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This itinerary is valid for departures in 2018. To view the 2019 itinerary click here.
Cuba Libre & Sailing
15 days, Havana to Havana
Itinerary Notes
Right now is an exciting time in Cuba with rapidly changing legislation and local conditions. Cuba has seen a massive increase in tourism lately, which has put a strain on local tourist infrastructure. While we will strive to operate our tours as closely to published itineraries as possible, conditions often change from one day to the next, and minor tour modifications may be necessary with no advance notice.
Itinerary
Day 1Havana
Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included to the tour's starting point, a "casa particular" (Cuban home used as a bed and breakfast), for an authentic Cuban experience.
It is important to note that Cuba tends to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and infrastructure are generally old and may not have been maintained to the highest standard. Elevators, internet and A/C often break down, things happen very slowly and water pressure and hot water can be minimal. Cuba is an amazing place to visit but to fully enjoy and relax, western expectations should be left at home and your sense of adventure should be your guide.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the start location to start your adventure. Please note, the included arrival transfer is from Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV). If you are flying into Varadero (VRA) you will need to pre-pay a supplement to receive a transfer. Please reach out to your G Adventures booking agent for pricing and availability.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your Local Living Moment: Havana Homestay
Live amongst the locals in this “casa particular”, Cuba’s equivalent of a bed & breakfast homestay. Learn about the lifestyle, culture and real-life realities of our hosts. More intimate than a hotel, experience a slice of Cuban life as it’s actually lived.
Day 2Havana/Viñales
Travel to Viñales. Get familiar with surrounds on an orientation walk, then spend time exploring the beautiful valley.
Travel into the Pinar del Rio province to the small town of Viñales, beautifully located in a fertile valley surrounded by the unusual mogotes, or limestone pincushion hills.
Informal Spanish Lesson
Sit down with the CEO for a brief lesson on some important words and phrases in español to prepare for the upcoming adventure.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Viñales
Enjoy a free day in the area. Opt to go caving, hiking, biking, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the valley.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute—get exploring.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Viñales Cave Exploration
The limestone terrain of the area in the Pinar del Rio province is perfect for creating massive cave systems. Opt for an excursion to visit one or two and explore these unique underground caverns.
Viñales Hiking
The countryside around Viñales is lush, fertile and punctuated with mogotes – limestone “haystack” hills. Hire a guide or head off with some friends to explore the area. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. You may stumble upon a cave with an underwater spring. Dive in and cool off.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Viñales/María la Gorda
Travel to María la Gorda, a UNESCO beach town, visiting a cigar factory en route. Opt to go on a sunset boat ride, go snorkelling, or relax on the beach.
Maria la Gorda's location on the Northwestern tip of Cuba offers some of the best sunsets, beaches and marine life you will find in Cuba, an ideal place for water sports.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Tobacco Farm and Cigar Tour
Pinar del Rio is tobacco country. Fans of the ubiquitous Cuban cigar will be hard-pressed not to be impressed by the fields of green plants punctuated by thatch roof drying hut. Then witness a demonstration of how the cured leaves are hand-rolled, cut and packaged. Prepare for the heady smell of tobacco. Opt to buy a box to bring home to friends or enjoy them all by yourself.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5María la Gorda
Enjoy an excursion to Cabo San Antonio with a stop at the Roncalí lighthouse.
From María la Gorda, head out to Cabo San Antonio, a protected area famous for the sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beach. After learning some information about the region, stop by the Roncalí lighthouse. Enjoy some free time on the beach.
Cabo San Antonio and Roncalí Lighthouse Excursion
Cuba's westernmost tip benefits from the region's warm crystal-clear waters, with sea bottoms full of varied treasures — like reefs and shipwrecks. The peninsula was declared a Biosphere Reserved by UNESCO in 1987. Known for the famous Roncali Lighthouse marking Cuba's westernmost point in the region, this area is considered the last refuge of aboriginals during Spanish colonization. Learn more about the region's lore from pirates and old cannons to the treasures that lie on the bottom of the sea around peaceful Corrientes Cove.
Free Time
Get active or get relaxed. You choose.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6María la Gorda/Las Terrazas
Travel to Las Terrazas and enjoy the stunning scenery in this UNESCO biosphere reserve known for its flora and fauna.
Less than an hour outside of the bustle and hustle of Havana, Las Terrazas is a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for its stunning flora and fauna. Once acres of deforested farmland, today Las Terrazas is a lush oasis after Castro organized thousands of trees be planted. Travel through bamboo groves, past teak and royal palms and keep your eyes peeled for birds and exotic flowers.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Las Terrazas/Havana
Travel back to Havana, and walk through Old Havana wth the CEO. Enjoy a final night in the city with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Havana/Cienfuegos
Enjoy free time in Havana before heading to Cienfuegos in the afternoon to spend the first night aboard the catamaran.
Today, meet new members of the group at a 3pm meeting. Please ensure to attend this meeting as the group will depart for Cienfuegos immediately after.
Have a safety briefing and early dinner on board, then spend the evening getting acquainted with the crew and yacht, sailing out of Cienfuegos.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute—get exploring.
Welcome Meeting
Meet your group and a G representative in the hotel lobby before departing for Cienfuegos. Once there, meet your CEO and review the details of your sailing trip.
Transport
Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 9Cienfuegos/Canarreos Archipelago
Wake to breakfast and new surroundings on the way to the Canarreos Archipelago.
25m (82 ft) Cuba Sailing Catamaran
Stretch out and stay balanced aboard a cosy double-hulled watercraft.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 10Canarreos Archipelago
Travel through the islands of the Canarreos Archipelago and spend the next five days soaking in everything these island communities have to offer. Discover paradise among the rustic, sparsely populated islands, go snorkelling, explore secluded beaches or simply relax on deck.
Today we begin to explore some of the the Caribbeans most beautiful islands.
Composed of approximately 350 islets, the islands are known to be more rustic and quiet than many of the other popular Cuban travel destinations.
Relax and enjoy the warm Caribbean air.
25m (82 ft) Cuba Sailing Catamaran
Stretch out and stay balanced aboard a cosy double-hulled watercraft.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 11–13Canarreos Archipelago
Explore the remote and beautiful islands of the Canarreos Archipelago. Snorkel the crystal-clear waters in search of colourful fish, relax on the beach, and dine on some of the best seafood you’ll ever have.
25m (82 ft) Cuba Sailing Catamaran
Stretch out and stay balanced aboard a cosy double-hulled watercraft.
Cayo Largo Visit
Visit Cayo Largo, the largest island in the Canarreos Archipelago, known for its 25km (15 mi) of pristine white-sand beaches and mangrove forests. Let your worries melt away – you won’t have any trouble relaxing here! Sit back and relax with a book while sipping on a refreshing beverage, play a game of beach volleyball or enjoy some snorkelling. Or take a river cruise among the maze of mangroves to spot crocodiles resting in their natural habitat.
Cayo Rico Visit
Be welcomed by bright turquoise waters on this island visit. Enjoy a cocktail at a friendly beach bar, and soak in amazing waterfront views. Feed iguanas indigenous to the island or snorkel right off the boat – try and spot one of the rays that like to hang out here.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 14Canarreos Archipelago/Cienfuegos
Wake up and admire the view from the lighthouse in Cayo Guano. Enjoy one last snorkel before sailing back from the Canarreos Archipelago to the town of Cienfuegos. Enjoy some final time on deck, and keep an eye out for fish and other marine life along the way.
After arriving back in Cienfuegos, the CEO will be happy to show the group town by foot. Relax at the end of the evening while taking in the local sites of this rustic town.
25m (82 ft) Cuba Sailing Catamaran
Stretch out and stay balanced aboard a cosy double-hulled watercraft.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 15Cienfuegos/Havana
Depart Cienfuegos after breakfast and arrive back into Havana around midday when the trip will end. After being dropped off at the hotel your CEO will be able to help with onward travel arrangements.
Transport
Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.