Cuba

Welcome to Shoestring!
Shoestring is looking forward to welcoming you on one of our unforgettable journeys. Be well prepared, get informed about your destination and make sure you know which vaccinations or other medication you require. During the trip, be flexible and don’t feel obliged to always stay with the group. Your guide will advise and assist you, but remember that he or she will have a lot on their mind to ensure that everything is running smoothly. We hope you have a fantastic time in this beautiful destination.

Before you travel
If your trip is unexpectedly cancelled, we will let you know at least three weeks prior to departure. Cancellations are very rare though, so go ahead and prepare yourself for your trip.

Day 1: Havana

Welcome to Cuba! Your tour starts in Havana, where you can use your hotel room from check in time (12.00 hrs at noon) on day 1. Most of your travel companions will arrive later this first day, the exact time will be depending on their flight schedule. You will meet your English speaking tour leader at 8.00 hrs A.M. on day 2 in the lobby of your hotel.

The wonderful city of Havana has a unique atmosphere, with museums and baroque architecture, cosy terraces where you can sit and watch the big “fifties” American cars driving by, shining as if they were brand new. Have a drink in one of Hemmingway’s favourite watering holes and at night, dine in one of the friendly, family-owned restaurants and listen to the ever-present Caribbean music.

Day 2: Havana

The main markets in Havana are close to the Plaza de Catedral, and open from Wednesday to Saturday 1000-1900, on the Malecón, between Calles D and E, open from Sunday to Tuesday 1000-1800, and on Calle 23 between Calles M &N open daily 1000-1800 (this one is the smallest ) But please be sure to check with your guide as timings can sometimes change unexpectedly.

Why not visit a cigar factory/shop and witness this age old tradition as the cigars are carefully hand rolled out in front of you. Tours are currently available at Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, which is one of Cuba's oldest factories.

Day 3: Havana

To learn more about the revolution, visit the museums, parks and monuments throughout the city. In 1573, Philip II issued a law that required a rectangular central square, this central square, Plaza de Armas, marks the starting point of the four main streets, which follow the course of the four wind directions. The most important social, political and cultural institutions are situated around this square and their faded glory adds to the unique charm of this city.
 

Walk over the plaza to view the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum), which occupies the magnificent old Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, once home to the highest colonial authority in Cuba and a former Presidential Palace. This popular museum offers a broad description of Havana's history and has a great gift shop - don't miss out on Cuba's only wooden 'cobblestone' street to the front of the museum!

Day 4: Havana

Music and dancing is a big part of Cuban society and culture. Groups such as Los Van Van and The Buena Vista Social Club are known the world over. They perform regularly in different venues around the city, including Salón 1930. But where live music is concerned, you will never be short of options in Havana!

Day 5: Havana - Viñales

The beautiful Viñales Valley is located to the west of Havana and is great for walking or horse riding. The eroded karst scenery is reminiscent of South China.

We start driving in the morning and arrive in the valley in the afternoon, along the way, you have the opportunity to visit a coffee plantation and the beautiful Soroa waterfalls. It’s a very enjoyable journey, where you can relax and take in the charming hilly scenery with its elegant king’s palms, deeply eroded rivers and simple wooden houses.

There are many optional excursions available, including cycling and walking tours of the valley and horse riding, your local guide will help you book these on arrival.

Day 6: Viñales

Spend today continuing to explore and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this karstic landscape

Day 7: Viñales - Cienfuegos

Today you travel to the port city of Cienfuegos with one of the most beautiful bays of the island. In the colonial era Cienfuegos was known as the "Pearl of the South". The city was founded in 1819 by the then Governor General of Cuba, Jose Cienfuegos. Feel the French atmosphere in the sprawling city which the city planner Declouet gave her: decorative palaces, theaters and shady parks. The Teatro Tomás Terry with its elegant facade is worth a visit. Just outside town is the Cementerio General La Reina, declared a national monument. Its built between 1830 and 1840 and there are beautiful images on the graves, like that of La Bella Durmiente (Sleeping Beauty).

Day 8: Cienfuegos - Trinidad

Today we travel by bus to the romantic town of Trinidad, giving you a chance to admire Cuba’s varied countryside along the way. You will see hilly regions with king’s palms and large plains with cattle ranches, sugar cane and banana plantations. There is almost no traffic and you will encounter more horses and ox carts than cars.

By the end of the afternoon we will arrive at a hotel in or just outside Trinidad. One of Cuba’s oldest cities, it was designated a UNESCO world heritage site because the city has managed to remain so beautifully intact for hundreds of years. You will stay here for two nights, allowing you to enjoy the town, the sea and the green mountains that form the town’s backdrop. In Trinidad, breakfasts and dinners are included.

Day 9: Trinidad

Trinidad is known for its lovely pastel coloured houses and cobblestone streets as well as beautiful palaces and plazas. It is best to explore Trinidad either by foot or from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage.

Day 10: Trinidad

The Valley de los Ingenios or Valley of the Sugar Mills is a series of three interconnected valleys about 12 kilometers (7 miles) outside of Trinidad. You can explore these by bicycle if you wish, taking in the splendid scenery that surrounds.

Day 11: Trinidad - Santa Clara

Today we head for Santa Clara, home of the monument and mausoleum in honour of the famous freedom fighter Che Guevara. The Cubans nicknamed Ernesto Guevara ‘Che’ because of his greeting; "che" (hey!).

In 1956, he arrived in Cuba with a group of revolutionaries in a boat called the Granma and In 1957, he became Commandante and an important figure at Fidel Castro's side during the first years of the revolution. In Santa Clara on the Plaza de la Revolucion you will find his monument ‘Hasta la victoria siempre’, which means ‘Forever onwards towards victory’.

Day 12: Santa Clara - Varadero

After visiting Santa Clara we continue to Varadero, a resort located 140 km east of Havana which boasts stunning white beaches and a turquoise waves.

We drive down the coast for a while, so enjoy the beautiful scenery rolling past. Varadero is also great for those looking for diving, snorkelling, taking a boat trip or deep-sea fishing

Day 13: Varadero

In addition to the quite stunning beaches, Varadero has other natural exhibits such as caves and a chain of easily reached virgin cays. You can also take a catamaran trip, where you go have the opportunity to swim with dolphins!

Day 14: Varadero

Savour the penultimate day of the tour, enjoying the fine food, weather and beach-life.

Day 15: Varadero

The last day of your tour. You can use your hotel room in Varadero until check out time (most times at 12.00 hrs noon). We wish you a comfortable journey home and are sure you will take with you some wonderful memories of Cuba.

Your personal ‘my.shoestring’ page on our website is the perfect way to make contact with other travellers before and after your trip. You can read and create journals from trips and upload your photos onto the photo gallery. Visit my shoestring today.

When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any post-tour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour (day 15) is not included.

Spanish lessons in Havana

Have you always wanted to learn Spanish? Combine Spanish verbs with a tropical setting! Before your trip, we offer you the chance to learn the first principles of the Spanish language. A perfect start: with a little vocabulary you'll find it easier to get to know Cuba and its' people.

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Day-to-day description

Day 1
Havana, arrival
Classes begin on a Monday, so you can fly to Havana on Sunday. You will be met by our local representative on arrival in Havana. They bring you to your hotel in a quiet neighborhood of Havana about 20 minutes walking distance from the school and 3.5km from the beach. This is the same hotel where you will stay during the group trip.

Day 2-5
Havana, Spanish lessons
During your stay in Havana you will get 5 days of individual instruction in the Spanish language. The course is tailored to your needs and interests (in consultation with your teacher), and is the quickest and most intensive way to learn the language in a short period. Every day you get 4 x 45 minute lessons, the lesson times are organised in consultation with your teacher.

After and between lessons, you are free to explore fascinating Havana. Havana is a fantastic city full of charming streets and squares, museums and beautiful baroque architecture. Particularly noteworthy are the American motors from the 50s, gleaming like new. You can look for the bars where Hemingway gained his inspiration. Here you can enjoy a mojito, a Cuban drink of rum, lime juice, mineral water and mint leaves- very tasty! In the evening you will probably eat in one of the cozy family restaurants while enjoying the Caribbean music that is heard everywhere. Havana swings!

Day 6
Havana, end of extension
Tonight the group arrives in Havana. After you finish your last lesson, meet with the group. Everything is very easy because the group will stay in the same hotel. Now you can make a good impression with all that you've learned in this first week!

Cost: £ 605 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single supplement: £ 90 per person
High season surcharge: 12/18/11 to 03/24/12 and 07/01/12 to 08/25/12 and 12/16/12 to 03/23/13: from £ 45 pp

Included:
- 5 nights in a hotel in Havana
- 4 x 45 minutes private Spanish lessons for 5 days
- Qualified Spanish teacher
- Course certificate

Excluded:
Meals, excursions, entrance fees, personal expenses and tips

Surcharges:
- Surcharge for transfer to and from the airport: £ 30 pp (one way £ 18 pp)
- Surcharge salsa dance course: from £ 95 pp per week
 

This journey is classified as Category A

The difficulty of our trips varies greatly. Added to this is the fact that travel difficulty is a very personal perception. To give an impression of the difficulty of a particular journey, we have developed a classification system.

Category A: Light travel for everyone to do. Short distances, good hotels, travel at a slow pace.
Category B: For everyone to do as well. Sometimes long distances. Good hotels and camping facilities, sometimes an adventurous overnight experience, travel at a normal pace.
Category C: Good to do for anyone who prepares themself well and is flexible. There are tougher parts of the journey, such as longer distances or walking tours. Several nights can be spent in basic accommodation.
Category D: A relatively difficult journey, travelling long distances, often primitive accommodation or tents, and challenging walking tours.

The Cuba-tour falls under category A. Any healthy person can make this trip; the travel distances are average and most hotels comfortable. We overnight in mid-class hotels, but take into account that you are in a developing country, with a much lower standard of living than your are used to at home. A flexible and positive attitude is much more important than physical fitness.

Nature of the trip
Who doesn’t want to experience the Carribean’s most swinging country? Cubans are very friendly people who love their salsa, cigars and rum. It seems like there is music on every corner of the street. Every visitor gets greatly charmed by this tropical island with its beautiful colonial towns, abundant nature, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and impressive Havana City, America’s oldest Spanish town accommodates numerous museums and a bustling nightlife. Cuba boasts a unique lifestyle and has until now successfully managed to protect this style against the influence of its big American neighbour. After Fidel Castro the experiment will probably end. The tour has a relaxed pace and in most places you will overnight in a hotel with swimming pool.