Sample itinerary

Day 1   Travel day

Depart London Gatwick on direct flight to Holguin. Met on arrival and private transfer to Homestay accommodation in Santiago de Cuba. Twin room, half board x 6 nights.

Day 2   Santiago de Cuba

Free day to explore Santiago and relax and listen to live traditional Cuban music in the Casa de la Trova

Day 3 - 5   Salsa classes

Morning salsa classes with your own Cuban professional dance partners. 3 days x 3 hours.

Day 6   Free day

Free day to explore Santiago and surrounding areas e.g. visit to the Moncada Barracks where Fidel and his followers first tried to overthrow the Batista regime and late afternoon visit to El Morro castle for the sunset cannon ceremony. Evening free

Day 7   Depart for Trek

Private transfer to Santo Domingo with lunch stop in the historical city of Bayamo (3 hours). Overnight in Santo Domingo hotel, dinner and prepare for trek.

All meals provided and specialist guides to accompany the trek.

Day 8   Pico Turquino trek

Travel by truck to Alto de Naranjo, visit La Comandancia, Fidel’s strategic base in the Sierra Maestra mountains, picnic lunch and afternoon visit to La Platica eco-community. Overnight in La Platica refuge.

Day 9

Early morning departure for 4-5 hours walking to the Aguada de Joaquin refuge, the next overnight stop.

Day 10

Climb Pico Turquino and descend to La Majagua refuge (5-6 hours walking). Overnight stop.

Day 11

Descend to Las Cuevas on the coast (2-3 hours), transfer to Santiago de Cuba. Free afternoon and last night in Santiago. Homestay accommodation, twin room, half board x 1 night.

Day 12    Fly Santiago to Havana

Transfer to Santiago airport and for daytime flight to Havana. Overnight in 3* hotel in Old Havana, twin room with breakfast x 2 nights.

Day 13   Havana

Guided walking tour of Old Havana. Rest of day free day to explore the city or go shopping in the local crafts market. Evening free

Day 14   Last day/ return travel

Make own way to airport late afternoon for overnight flight to London. Arrive next morning.

International flights with Cubana including 1 internal flight, Santiago to Havana + Cuban tourist card.

Cost: approx. £1,650 per person (2008 prices)

Other tailormade holidays in Cuba:

Discover Cuba Holiday: Western Cuba and Havana

Experience Cuba Holiday: Salsa, trek, beach