Cuba Voyage

10 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
5/5 Excellent
6 reviews  
100%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Ship Cruise
The journey from French-influenced Cienfuegos to Havana aboard the 48-guest Panorama or 46-guest Panorama II on International Expeditions’ new Cuba Voyage for a distinct look at this enigmatic island as it stands poised on the brink of historic transformation. Marvel at the expanse of shoreline claimed by this vast land mass, the Caribbean’s largest island — ...

Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Visit the Guanahacabibes National Park
    • Enjoy a walking tour of Cienfuegos’ city center, the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Visit the Government Palace (City Hall), San Lorenzo School, the Bishopric, Ferrer Palace and the former lyceum
    • See the limestone, boasts white-sand beaches, Mangrove and salt pans
    • Enjoy the Pinar Del Rio to the famed Viñales Valley.

What's this trip about?

    The journey from French-influenced Cienfuegos to Havana aboard the 48-guest Panorama or 46-guest Panorama II on International Expeditions’ new Cuba Voyage for a distinct look at this enigmatic island as it stands poised on the brink of historic transformation. Marvel at the expanse of shoreline claimed by this vast land mass, the Caribbean’s largest island — mountains sloping down to tropical jungles, rich wetlands and fruited plains...sunny inlets and ports long used for exporting Cuba’s abundance of fruit, sugar, and coveted tobaccos. From the French influences in the architecture and culture, you’ll experience in Cienfuegos to the Spanish colonial splendor of Trinidad and the raw excitement of politically polarizing but uniquely romantic Havana your experience in Cuba will feel complete! In addition to a walking tour of 500-year-old Trinidad, as we cruise around the island’s Western crescent, we stop on the island of Cayo Largo, home to a sea turtle breeding center, the remote western Guanahacibes Peninsula and venture into the Viñales Valley. Other highlights of this people-to-people itinerary include learning about Cuban sports, medicine and mass communication, dance lessons, local choir and theater performances, pottery workshops, visits to museums, and calling on artists in their studios. A Panoramic View of Cuba Enjoy seven nights aboard one of our two gracious yachts Panorama or Panorama II. Each outside cabin features air-conditioning, TV and marble-finished en-suite facilities. Life on board often centers around the delightful outdoor spaces, including the sun deck and an aft deck leading to the bar. Expert Leadership Along with a Cuban guide and locals experts in the areas we explore, accompanying your Cuba Voyage is an accomplished, knowledgeable IE Expedition Leader. Guiding several of the trips is Bolivar Sanchez. While many of our guests have raved about Boli's strong leadership and humor in the Galapagos Islands, Boli has worked with our groups in Cuba for the past three years, leading more than 10 journeys. In addition to his deep knowledge of Earth science, adding greatly to your understanding of the island’s nature, Boli is well-versed in Cuba's history, politics and culture.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMiami
End CityMiami

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • North America
  • Cuba

Attractions

  • Miami

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Caving
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Full schedule of engaging people-to-people activities
    • Fully escorted by IE leader, Cuban expedition leader & local guides
    • Visit Hemingway’s Finca Vigia
    • Walking visits in Cienfuegos, colonial Trinidad & Havana
    • Cuban visitor visa
    • 23 meals
    • Hotel in Miami prior to charter flight
    • Welcome drinks in Miami
    • Meals onboard include beverage
    • Bottled water on transfers & excursions
    • Cuban-government mandated medical insurance
    • Tips to porters, day guides & waiters for included meals

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1
Arrive Miami Our Cuba people-to-people travel program begins in Miami with welcome drinks and a briefing on what to expect the following morning and while in Cuba. Spend tonight at the Miami Airport Marriott.

Day 2
Miami / Cienfuegos or Santa Clara Return to the airport and board our charter flight to Cuba. Depending on available flights, you will travel to either Santa Clara or Cienfuegos. Since its founders were originally French, Cienfuegos has a French influence in both its architecture and layout. Spend tonight at the Hotel La Union or similar. (D)

Day 3
Cienfuegos / Embarkation Begin our day at the farmer’s market, where locals come to purchase produce for their daily meals. Enjoy a walking tour of Cienfuegos’ city center, where wide avenues lead to the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, a loc...
Day 4
Trinidad A city historian leads a walking tour of Trinidad, an architectural jewel proclaimed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Red tiled roofs atop pastel stucco structures line the cobbled streets. This port city reflects its 16th century past and founding by Conqui...
Day 5
Cayo Largo The island of Cayo Largo is comprised of limestone and boasts white-sand beaches, mangroves, and salt pans. Begin our day with engaging discussions on Cuban sports, culture and mass communications. Call on a local clinic, meeting a Cuban doctor to learn about...
Day 6
Maria La Gorda Explore Maria La Gorda, on the Bahía de Corrientes, beginning in La Bajada. Meet with a local naturalist at Guanahacabibes National Park, the largest of Cuba’s six nature reserves. In addition to butterflies and birdlife such as endemic bee hummingbird and...
Day 7
Havana Cruise toward Havana, where our ship anchors in the harbor off Old Havana. Stroll through the atmospheric squares of “Havana Viejo,” calling on artists in their studios as we pass. See Hotel Ambos Mundos, where Ernest Hemingway kept a room for years. The hotel se...
Day 8
Havana: Soroa & Vinales Head west this morning into the province of Pinar Del Rio to the famed Viñales Valley. Viñales boasts Cuba’s most strikingly beautiful landscapes and is where the island’s best tobacco is grown. Survey an orchid garden with staff from the Univ...
Day 9
Havana Begin our morning with the musicians and performers of the Havana Compas Dance Group, perhaps even watching a rehearsal. Stop at a locally owned paladar, IL Divino, for lunch. Chat about the "new" Cuban economy with the entrepreneurs operating this small, private...
Day 10
Havana / Miami Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the Jose Marti Airport for our charter flight to Miami, where you connect with flights home. (B)

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,899
Price per day$490
Last Updated: 2/27/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with International Expeditions.

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.

International Expeditions Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
Excellent
6
Great
0
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
Write a Review

Other International Expeditions Reviews

T

The Amazon does not disappoint

Apr 2019

Written on

IE puts on a show on the Amazon

My wife and I just returned from a wet season trip with International Expeditions (IE) to Lima and the Amazon. It was tremendous: 1. The diversity of wildlife is ext...

F

Fantastic Trip

Sep 2017

Written on

Amazon River Cruise

This was our second time coming to Peru but first time with International Expeditions and it was amazing. Staff and guides are very friendly and accommodating. If ...

J

Jared A.

Nov 2015

International Expeditions Company Reviewsby International Expeditions

Amazing glimpse into real Cuban life

I traveled with International Expeditions to Cuba on one of their licensed 'people to people' tours. It was an incredibly eye-opening experience. Our guide, Gustavo,...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

International Expeditions

none
View Profile

When you travel with International Expeditions, you travel with pioneers in ecotourism. International Expeditions shows you some of the most remarkable places in the world — but does so in a way that’s as enriching as we can make it. Our escorted tours, planned and continuously refined over 35 years, include many elements that would be next to impossible to do otherwise. On our Amazon cruise, for example, we’ll take you further into the river's tributaries than anyone else, so that you have the chance for some exceptional sightings. And as you learn, you’ll also have a lot of fun and laughter — the joy that comes from making new discoveries in the company of friends who share in the excitement.

A History of Ecotravel

In 1990, International Expeditions helped to form The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) by providing the major source of funding, and our founder and former president, Richard Ryel, also served as a member of the original board. TIES works to bring communities, conservation and sustainable travel together to promote ecotravel to natural areas, while conserving the environment and improving the well-being of local people.

Great Guides

International Expeditions is the “world leader in nature travel” for one reason above all others — the superb, English-speaking naturalists and historians who guide you through Earth’s great wildlife and cultural destinations. These are not typical “tour leaders.” Rather, our guides are consummate local experts with the uncanny ability to tell you about all the animals, plants, history and culture you’ll encounter, and who care that you enjoy yourself and get the most out of your experience. You can be sure that because of them, your IE journey will be interesting, enriching, fun and exciting.

Small Groups and Independent Travel

International Expeditions specializes in small group natural history tours. Our strong contacts around the globe and thorough knowledge of each destination enable us to serve "independent" guests like no other travel outfitter. That’s why so many people turn to us to customize their ideal journeys to Earth’s great nature and cultural history destinations.

Travel in Style

With International Expeditions, you’ll travel in small groups (seldom over 16 guests), with expert nature travel guides, on meticulously planned itineraries. And you’ll stay in top-rate accommodations. You’ll be well looked after wherever you go. From our stylish  Amazon riverboats (which we helped design!) to romantic tented camps in Africa and everywhere in between, you can expect the very highest order of service. We’re detail-oriented, and it shows in our unrivaled pre-departure materials. From our picturesque brochures to the comprehensive Destination Handbook provided free of charge in your pre-departure package, no one prepares you for your journey like we do.

IE Difference

For 35 years, International Expeditions has specialized in intriguing nature travel to the world’s greatest natural and cultural destinations as an adventure travel company. Our award-winning expedition cruises and small-group travel journeys combine many extraordinary elements.

The Best Values in Nature Travel: It takes more than a low price to be an outstanding value. Every activity, a full-educational program, exclusive access, knowledgeable expedition team, employee-staffed 24-hour emergency line and so much more are included in every journey — all with a price that makes it easier for you to explore!

Expert Local Guides: There’s no substitute for experience when it comes to offering small-group travel that’s authentic, educational and fun. That’s why our hand-selected naturalist guides are highly trained and educated natives, each passionate about their country. Why would you want to travel with an American “tour leader” when you can bond with these fun locals while gaining insight into their homelands?

Small-Group Travel to Earth's Greatest Destinations: From signature journeys to the Amazon and Galapagos, to our tours to Bali to Komodo, Nicaragua and Cuba, our nature-focused, small-group expeditions remain THE standard for exploring Earth’s greatest natural wonders. Plus, our intimate group sizes ensure you get the personal attention you deserve while exploring the exotic.

Activities & Excursions for All: Some people travel for adventure, and some just want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. That’s why IE’s adventurous itineraries include as many activity options as possible. Swimming, snorkeling, elephant-back safaris and peaceful excursion boat rides are just a few of our many activities.

Comfortable Accommodations: You don’t have to sacrifice comfort and five-star service to discover Earth’s remote regions. IE’s comfortable, intimate expedition ships and well-located accommodations let you explore in style.

Local Cuisine: You’ll work up quite an appetite during daily excursions. And whether it’s sampling local fare in Peru or India, or settling down for a delicious meal in the heart of Laos, you’ll enjoy food to satisfy every palate. Plus, whenever possible, we use locally grown food to stimulate the economy and give you a fresh taste of the local culture and cuisine.

Associations

Why Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

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 .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
intern-CubVoyIntExp

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >