17 days in Cuba Itinerary

One of the largest resort towns in the Caribbean, Varadero boasts a 20 km (12 mi) long stretch of sand, lined with hotels and all-inclusive resorts.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Varadero Beach and Coral Beach - Playa Coral. Step off the beaten path and head to Varahicacos Ecological Reserve and Mi Casa Beatles. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Varadero: Matanzas (Cuevas de Bellamar & Pharmaceutical Museum). Next up on the itinerary: tee off at Varadero Golf Club, take in the exciting artwork at Taller de Ceramica Artistica, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Delfinario, and pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia Santa Elvira.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Varadero route planner.

Reykjavik, Iceland to Varadero is an approximately 17-hour flight. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time to Cuba Standard Time, which is usually a -5 hour difference. In December, Varadero is much warmer than Reykjavik - with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Cayo Largo.

The stress of modern life feels a million miles away when you holiday on Cayo Largo, a small and unspoiled resort island off the coast of Cuba.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Wed): look for all kinds of wild species at Sea Turtle Hatchery and then enjoy the sand and surf at Sirena Beach. On the 26th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: enjoy the sand and surf at Punta Mal Tiempo and then kick back and relax at Playa Paraiso.

To find maps, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, read our Cayo Largo road trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Varadero to Cayo Largo takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Cayo Largo when traveling from Varadero in December, with lows around 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) so you can take a bus to Trinidad.

Built on sugar and seemingly preserved in molasses, the town of Trinidad attracts visitors with its well-aged 19th century architecture and rustic charm, showcasing the sounds, scents, and sights of days gone by.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Topes de Collantes and Convento de San Francisco de Asis. Do some cultural sightseeing at Iznaga Tower and Ancon Beach. Step out of Trinidad to go to Cienfuegos and see Palacio de Valle, which is approximately 1h 25 min away. And it doesn't end there: admire the sheer force of Salto del Caburni, examine the collection at Colonial Architecture Museum, stroll around Parque el Cubano, and identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas.

For photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Trinidad sightseeing planner.

Traveling by bus from Cayo Largo to Trinidad takes 4.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in December, and nighttime lows around 22°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Vinales.

Offering a taste of authentic rural life, Vinales remains a small agricultural town, dominated by surrounding low mountain ranges.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Mon): Head underground at Palenque de los Cimarrones, then appreciate the views at Valle de Vinales, and then kick back and relax at Cayo Jutias. On the next day, trot along with a tour on horseback, take in nature's colorful creations at Jardin Botanico de Vinales, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus.

To find where to stay, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, use the Vinales driving holiday planning website.

You can drive from Trinidad to Vinales in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Tue) to allow time to drive to Havana.

Cuba's capital and major commercial center, Havana manages to be very old and very modern at the same time.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Vedado and Church and Convent of St. Francis of Asisi. Discover out-of-the-way places like Taquechel Pharmacy Museum and Palacio De Los Capitanes Generales. Next up on the itinerary: get to know the fascinating history of Malecón of Havana, wander the streets of Central Havana, contemplate the long history of Castillo de la Real Fuerza, and explore the different monuments and memorials at Christopher Columbus Cemetery (Cemetario de Colon).

For ratings, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, use the Havana trip planner.

You can drive from Vinales to Havana in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Havana can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.