Cuba itinerary
 

we are planning to visit Cuba this winter and the tour company we are looking at has a couple of different options. Of course Havana is always included for usually 5 days. One option includes Pinar del rio and Vinales Valley but not Trinidad or Ciefuegos. the other option includes Trinidad and Ciefuegos and Pinar del Rio as a day trip but not Vinales Valley.I am hopeful someone will have insights to help us choose which option.

One will give you history; the other gives you nature with a side of agriculture. Whichever one interests you more will answer your question. :)

Trinidad and Cienfuegos are well-preserved 19th century cities. Both are gems, especially Trinidad.

Vinales is a stunning beautiful valley. Its rich soil makes it the breadbasket of Cuba and the heart of the tobacco and rum regions.

Why don't you go on your own ? We did all of the above in one trip, rented a car in La Havana and had most of our hotels reserved. It was 14 years ago.
Cuba is fairly easy and people are very helpful and nice.

Pariswat, if "tidy" is a citizen of the US, wanting to travel independently and not under special circumstances, your wonderful recommendation can't be had! Otherwise, "tidy" will have to go with a group under special license which, unfortunately, restricts the length of time that US citizens can stay.

I've been twice: both under a People-to-People program. The first time was in the late 80s or perhaps the very early 90s, prior to the Soviet's pulling out in terms of aid given to the Cubans. Unfortunately, I failed to use the free time that I had. ...can't speak Espanol and was not in the mind of going alone. To date, and in March of this year, I did venture out when I wanted and did things to my liking. ...had no problems, just unique, memorable experiences, but my [our] time was limited to a paltry week in the capital.

***...like the guidance given by Jeff-Costa-Rica; I'd do the three cities. My guide in March raved about Trinidad and relayed to me that it's a "must" if one were to go beyond HaVana!

Jeff's answer is spot on. Depends on what you like. If you opt for Viñales winter is the time to go, when the tobacco is growing. BTW, there's a great new website, ( although only for Havana), HavanaInsider.com It's filters the best restaurants, bars, music venues etc. (note, they don't sell trips or anything...just an info site). I relied on their picks during a recent 4-day visit and thought it was great.

tidy - I'm having similar problems trying to sort out our itinerary for our trip in January - even with 3 weeks it's hard to work out how to fit it all in, or even if we want to !

Willygon -thanks for that link - it looks very useful.