Highlights of Cuba including Istanbul extension

Cuba

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Fully
Guided

14user

Nights

3 & 4user  

All Inclusive (+1)

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Flights &
Transfers

  • Uncover the top sights of Cuba & enjoy a trip to Istanbul.
  • Explore Old Havana on a walking tour & 1950’s classic car tour.
  • Relax in the beautiful beach resort town of Varadero.
  • Discover the ‘Tobacco Route’ & learn more about Cuba’s famous export.
  • Enjoy a boat trip on the Rio Canimar & see more of the natural sights of Cuba.
  • Take a rail journey through the Cuban countryside, including a visit to Hershey.

Book Your Trip From 3979pp

From 3979pp

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2 Adults

Your Guided Group Holiday To Cuba 

Travel with us to Cuba for a memorable guided holiday and experience a destination like no other in the world.  Our holiday will start in the country’s capital, where we’ll explore Old Havana in a classic car and see its colourful colonial buildings. Then we’ll follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway to visit some of his old stomping grounds and places which inspired his famous works. Discover the Tobacco lands by visiting an authentic farm and learn more about the cigar making process. We’ll unwind in the coastal town of Valaredo, which is renowned for its pristine beaches and clear blue waters. This captivating Caribbean gem offers the perfect blend of sunshine, welcoming people and a colourful culture. After saying ‘Adios’ to Cuba our holiday will continue to Istanbul for a 3 night stay, where we’ll uncover the city’s top sights with a local guide and have time for independent exploration.

Trip Itinerary

Busy

Activity Level: Busy

Day
1

Fly to Havana - Cuba

Depart to Havana Cuba

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. 

2

Experience Colonial Havana

Half Day Excursion of Havana

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. 

Dine in Old Havana

Watch Icon Evening

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 

3

See More of Havana and Classic Car Experience

Guided Visit Finca Vigia, Cojimar

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.

Experience a Vintage Car Excursion

Watch Icon Afternoon

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. 

4

Discover Pinar del Río - The Tobacco Land - Vinales

Full Day Excursion to Pinar del Rio

Watch Icon Full Day

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.

5

Uncover Havana at Leisure

Discover Havana at Your Own Pace

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. 

6

Transfer to Varadero by Coach

Transfer to Varadero on Panoramic Coastal Route

Watch Icon Morning

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

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

7

At Leisure in Varadero

Watch Icon Full 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. 

8

Experience Rio Canimar Tour

Uncover More on a Boat trip and Rio Canimar

Watch Icon Full Day

 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.

9

Relax More in Varadero

Free Day to Relax

Watch Icon Full Day

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.  

10

Transfer to Havana - Experience a Scenic Rail Journey

Experience a Scenic Rail Journey to Havana

Watch Icon Morning

After breakfast and check out from our Varadero hotel, we transfer to the Hershey Train depot and board the Hershey’s Electric Train for a scenic rail journey through beautiful Cuban landscapes  We’ll uncover more on a tour of the village of Hershey, named after the American chocolate king, and learn about the sugar cane industry, before enjoying refreshments in the Gardens of Hershey. Lunch is included today. 

 

Transfer to Havana

Watch Icon Afternoon

Later we will continue on our journey to Havana. Our total journey time today is 190km, including 100km from Varadero to Hershey (approximately 90 minutes). 

Spend the final night soaking up the atmosphere of this vibrant city.

11

Fly to Istanbul from Havana Cuba

Fly to Istanbul Turkey (Türkiye)

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

12

Arrive Istanbul - Turkey

Istanbul at Leisure

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.  

13

Uncover Ancient Istanbul on a Guided Tour

Discover Istanbul

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 Hagia Sofia Mosque. We stroll past the Blue 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.

 

14

Explore Istanbul At Leisure

Explore more of Istanbul at Leisure

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.

15

Return home from Istanbul

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

* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes

Customer Reviews

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Know before you go

Will I be met at the airport?

You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

Do I need a Visa?

Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

What if there is an emergency?

We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

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