Tour Description

This Premium adventure through Cuba takes you through colourful architecture, vast beaches and lush countryside. The colourful local history still dominates most aspects of daily life, and you’ll explore Havana in all its faded glory. See the beauty of rural Vinales, wander the cobblestoned streets of Trinidad and soak up the coastal vibe of Cienfuegos. Visit the home of a local family for dinner, learn some salsa moves and hop in a classic American car for a real Cuban experience.

Priced From:

$ 4424.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Havana

End Location: Havana

Countries: Cuba,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Visit the home of a local family in Trinidad for an Exclusive Experience where you’ll enjoy a festive home-cooked dinner paired with the local drink, Canchanchara, made from 'fire water' (local honey and lime juice).

Admire the colours of Soroa during an Exclusive Experience. Visit a vibrant orchid garden with a local expert and take a private tour to learn about the region’s diverse array of flora and fauna.

Discover the cobblestone streets of Trinidad, learn some salsa steps in slow-paced Vinales, and take in the colours of Soroa – the valley known as the 'Rainbow of Cuba'.

Explore Havana’s main sights during a tour in a classic American car – a nod to the city’s colourful vintage past.

Your local leader will help you learn the story of the Cuban Revolution, as well as a visit to the memorials dedicated to revolutionary hero Ernesto Che Guevara in Santa Clara.

Itinerary

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cuba. Your Premium adventure begins in Havana, the country’s capital. You’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your Feature Stay hotel for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there are plenty of excellent museums to check out, including the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. After your meeting, head to a local restaurant for dinner. Tonight, your leader will introduce you to some classic dishes such as picadillo (a beef and tomato stew) and ropa vieja (pulled beef with vegetables).

Start the day in style as you tour the city in a convoy of classic American vintage cars. Cruise down Havana’s grand old streets as your leader points out significant sights like the Malecon, Revolucion Square and Vedado. Finish your ride in Old Havana where you’ll continue your explorations on foot during a walking tour with your leader. Learn the history of the Havana cathedral and discover the city’s old-world charm when you stop by Plaza de Armas, San Francisco de Asis, Plaza Vieja and Central Park. You then have a free afternoon – maybe head to a rooftop bar for a cocktail or stroll around the colourful streets.

Before departing Havana, visit Deshidratados Havana – a local dehydrated fruit workshop founded during the pandemic to help with food scarcity. Learn about how the natural preserves are made without any sugar or preservatives, and try out some samples. Next, drive west to Soroa, where you’ll tour a beautiful orchid garden. Meet with a local guide for a private tour of the gardens and learn about the vibrant array of plant and bird species – it’s not hard to see why this valley is known as the rainbow of Cuba. Take some time out for lunch then continue to Vinales, where tobacco and sugarcane fields lie side by side and limestone outcrops dot the landscape. Use this travel time to take part in an informal Spanish lesson so you can converse with the friendly locals throughout the rest of your trip. Check in to your guesthouses, then take a short orientation walk with your leader to get acquainted with the town.

Begin your day with a guided walk through the farmlands of Vinales, where your leader will talk to you about the geography that makes up the area’s spectacular scenery. Vinales is known for its tobacco farms which still use traditional growing methods – learn more about the longstanding tobacco industry and watch a farmer whip up a world class cigar in seconds. Take some time to find a local place for lunch, then regroup in the late afternoon for a salsa dancing lesson. Find your feet and learn a few steps while embracing the electrifying rhythm of Cuba. After working up an appetite, head to the top of the valley for dinner at an eco-farm. Here you’ll enjoy an exceptional farm-to-table meal made entirely from organic produce grown on site.

Prepare for a long travel day as you make your way to Cienfuegos. Drive back through Havana before stopping in the Bay of Pigs for lunch. After lunch, you may like to take a dip in the crystal clear water, or unroll your beach towel and sit back as your leader shares stories of the botched USA Military counter-revolutionary invasion in the Bay of Pigs. Now a tranquil spot for relaxing, it’s hard to imagine the chaotic battle that took place here in 1961. Then it’s just a short drive to Cienfuegos, one of Cuba's prettiest coastal spots. Arrive in the early evening and join your leader on a short orientation walk before visiting the Palacio del Valle – Cienfuegos' architectural pride and joy.

Enjoy a free morning in Cienfuegos – maybe stop by a local cafe for a cup of Cuban coffee. Then make the journey to Trinidad. When you arrive, your leader will introduce you to the town’s history and architecture during a walking tour. Take in Trinidad’s eye-catching combination of cobblestone streets, colourful houses and old-fashioned locals. It's a great town to explore on foot, and almost every scene offers great photo opportunities – from residents relaxing with huge cigars on their doorsteps to old Chevrolets cruising by. In the evening take a trip out of town to a local house for a homely and festive dinner. Be welcomed with the local drink, Canchanchara, made from 'fire water' (local honey and lime juice). There will even be a musician or two serenading you and your fellow travellers as you dine.

The day is yours to explore all that Trinidad has to offer. For some beachside fun and maybe a little snorkelling, head down to Playa Ancon (just be careful you don't stand on a sea urchin!). The town is dotted with open-air venues where you can check out a folklore show that nods to Cuba’s rich and varied music and dance tradition. With roots in Spain, Africa and France the show displays Cuba’s history.

Head inland with a stop at the Valle De Los Ingenios Scenic Viewpoint, where you'll have a drink while soaking in the views of sugar cane plantations. Continue to the beautiful city of Santa Clara, where you’ll enjoy an included lunch followed by a visit to the Che Guevara mausoleum. Here, you’ll see the imposing statue of the iconic revolutionary leader. In the museum that accompanies the mausoleum, you'll find a spread of photos and other ephemera related to Che – letters, medical devices and firearms. Return to Havana and arrive at your hotel, one of the newest in Havana. Perhaps soak in the amazing views from the rooftop pool or indulge in a mojito at the bar.

Your Cuban adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. As there's a great deal to do in Havana, it’s recommended that you stay a few extra days to make the most of this exciting city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

14DEC2024

Return Date :

22DEC2024

4970NZD

available

Departure Date :

28DEC2024

Return Date :

05JAN2025

5205NZD

available

Departure Date :

04JAN2025

Return Date :

12JAN2025

5605NZD

available

Departure Date :

01FEB2025

Return Date :

09FEB2025

5185NZD

available

Departure Date :

08FEB2025

Return Date :

16FEB2025

5185NZD

available

Departure Date :

22FEB2025

Return Date :

02MAR2025

5550NZD

available

Departure Date :

01MAR2025

Return Date :

09MAR2025

5600NZD

available

Departure Date :

15MAR2025

Return Date :

23MAR2025

5935NZD

available

Departure Date :

29MAR2025

Return Date :

06APR2025

5390NZD

available

Departure Date :

12APR2025

Return Date :

20APR2025

5390NZD

available

Trip Notes

Last modified (date)

07 Aug 2024

Trip title

Premium Cuba

Trip code

QUPC

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Introduction

Style

Premium

Themes

Explorer

Transport

Private vehicle

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

None of the activities featured in this trip require special training or skills, just a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to participate. Stairs are prevalent in Cuban homes, and cobblestones and uneven roads are common. If you are in any doubt, please share these concerns or issues with your sales consultant so that your leader is aware prior and can pre-empt your needs.

Joining point

Grand Aston La Habana Hotel

Calle 1A Y D, Vedado, Havana, Cuba

Havana

10 400

CUBA

Finish point

Grand Aston La Habana Hotel

Calle 1A Y D, Vedado, Havana, Cuba

Havana

10 400

CUBA

Important information

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.  3. Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers entering Cuba. You may be asked to show proof of your travel insurance by immigration staff upon arrival at Havana Airport. 4. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel to aid guesthouse and rooming allocations. You may request your confirmed list of accommodation inside 7 days of departure from your booking agent. 5. We recommend you bring enough cash to last your whole time in Cuba. This is currently the best option and will provide you with the best value for money. Please see the ‘Money Matters’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details. 6. For non-US passport holders, we recommend travelling to Cuba via Canada, Europe, South or Central America. Please refer to the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details. 7. For US passport holders this trip operates under the “Support for the Cuban People” category (§ 515.574) and requires a signed and countersigned travel affidavit. Our licensing agreement only allows one night of pre-tour accommodation to be booked and no post-tour accommodation. Please refer to the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.

Safety

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

MONEY WITHDRAWAL: In order to avoid fraud and theft, it is advisable that you withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or guarded shops during business hours only.

LOCAL LODGINGS: On this trip you will be staying in some restored houses and local lodges - these are one of the charms of this journey, but their staircases, balconies and passages etc may not always comply with western safety standards. Please do not expect elevators in these properties as they are preserved to their original state.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.

WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.

Communications

INTERNET IN CUBA There are Wi-Fi hotspots located at larger hotels and at major public squares in most cities. You will need to purchase an ETECSA internet card from the ETECSA shop or larger hotel. Usually these come in 1-hour blocks at a price of EUR1-2 per hour. After partial use, ensure you log out correctly or turn your Wi-Fi off so that your time is not used up. If the login page does not open when you select the Wi-Fi, type this into your browser: www.portal-wifi-temas.nauta.cu Many websites and apps will not work in Cuba, so we recommend using WhatsApp to communicate with friends and family. SIM CARDS Cuba's only mobile phone operator, Cubacel, provides a tourist SIM package that you can purchase online prior to arrival for pickup at Jose Marti Airport in Terminal 3. The SIM costs around USD30 and includes 6GB mobile data, 100 min of calls, and 100 SMS messages, top ups are only for mobile data, not calls or SMS. It is good for 30 days after activation. Purchase the card on this site http://cubaceltur.com/#providers. You can pick up the SIM from the kiosk before passing through passport control or at any ETECSA office. To rent a handset costs USD6 per day. If you are using your own handset, for this to work in Cuba it needs to be unlocked, and function on the 900MHz band. You can get data on some foreign lines (including US) using global roaming although the costs are very expensive. Sending SMS from Cuba to another country depends on the receiver’s operator so you will need to check with yours. Most major US mobile phone providers allow texting to/from US numbers.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements ENTRY REQUIREMENTS – ALL PASSPORT HOLDERS 48 hours before departing for Cuba, you will need to fill out the customs, immigration, and health declaration form on the D'Viajeros website. This generates a QR code that you will need for the airport check in process. https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio To enter the country, visitors are required to have evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, proof of travel medical insurance, as well as an onward travel ticket. CUBA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-US PASSPORT HOLDERS Passport holders from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are required to obtain a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turista) which is valid for 30 days from date of entry. You may be required to buy the card at your departure airport (eg YTO, MEX, CUN, SJO, LIM, PTY) at the check in counter or at the flight departure gate. Alternatively, you may need to buy the tourist card from your travel agency, but policies vary (eg Canadian airlines give out tourist cards during the flight), so you'll need to check ahead with your airline. In some cases, you can arrange a visa prior to departing your home country but this is usually more expensive and time consuming. If you are British or reside in Great Britain with a passport from the EU, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, you can apply for a Tourist Card here - https://www.cubavisas.com This type of Tourist Card is not valid for travel to Cuba from the USA, Puerto Rico or US Virgin Islands. You may use this local address to apply for your Tourist Card: Casa La Gargola, 1st floor #82 Cuba street, Old Havana. GETTING TO CUBA FOR NON-US PASSPORT HOLDERS We recommend travelling to Cuba via Canada, Europe, South or Central America. If travelling via the US, you will require a US Tourist Visa after visiting Cuba – not an ESTA. Please refer to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for more information. Travel to Cuba may also impact your eligibility for an ESTA in the future. Remember to check the entry requirements of all countries you will visit or transit through. CUBA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS Intrepid US, Inc. ("Intrepid US") provides legal tours to Cuba for US passport holders under the “Support for the Cuban People” category (§ 515.574); to be declared when selecting from the 11 permitted categories of travel. United States law specifies that to comply with this category, travelers must engage in the full-time schedule of activities provided by our program. The responsibility of tracking and recording activities and interactions with Cuban people lies with the traveler. The US government is allowed to ask you for receipts and records from your trip to Cuba for up to five years. You require a signed and countersigned travel affidavit for this trip. This form will be provided to you when your place on the trip is confirmed. Once you sign and return the affidavit to your booking agent, they will countersign it and return it to you. You will be required to show this affidavit when you re-enter the US. The Cuban Tourist Card must be purchased from the airport before boarding your flight to Cuba (pink in color USD50). This should be obtained by presenting your boarding pass at the check-in counter, or for some airports, at the gate. At check-in you might be asked to present your trip vouchers and Essential Trip Information (ETI) Document when procuring the Cuban Tourist Card, so be sure to bring printed copies of these with you. Your chosen airline should have more information about the departing airport’s process on flying directly from the US to Cuba. Our licensing agreement allows one night of pre-tour accommodation to be booked only when airline scheduling impedes your ability to arrive in time for the welcome meeting on Day 1 (subject to availability). Post-tour accommodation cannot be offered under our license. If you are a US citizen, US permanent resident, or hold any type of US visa, and are travelling to Cuba, please refer to the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website - https://travel.state.gov – and the U.S. Department of the Treasury - https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/pages/cuba.aspx - for the latest advice. PROHIBITED ITEMS WHEN TRAVELLING FROM CUBA TO THE US Travellers cannot bring alcohol or tobacco products from Cuba into the US for personal use. More information can be found here: https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-82?language=en_US

Why we love it

Admire the colours of Soroa during an Exclusive Experience. Visit a vibrant orchid garden with a local expert and take a private tour to learn about the region’s diverse array of flora and fauna.

Discover the cobblestone streets of Trinidad, learn some salsa steps in slow-paced Vinales, and take in the colours of Soroa – the valley known as the 'Rainbow of Cuba'.

Explore Havana’s main sights during a tour in a classic American car – a nod to the city’s colourful vintage past.

Your local leader will help you learn the story of the Cuban Revolution, as well as a visit to the memorials dedicated to revolutionary hero Ernesto Che Guevara in Santa Clara.

Is this trip right for you

Hotels in Cuba are government-run, which means renovations are few and far between. As for the guesthouses (casas) we use, they are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling, but keep in mind that each and every room is unique. These rooms may also be quite different than what you’re used to back home. That said, regardless of where you stay, power cuts, patchy wi-fi and breaks in hot water are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information. Internet in Cuba can also be scarce, unreliable and expensive. Treat this trip as a holiday from emails and social media. Cuba is different, and that's a big part of its allure, but it’s not a luxury destination. Things don't always go according to plan, and many things don't work the same way as back home. Patience and good humour will go a long way in this beautiful country. Cuba experiences significant electricity problems, so power outages are common. It’s recommended you travel with a flashlight. It’s also recommended you bring ear plugs as the walls are thin. Your accommodations on this trip will likely have stairs with no elevators, so keep in mind that you’ll be taking the stairs more often than not. If you’re concerned about mobility, let your booking agent know and we can try to accommodate you with rooms closer to the ground level if possible.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. ZIKA VIRUS: There have been reports of transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in this region and we advise all travellers to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, we recommend all women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to consult with their doctors before booking their trip. DENGUE FEVER: Dengue Fever is common in Latin America and can occur throughout the year. Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, and parts of Mexico are currently suffering from a serious outbreak. This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against it, but there are preventative measures that you can take such as wearing long clothing, using repellent, and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn.

Food and dietary requirements

To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat dinner together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will also be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS More restrictive diet requirements (vegans, celiac, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.) can be accommodated along this trip but you should expect a lesser variety than what you can expect at home. We recommend bringing your own supply of snacks with you. Vegetarians should be aware that while you can get vegetarian meals in Cuba, you generally won't find much variety and you may get tired of being offered the same every day (i.e. - rice, beans, omelette and salad). Vegetarians are often surprised that their meals are no cheaper than those containing meat, and this is because vegetables on the free market in Cuba are of similar prices to those of meat. Please let us know your diet requirements before your trip starts. FOOD IN CUBA: Food in Cuba has a reputation for being bland and lacking variety, however it has improved dramatically over the last two years. There are very limited snacks available in Cuba; convenience stores exist but are certainly not as prevalent nor sell the quantity or variety of snacks or junk food you may be used to at home. You may wish to bring your favourite chocolates, candy or healthy snacks like muesli bars. Beans and rice are the staples, with cucumber, tomato and cabbage being the conventional ingredients for a Cuban salad. Chicken and pork are the most common meats served in Cuba, however fish and a variety of seafood is also frequently on offer. Please be aware that it is a cultural trait to serve meals larger than you are expected to finish, but be assured nothing will go to waste. It can be hard to find a suitable place to eat while travelling in Cuba, as roadside restaurants tend to cater for large tour groups and either offer a fixed meal or a very limited selection of snacks. In the cities and towns small privately-owned restaurants, paladares, offer a little more choice but can often only seat a maximum of twelve people (the number for which they are officially licensed).

Money matters

CUBA CURRENCY & CASH The official currency of Cuba is the National Peso (CUP, also known as Moneda Nacional M.N.). This is the only official currency currently used in Cuba. Cuban law states that it is illegal to remove any bills from Cuba so ensure that you use as much of your CUP cash as possible before departing the country. EUR and USD are now widely accepted as payment in Cuba. However, the exchange rates vary significantly between banks and what is charged in private businesses. We recommended you bring cash in EUR/USD to pay for most services and do not exchange any money into CUP until you have met with your tour leader. They can advise where and when to exchange to get the best rate. We recommend bringing small denominations with you - 5, 10, 20 EUR/USD notes. CADECAs are the official government exchange houses that can be found in most cities and large hotels, but they are unreliable and offer unfavourable exchange rates. For this reason, we advise you exchange money upon the advice of your leader. Other than EUR/USD, you may also bring GBP or CAD that you can exchange while in Cuba. It might be possible to pay for some services directly in GBP or CAD, but the value and exchange rate can’t be guaranteed so it’s best to exchange for EUR/USD prior to leaving your home country. There are often changes to the regulations around foreign currency in Cuba. As such, we recommend reviewing this information again, closer to your date of departure. ACCESSING FUNDS IN CUBA We recommend you bring enough cash to last your whole time in Cuba. This is currently the best option and will provide you with the best value for money. We advise against relying on ATMs to withdraw money in Cuba, as ATMs often don’t work for foreign bank cards. There is also a 3% fee charged on cash withdrawals from ATMs. Cards issued by US banks or banks affiliated with US banks are not accepted in Cuba at all; among others, this includes Travelex, Westpac and Citibank. Contact your bank prior to travel about using your bank card in Cuba. You should still bring your debit/credit cards as you may need them for large expenses, eg a medical emergency, at which time it may be possible to use them, but do not rely on them for day-to-day expenses. SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. MEALS NOT INCLUDED For this trip we recommend between EUR40 to 60 per day for meals not included. TIPPING Tips are included on all Intrepid Premium trips, covering hotel staff, local guides and the people who will take care of you during your travels. This amount does not include a tip for your leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It is customary to tip your leader for outstanding service provided during your trip. You are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, US$8-10 per person (in a currency relevant for your destination), per day can be used. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Help will be on hand in most locations, but there may be times you need to handle your own luggage, for example in airports and train stations. A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this trip. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, jacket, etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below is a link to our ultimate packing list, a guide to get you started:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

Climate and seasonal

WEATHER IN CUBA Cuba's subtropical climate is ideal for exploration, with most places catching the cool trade winds that blow in from the coast, providing pleasant year-round temperatures. June, July and August are usually the hottest months. The dry season runs from November to April, and the wet season from May to October. Even in the rainy season, downpours are short and shouldn't impede travel plans. Tropical storms and hurricanes are more prevalent in September and October, but rarely cause problems for travellers. HURRICANE SEASON Hurricane season runs from May to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. We monitor these situations as they arise and amend itineraries or activities as necessary.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Operator (located in Havana): +53 5333 8121 or +53 5438 9140. In Cuba, if necessary, you may use *99 prior to dialling to make a reverse charge call. If you cannot reach the operator using the above numbers, alternatively you may try our Cuba representative located in Australia +61 430 504 636. Communication lines in Cuba are unreliable and establishing a clear line requires patience. Please follow these instructions to ensure our operators can assist you in times of need. Since voicemail isn't an option and most incoming call phone numbers are automatically blocked, our operator will not be able to return any missed calls. The only solution to this problem is persistence. Keep calling the line until an operator answers the call. Alternatively, the emergency line is a mobile number that can be reached via text. If you cannot establish a connection to our operators over the phone, please send a text with your full name, any booking numbers (if known), the issue at hand and a return contact number. You will most likely receive a response via text. Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +53 5333 8121 +53 5510 5525

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within local communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Madagascar, Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects 

Accommodation notes

CUBA GUESTHOUSES We have classified guesthouse rooms into three standards for the comfort levels of our trips: standard, comfortable and premium. Most differences can be a little hard to tell at first, particularly when taking aesthetic into account which varies greatly not only between rooms but also between cities and provinces. Be assured though that the comforts to which foreign travellers are accustomed have been taken into account when classifying guesthouses. You can read more about the guesthouse we use here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cuba-casa-particular/ Stairs are prevalent in Cuban homes. If this presents a problem to you, then please advise us at time of booking so we can request rooms on or closer to ground level. Guesthouses used on Premium trips are the best possible quality. For this itinerary, the premium guesthouse rooms will be large with ample room for luggage and moving around. They will have an ensuite, split system air-conditioning, imported mattresses, cotton linens and modern appliances. An in-room or in-house safe is available for use. PRE/POST-TOUR ACCOMMODATION If the hotel does not have availability for your pre-tour or post-tour accommodation request, we can also offer you accommodation at a premium guesthouse in Havana. These are in both Old Havana and Vedado: If you have a preference for which area, please advise your booking agent at time of booking and we will try to accommodate your request. You will need to make your own way between the start/finish point hotel and the guesthouse. The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services TRAVEL INSURANCE: The Cuban government has declared that travel insurance (which covers at least medical expenses) is compulsory for all travellers to Cuba. Proof of travel insurance may be requested at Havana airport by immigration officials. Travellers failing to produce a valid document will be required to purchase a new policy at the airport, before being granted access to Cuba. Cuban authorities also announced that they will not recognise any insurance policy issued or underwritten by any insurance company which has an affiliation with a US company. You should take this into account when purchasing your insurance before departure from your home country.

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (1 nights),Premium Guesthouse (4 nights),Feature Stay (3 night)

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