WELCOME TO CUBA

Cuba is the last bastion of socialism in the Western Hemisphere and has, only recently, begun to break free from the shackles imposed by the negative associations of communism. Indeed, it is Cuba's long isolationism that proves one of the main attractions for travellers, as destinations untouched by Western influence are now so few and far between. One must only explore the cities, like the capital, Havana, to appreciate fully the unique charms of the country. With their colonial architecture, plethora of 1950s American cars, and imposing Revolutionary monuments, Cuban cities are strikingly unusual in history, colour and character. These street scenes are only enhanced by the laid-back lifestyle and friendly disposition of the Cuban people—a population of largely Spanish and African descent—with the result that Cuba is an up-and-coming destination to be visited sooner rather than later.

NOTE: Outgoing Adventures is a Canadian-based company and does not hold a licence that allows US Citizens to legally visit Cuba. The decision to participate in our tour, and any possible legal implications thereof, are solely the repsonsibility of the traveller.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF
For detailed itinerary (PDF), click here
For hotel samples, click here

Day 1 • Arrival in Havana, Cuba.

Day 2 • City tour of Havana, Cuba's cosmopolitan capital, once one of the world's most prosperous ports and the third most populous city in the Americas. Havana-by-night tour.

Day 3 • We travel west to Vinales and its magnificent valley. We stop to see a tobacco plantation where the tobacco leaf is sorted, graded, fermented and stored.

Day 4 • We take a leisurely walk through the countryside passing by crops of tobacco, yucca and corn. Visit a tobacco farmer's home, the Botanical Gardens of Caridad, and a State-run rationing store. Return to Havana and have the balance of the day at leisure.

Day 5 • Fly to Baracoa, Cuba's oldest city.

Day 6 • Baracoa walking tour including the Cathedral and Archaeological Museum.

Day 7 • Drive to Santiago de Cuba, founded by the Spanish in 1514.

Day 8 • Santiago tour, including the Morro Fortress and El Cobre basilica. Santiago is the proud birthplace of the daiquiri!

Day 9 • We travel to Camaguey, the “city of plazas,” and visit the lively farmers' market and Plaza de Trabajadores.

Day 10 • Drive to Trinidad, a perfect relic of the early days of the Spanish colony: beautifully preserved streets and buildings and hardly a trace of the 20th century.

Day 11 • Trinidad town tour and free afternoon to enjoy the beach.

Day 12 • To Cienfuegos via the Sierra de Escambray, a delight for birders and walkers. We have a truck ride into the forest and learn about the plants in the area and their medicinal uses, originally used to treat the plantation's slaves.

Day 13 • Drive to Havana via the Bay of Pigs Museum. Farewell dinner and enjoy Havana’s lively and vibrant gay scene.

Day 14 • Departure from Havana.

INCLUSIONS Accommodation Internal transportation Breakfasts and most dinners Sightseeing and entrance fees Tips for hotel, porters, drivers Transfers (Land/Air) Services of a Tour Leader

EXCLUSIONS Lunches and some dinners Drinks Items of a personal nature Air departure taxes/fuel surcharges Visa fees (if applicable) Transfers (if early/late) Transfers (if Land Only) Tour Leader gratuities

OUT FACTOR

Ours is a cultural/historical journey designed to explore a side of Cuba that is thus far not exposed to mass tourism. Most overt local gay life occurs in Havana, and most gay visitors tend to head straight for the many resort properties along the highly developed north coast (indeed many of our travellers book extra time at a resort or in Havana in association with our trip). As such, the smaller, more conservative towns and cities we visit won’t have anything to offer in terms of a “scene". Though Cuba is still a devoutly Catholic country, the relaxed aspect of Caribbean culture is fostering a general live-and-let-live attitude that is seems especially applied to visitors who are given greater leeway in terms of local social mores.

PLEASE NOTE

This itinerary is correct at time of publishing. For a more detailed itinerary, download a PDF here. We reserve the right to make changes as necessary due to reasons beyond our control. For booking terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Terms.