Day 3 - This morning we travel by private coach to rural Cuba and the lovely region of Vinales. This area is known as the "Shangri-la" of Cuba. We stop at the Las Jazmines Mirador and then visit the picturesque town of Vinales. There are Indian caves and a huge mural painted on the rocks by some of Cuba's best-known artists. After lunch there is a walk before checking into a three-star hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 - We start with an early morning hike on a walking trail "Tradiciones en el Valle".  In the afternoon we go to remote Cayo Jutias for a chance to dabble our feet or have a swim in the crystal clear water and walk on the fine sand beach. In the late afternoon we return to our hotel for dinner.

Day 5 - Today we travel by private coach to La Moka near Soroa which is called "Cuba's Rainbow". From here we visit the Orchid Garden and Las Terrrazas, an ecological centre. We walk amid old coffee plantations and small communities. Our accommodation here is a quiet 4 star hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 6 - This morning we have a walk in the Terrazas Community Complex, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and a visit to the Sendero Interpretativo Bird Observation area. We walk the El Contento trail    where many tropical birds like the Cuban Trogan can be seen. Dinner at the hotel. 

Day 7 - This morning we head back to Havana and have the afternoon free to visit museums, go to the beach at Santa Maria or just explore the city. In the evening we have dinner at La Barraca in the gardens of the Hotel Nacional where one can see a series of defensive tunnels built during the revolution. Later we enjoy the Buena Vista Social Club performance at the 1930 salon. 

Day 8 -  Tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to Havana Airport or stay longer and have a week at a beach resort.  Accommodation can be arranged at a choice of hotels in Varadero for those who would like to add a week to their holiday. Transfer from Havana to Varadero is approximately 2 hours by minibus.