Cross Island Adventure Tour

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Overview
Make the most of all that Cuba has to offer with our cross-island adventure. We'll take you from one side of the island to the other, stopping along the way to introduce you to some of the most important, interesting, and off-the-beaten-path destinations in Cuba.
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Prices are $USD, per person and based on double occupancy.

We strongly encourage all travelers to book with a travel advisor to elevate their travel experience. Include your advisor’s name with your reservation to receive a $100 personalized welcome gift, access to exclusive amenities and a free room upgrade at select properties.

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“When you look at itineraries of a Cuba trip, the focus is always on Havana. This wasn’t what we wanted. Instead, we wanted an introductory grand tour. We wanted to get beyond just one place. They didn’t just give us something off-the-shelf. In essence, we went from Havana to the western edge, and then from Havana to the the east, ending in Santiago de Cuba. At all times, we felt welcome no matter what we did. A great trip.”

Barry K
Itinerary
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Day 1
Welcome to Havana

Island Arrival: Your driver will meet your group at the airport, and you’ll be taken to your accommodation to freshen up. 

Exploring Old Havana: Find your bearings and step back in time, as you immerse yourself in the iconic, colorful and historic Habana Vieja (Old Havana) with your local guide. 

Welcome Drinks and Live Music: Welcome to Havana! Kick-off your cultural immersion with fresh-made mojitos and live local musicians playing Cuban classics.

Dinner: Sit down at one of Havana’s trendiest restaurants, located inside the VIP section of the famous Fábrica de Arte Cubano. 

Private Tour and Night Out at La Fábrica: Enjoy a private tour of Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a must-see Cuban art installation and center of Havana nightlife! Enjoy a classic mojito as you explore three floors of art galleries, live music, DJs and more.

Day 2
Cuban Art and Culture

National Museum of Fine Arts: View historic Cuban art not found anywhere else in the world, in the visually stunning Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

El Gran Teatro de La Habana: Explore an architectural beauty that offers some of the best Cuban music, theater, and classical dance. 

Lunch: Enjoy a midday break at an authentic Cuban paladar. 

Vintage Convertible Ride: Hop into a vintage classic American convertible car and cruise throughout Havana’s neighborhoods.

Dinner: Dine at one of Havana’s most beautiful restaurants, an architectural treasure with quintessential Cuban ambiance. 

Day 3
Classic Cuba

Cigar Factory Tour: Immerse yourself in the world of Cuban cigars, famous around the world, with a tour of a local cigar factor. 

Hotel Nacional: View historic Cuban art not found anywhere else in the world, in the visually stunning Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts)

Lunch: Break for a mojito, delicious meal, and strong Cafecito.

Hemingway House: Famed novelist Earnest Hemingway lived at this sprawling mansion from 1940 – 1960. The home’s interior has been virtually untouched since the day that “Papa,” the U.S.- ambassador-in-spirit left.

Salsa Lesson: Learn salsa with one of our resident dance instructors, the most talented in all of Cuba! 

Dinner in Havana: Enjoy a restaurant run by one of Cuba’s most renowned chefs. 

Day 4
Cienfuegos and Trinidad

Depart for Cienfuegos: After breakfast, you’ll depart with your private driver and guide to the town of Cienfuegos, a gem along the coast on the way to Trinidad. 

Lunch in Cienfuegos: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the sea. Savor the breeze, tropical climate, and traditional Cuban food.

Explore Cienfuegos: Witness the inspiring French influences of the city known as Cuba’s “Pearl of the South.”

Depart for Trinidad: Continue along your journey towards Trinidad, one of Cuba’s oldest cities, that remains lined with cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial architecture. 

Arrival and Dinner in Trinidad: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing dinner onsite. 

Day 5
Exploring Trinidad

Coffee Farm and Hiking Excursion: Spend the morning and afternoon exploring the lush region of Trinidad and stop at a local coffee farm to learn how the locals plant, grow, harvest and roast coffee beans. Taste Cuba’s freshest farm to table coffee. Lunch included. 

Local Art Gallery Visit: Go behind the scenes of Trinidad’s art culture with a visit to an art gallery and meet a local artist. 

Dinner in a Local Home: Experience true Cuban hospitality through dinner and music in a local home. 

Day 6
Santa Clara and Cayo Santa Maria

Depart for Santa Clara: After breakfast, you’ll depart Trinidad for the town of Santa Clara. 

Lunch in Santa Clara: Enjoy a cafecito, authentic lunch and mojito in this historically significant city.

Che Guevara Memorial: Visit the memorial and mausoleum of one of the Cuban revolution’s most distinguished figures. 

Local Live Music: Continue your exploration of Santa Clara through the sounds of a local musician. 

Dinner in Cayo Santa Maria: After driving from Santa Clara to Santa Maria, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing dinner onsite. 

Day 7
Remedios Excursion

Visit Old Sugar Factory Museum: Explore the abandoned historic sugar factory, the Sugar Museum Marcelo Salado. 

Steam train to Remedios: Take an old steam engine locomotive ride from the historic sugar factory to the quiet town of Remedios. 

Lunch at the accommodation: Return from the town of Remedios and enjoy lunch back at the resort in Cayo Santa Maria.  

Free time: Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful beaches of Cayo Santa Maria and fostering meaningful connections with locals. 

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your leisure, included at the accommodation. 

Day 8
Cayo Santa Maria

Free time: Spend your morning immersing yourself in the beauty of Cayo Santa Maria.

Lunch: Eat lunch at your leisure, included at the accommodation. 

Afternoon at the beach: Enjoy the white sands and blue waters of the Caribbean. 

Group Dinner: Have dinner with your group at a restaurant in the town of Santa Maria.

Day 9
Remedios and Havana

Depart for Remedios: After breakfast, check out and depart for the town of Remedios. 

Exploring in Remedios: Spend the morning exploring Remedios, a lesser-known colonial highlight of the island. See the beautifully restored buildings and central plaza and learn about its famous annual firework festival. 

Lunch in Remedios: Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Havana.

Depart for Havana: Begin the journey back to Havana after lunch, where you’ll spend your final evening. 

Free Evening in Havana: Check in to your accommodation and enjoy a free final evening on the island to spend as you wish. 

Day 10
Island Farewell

Departure: Group departure flight back to USA from Havana’s airport.

Representative Accommodations
4-Star Boutique Home or Hotel
4-Star Boutique Home or Hotel
4-Star Boutique Home or Hotel
Flight and Visa

Flight: Flights are not included in Cuba Candela trips. Book your flight to Havana from the U.S. or other country of origin. Learn more.

Visa: A Cuba Tourist Visa is required for all travelers visiting Cuba and is included in our luxury tours. We process visas electronically on behalf of travelers and assist with all pre-trip customs and immigration documents. Learn more.

What’s Included
  • U.S. travel license
  • 4-star accommodation*
  • All activities listed on the itinerary**
  • Engaging bilingual local guide
  • All transportation, airport and excursion transfers
  • Compliance with all U.S. travel regulations
  • Breakfast daily

—Not Included—

  • Cuba Tourist Visa
  • Flight and any airline fees
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Discretionary tips for guide, driver and other activities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Trip insurance (highly recommended)

*Note: Accommodation standards are based on what is widely available in Cuba. 4-star accommodation is charming, clean and safe.

**Note: Itinerary is representative of your experience. Activities are subject to change based on availability and adjustments required due to the realities of island life in Cuba.

Before You Go
Weather and Hurricanes

Cuba has mild temperatures year-round with a dry season from November – April. Prepare for your trip by staying updated on the weather in Cuba. Learn more.


Cuba Essential Information

From what to pack and how to connect to the internet to information on money and souvenirs, we have compiled everything you need to know for a smooth and carefree trip. Learn more.


Trip Insurance

We recommend that all guests purchase travel insurance in the event of an emergency. You may purchase coverage from a travel insurance provider like Allianz for a smooth and carefree trip. Learn more.


CDC Health Information

Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for information on vaccines and COVID-19 in Cuba. Learn more.


FAQ
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Can I still travel to Cuba?

Yes! Travel to Cuba is still legal under the “Support for the Cuban People” travel authorization. We take care of required documents including the visa.

Read our blog “Yes, You Can Travel To Cuba. Here’s How” to learn more.

How do I obtain the Cuban visa?

Clients booking standard tours may purchase the visa from us as an add-on to your trip, or you may choose to purchase it on your own.

How do I fly to Cuba?

Commercial flights are the most common method of transportation for most travelers from the United States to Havana. Major airlines offer nonstop flights to Cuba, including American, Delta and Southwest Airlines. You may book your flight to Cuba directly with your preferred airline, just as you would to any other destination in the world.

When booking your flight, you’ll be asked to select a purpose for travel. The preferred license for our travelers is the “Support for the Cuban People” license.

Read our blog “How To Get To Cuba” for more information on flying to Cuba and direct flight locations.

What is the difference between Standard and Luxury Tours?

The main differences between these packages are in the accommodations, experiences and visa processing. Luxury tours include 5-star accommodations, Cuba visas, VIP airport arrival, welcome gift, wifi hotspot, daily private driver, expert bilingual host, all activities, and 24/7 support from our local team. Standard tours include 4-star accommodations, airport transfers, daily private driver, expert bilingual host, all activities, restaurant reservations and 24/7 support from our local team.

Learn more about our pricing and packages here

What type of transportation is included?

We provide all transportation from the moment you land until the moment you leave (airport pick-ups, drop-offs and all excursion transfers included) in an air-conditioned private car, van or similar vehicle with a professional driver. 

How will I exchange currency in Cuba?

We recommend travelers keep their money in USD instead of exchanging it, as this allows them to pay for things at the preferred rate used by businesses and vendors. If guests want to change some, we recommend that they defer to the guidance of their host to ensure they get the best rate, and avoid official exchange kiosks, which disadvantage the USD.

Read more about money in Cuba here.

Will I have Wifi in Cuba?

Yes, but we recommend that travelers expect to be disconnected from WIFI during their trip and embrace the digital detox to the extent possible. WIFI is generally available at hotels and by connecting to a local phone hotspot if provided in your tour package.

Is travel to Cuba safe?

Yes. Cuba is one of the safest countries in the world to visit and has a track record of keeping tourists safe. It has always welcomed and embraced American travelers with open arms. 

Visit our Safety First page to learn more.

What is Cuba Candela’s cancellation policy?

Due to the nature and complexity of Cuba travel planning, all payments are non-refundable.

If the need arises to change trip dates, we will do our best to offer you up to 100% credit for the amount already paid. However, depending on your travel dates, there may be additional fees charged due to hotel cancellation policies and change in hotel prices.

If the trip cannot proceed specifically due to travel policy changes by the U.S. government, travelers will receive a full refund.

Still have questions?

Visit our FAQ for a more comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.