Highlights of Cuba including Istanbul extension

We depart for our holiday to Havana, Cuba.

On arrival in Havana, we meet our local guide and transfer to our Havana hotel, our base for the next four or five nights (depending on your flight arrival times). 

Please note for May 2024 arrival is early the next day. 

Let’s discover Havana! We set off on a half-day guided walking tour of the colonial city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in Baroque and Neoclassical style, Old Havana is truly a fascinating place to explore. During the tour, we will see the Museo Capitanes Generales and the Plaza Vieja. From here we’ll visit the 18th century Cuban Baroque-style Palace of the Generals and the fortress of Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Along the way, we can discover some of Ernest Hemingway’s old haunts and perhaps enjoy a special Daiquiri in one of his favourite hangouts, the El Floridita bar, which features a life-size bronze statue of the famous writer. 

Let's explore more of Havana in our free time. Immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of Havana’s streets, plazas and avenues and explore them at our own pace, before gathering with the group for dinner in Old Havana. 

Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant 

Let’s begin the day with a half-day excursion to places that inspired Ernest Hemingway. Visit the writer’s home, Finca Vigía, where he wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls in the 1930s. From here we continue to the fishing village of Cojimar, the backdrop for The Old Man and the Sea.  We’ll savour a cocktail (included) at a local bar before visiting the 17th century Morro-Cabana, the largest fortress constructed by the Spanish in the New World. A simple lunch is included today.

In the afternoon, we feel the wind in our hair and a welcome breeze, during a guided excursion of 1950s Havana in a vintage classic car. Cruising in our car we uncover fascinating sights at Revolution Square, the Malecon and the famous Hotel Nacional, with a stop at this landmark establishment. After our classic car experience, let’s relax and enjoy dinner (included) at a local restaurant. 

Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the province of Pinar del Río.  As we travel the "tobacco route" to the western part of the island, we’ll see more on a panoramic tour through Viñales Valley, also including a stop at the lookout point "Los Jazmines". 

Afterwards, we will walk down to an underground river through the cave "Cueva del Indio" and continue our journey 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, we can view 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, to see the tobacco fields and drying house and learn about the famous Cuban tobacco and cigars. 

Lunch in the afternoon and dinner this evening are included.

Let’s see more, as we explore Havana at our leisure.  Strolling through the colourful streetscapes, we can admire the colonial architecture, take some photos and drink in the unique flavour of this lively and captivating city. 

After breakfast we check out from our hotel in Havana, and depart by coach for our next destination Varadero.

En route to Varadero, we make a memorable stop at a traditional Cuban family farm nestled amidst lush greenery. Surrounded by a picturesque landscape with an array of trees including fruit and bamboo varieties, this farm is not just a place of agricultural innovation but also a conception for art and culture. Immerse yourself in the charm of this socio-cultural project, where farming meets creativity through their workshop, school, gallery, and locally crafted ceramics made by the very artists who cultivate the land.

Sit back and relax and soak up the country side while we enjoy a typical Cuban lunch and products from the farm.

Our adventure continues with a brief exploration of Matanzas, where we take a short stroll through its scenic streets adorned with monuments and historic landmarks, before heading to our final destination, Varadero.

We have arrived in Varadero! Time to soak up the relaxing atmosphere.

This will be our base for the next four nights, with a hotel stay on a simple all-inclusive basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and locally produced drinks included each day). 

Today is a free day, to relax at our hotel and get to know our splendid beachside surroundings.   A local representative will offer an information briefing at the hotel, to inform us about the activities on offer in and around Varadero. 

 Let’s uncover more of Varadero’s surroundings as we set off on a boat trip, sailing upstream for an hour and enjoying the pristine nature of Cuba. As we float along, we will see lush green shores, crystal waters, mangroves, flora and fauna and different species of birds, like the Cuban Spoonbill and parrot which are native to these areas. 

After the cruise there will be a typical Cuban lunch (included), with free time to relax, perhaps take a swim or further explore. 

Later in the afternoon, we’ll transfer back to the hotel to spend our evening at leisure.

Let’s savour more special moments on this day of leisure, as we embrace Varadero’s white sands, blue waters and warm weather.  If seeking more active pursuits, we can embark on a further sightseeing adventure of our choice, or take in some local shopping.  

This morning we bid farewell to Varadero and travel by coach along the panoramic coastal road back to Havana.

Arrive in the very late afternoon and enjoy the last night in Havana, to soak up the Cuban atmosphere.

We say farewell to Havana, Cuba and depart for Istanbul, Turkey

On arrival in Istanbul Airport, we meet our transfer assistant and transfer to our hotel (early check in will be arranged for morning flight arrivals).  Once we have checked into our hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure, to relax and recharge the batteries.  We can take a stroll to Taksim square or wander the network of side streets filled with bars and restaurants.

Breakfast only, is included each day of your stay in Istanbul.

Please note that the extension in Istanbul is based on an individual rather than a group experience.  

Let’s discover this vibrant and ancient city!

After breakfast we uncover some of the highlights of this historical city on a guided tour including a visit to the Blue Mosque . We stroll past the Hagia Sofia Mosque (viewed from the outside), the Roman Hippodrome and admire the ancient Egyptian Obelisks. After we finish our tour at one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world: the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling, lively market where you can haggle with vendors while drinking apple tea and enjoying the unique atmosphere.

This lively city is a perfect combination of modern and ancient, displaying a range of architecture from majestic skyscrapers to historic mosques, temples and churches. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, to relax or uncover more of Istanbul's fascinating treasures. Ask the guide for advice on further places of interest, before the half day tour is finished.

Please note: St Sophia is no longer a museum. It has now been converted to a Mosque. During times of prayer, it may not be possible to visit the interior.

*In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the iconic Blue Mosque, restoration work is ongoing at this site. Some phases of the restoration involve scaffolding; thus a clear view of the entire Mosque may not be possible. 

Today is free to take in some sightseeing and shopping. Istanbul has so much to offer; no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to uncover or rediscover.

Perhaps a visit to the Underground Cistern, a fascinating network of water channels and ornamental pillars, dating back to Roman times.  Dare to look upon the face of Medusa! Explore Topkapi Palace with its museum of national treasures, discover the ancient harem of the Ottoman Sultans. See more on a cruise down the Bosphorus, or shop till you drop in the busy İstiklal Avenue.

Today we say farewell to Istanbul and transfer to the airport for our flight home