History, Havana and The Beach

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
You’ll fly from London to Havana. On arrival transfer to the Parque Central hotel for 2 nights.

Day 2 Havana
Explore Havana this morning with a walking tour of the old town, taking in the main squares including the beautiful Cathedral Square, where you’ll stop for lunch at El Patio restaurant. As you wander the cobbled streets, you’ll see they are free from modern commercialisation and it’s like stepping back in time. See the beautiful classic American cars and enjoy the atmospheric salsa sounds. The afternoon is free to explore independently. Perhaps visit the Museum of the Revolution or one of Havana’s cigar makers, or seek out the old haunts of Ernest Hemingway.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 3 Havana to Trinidad
After breakfast, you’ll set off inland and travel to the south coast, stopping for lunch at the Pio Cua restaurant. Visit the colourful port of Cienfuegos, which was settled by French immigrants and features beautiful neo-classic French architecture set around a calm bay. You’ll continue along the south coast to Trinidad for 2 nights at Brisas del Mar/Las Cuevas hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 4 Trinidad
Set between the mountains and the coast, Trinidad’s colonial centre seems to have remained untouched for hundreds of years, with quiet cobblestone streets, pastel coloured mansions and leafy plazas dotted with small art galleries and inviting local bars. On a morning walking tour, you’ll visit the Palacio Canter museum and Canchanchara bar. Later you’ll be taken into the Valley of the Sugar Mills to see the evocative remains of the once huge sugar plantations amid steamy tropical forests.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 Trinidad to Varadero
Travel back across the spine of Cuba to the north coast – towards the beautiful coastline and tiny coral islands – known as cayos. Your destination is the beautiful peninsula of Varadero with over 20 kilometres of white sand beaches lapped by clear turquoise waters. You’ll stay at the all-inclusive Iberostar Varadero for 3 nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 6 & 7 Varadero
Spend your days relaxing on the beautiful tropical coast. Relax and indulge at the hotel with its large, inviting lagoon pool and try the sumptuous cuisine in one of its many restaurants and cafes. Located on the beach, there are a variety of complimentary water sports available as well as other sports such as tennis and archery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8 Varadero to Havana
After a morning at leisure, transfer to Havana this afternoon for your return flight.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 Arrive London Heathrow
You’ll arrive into London this morning.

Tour includes:

Return flights to and from the UK including all UK taxes
Sightseeing as specified with transfers and entrance fees included
Local guides who’ll share their knowledge of the country, its history and culture
Free time to explore independently
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”