Cuba & Mexico

Our itinerary covers Cuba’s main highlights including Havana, Trinidad de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Playa Giron on the Bay of Pigs, Varadero and the beautiful Valle de Vinales. Our sightseeing excursions will involve walking, cruising the streets in classic cars, swimming, cycling opt.

Havana – Old Havana was established by the Spanish in the 16th Century and today, despite 60 years of withering neglect, it is intriguingly beautiful and totally captivating.

Santa Clara – Long associated with Che Guevara, whose liberating of Santa Clara in December 1958 marked the end of the Batista regime. Visit the impressive Che Guevara monument.

Trinidad de Cuba – A World Heritage site since 1988, Trinidad is a beautifully preserved colonial town, with cobbled-stone streets and terracotta roofs. In the Valle de los Ingenios, learn about the sugar mills and slave trade that were the basis of Trinidad’s prosperity and wealth during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Visit nearby Playa Ancon for an afternoon swim and head to the Plaza at night to enjoy the music and salsa dancing!

Cienfuegos – Established in 1819 by settlers of French origin, the city’s prosperity was linked to the 19th-century sugar boom. Today, the old town remains a virtual museum of beautiful colonial buildings.

Playa Giron – Located on the Bay of Pigs, Playa Giron was one of the landing sites used by the Cuban exiles in 1961. Today it is known for its informative Museum of the Invasion and as a diving and snorkelling location.

Valle de Vinales – The heart of Cuba’s tobacco industry, with intriguing caves and steep-sided karst mounds called mojotes. An iconic Cuban landscape.

Varadero – A resort town on Cuba’s Hicacos Peninsula, is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

We will begin our Mexican journey in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city and the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music. From there, we travel southeast to stay in the illustrious silver mining city of Guanajuato, known for its stunning Baroque facades and underground tunnels, and the nearby town of San Miguel de Allende, often referred to as the prettiest town in Mexico. We will experience the Day of the Dead celebrations in both of these enchanting towns, before reaching Mexico City, the country’s impressive capital, we will visit the massive Teotihuacan Pyramids, which date back to 300 BC.

To conclude our time in Mexico we will move on into the vastly different world of the Yucatan Peninsula, where we will stay in colonial Merida and on the coast at Tulum on the Mayan Riviera. The Yucatan is famous for the powder-white sand beaches of its Caribbean coast, its towering Mayan pyramids such as Chichen Itza, and crystal clear cenotes that are just perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

Guadalajara – Our entry point into Mexico, the birthplace of Mariachi music and Tequila.

Guanajuato – A World Heritage Site, the old city is a living monument to its prosperous and turbulent silver mining past; for over two centuries 30% to 40% of the world’s silver was mined in Guanajuato State. Delightfully colonial, Guanajuato has a maze of road tunnels beneath the town and its cobbled streets are lined by impressive buildings.

San Miquel de Allende – A traditional town, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Mexico. Famous for its ‘Day of the dead’ celebrations, when giant skeletons parade the streets.

Teotihuacan – Explore Mexico’s largest ancient Aztec site, “The place where gods were created.

Mexico City – Mexico’s vast capital city of 22 million people was founded by the Aztec in 1325. Today it has many wonderful museums, art galleries, and a vibrant culture.

Merida –One of Mexicos oldest cities, It’s renowned for its bustling markets, where you can experience local life firsthand, and it’s also close to natural wonders such as the Santa Barbara cenotes.

Tulum – Stay on the Riviera Maya, with white powder-sand, tepid water and palm trees literally at your doorstep, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing beach stay. Swim in the Caribbean and the nearby freshwater cenotes.   Explore Coba ruins nestled in the forrest by bicycle by or cart.