13 days
6 places
3
Private Roundtrip
Juan Carlos
CUBA TRAVEL SPECIALIST
"Why freeze through the holidays when you could be dancing salsa in the Caribbean? This route is made for anyone who wants to celebrate instead of shiver, trade snow for palm trees, and say goodbye to 2025 with sand between their toes. From rooftop dinners on Christmas Eve to classic car rides and beachside fireworks – you'll experience Cuba the way locals do. With premium stays, insider access, and moments that no travel brochure can offer."
Imagine spending Christmas not in grey winter weather – but under palm trees, with live music in the warm evening breeze and a mojito in your hand. This 13-day Christmas and New Year trip to Cuba blends festive spirit with unforgettable experiences across the island: colorful streets in Havana, the lush Viñales Valley, colonial flair in Trinidad, and beachside bliss in Varadero. You’ll stay in handpicked private guesthouses and 5-star beach hotels, enjoy rooftop dinners, join local celebrations, and still have time to simply sit by the sea and listen to the waves. Whether it’s a cozy Christmas Eve dinner with Cuban hosts, an open-air New Year’s party with fireworks over the ocean, or a quiet moment on the beach on January 1st – this trip gives you memories that last far beyond the holidays.
This 13-day route takes you deep into the real Cuba – from colonial Havana and the lush Viñales Valley to UNESCO-listed Trinidad and two relaxed beach days in Varadero. You’ll celebrate Christmas with locals on a rooftop, dance salsa instead of shivering – and start the new year barefoot by the sea. Along the way, you’ll stay in handpicked guesthouses and 5-star resorts, experience Cuba through local eyes – and return with stories no travel brochure could ever tell.
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Your journey starts in Havana, where vintage cars cruise past colonial facades and music pours from every corner. You’ll explore the city with a local guide – from the cobbled streets of Old Havana to the panoramic rooftops where cocktails meet sunsets. Hop in a classic convertible to visit a local cigar factory and learn the craft from a real torcedor. On Christmas Eve, you’ll celebrate with Cuban hosts on a private rooftop: dinner, live music, and warm holiday vibes instead of cold winter nights.
Head southeast to Trinidad, a colorful UNESCO gem with cobbled lanes and pastel houses. Shake up your own cocktails on a rooftop at sunset, then enjoy a festive dinner in the historic center. The next day, wander the colonial streets and then venture into the Valle de los Ingenios – sugarcane country full of stories, viewpoints, and greenery. Lunch is served in the valley, with mountain views and homemade flavors.
Trade cobblestones for coastline. In Varadero, you’ll check into a 5-star all-inclusive beach resort. No schedule, no stress – just turquoise water, white sand, and optional spa time. After two days of full recharge, it’s back to Havana for a modern twist: rooftop vibes, live DJ, and “A Taste of Havana” with creative cocktails and local tapas.
It’s almost New Year’s – and time to cook like a Cuban. In a local cooking class, you’ll learn how to prepare a traditional holiday meal, before heading out for dinner and the lively Havana Queen Show. New Year’s Eve comes with live bands, dancing, and fireworks over the sea – no dress code, just good vibes. On New Year’s Day, you’ll join the locals at Tarará Beach, where the city relaxes with sun, music, and ocean air.
Your final day takes you into the green hills of Viñales – known for tobacco fields, limestone cliffs, and slow rural life. Visit a local farm, learn how cigars are made by hand, and enjoy a hearty lunch with a Cuban family. In the afternoon, head back to Havana – filled with sun, rhythm, and stories worth sharing.
Frequently asked questions from our travelers
No. This is a private trip, tailored just for you. You’ll travel independently – with local guides and insider tips, but without fixed groups or tight schedules.
Yes. Whether you want to add a few more beach days, explore other parts of Cuba, or arrive earlier – we’ll adapt the route to fit your timing and travel style.
Absolutely. We’re happy to help you find the best flights and can include them in your full travel package if you wish.
The Cuban power grid operates on 110 V/60 Hz alternating current. Sockets and plugs are American-style, so bringing an adapter is highly recommended. There are a few 220 V sockets. It is important to know that Cuba suffers from power shortages. In order to save electricity, power cuts are carried out, especially outside of tourist centers, which can also lead to disruptions in the water supply and communication.
If you have any questions or problems during your trip, first contact the emergency numbers provided in your travel documents. You can reach our office in Havana at this number. If you have any questions for the Cuban Embassy, you can use the following contact details:
In Germany
Embassy of the Republic of Cuba
Stavangerstrasse 20, 10439 Berlin
Email: consulberlin@t-online.de
Homepage: www.botschaft-kuba.de
In Austria
Embassy of the Republic of Cuba
Kaiserstrasse 84 Vienna 1070
Email: secembajador@ecuaustria.at
Homepage: www.ecuaustria.at
In Switzerland
Embassy of the Republic of Cuba
Gesellschaftsstrasse 8, Bern 3012
Email: consulcuba.berna@bluewin.ch
For emergencies that need to be dealt with locally, such as if you have lost your passport, you can always contact your respective embassy in Cuba:
German Embassy Havana
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Calle 13, No. 652, esq. B, Vedado, Havana, Cuba
Phone: +53 7 833 25 69
Emergency telephone number: +53 5280 5942 (can also be reached via SMS and WhatsApp if necessary)
Swiss Embassy in Cuba
Embassy of Switzerland
5ta Avenida no. 2005, between 20 and 22, Miramar, Playa, Havana, Cuba
Phone: +53 7 204 26 11
Austrian Embassy Havana
Embassy of Austria
Avenida 5ta A No. 6617, esq. a calle 70, Miramar, Havana, Cuba
Phone: +53 7204 28 25
Of course, depending on how you travel through Cuba, you’ll need different equipment. If you’re taking a sailing tour along the cays, you’ll probably need less mosquito repellent than the birdwatchers in the swamp of Cienega de Zapata National Park.
Whether you’re a last-minute packer or planning weeks before departure so that you don’t forget anything and have everything with you, we’ve put together a packing list for you based on our experiences in Cuba. You can find it here .
Then all you have to do is pack, tick off the list and set off. We wish you an unforgettable trip!
Checklist before your trip:
In our opinion, the blog of viel-unterwegs.de offers a very good packing list
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