Highlights of Cuba incl Toronto Extension

We depart for Cuba, flying via Toronto. Upon arrival in Havana, we meet our local guide and transfer to our Havana hotel, our base for the next five nights. 

Breakfast is included at the hotel each day.

Let’s discover Havana! After breakfast, we’ll 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. 

The afternoon is at leisure to further immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of Havana’s streets, plazas and avenues and explore this fascinating city, before gathering with the group for dinner in Old Havana. 

Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant 

Let’s begin the day with a half-day excursion to places that inspired Ernest Hemingway. We will 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. Lunch is included today.

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. 

Today there will be 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 enjoy 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. 

Lunch in the afternoon and dinner this evening are included. 

Let’s see more, as we explore Havana at our leisure.  Stroll through the colourful streetscapes, admire the colonial architecture, take some photos and drink in the unique flavour of this lively and captivating city. 

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). 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

Today we say ‘adios’ to Cuba and transfer with guide assistance to Havana Airport for our homeward flight (via Toronto). 

On arrival in Toronto, we will be greeted by a local guide who will accompany us on a tour by coach, offering an overview of some of Toronto’s most famous landmarks. Time permitting, there will also be an opportunity for some independent sightseeing and shopping in the city. 

Please note: For June and September tours in 2022, flights are via Charles De Gaulle with Air France. Air Canada does not operate and the day trip in Toronto is not possible.

After the tour, transfer to our hotel for the next three nights to independently explore Toronto.

Breakfast is included each day of our stay at the hotel.

The extension in Toronto will be on an individual basis rather than as part of a group, guide services are not included for this part of the tour.

Enjoy Toronto at our own pace for the next two days whether it be exploring Museums, a day trip to the spectacular Niagara Falls, enjoying the formidable views from CN Tower, or shop till you drop! Toronto is a a shoppers paradise from China Town, shopping spree in Eaton Centre or Bayview Village for some high end boutiques, the choice is yours!

We say farewell to Toronto with fond memories and depart for our flight home.

*Toronto - Havana flight sectors are operated by Air Canada Rouge.

Arrive home and unpack, after a memorable journey through the highlights of Cuba and Toronto.