Itinerary Highlights
  • The buzz of Cuba in Havana and lazing about in Tulum make for the perfect combination
  • Stay in an elegant casa particular (private home stay) in Vedado, then head for the Riviera Maya and its stylish white sand beaches
  • The itinerary includes a private, behind-the-scenes tour of Havana, diving in a 'cenote' (a collapsed limestone cave) and a reservation in one of Tulum's best restaurants
  • Access to our local Concierge, smartphone app, useful addresses and our usual additional services
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Contact one of our Cuba specialists 020 3958 6120

FROM HAVANA TO THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN

This journey combines two faces of the Caribbean: the energy of Havana and Tulum's chic hippy vibe. Since the signing of the historic agreement between Barack Obama and Raul Castro, things have really started to get going in Havana: art galleries, bars and rooftop restaurants are flourishing throughout the Cuban capital. A stay in a casa particular in Vedado, four days is plenty of time to take in the transformation. Then it's just a short hop to the Mexican Caribbean, where we find refuge in the preserved part of Tulum. The 'jewel of the Yucatan' is surrounded by turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. There's the stomping ground where the boho chic crowd hang out, it has managed to retain its new age, village charm despite the crowds.
Tulum still has the feel of how it once was; as we enter the village, there is jungle to the right and white sandy beach to the left. The counter-culture spirit of the '60s is now complemented with eco-friendly and sustainable development: New York hipsters have imported the best of their culture here. The second location embodies all of this perfectly. Set back behind the Cancun to Tulum expressway, and bordered by large resorts, discretion is the word here. Lime walls, waxed concrete, wood panelling, cement tiles, stone: it's a refined style with a strong Mediterranean influence.

THE TRIP

From the Vedado guesthouse, Havana is ours to explore. So as not to miss a single thing, two trips are included in the itinerary. The first with a private guide, focusing on the history and architecture of the Cuban capital, the second with an expert local guide for an insider's experience of the city. Decide on the pace for the day in the Caribbean hideaway: swimming in turquoise waters or lazing around by the pool, exploring archaeological sites, diving in cenotes (collapsed limestone caves) - a trip to all three, by bike and on foot, it's already planned with a private guide... There is also a reserved table in the evening: an open kitchen, soft lighting and a menu that is the talk of Tulum. There is a rental car for cruising around complete with GPS navigation and useful places to visit. And if, along the way, there is a sudden urge, or an unforeseen event, there are contact details for our on-site Concierge services, reachable throughout the journey.

Route

Everything is 100% tailored to you
DAY 1

Flight to Havana

Airport reception and private transfer to Vedado, Havana's number one residential and art district. Stay four nights in a beautiful and neoclassical residence surrounded by a small garden. There are three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen. There is a veranda for enjoying the fresh air. The building has been carefully renovated and the decor balances tropical chic and a contemporary feel. It feels like getting back in touch with a way of life that has disappeared.

DAYS 2 to 5

Havana

Today, Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage city and from its past, as a stopping point on the way to the New World, it has retained architecture as flamboyant as its inhabitants.
The itinerary includes Old Havana with an expert private guide. Old Havana with its pastel hues weathered by the ocean and history comes alive at dusk. Music blares and the engines of the classic American cars fire up. A true open-air museum, it contains the most beautiful monuments and museums in the country. Also planned is a tour of original Havana in the footsteps of a local/b]. You will access the places where Cubans live, the 'huecos' of Vedado, the markets, alleyways and hidden places, different neighbourhoods full of contrasts and surprises. Among them, artists' workshops, abandoned theatres where young musicians rehearse in jamming sessions... It is also an opportunity to discuss daily life in Havana and even to meet one of Cuba's famous faces - a jazz musician, dancer, choreographer, boxer or historian.
Optional - A private dance lesson - a night-time drive around in a classic American car...

DAY 6

Tulum

Three days to rest, enjoy the comfort of the hotel or discover the surroundings at leisure. The opportunity to explore different cenotes; natural depressions of limestone that allow access to fresh underground water for snorkelling or diving. Or visit Tulum, a wonderful combination of Mayan architecture and nature. Ancient Zama, the 'City of Dawn', originally had two functions: as a port and as a ceremonial centre. Or sail by boat through the mangroves of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. There is always the option of doing nothing at all, except casually saunter from beach to garden, pool to hammock. It's up to you.
Discover the cenotes by bike. It is thought that the cenotes were formed millions of years ago by meteorite fragments. This type of diving is quite specific to the Yucatan peninsula; nowhere else in the world can you experience this sensation. Explore the delicate and unique ecosystem of the caves, adorned with thousands of stalactites and swim in the waters of an open cenote surrounded by lush vegetation.
A reserved table in a popular Tulum establishment: open-air kitchen, tables under the pergola or next to the coconut palms, soft light filtering in through the leaves, a varied menu and cocktails with a twist.
Optional - Private visit to Tulum archaeological site - yoga session or treatment in a jungle spa - Punta Laguna Reserve: monkey-watching, cenotes, canoeing and zip lines.

A la carte

SALSA IN HAVANA

Born between Puerto Rico and New York, salsa is Cuba's pop music: its origins draw on Cuban rhythms, such as cha-cha-cha and mambo. It obviously takes a lot of practice to dance like the young Cuban couples in the clubs, but with an introduction, pick up the basics and share the dance floor with the regulars.
Optional

HAVANA BY NIGHT IN A CLASSIC AMERICAN CAR

The 1950s were the economic boomtime in the United States and saw the growth of the motor industry. At the time, Cuba was the holiday destination for many Americans who had a second home there. In 1959, the year of the revolution, there were 300,000 American cars on the island, some of which remain today. Chevrolet, Cadillac, Dodge, Pontiac, De Soto: these American classics are part of the landscape here. Cruising through Vedado, along the Malecon or Almendares Park in the back of one of these beautiful American cars gives a whole different view of the capital of the Antilles...
Option

PUNTA LAGUNA RESERVE

This precious reserve is in the middle of the jungle, on the border between the state of Quintana Roo and Yucatan. People come mainly to try to see spider monkeys but also to meet Mayan communities living in the heart of this natural environment. Punta Laguna is also home to impressive lagoons and cenotes with translucent water, and the lush jungle can be explored by bike, canoe, or zip line. Access to the reserve and the various activities on offer aim to develop 'community tourism' by putting the profits back into local communities so that they can continue to grow and protect the area.
Option

A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities
The estimated cost for this trip is £5,200 to £5,700 per person, and the final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost will vary depending on several factors, including the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average price for this trip is £5400 per person.
  • International flights to Havana, Havana/Cancun and return from Cancun
  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge
  • Priority access at customs, reception and airport assistance on arrival in Havana
  • Easy access to foreign exchange on arrival in Cuba
  • Private transfers airports/hotels/airports
  • Car hire for four days in Mexico
  • Four-night stay in Havana in a casa particular, in a double room with breakfast included
  • Four-night stay in Tulum in a double room with terrace and breakfast included
  • A half-day tour of Old Havana with an expert guide
  • Half-day with an expert local guide in Havana
  • Half-day bike tour and cenote diving with a private guide/driver
  • Table reserved at one of Tulum's renowned restaurants
  • Our on-site Concierge services
  • Use of a local mobile phone
  • An internet card to connect in Cuba (there's no 3G/4G, and very localised Wi-Fi access)
  • Our app, loaded with your itinerary, hotel details and places to visit
    • A few of the benefits of travelling with us

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