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 Cuba is like no other place in the world. Communist to the core with a laid back and relaxed feel, this country offers everything from Caribbean tropical beaches, lush jungle scenery, lively music bars, to incredible architecture. You will be exposed to the wonder of a country dripping in history as well as on the brink of change as the Castro era reaches closure. This trip delivers a balanced contrast of culture, interesting visits, free time and time to relax on idyllic beaches. Cuba will leave you wanting to return.
 • Day 1 Arrive Havana
• Day 2 Havana
• Day 3 to 4 Vinales
• Day 5 to 6 Cienfuegos
• Day 7 to 9 Varadero Beach Paradise
• Day 10 Havana
• Day 11 Depart Havana
• Accommodation:
* 10 nights in hotels (medium grade and 4 star) centrally located hotels
• Meals:
* 10 breakfasts,
* 5 lunches,
* 7 dinners
• Excursions:
All excursions mentioned as per the itinerary
• Transport:
* Private car, private air-conditioned coach, taxi, on foot
* Airport arrival transfer
• Group Size: Maximum 20
• Staff: Yellow Brick Road Tours tour leader, local guide
• International flights and departure taxes
• Domestic flight taxes if applicable
• Pre & post tour accommodation
• Departure transfer
• Spending money - allow approximately US$30 - $40 per day to cover snacks, meals not included, drinks, souvenirs, laundry, tips etc
• Optional excursions
• Tips on included excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items
A new revolution is quietly brewing in Havana, Cuba which could make it the next great gay travel destination. Only few hours from USA, the gay scene in Havana is beginning to sizzle after years of repression. Raul Castro's daughter, Mariela, has even participated in a gay rights march and Brokeback Mountain has been seen on government television.
While gay life is still largely underground, one of the most amazing scenes occurs every night in Havana starting at about 11:00 pm where La Rampa Street and the Malecon, an ocean front walk, intersect. On weekends you'll see hundreds of guys strolling, chatting, and playing guitars all night until the sun rises. Talk to the right people and you'll get an invitation to one of the private home parties that pop up in different locations throughout the week.
In recent years the officials in Cuba have softened their stance towards homosexuality, and this year saw Castro apologize for the wrong doing towards gay and lesbian Cubans.
Havana is a port town which also serves as the commercial capital of the island, famous around the world for its music, dance, drink and its politics. Gay and lesbian tourists visiting Havana, Cuba will find a city trapped in time, you can visit old bars in which Hemingway drank, see monuments to Che Guevera and gaze at buildings long past their sell by date.
1. Sample the nightlife.
Gay and lesbian tourist will find many places to get a taste of the nightlife in Havana, and a few shots of the local rum Havana Club, should help things move along. Whilst you will find many tourist spots (no overtly gay places), you are better to find helpful locals to show you where the real Cuban entertainment is taking place. Party nights for locals will give you are real taste of Havana, not some marketing dream of what you should be experiencing. Check out Fiestas de diez Pesos, a gay friendly night, mostly frequented by gay guys. The venue is constantly moving so the tip is to hang out at 23rd and L in the lead up to the weekend and use your gaydar to ask the right locals for information.
2. Stay in someones home.
Traveling across Cuba, gay tourist will find many locals have involved themselves in the government scheme allowing them to rent out rooms in their home. This is a great way to sample local life. Staying with locals may also offer you the chance to eat main with your hosts, for an extra charge.
3. Smoke a Cigar.
When in Rome, oh forget that – When in Cuba, smoke a cigar. You will see factories in many places in Havana, some of which offer tours and a chance to part with your cash in the factory store. You will find prices are very attractive and you may want to take some home for friends. If you are not a smoker, but feel compelled to try just the one, you will see many (mainly) women selling single cigars on street corners. Choose your cigar, light up and smoke away while the sun sets over Havana.
4. Old Havana.
Gay and lesbian tourists visiting Havana, Cuba need to make sure they set aside enough time to explore the atmospheric streets of Old Havana. The area is alive with the music, its history and the people who frequent it. Here you will find the most amazing buildings and many photo opportunities.
5. The Capitolio.
Modeled on the US Capitol building, El Capitolo is the home to Havana's planetarium and three museums. If you don't get a chance to go inside the building, checking out the outside is just as thrilling. This is a mammoth structure that dominates Havana and is a must for your to do list whilst in Havana.
Day 1 - Wednesday, November 7, 2012
 • Today is an arrivals day with no pre-organised activities, although there is a lot to fill your time if you arrive early. • If you wish to arrive earlier than day one and relax, we can organise your pre tour accommodation. • On arrival, please ask at the reception for information on where the pre departure meeting will be held at 18:00. • Havana is a city that seems to be lost in time. On every corner you will find traces of the historical influences that make the Cuban culture so rich, from the Spanish conquest and the African slave trade, to the bustling and lavish vacation paradise for wealthy North Americans in the 1950's.  • Walk along the Malecon, get lost in the time warp of Old Havana's colonial cobblestone streets, take a ride in a 1940 Dodge taxi through crumbling central Havana, and club your socks off at one of the local salsa bars until dawn.
• Tonight, we head out for a welcome dinner and cocktails (one included) to get to know each other, plus explore the local nightlife!
Day 2 - Thursday, November 8, 2012
 • Today we head out for a walking tour of the incredible old town of Havana (where our hotel is situated). • Stretching our legs we visit the Partagas Cigar Factory, the famous Cathedral Square, and Revolution Museum. • We look at the architecture of Havana, both modern and original, the Bacardi building and various other points of interest.  • This tour really exposes you to the pulse of Cuba, giving you a great understanding of how the country works.
• There is free time in the afternoon to wander this wonderful city or sit in a cafe and watch the Cuban's going about their daily life. • In the evening we can we head out to Casa de la Musica to sample some live music and perhaps a bit of dancing.
Day 3 - Friday, November 9, 2012
 • Leaving the old town of Havana we make out way across Cuba watching the scenery change before our eyes. • Drive to Sierra del Rosario Reserve and visit the commune of 'Las Terrazas'. • Visit coffee plantation 'Buena Vista' viewpoint for a chance to drink freshly picked tea and enjoy the views. • Following lunch we make our way to the beautiful waterfall to break our journey, before arriving late afternoon to the Vinales Valley and the La Ermita Hotel.
Day 4 - Saturday, November 10, 2012
 • Today, we head out a little later to give you all time to relax and shake off the last remaining threads of jet lag. • We head out to visit a tobacco plantation where the cigars made famous by Che Guevara (and the lady from the cover of the Lonely Planet) are grown. • After lunch we board a local boat and slowly cruise at leisure, exploring the Indian cave and surrounding area. • This is a great way to spend an afternoon, away from the hustle and bustle before transferring back to the hotel.
Day 5 - Sunday, November 11, 2012
 • Leaving Vinales we make our way for the beautiful town of Cienfuegos. • Also known as the 'Pearl of the South' because of its beautiful bay, lovely colonial architecture, and unforgettable hospitality, will keep you easily entertained for days. • There are options to explore some amazing scuba and snorkelling sights and to discover fascinating museums and other colonial treasures.
• After checking in we head out on a walking tour of Cienfuegos which takes us past the shopping district, the main sites in Cienfuegos and along the Prado and Boulevard.  • We visit the Thomas Terry Theatre, one of the most impressive buildings in Cienfuegos. The theatre was built by Tomas Terry's family, as a tribute to the man, after his death.
• This evening, we dine in style with seating on the roof of the elegant Palacio de Valle restaurant, equipped with stunning views, and colonial atmosphere.
Day 6 - Monday, November 12, 2012
 • Today we head for Trinidad which is a colonial gem used by the Spaniards as their base to conquer the "New World" and is one of Latin America's most charming colonial towns. • Trinidad has an array of cobbled-streets, colourfully painted buildings, elegant palaces, and lovely colonial plazas and is a great place to experience the local music and dance for which Cuba is so famous. • We return in the evening to Cienfuegos and have time to relax or at leisure.
Day 7 - 9 - Tuesday, November 13 - Thursday, November 15, 2012
 • En-route to Varadero we visit Santa Clara, where guerrilla leader, and revolutionary theorist, Ernesto "Che" Guevara de la Serna led the revolutionary troops in the decisive battle of the Cuban Revolution. • The leader gained fame (and notoriety) as an outspoken critic of U.S. foreign policy, and as a leading advocate of Cuban-style socialism and guerilla warfare throughout impoverished Latin America. • We visit the Che Guevara memorial and museum where the alleged remains of Che Guevara are buried.
 • However upon reaching Varadero the tour changes dynamics, this is a chance for you to unwind by the beautiful coastline and on stunning Cuban beaches.
• Relax before heading back to Havana, top up on the tan, socialise with your new friends or try any number of the excursions around.
• Why not visit the Bellamar Caves hidden underground and formed some 300,000 years ago, where crystalline domes and formations come in an astonishing range of shapes and sizes. The cave system found here extends almost two miles, and supposedly, it wasn't discovered until 1861, when a slave's quarry tool was lost to a hole in the ground, thus leading to subsequent excavations.  • There are plenty of activities on offer in Varadero such as snorkelling, Catamaran trips, swimming with dolphins, or just lounging on this lovely stretch of white beaches.
• This is Cuba's most famous beach resort for tourists; even Al Capone used it for his weekend getaways! • This is a great way to wind down from the working world and settle into a luxurious holiday with new friends. • The following two days are free at leisure to relax on the stunning beach at Varadero. • In the evening, we have the option of meeting for dinners by the ocean and a few of the local cocktails.
Day 10 - Friday, November 16, 2012
 • Upon returning to Havana we check into our hotel and the remainder of the day is free. • Why not take in your last remaining sightseeing, or shopping, purchase some cigars or wander the old town. • This is your last chance to explore this wonderful city, absorb the smells and sounds and watch the city on the brink of change.
•Tonight we have a farewell dinner at Cafe Havana and the chance to drink Mojitos for our final night in Cuba.
Day 11 - Saturday, November 17, 2012
 • Our tour in Cuba comes to an end today, but we send you on your way with new friends and some amazing experiences. • If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights. • Why not extend your trip by adding an extension in Havana in a boutique hotel, or a return to Varadero.
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Cubana Gay Tour
