vegetarians will find choices are limited, but it's still possible to eat well. Snacks are not freely available in Cuba so you may wish to bring some with you – particularly energy snacks, as food shops, cafes and restaurants are scarce in many of the rural areas we visit. It can be difficult to find quick lunches on the go as Cubans typically eat two meals a day – we provide packed lunches during the day and there are plenty of water and fruit refreshment stops. While food choice can be basic, on the plus side there is absolutely no shortage of rum! Havana Club, Black Tears, Ron Santiago, Caney… after your visit, you will be an expert. Some drinking water is available on the bus, but we ask that you bring a filter water bottle to refill at public fountains and taps along the way. This helps to cut down on plastic and the need to buy water.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 14 nights in casas particulares
  • Travel by comfortable air-conditioned private coach
  • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
  • Tour enables legal travel to Cuba for US citizens under the Support for the Cuban People program
Trip ID
exodus-AUB

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