17 days in Cuba Itinerary

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.

On the 16th (Sun), enjoy a perfect day by the water at Playa Paraiso. There's lots more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Sirena Beach, step off the mainland to explore Cayo Rico, identify plant and animal life at El Torreon Nursery, and enjoy the sand and surf at Punta Mal Tiempo.

For maps, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Cayo Largo tour builder website.

Toronto, Canada to Cayo Largo is an approximately 7-hour flight. Traveling from Toronto in May, expect nights in Cayo Largo to be much hotter, around 26°C, while days are a bit warmer, around 35°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Mon) so you can travel to Varadero.

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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Varadero: Matanzas (Parque de la Libertad, Pharmaceutical Museum, &more). Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Varadero Beach, examine the collection at House of Rum, get advice or help at Convention Center Plaza America, and make a trip to Cueva de Ambrosio.

For where to stay, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read Varadero online driving holiday planner.

You can fly from Cayo Largo to Varadero in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Cayo Largo in May, Varadero is slightly colder at night with lows of 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Thu) 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.

Havana is known for historic sites, nightlife, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to Malecón of Havana, take an in-depth tour of Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolucion), contemplate the long history of El Morro, and get the lay of the land with Walking tours.

To see where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Havana trip planner.

Traveling by car from Varadero to Havana takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of taxi and train. In May, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) 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 26th (Wed): take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback and then admire the verdant scenery at Valle de Vinales.

For traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Vinales trip planner.

You can drive from Havana to Vinales in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in May, and nighttime lows around 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) early enough to drive to Santa Clara.

The scene of one of the most dramatic battles of the Cuban Revolution, Santa Clara today possesses a youthful feel and a reputation for progressive thought.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Thu): stroll the grounds of Israeli Cemetery of the Hebrew Community of Santa Clara, pause for some photo ops at Che Guevara Mausoleum, walk around Parque Leoncio Vidal, then appreciate the history behind Statue of Che Guevara Holding a Child, and finally take an in-depth tour of Museo de Artes Decorativas.

For ratings, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Santa Clara online road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Vinales to Santa Clara takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of shuttle and train. May in Santa Clara sees daily highs of 36°C and lows of 23°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Thu) so you can drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Fri): stroll through Valle de los Ingenios, then stroll through Ancon Beach, then see the interesting displays at Romance Museum, and finally identify plant and animal life at Topes de Collantes. On the 29th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: surround yourself with nature on Trinidad Sightseeing, take in the exciting artwork at YuditVidalFaife, then don't miss a visit to Plaza Mayor, and finally examine the collection at Museo de Historia Municipal.

To find traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Trinidad route tool.

Traveling by car from Santa Clara to Trinidad takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. In May in Trinidad, expect temperatures between 37°C during the day and 26°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) so you can drive to Cayo Guillermo.

A kay of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, Cayo Guillermo has become a popular international tourist destination, buoyed by the construction of luxury all inclusive resorts that dot the paradisal island.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Sun): stroll through Cayo Guillermo, get close to the beloved marine mammals with Delfinario, and then relax and rejuvenate at Acuavida Spa Talaso. On the 31st (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: head off the coast to Cayo Media Luna and then stroll through Playa Pilar.

For maps, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read Cayo Guillermo road trip planning app.

You can drive from Trinidad to Cayo Guillermo in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, train, and taxi; or do a combination of bus and car. In May, daytime highs in Cayo Guillermo are 35°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 31st (Mon) to allow time for travel back home.