0800 110 108
info@mondotravel.co.nz
From $2,895
8 nights
Tuesday 2nd of December 2025 until Saturday 18th of April 2026
Various Departures in 2025 & 2026
From $2,895 per person
Step into the heart of Cuba on our 9-day Classic Cuba Small Group Tour, where vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history come alive. Travel with expert guides in a small, intimate group and enjoy unforgettable experiences—from cruising in iconic classic cars and learning to dance salsa, to exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is more than a tour—it’s a journey through the soul of Cuba.
Welcome to colourful Havana! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your guest house. Once you’ve checked in, use the rest of the day as you wish: explore the neighbourhood, get a bite to eat or rest. This evening, you’ll meet your tour leader and the rest of the group at La Gargola Guesthouse at 7pm for an optional group dinner in Old Havana.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Adobe
Special Information
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
This morning we’ll set off on a walking tour of Old Havana, taking in the main attractions plus some hidden gems only known to the locals. Make sure you have comfortable shoes on!
This afternoon we’ll head out on a drive in an open top, classic American car, visiting the neighbourhoods of Central Habana, Vedado, and Miramar just outside of Old Havana. We’ll visit Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), stopping to appreciate the huge images of the revolutionary heroes Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, and the scene of many speeches by Fidel Castro. The square is dominated by the José Martí Memorial, which features a 109-metre-tall tower and an 18- metre-tall statue, the National Library and many government offices are also found here.
Highlights
Accommodation: Comfort Category Guest House
We’ll depart Havana for Viñales after breakfast, stopping at the village of Jaimanitas to see the Gaudi-inspired community project, Fusterlandia. Named after the project’s founder and artist, José Rodríguez Fuster (also known as the ‘Picasso of the Caribbean’), Fuster converted his own home into an art museum by adorning it with mosaic tiles in the 70s, and over time, his neighbours offered their homes up to him to do the same. Every surface, from street signs to communal benches, have been decorated by Fuster himself or community members. We’ll wander around Fuster’s home and also have time to view the colourful streets of this neighbourhood. We’ll continue our drive towards the mountains and the province of Pinar del Rio.
The town of Viñales, approximately 2.5 hours from Fusterlandia, is one of Cuba's most picturesque towns in this province and is the gateway to the Sierra de los Organos mountains and Viñales Valley. The valley is surrounded by steep limestone hills, and the floor of the valley is a UNESCO heritage site. Farmers here still use traditional methods, either using oxen or by hand, to till the earth. The main crops are rice, corn, root vegetables (yuca, boniato, and malanga), and most famously some of Cuba's best tobacco
We’ll wander around the town, then learn how to make an iconic mojito, one of the most popular tipples in Cuba. Later in the afternoon we’ll have a salsa dance lesson to prepare us for a night out in this exciting town.
Highlights
Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Accommodation: Comfort Category Guest House
This morning we’ll take a walk around the UNESCO area of the Viñales Valley where we’ll observe different farming activities and visit some farm houses, including a tobacco farmer who will talk us through the process of producing the tobacco used in Cuba's world renowned cigars.
Come evening, we’ll visit an organic farm which has a spectacular view of the valley, the perfect spot to watch the sun go down while enjoying a sumptuous group dinner.
Highlights
Accommodation: Comfort Category Guest House
After breakfast we’ll drive from Viñales along the Caribbean coast, to the city of Cienfuegos, which used to be known as the ‘Pearl of the South.’ Settled by the French and still containing traces of their influence, Cienfuegos is also known to be one of the most beautiful villages in Cuba. We’ll make a stop at the Bay of Pigs along the way, known as an excellent snorkelling spot, which can be enjoyed straight off the coast. Snorkelling gear is available to hire cheaply, but if water activities aren’t your thing, wander around and enjoy the natural scenery.
Arriving at Cienfuegos, you’ll notice French influences everywhere, especially around the main square and a very pretty boulevard that runs from the city centre, along the edge of the bay and to the end of the peninsula.
At the end of the peninsula, you'll find Palacio del Valle, a mansion built in 1913 by Italian architect, Alfredo Colli. The architectural style is a mixture but what is clear is that a great deal of expense went into its construction and decoration, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. It’s been bought and sold as a private home, a high-scale hotel and restaurant, and in 2000, it was declared a National Monument.
Highlights
Accommodation: Comfort Category Guest House
Today we bid farewell to Cienfuegos and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Trinidad, one of Cuba's most exciting cities. Its small and compact size means that attractions within the city can easily be visited on foot. Trinidad was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, but the beauty of this open-air museum hasn’t been destroyed by over-tourism, the spirit (and architecture) of the city still resembles 1850.
We’ll experience a fun, interactive music and percussion lesson with a local maestro of music. This is a true highlight of the tour and a fantastic way to learn more about Cuban music, dance and rhythm, an integral part of the country’s culture.
We’ll end the day with a relaxing cocktail at sunset as a group, and then you’ll have the option of joining your tour leader and the group on an exploration of the city after dark, or if you prefer, go it alone and spend the evening as you wish. Trinidad is known for its lively nightlife and there are plenty of open air restaurants, bars, live music venues and dance shows to keep you entertained.
Highlights
Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Accommodation: Comfort Category Guest House
This morning we have some free time to further explore town. For the more adventurous, there is an optional 3-hour return hike to a beautiful waterfall in the nearby mountains. Speak to your tour leader for more information.
Later, we head to Ancón Beach for the day where 4km of white sand and turquoise water await. You can spend the day as you wish—there are more than 30 dive sites off Ancón, including Cayo Blanco, an island surrounded by coral reefs; deep-sea fishing and snorkelling, or of course, just enjoy the Caribbean sun and water and have a leisurely lunch at one of the luxe hotels. Your tour leader is happy to provide you with some recommendations.
Tonight’s dinner will be at a local paladare, a small, family-run restaurant. From here we will head out together to one of the many venues around Trinidad to listen to live Cuban music, from traditional to more modern salsa music.
Highlights
Accommodation: Comfort Category Guest House
On our drive back to Havana, we will make a stop at Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum located at Plaza Che Guevara. Che is an extremely controversial figure in Latin America and an immensely important one in Cuba's history. His remains were found in Bolivia and brought here to rest in 1990, along with 29 fellow combatants. There is a huge bronze statue of El Che, an eternal flame, and many of his personal items on display.
We will also make a stop for lunch on the way back to Havana.
Tonight is our final evening together. You’ll have the choice to dine together as a group with the tour leader, or spend the evening exploring and dining as you wish.
Highlights
Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Accommodation: Comfort Category Guest House
Today your journey through Cuba comes to an end after breakfast.
Make your own way to the airport for your onward journey. Alternatively, you can extend your stay in this vibrant city by booking extra nights.
Thank you for travelling with us. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information: Departure transfers are not included as part of your package. We are not able to provide departure transfers however your tour guide will be able to assist with arranging transportation.
Tour Type: Escorted Small Group Tour
Group Size: 4-16 people
Tour Pace: Balanced
