Cuba Trip – March 2025
CASSIE'S CORNERS OF CUBA
15 - 25 MARCH 2025
TRIP INFO
15th to 25th March 2025
10 days
8 people
£2750 per person
Payment Plans available
£350 pp deposit to secure your place!
It’s that time again! Myself and Ronnie can’t wait to host you in Cuba. We’re so excited to show you all of our favourite hidden treasures of Cuba, spend the week fully immersed with our friends and family, do things you genuinely couldn’t do alone, and to simply have tons of fun and make new friends and memories to last a lifetime.
This trip is a little different.
Rather than just a tour of the island, we’ll be with local Cuban people delving deeply into what makes the island tick, how their resilience carries them through their daily lives, how the complex history is merging into an unknown future for the entrepreneurs on the island, and much more.
Each day will have a theme of discussion. Beginning with the history of the island, we’ll travel through to present day and even consider possibilities of what the future could hold.
We’ll explore the Cuban mentality. We’ll discuss their ingenuity. We’ll delve into their resilience, their superstitions, their gratitude, their ideologies. Seriously, this is going to be a life-changing trip.
We’ll be slipping workshops and classes and meet & greets into the itinerary nearer the time. Why not now? Because so much change can happen in Cuba in 12 months and we want to keep things current. Plus we love creating surprises & keeping things fresh!
WHERE WILL WE GO?
Havana will be focused on both the history and the future of Cuba, luxury accommodations, the best bougie restaurants of the city, unique cultural events and getting to know each other.
Trinidad will be focused on the outdoors. Think hikes, waterfalls, national parks and the beach (and a couple of super unique experiences to boot)
Las Terrazas is a time to be in the mountains, to switch off, to be present, and to begin meeting all of Ronnie’s family…
And Viñales, is the time when your mind will be blown (if it wasn’t already!). Think of it as an epic family party that you went to as a kid, then make it adult, and then make it Cuban. Add breathtaking landscapes, visiting humble homes in the middle of nowhere, mucking in at the farm, playing dominoes with the cowboys, catching all the sunrises and sunsets, and seeing what life is truly like as a Cuban living in the Cuban countryside.
ITINERARY
15th March
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Arrivals
Welcome dinner
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Cruise from the airport to your accommodations in beautiful Classic cars, and breathe in your first impressions of this wonderful city!
Check in to your boutique accommodation in Havana Vieja.
Time to settle in & freshen up.
Group welcome dinner at a popular Cuban-fusion restaurant nearby.
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Dinner included.
Drinks & tips not included.
16th March
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Convertible Car Experience
History of Havana class
Old Havana tour (bike taxi & walking)
Free time
Group dinner + FAC
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After a delicious breakfast on the rooftop terrace with views over the city, we’ll head out in a classic convertible car for a tour of the city.
We’ll then visit one of the city’s best rooftops for a coffee (or cocktail?) and a History of Cuba class. Why? To even begin to try and understand the complex Cuba that we will be seeing this week, you need to understand its history. With help from my wonderful Cuban host (& friend!), we’ll catch you up to speed with the real story of the island so we’re all on an even page with our Cuban history knowledge.
We’ll then explore the Old Town by foot & bici-taxi, before heading to lunch at a traditional Cuban ‘paladar’ hidden in the heart of the city.
Enjoy a couple of hours free time before reconvening for a group dinner at one of the cities best restaurants.
Optional / not included: It’s Friday night, so a trip to Havana isn’t complete without a visit to Fabrica del Arte!
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Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included.
Drinks & tips not included.
17th March
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Road trip to El Nicho waterfalls
Arrive in Trinidad
Free evening
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Buckle up – we’re off on a 6 hour road trip to the East of the island!
After an early breakfast, we’ll be collected in our classic cars. Our drivers will be with us for the entirety of the trip, and they’ll be joining in on our activities, so you’ll soon become best friends with them!
It’s a 5 hour scenic journey to El Nicho, stunning waterfalls in the national park of Topes de Collantes. Here we’ll swim in the crystal waterfalls and have a typical creole lunch in an alfresco ‘paladar’ (private restaurant) nearby.
We’ll then continue 1,5 hours to Trinidad to check in to your casa particular – and relax!
You have a free evening to do as you please. I will provide recommendations of restaurants and we can always go out together if anyone wants to.
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Breakfast & lunch included.
Dinner, drinks & tips not included.
18th March
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Hiking in a National Park
Beach
Dinner in a local home
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Hopefully you’re rested after our long day yesterday. Now it’s time to get outdoors and into nature!
Today we head deep into the national parks of Trinidad. We’ll be hiking, bird watching, sipping coffee with local communities who live in the mountains, finding waterfalls, and enjoying the stunning Cuban landscapes.
We’ll then head out to an unknown gem of a sleepy, fisherman town. It just so happens to be home to one of our favourite sea side restaurants where we’ll enjoy a fresh lunch by the sea, before continuing on to the beach – Playa Ancon.
Find me here all afternoon, snoozing under a palm tree, sipping on fresh coconuts (with rum inside, of course).
Once we’re relaxed and sunned, we’ll head back to our casa to freshen up before heading into town for a group dinner in the city’s best restaurant.
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Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Drinks & tips not included.
19th March
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Delve into the history of the sugar and slave trade
Seaside lunch
Explore Trinidad’s non-touristic side
Free evening
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No trip to Trinidad is complete without learning a little about the rich history of the sugar cane trade and the slave trade during the colonial era.
Together with our trusty team of drivers and our local host & friend in Trinidad, we’ll head off on an adventure to explore the Valle de los Ingenios.
We’ll finish up with a stunning viewpoint and an opportunity to throw yourselves off the mountain (the zip line!), before we grab some lunch.
Once we’re suitably nourished, we’ll head back into town for a small walking exploration deep into the non-touristic zones of Trinidad.
We’ll meet locals and friends along the way, and be invited into their homes for a genuine cultural immersion. We’ll hear about life in Cuba from the mouths of Cubans who don’t live life in the tourism lane. We’ll sip on strong Cuban coffee whilst learning a little more about real life on the island. Another raw and unique experiences, exclusive to my trips.
Enjoy a free evening to do as you please, or we can head out to dinner together (salsa, anyone?!).
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Breakfast & lunch included.
Dinner, drinks & tips not included.
20th March
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Road trip to Las Terrazas
Afternoon at the local river
Dinner in the casa
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We’re up early today to get a head start on the day.
We’ve got a 6 hour road trip to Las Terrazas, with plenty of stops on the way.
Once we check in to our casa particular hidden in the mountains, we’ll pack a bag and head down to the local river. We’ll be joined by some of Ronnie’s friends & family from his home town and we’ll have a typical Cuban afternoon, guzzling rum, eating great food, swimming in the clear waters, and enjoying each other’s company.
This is a time to switch off, entirely. There is no WIFI and no phone signal. You have no choice but to be fully present and it will be one of the best moments of your trip.
We’ll have dinner in our casa particulares, and spend the evening gazing at the stars, sharing conversation, or getting an early night – you do you.
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Breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks included.
Tips not included.
21st March
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Explore Las Terrazas
Visit the rural village where Ronnie grew up
Donation/give back opportunity
Lunch with family
Arrive in Viñales
Dinner in your casa
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After breakfast in the casas, we’ll take a stroll into the town of Las Terrazas. It’s a sleepy town with gorgeous scenery and truly incredible wildlife (the birds!). We’ll visit an art gallery of a local Cuban artist who has travelled the world showcasing his talents but who decided to return to his beloved home of Cuba.
We’ll then pack up and head a couple of hours west to a very rural village where everyone knows Ronnie. Be prepared to stop every 2 seconds whilst people greet us – King Ronnie has arrived!
We’ll visit some of Ronnie’s nearest and dearest in their homes. This is such a unique experience for you to see what real life in the countryside of Cuba is truly like.
This is also the chance to give any donations that you have bought with you. I’ll have plenty of things to give out too, so no pressure on you to bring things.
We’ll continue to some very close friend’s of Ronnie’s house where we’ll be greeted with warm smiles, a shot of Cuban coffee (and likely some rum, too), and we’ll help with the final preparations for lunch.
Lunch is al-fresco in their garden under the mango tree.
We’ll spend a short while here, chatting and seeing their land/animals (possibility to ride their horses, too!), before continuing to our final destination: Viñales.
Just an hour’s scenic drive and we’ll be checking in to our casa particulares.
Free time to relax, settle or enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace looking out over the valleys.
Dinner is in the casa tonight – I hope you’re hungry!
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Breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks included.
Tips not included.
22nd March
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Horse riding through the valley of Palmarito
Explore a secret cave + swim inside
Roll cigars at our family farm
Alfresco lunch in the farm
Dinner in town
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Today is likely one of the best days of your trip.
After breakfast, a cowboy Tio Changa!) will knock on our door and whisk us off on our strong and well cared for horses.
Doing this ‘excursion’ with Ronnie and Changa means ALL the other cowboys will likely join us – for old times sake of when we lived here!
We’ll ride through the jaw droppingly gorgeous landscape, visit a hidden cave where you can swim in the natural pitch black lagoon inside, before arriving at our family tobacco farm.
We’ll spend a while here with the cowboys. They’ll talk with you about the process of tobacco, how to roll and smoke a Cuban cigar, with tasters of local honey, rum and coffee.
We’ll dine al-fresco and sip on the best mojitos you’ll ever have, and we’ll likely whip out the dominoes and turn up the music – a party in the middle of the national park is not one to forego!
Whenever you’re ready, we’ll ride home and relax.
Dinner in the town together at our favourite restaurant.
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Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Drinks & tips not included.
24th March
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Sunrise hike
Horse & cart tour of Viñales – with a twist!
Spend the afternoon at our beautiful homestead
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We’re up with the birds today for a medium-difficulty level 45 minute hike to the most spectacular viewpoint in Cuba. It’s worth the early morning, trust me.
We’re back in our casas by 09:00 latest, and breakfast will be on the table.
Freshen up and prepare for the upcoming day of adventure.
A convoy of horse and carts will collect us from our casas and head off on a ‘tour of Viñales’. But not the typical touristic one – we’re heading to the outskirts of the town, going off road, and visiting some family and friends for coffee and chats. A very typical Cuban ‘pastime’ is ‘hacienda vistas’ which means ‘making visits’. You drop in, unannounced, and they put the coffee on and have a chat on the porch in the rocking chairs. It’s a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours, seeing ‘real’ countryside in Viñales, being warmly invited into yet more local homes, and passing the time in true Cuban fashion.
We’ll stop off at a road side kiosk for some ‘guarapo‘ – a delicious typical sweet juice made entirely from the sugar cane (we like to add a dash of rum, too, as it dampens the sweetness and makes your day a little happier!).
We’ll finally end up at Ronnie’s mum’s house where we’ll set up camp for the afternoon.
Help prepare lunch, go to work in the fields with Ronnie’s dad, learn how to drive the ox-and-plough, play with the farm animals (goats, pigs, cows, dogs, chickens, you name it), tour Ronnie and my beautiful ‘project’ which lies just behind the family home. It’s a real beauty, and we’ve always got trees to be planted if you want to get your hands dirty with us!
You can be sure that people will ‘drop by’ for some coffee, rum or even to have lunch with us.
This afternoon is slow, familiar, and real. This was my life for 6 years and I’m so excited to invite you into it. I know you’ll love it just as much as I do.
When we’re done here, we’ll head home to freshen up.
Enjoy a free evening.
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Breakfast & lunch included.
Dinner, drinks & tips not included.
24th March
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Return to Havana
Free time
Farewell dinner
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We’ve had a busy and fun-filled few days in Viñales and sadly it’s time to say goodbye. Today is a slow day to reflect on your adventures and time in Cuba. (Though it’s not over yet!).
At 09:00 our drivers will collect us to return to Havana, approx 3 hours.
Arriving around 12:00, check in to the casa in Havana and enjoy some free time in Havana.
If there’s anything on your bucket list, now’s the time. We can discuss as a group or individuals your preferences on what to do today & we’ll help giving ideas and logistics for anything you fancy.
As it’s our final night together, let’s go out in style. Put on your best outfit and we’ll be collected in a local form of transport (Coco taxis!) at 19:30 to head to a wonderful spot for our farewell dinner.
Let’s sip mojitos, eat good food, reminisce on your adventures over the last 10 days, and savour the final moments together.
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Breakfast & dinner included.
Lunch, drinks & tips not included.
25th March
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Airport transfers
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Sadly it’s time to check out and head to the airport.
Our drivers will take you and bid you a very fond farewell, surely with hugs and tears, and make sure everyone gets off safely.
NOTE: if you plan on staying in Cuba for longer, or you want to spend more time exploring Havana before you leave, I’m more than happy to help you plan any accommodations, transport or activities.
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Breakfast included for those still here during breakfast hours (8 – 10:30).
FURTHER INFO
15th – 25th March 2025
Total: £2,750.00 per person (double occupancy)
Single occupancy surcharge (optional): £400
Deposit: £350 (non-refundable)
Payment Plan: available at no extra cost. Upon agreement. Flexible to suit you. Final payment instalment due on or before 1st March 2025.
- Welcome gift packet!
- All accommodation (casa particulares)
- All transport in classic cars (with your own private chauffeurs for the week!)
- Airport transfers in classic cars (on specified start / end date)
- 29 meals: 11 breakfasts / 10 lunches / 8 dinners
- Drinks as specified in the Itinerary
- All activities & excursions as per the Itinerary
- 3 personal Hosts: Cassie, Ronnie & Andres
- Spanish/English speaking guides at each activity/excursion
- Donations for the Cuban people – though please bring more if you can!
- New experiences for the Cuban people (the drivers, family & friends) who otherwise don’t get to experience their own country but will be invited to join in our adventures as much as possible. It’s important to me to give back in ways that don’t just included medicine or basic survival items. Cubans deserve life experiences and to make fun memories too, and their involvement in our trip will only enhance your enjoyment too!
- Flights (I can support you with finding the best flights)
- Visas / Tourist Cards (I can help you with this process)
- Travel insurance (mandatory for entering Cuba)
- Tips (tipping is standard practice in Cuba)
- Food & drink not stated in the Itinerary
- Transport for any activity not included in the Itinerary
CANCELLATION / REFUND:
If Cassie In Cuba cancels this trip, all fees paid minus the £350 non-refundable deposit will be refunded. Trip insurance is required in case of unforeseen events that result in the cancellation of your trip.
FARES AND PRICES
Prices that are quoted include all UK taxes and fees. Funds sent from outside of the UK via transfer must include and cover UK fees which will not be covered by Cassie In Cuba.
All payment is to be received as per agreement and a 10% fee for any late payments according to our timeline will be incurred.
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Cassie In Cuba requires travel insurance for all guests that has at least basic coverage for trip cancellation, delay or interruption.
Cuban regulations require that all travellers have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, personal injury, personal property losses and trip cancellation expenses. You are also required (not just by me but by the Cuban government) to have adequate health insurance that will cover you should you become sick or injured during your time in Cuba. By purchasing a trip with me you are acknowledging that you have traveller insurance coverage and that I have no liability for any potential shortfalls in your coverage. When purchasing your insurances please ensure that they cover Cuba.
ITINERARY CHANGES
There may be changes in the itinerary due to circumstances beyond my control. By coming on or booking a trip with me you acknowledge that these situations are a normal part of the travel experience, especially in a location like Cuba. Any and all changes to the itinerary stated on this website will be announced to you before the change.
COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
I expect that all participants on its trips are respectful of the laws, customs and culture of Cuba. Enjoy yourself, have fun, but respect your fellow travellers and the many Cubans you will meet. Cuba has a zero tolerance for drug use. Drones and many camera equipment are prohibited. Vapes are illegal and you cannot bring them in your hand luggage.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
You are solely responsible for ensuring that your passport is current. Depending on your home country, please make sure you are compliant with your specific regulations. If you cannot join the trip because of passport or visa issues you will not be refunded any payments made to Cassie In Cuba.
You are responsible for purchasing your own travel visa. Cassie In Cuba can advise on the visa process but can take no responsibility for any errors made.
All trips organised by Cassie In Cuba fully support the US ‘Support for the Cuban people’ visa.
Travellers are responsible for providing and keeping their own documentation for visa purposes, for example, photos proving they supported the local Cuban people during their trip.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENT:
Cassie In Cuba’s trips are priced based on a minimum group size that must be met, making the trip financially viable to operate. Cassie In Cuba reserves the right to cancel the trip if it does not attract the minimum number of guests required to make the trip financially viable.
The trip would be cancelled no later than 60 days prior to the departure date.
In the event of cancellation, Cassie In Cuba will not be responsible for any non-refundable expenses already made by the guest, including but not limited to airline cancellation fees, visas or insurance purchases.
Alternatively, guests may choose to pay a small group surcharge that would be assessed to each guest in the case that the group falls below the minimum group size, which would avoid us having to cancel the trip.
ESTA visa:
If you are from Europe/UK please be aware that if you travel to Cuba you will later not be eligible for the ESTA scheme for the USA. You will be able to apply for a full visa to enter the USA. Please contact me to discuss this further should it be a concern to you.
Click these links to read the full T&Cs and Waiver of Liability.
By signing up to this trip, you agree to my T&Cs and my Waiver of Liability Release Policy.
Spaces are LIMITED.
You just need to pay your deposit to secure your spot. You can pay the rest later (payment plan to be organised personally with Cassie).
HOW BIG IS THE GROUP?
I don’t have more than 10 people in 1 group, as an absolute maximum.
I keep my trips really small so that you have our full attention, we’re not running wild trying to please 20 million people, and it allows us to genuinely get to know each other and (hopefully!) become great friends.
By having a small group we’re also able to do things that we couldn’t organise with a bigger group. We’ll be visiting local’s houses (our friends and family) and of course we cannot overwhelm them with too many people. Therefore we always keep our numbers very low, so that you have the most incredible, intimate and meaningful experiences that you couldn’t have in a big group.