For too many people, Cuba is nothing more than a beach resort. That’s crazy; the island practically buzzes with energy and you should do likewise — get moving. Journey through the culture-soaked streets of Trinidad and Old Havana for your fill of drinking and dancing. The music here pours out of open windows. Hit the beach and explore the outdoors, then connect with the locals in homestays and make friends for life as you hit the sites with other young people like yourself. Boring? Impossible!
Day 1: HavanaArrive at any time. Tonight take the opportunity to connect with your fellow travellers. Seek out some live music and break the ice in one of the city's iconic hideouts while toasting with mojitos to the beginning of an amazing holiday.
Day 2: Havana/ViñalesDiscover the highlights Old Havana on a walking tour with the CEO. Travel through a rich agricultural area en route to Viñales where both sugarcane and tobacco are grown. Visit a "vega" or tobacco plantation, to see how the famous Cuban cigars are made. Practice some Spanish while staying in a local homestay.
Day 3: ViñalesEnjoy a free day to explore the area. Opt to take a day trip to beautiful Cayo Levisa or Cayo Jutías, both paradises of white sand surrounded by the bluest waters. It is a perfect spot for snorkelling or just blissing out on the beach.
Day 4: Viñales/Playa LargaTravel to Playa Larga. Stop at the Bay of Pigs en route for a swim in the beautiful blue water, and opt to go snorkelling.
Day 5: Playa Larga/TrinidadTravel to the seaside town of Cienfuegos, and enjoy free time to explore. Continue to Trinidad. Enjoy an orientation walk of the town before a free afternoon to explore the area. In the evening, learn some moves during a salsa dancing lesson.
Day 6: TrinidadEnjoy a free day to explore the area. Enjoy a group dinner at a local host's house.
Day 7: Trinidad/HavanaStart the day with a visit to the Manaca Iznaga community, where G Adventures and Planeterra helped create a textiles centre that enables local women to sell traditional textiles. Stop by Santa Clara en route to Havana and visit important historical sites, including the famous Che monument. Discover Old Havana on a short walking tour with the CEO.
Day 8: HavanaDepart at any time.