5 Days • 4 Nights
Cuba Short Escape: Havana & Vinales
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Old Havana's plazas, cigars and classic cars
- A vintage convertible ride along the Malecon
- Live Cuban son and salsa
- The tobacco valley and mogotes of Vinales
- Hand-rolled cigars on a working farm
- A perfect short cultural break
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Met at Havana airport and transferred to your hotel or casa, you take a first evening stroll along the Malecon before a welcome dinner at a lively paladar.
A walking tour of Old Havana's plazas and cathedral, followed by a vintage convertible ride along the seafront and an evening of live music.
You drive west to the Vinales valley, visiting a tobacco farm to see cigars hand-rolled and enjoying the dramatic mogote scenery, with an overnight in this beautiful countryside.
A morning exploring the valley by foot or horseback among farms and caves, then a return drive to Havana for a final free evening of Cuban nightlife.
After breakfast you are transferred to Havana airport for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 4 nights accommodation in hotels or casas particulares
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a classic-car city tour
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking guides
- Ground transfers between cities
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- a Havana walking tour and a Vinales tobacco-farm and valley tour
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Tourist card: Almost all visitors need a Cuban Tourist Card (visa) to enter, which we help you arrange before travel, along with a passport valid for at least six months. Requirements vary by nationality and by the country you fly from
- US travellers: US citizens and residents face specific restrictions and must travel under one of the authorised categories rather than general tourism, and US-issued bank and credit cards do not work in Cuba; we will advise you carefully if this applies to you
- Cash is king: Cuba is largely a cash economy and many foreign cards, especially those linked to US banks, do not work; bring enough cash (euros, pounds, Canadian dollars or US dollars) to exchange for local currency and cover your trip
- Currency: The local currency is the Cuban Peso. Exchange rates and rules change frequently, so we brief you on the current situation before you travel and recommend carrying cash in good condition
- Medical insurance: Proof of travel medical insurance is required to enter Cuba and is strongly recommended in any case; we can advise on suitable cover
- Internet: Internet access is limited and can be slow, typically via wifi in hotels and public squares using prepaid cards; embrace the chance to disconnect and enjoy Cuba's music and street life
- Best time to visit: The dry season from November to April offers the most pleasant weather and is ideal for sightseeing and beaches; the summer is hotter and wetter and falls within the Atlantic hurricane season
- Casas particulares: Staying in a casa particular, a licensed private guesthouse, is a wonderful way to meet Cubans and enjoy home cooking; we can mix these with hotels to suit your comfort and style. Tipping in cash is customary and appreciated
Frequently Asked Questions
Is five days enough for Cuba?
It is a taste rather than a full tour, but it captures Havana's culture and Vinales' countryside beautifully. It is ideal for a short break or as the cultural start to a longer beach holiday on the cays or in Varadero.
Can this be extended?
Easily — we can add Trinidad and the colonial towns, the beaches of Varadero or the cays, or the music of Santiago. Just tell us how much time you have.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. Cuba's paladares (private restaurants) and casa home-cooking are a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free, and we are happy to recommend the best.
Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Almost all visitors need a Cuban Tourist Card, which we help arrange before you travel. US citizens and residents face additional rules and must travel under an authorised category; we advise you fully based on your nationality.
Can I use my credit card and ATMs in Cuba?
Cuba is largely a cash economy, and many foreign cards, especially US-linked ones, do not work. Bring enough cash in euros, pounds or Canadian dollars to exchange; we brief you on the current money situation before departure.
When is the best time to visit Cuba?
The dry season from November to April is the most comfortable and popular, ideal for Havana, the colonial towns and the beaches. Summer is hotter, wetter and within the hurricane season.
Is Cuba safe for travellers?
Cuba is generally very safe for visitors, with low levels of violent crime and warm, welcoming people. As anywhere, take normal precautions with valuables, and your guides are on hand throughout to help.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of city, colonial towns and beach, mix hotels and casas particulares, add regions like Santiago or the cays, and tailor the pace to your interests.
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