Cuba Photo Tour – 12 day tour of this Caribbean island

Day 1 – Arrive in Havana (D)

Built around a deep natural harbour, Havana is one of the best surviving colonial cities in the Americas. Modern-day Havana is a mixture of restored and crumbling architectural marvels. Art Deco-style buildings are the backdrop for 1950s American Cadillacs cruising past. The old district (Habana Vieja) has beautiful neoclassical and baroque buildings.

On arrival at Havana Airport, you will be met by a local representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel in Old Havana, only minutes from the Plaza Vieja, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza de Armas and Plaza de la Cathedral.

Overnight in Havana.

Day 2 – Havana => Playa Larga (B, L, D)

This morning our Cuba photo tour begins and we depart Havana early for our long day of travel and photography. We travel southeast down the highway before departing the main road at a small town called Australia where we will have some time to explore and photograph a local workshop where they restore and maintain old steam trains from the sugarcane period.

After lunch, we enjoy a very special experience photographing the local Hummingbirds at a private home. This will certainly test your reflexes and photography skills as they dart in and out of the feeders. You will photograph the Cuban Emerald Hummingbird, and the Bee Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world.
Afterwards, we continue to the Bay of Pigs and then to Playa Larga for the night, where we will visit the local harbour for sunset.

Overnight in Playa Larga.

Day 3 – Playa Larga => Cienfuegos (B, L, D)

We will rise early and explore the town of Playa Larga and the boat harbour. After breakfast we travel to Cienfuegos, arriving in time for lunch.

After lunch, we visit Palacio de Valle before returning to the town centre where we enjoy an afternoon of street, architecture and portrait photography, with colour being the order of the day.

Late afternoon we walk the outskirts of town, and end with watching sunset over the bay.

Overnight in Cienfuegos.

Day 4 – Cienfuegos => Trinidad (B, L, D)

We rise early to explore the town as it commences the new day. After breakfast, we visit the majestic Teatro Tomás Terry, an eclectic and elegant theatre located in the centre of Cienfuegos.

Trinidad is a ’museum town’ and reminiscent of the Spanish colonial era, with Baroque church towers, wrought iron gates, cobbled streets and tiled rooftops. Many of the buildings retain their traditional character and are painted in lovely pastel shades. The surrounding area was one of the main centres of both sugar production and slavery and was frequented by smugglers until the late 1700s.

After lunch, we wander through the historical centre of Trinidad, a beautiful city full of stunning colonial architecture and street photography options aplenty. We visit Palacio Cantero, Canchanchara, Palacio Brunet, Plaza Mayor, Museo Romantico, and a pottery workshop among other sights. Our day ends with an enjoyable evening at Casa de la Musica where we enjoy a refreshing drink or two whilst being entertained by Cuban dance and music.

Overnight in Trinidad.

Days 5 & 6 – Trinidad (B, L, D)

Over the course of two full days, there will be ample opportunity to continue exploring and photographing this amazing town at our leisure, making the most of the cobblestone lanes, colourful buildings, the friendly residents and the local cowboys with their horses.

In addition to the activities within the town, we will also head out of town to explore Valle de los Ingenios, the valley of the Sugar Mills, the local art scene and also head down to Playa Ancon for a relaxing afternoon at one of the most beloved beaches in Cuba. Our evenings no doubt will be filled with fine dining, refreshing cocktails and Cuban music and dance that will seem to follow us no matter where we are.

Overnight in Trinidad.

Day 7 – Trinidad => Havana (B, L, D)

This morning we have one final chance to explore the streets of Trinidad before departing for Havana. After breakfast, we commence our journey back to Havana.

Upon arrival in Havana, we check into our accommodation and then venture out for some street photography, making our way to the Malecon for sunset. At night we once again take the opportunity to enjoy some fine dining and local entertainment.

Overnight in Havana.

Day 8 – Havana => Vinales (B, L, D)

After an early morning of street photography in Havana, it’s now time to travel to Vinales in the western province of Pinar del Rio. Vinales will seem like a world away from the bustling city of Havana, however, it’s an area of great importance. This is where some of the world’s finest tobacco is grown and cigars manufactured. It’s a simple area where country folk reside on their farms, or in simple homes in basic but small villages. Vinales also offers some beautiful landscapes thanks to mogotes or flat-topped mountains scattered around the countryside.

Our afternoon will involve visiting cigar manufacturing workshops, local farms and the town with locals going about their daily lives.

Overnight in Vinales.

Day 9 – Vinales => Havana (B, L, D)

This morning we enjoy some free time in Vinales before commencing our journey back to Havana. Stops will be provided along the way as photo opportunities arise.

On arrival in Havana, you’re free to enjoy your last afternoon on this Cuba photo tour, or you can join your instructor for more street photography.

Overnight in Havana.

Day 10 – Havana (B, L, D)

Today we enjoy two very special architectural visits. El Capitolio Nacional (National Capitol of Cuba). This majestic construction, located in the Centro Habana, is similar to that in Washington D.C, but a metre higher, a metre wider, and a metre long, as well as much richer in detail. First opened in 1915, the Gran Teatro de la Habana is home to Cuba’s National Ballet Company and hosts many touring companies and festivals. The building itself is embellished with numerous statues and frescoes and the detail is incredible.

Late afternoon we enjoy a very special photoshoot with Cuban ballet dancers.

Day 11 – Havana (B, L, D)

Street photography is the order of the day on our final day on this Cuba photo tour. With so many opportunities to capture classic Cuban images, you won’t know which way to look. Depart your hotel this morning to explore Old Havana, walking among its World Heritage colonial architecture, tread the cobblestone streets and see some of this city’s fascinating historical and cultural value. Visit Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral Square, and Plaza de San Francisco de Asis. Afterwards, we visit Rafel Trejo Boxing Gym before enjoying lunch at an authentic Cuban Paladar. In the afternoon we enjoy a convertible classic car tour before settling down with a drink whilst watching the sunset over the Malecon.

Day 12 – End of Tour (B)

Depending on your flight departure time, you are free to explore Havana for those last-minute images, shop or just relax the day away with a cool Mojito.

Sadly, this will be the end of our Cuba photo tour and you will then be transferred to the airport for departure.

Includes

• Professional photographer and local guide where required
• Accommodation for the duration of the tour
• All tour-related ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Arrival and departure airport transfers
• Meals during the tour as indicated in the itinerary

Excludes

• Return International flights to Havana
• Visa or Tourist Card
• Meals not indicated in the program
• Any drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) – unless part of an organised day tour
• Activities during free time
• Any expenses of a personal nature (such as laundry, phone calls, porterage etc.)
• Tips and gratuities
• Excess Baggage Fee
• Travel Insurance is required. Please ensure Cuba is covered by your insurer.