9 Day Classic Cuba Small Group Tour
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including guided tours of Old Havana, UNESCO-listed Viñales Valley, classic convertible car tour, swim stop at Bay of Pigs, interactive music and salsa lessons, cocktail making, visit to Che Guevara Mausoleum
✓ Small, intimate group experience – no more than 12 people
✓ Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide
✓ 8 nights accommodation in selected Comfort Guesthouses
✓ 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
✓Included guided tours including Old Havana, organic farm visit, Viñales Valley
✓Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
✓ Airport transfer on first day
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? Please contact our team to discuss your options.
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Welcome to colourful Havana! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your guest house. Once you’ve checked in, use the rest of the day as you wish: explore the neighbourhood, get a bite to eat or rest. This evening, you’ll meet your tour leader and the rest of the group at La Gargola Guesthouse at 7pm for an optional group dinner in Old Havana.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
This morning we’ll set off on a walking tour of Old Havana, taking in the main attractions plus some hidden gems only known to the locals. Make sure you have comfortable shoes on!
This afternoon we’ll head out on a drive in an open top, classic American car, visiting the neighbourhoods of Central Habana, Vedado, and Miramar just outside of Old Havana. We’ll visit Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), stopping to appreciate the huge images of the revolutionary heroes Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, and the scene of many speeches by Fidel Castro. The square is dominated by the José Martí Memorial, which features a 109-metre-tall tower and an 18- metre-tall statue, the National Library and many government offices are also found here.
We’ll depart Havana for Viñales after breakfast, stopping at the village of Jaimanitas to see the Gaudi-inspired community project, Fusterlandia. Named after the project’s founder and artist, José Rodríguez Fuster (also known as the ‘Picasso of the Caribbean’), Fuster converted his own home into an art museum by adorning it with mosaic tiles in the 70s, and over time, his neighbours offered their homes up to him to do the same. Every surface, from street signs to communal benches, have been decorated by Fuster himself or community members. We’ll wander around Fuster’s home and also have time to view the colourful streets of this neighbourhood. We’ll continue our drive towards the mountains and the province of Pinar del Rio.
The town of Viñales, approximately 2.5 hours from Fusterlandia, is one of Cuba's most picturesque towns in this province and is the gateway to the Sierra de los Organos mountains and Viñales Valley. The valley is surrounded by steep limestone hills, and the floor of the valley is a UNESCO heritage site. Farmers here still use traditional methods, either using oxen or by hand, to till the earth. The main crops are rice, corn, root vegetables (yuca, boniato, and malanga), and most famously some of Cuba's best tobacco.
We’ll wander around the town, then learn how to make an iconic mojito, one of the most popular tipples in Cuba. Later in the afternoon we’ll have a salsa dance lesson to prepare us for a night out in this exciting town.
This morning we’ll take a walk around the UNESCO area of the Viñales Valley where we’ll observe different farming activities and visit some farm houses, including a tobacco farmer who will talk us through the process of producing the tobacco used in Cuba's world renowned cigars.
Come evening, we’ll visit an organic farm which has a spectacular view of the valley, the perfect spot to watch the sun go down while enjoying a sumptuous group dinner.
Today we’ll drive from Viñales along the Caribbean coast, to the city of Cienfuegos, which used to be known as the ‘Pearl of the South.’ Settled by the French and still containing traces of their influence, Cienfuegos is also known to be one of the most beautiful villages in Cuba. We’ll make a stop at the Bay of Pigs along the way, known as an excellent snorkelling spot, which can be enjoyed straight off the coast. Snorkelling gear is available to hire cheaply, but if water activities aren’t your thing, wander around and enjoy the natural scenery.
Arriving at Cienfuegos, you’ll notice French influences everywhere, especially around the main square and a very pretty boulevard that runs from the city centre, along the edge of the bay and to the end of the peninsula.
At the end of the peninsula, you'll find Palacio del Valle, a mansion built in 1913 by Italian architect, Alfredo Colli. The architectural style is a mixture but what is clear is that a great deal of expense went into its construction and decoration, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. It’s been bought and sold as a private home, a high-scale hotel and restaurant, and in 2000, it was declared a National Monument.
Today we bid farewell to Cienfuegos and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Trinidad, one of Cuba's most exciting cities. Its small and compact size means that attractions within the city can easily be visited on foot. Trinidad was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, but the beauty of this open-air museum hasn’t been destroyed by over-tourism, the spirit (and architecture) of the city still resembles 1850.
We’ll experience a fun, interactive music and percussion lesson with a local maestro of music. This is a true highlight of the tour and a fantastic way to learn more about Cuban music, dance and rhythm, an integral part of the country’s culture.
We’ll end the day with a relaxing cocktail at sunset as a group, and then you’ll have the option of joining your tour leader and the group on an exploration of the city after dark, or if you prefer, go it alone and spend the evening as you wish. Trinidad is known for its lively nightlife and there are plenty of open air restaurants, bars, live music venues and dance shows to keep you entertained.
This morning we have some free time to further explore town. For the more adventurous, there is an optional 3-hour return hike to a beautiful waterfall in the nearby mountains. Speak to your tour leader for more information.
Later, we head to Ancón Beach for the day where 4km of white sand and turquoise water await. You can spend the day as you wish—there are more than 30 dive sites off Ancón, including Cayo Blanco, an island surrounded by coral reefs; deep-sea fishing and snorkelling, or of course, just enjoy the Caribbean sun and water and have a leisurely lunch at one of the luxe hotels. Your tour leader is happy to provide you with some recommendations.
Tonight’s dinner will be at a local paladare, a small, family-run restaurant. From here we will head out together to one of the many venues around Trinidad to listen to live Cuban music, from traditional to more modern salsa music.
On the 2-hour drive back to Havana, we will make a stop at Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum located at Plaza Che Guevara. Che is an extremely controversial figure in Latin America and an immensely important one in Cuba's history. His remains were found in Bolivia and brought here to rest in 1990, along with 29 fellow combatants. There is a huge bronze statue of El Che, an eternal flame, and many of his personal items on display.
We will also make a stop for lunch on the way back to Havana.
Tonight is our final evening together. You’ll have the choice to dine together as a group with the tour leader, or spend the evening exploring and dining as you wish.
Today your journey through Cuba comes to an end after breakfast.
Make your own way to the airport for your onward journey. Alternatively, you can extend your stay in this vibrant city by booking extra nights. Further details can be found under ‘Extra Services.’
We hope you have enjoyed this tour and made some inspiring memories.
Departure transfers are not included as part of your package. We are not able to provide departure transfers however you tour guide will be able to assist with arranging transportation.
Cuba has recently experienced some power disruptions due to the aftermath of hurricanes and ongoing power grid challenges, the situation has largely stabilized. These outages, occasionally affecting certain areas, are typically scheduled and manageable. Power cuts are a common practice in Cuba, especially in the past two years, and are implemented to maintain grid stability. Despite this, tourism has continued to thrive, with over 3 million visitors enjoying the island with minimal disruption.
To ensure your comfort during your travels, we recommend packing a few items to help you manage in the event of a scheduled power cut. These include a portable power bank, a hand-operated mini fan, and a small flashlight. While these measures are not always necessary, they are helpful to have just in case.
All Cuba trips are proceeding as scheduled.
Most tourists visiting Cuba, need to obtain a Cuban Tourist Card, which is similar to a visa. The card is valid for a stay of up to 90 days and you will be required to show this as you enter and exit Cuba. To obtain the card you can apply via your local Cuban Consulate before your departure either directly or via a third-party visa service.
Depending on the airline you're using for your trip to Cuba, it may be possible to acquire the tourist card at the airport from the airline on the day of your flight to Cuba. Please verify this information with your airline.
It is advisable to travel to Cuba through Canada, South/Central America or Europe. Individuals who have visited Cuba cannot take part in the ESTA Visa Waiver Program and must obtain a tourist visa for entry or transit through the United States.
Flying via Latin America
If you are flying from Latin America or the Caribbean (e.g. Santiago, Mexico, Panama) to Cuba you can purchase your visa at the airport during check-in for your flight to Cuba. The cost is approximately US$25-30 and can sometimes be paid with credit card in addition to the local currency. Please verify with your airline.
Flying via Canada
If you are flying from Canada the visa is usually included with your flight. Please verify with your airline.
The content on this page is provided for general information purposes and is subject to potential changes. It is your responsibility to acquire the necessary visa and travel details essential for entry, departure, and travel to each country or region you plan to visit during your trip. It is advisable to verify this information with the respective embassies and/or consulates.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking please contact our team to discuss your options.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Refer to Entry to Cuba section under Fine Print
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Cuba Accommodation
Comfort Guesthouses - This category are B&B in style, and cannot compare to the comfort levels of a modern western hotel. However every comfort room has modern air-conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, a window to the outside or to an interior courtyard with natural light, it also includes modern imported mattresses, and cold and hot water. While these are our minimum requirements for Comfort rooms, every Comfort casa is different, and has its own unique charms. Many rooms (but not all) have a security box, mini-bar fridge, and hair dryer. The guesthouses offer flexibility, local character, and opportunity to meet local families and everyday Cubans.
We will most likely use a number of different houses depending on the group size. Most guesthouses have 2-4 rooms for guests. For our tour groups, we chose one of the houses as a “Base House” or (central house) which typically has more rooms and a nice area for the group to meet. We use this house as an arrival and departure point for the group, and as a meeting point for any excursions or activities with the tour guide. Tour participants are distributed to different casas situated within a short walking distance of the Base House. Family members from those houses collect tour participants from the Base House. Typically between 1 and 4 group members will stay in each casa.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
What to Bring to Cuba
Please be advised that power outages can occur in Cuba. We recommend bringing a small flashlight or torch. You may also wish to bring a small battery charged portable fan. Availability of pharmaceuticals is extremely limited. Please ensure you bring any required medications or first aid basics with you.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $845.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for entry into Cuba. Please ensure your travel insurance policy covers Cuba as a destination. If you are utilising credit card insurance please check that it will cover you for travel to Cuba and obtain a copy of the policy to carry with you as you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance on arrival in Havana.
Group Size
Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 12 people
Children
Travellers must be aged 5 years or over to join this tour.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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